Connect with us

Latest News

The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming

Published

on

the-impact-of-regulatory-changes-on-media-buying-in-igaming
Reading Time: 6 minutes

 

How legislative shifts influence media buying strategies and adaptation in a rapidly evolving industry

The iGaming industry is one of the most heavily regulated digital sectors, constantly adapting to new compliance frameworks worldwide. Regulatory changes affect not only operators but also media buyers, who must rethink their advertising strategies, creatives, and audience engagement approaches. While regulation enhances player safety, it also fosters challenges such as increased costs, creative limitations, and the rise of unlicensed operators.

Experts from the media buying agency RockApp have conducted an in-depth analysis of how regulatory changes impact the entire iGaming ecosystem.

How Regulations Shape Ad Creatives in iGaming

One of the most immediate effects of regulation is the restriction on advertising creatives. The UK, for instance, is one of the most tightly regulated markets, where media buyers must comply with strict guidelines:

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)
  • No mention of currency in ads: According to the UK Advertising Codes regulated by the ASA, there is no direct ban on the use of currency in gambling advertisements. However, advertisers must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure they do not mislead customers regarding potential winnings.
  • No misleading claims or exaggerated expectations: Ads should not mislead users by exaggerating the chances of winning or implying that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns.
  • No streamers or influencers with significant underage audiences: Featuring individuals who are, or appear to be, under 25 years old is prohibited. Additionally, using celebrities or influencers who have a strong appeal to under-18s is not allowed.
  • Strict moderation of creatives before approval
  • Social Responsibility: Advertisements must not portray gambling as indispensable or as a way to achieve financial security. They should not suggest that solitary gambling is preferable to social gambling.

These regulations necessitate careful consideration during the creation of advertising content. For instance, the prohibition on content that strongly appeals to under-18s means avoiding the use of animated characters, certain color schemes, or themes associated with youth culture. Additionally, the restriction on featuring individuals under 25 limits the selection of brand ambassadors and influencers, requiring brands to choose representatives who not only resonate with the target audience but also comply with age-related guidelines.

According to AppsFlyer’s “State of Gaming App Marketing – 2024 Edition,” global app user acquisition ad spend grew by 5% in 2024 to $65 billion, with a significant portion allocated to gaming apps. This increase underscores the importance of adhering to advertising regulations to ensure that marketing efforts are both effective and compliant.

In summary, the UK and other regulated countries’ stringent advertising regulations significantly influence the development of ad creatives in the iGaming industry. Advertisers must navigate these rules carefully to create content that is engaging yet compliant, ensuring that their marketing strategies uphold the principles of social responsibility and consumer protection.

Licensed media buying agencies can effectively adapt by integrating disclaimers and legal notices without compromising user engagement. While these additions reduce creative space, they don’t hinder performance significantly.

The Paradox: Regulation Enhances Safety but Fuels the Gray Market

Regulation is designed to protect players, but in some markets, it has also led to a surge in unlicensed casinos. For example, France, Poland, and the Netherlands have all experienced an influx of offshore operators who can acquire players at lower costs compared to licensed brands.

In Poland alone, nearly 50% of the gambling market operates in a gray zone, leading to an estimated annual tax loss of over $247 million. In 2023, transactions through unlicensed platforms reached $8.6 billion, prompting industry experts to call for urgent regulatory reforms by 2026 to curb further market deterioration.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Why does this happen? Strict regulations often limit marketing avenues for legal operators, making it difficult for them to compete with unlicensed platforms that operate without restrictions. As a result, players may turn to black-market casinos that offer more aggressive promotions, unrestricted gameplay, and fewer account verification hurdles.

For media buyers, this creates a complex landscape – navigating between compliance, profitability, and market demand.

The Value and Strategic Advantage of Media Buying in Regulated Markets

Operating under a license means adhering to an extensive list of requirements:

  • Adhering to jurisdiction-specific advertising laws
  • Complying with responsible gambling policies
  • Avoiding blacklisted traffic sources
  • Implementing strict user verification processes

While these regulations add complexity, they also bring long-term benefits. Running campaigns in a legally compliant manner allows for sustainable business growth, fostering trust among players and partners. Although user acquisition costs in regulated markets are higher, the quality of users significantly improves due to the absence of low-quality creatives with miss-promises, exaggerated expectations, and outright scams, which are prevalent in unregulated markets.

Advertisers appreciate this shift, as the traffic quality far exceeds expectations. This, in turn, improves lifetime value (LTV) and fosters long-term relationships between brands and agencies. Here’s a comment from a representative of HighRoller Casino, one of RockApp’s key clients:

“Stricter regulations in the iGaming industry have significantly increased operational demands and social responsibility for businesses. While compliance creates a more structured and reliable market, it also adds layers of complexity that companies must navigate. There are both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, licensed operators benefit from greater stability and credibility; on the other, the regulatory burden requires continuous adaptation. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring sustainable growth without restricting innovation.“– HighRoller Casino, CEO.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

And a perspective from Soft2Bet:

“Choosing the right traffic partner is crucial in today’s iGaming landscape. RockApp has proven to be a reliable partner, delivering high-quality traffic and seamlessly adapting to the regulated market with the right approach. They don’t just follow trends – they anticipate changes and optimize processes to ensure outstanding results. The strategies that worked in the past are no longer effective, but RockApp excels at evolving, refining, and elevating performance to an entirely new level.” – Soft2Bet, CEO.

In contrast, grey and black market operators often have lower operational costs since they bypass licensing fees and may evade taxes. This cost advantage allows them to offer more attractive odds or bonuses to players. However, these operators face significant risks, including legal actions, lack of access to reputable payment processors, and challenges in establishing trust with players due to the absence of regulatory oversight.

A 2024 report by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) highlighted concerns that overly stringent regulations in some European countries are inadvertently driving players towards black market operators.

This trend is further reflected in Sweden, where a report by AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) revealed that traffic to unlicensed gambling operators has increased tenfold since 2019. The study estimates that the gross gaming revenue (GGR) of illegal operators now reaches 13 billion SEK ($13.64 billion) annually, with users reportedly spending 10-20 times more in unlicensed online casinos. ATG’s CEO has criticized Sweden’s current gambling laws, stating that excessive restrictions on licensed operators are creating an unfair playing field and driving users toward unregulated alternatives.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

While licensed operations bring stability and quality assurance, excessively restrictive regulations can inadvertently push players and advertisers toward unregulated markets. This paradox is evident in markets like Sweden and Poland, where overly stringent policies have led to a surge in black-market activity. Thus, the key lies in finding a balance – ensuring robust consumer protection without stifling the competitive landscape for licensed operators.

In summary, while operating in the white market entails higher compliance costs, it ensures legal security and fosters player trust. Conversely, grey and black market operations may offer short-term financial gains but come with significant legal and reputational risks.

For media buying agencies, working within legal frameworks unlocks significant advantages:

  • Access to bigger clients: Major iGaming brands prefer licensed agencies.
  • Better partnerships: Large ad networks and platforms favor advertisers that comply with regulations.
  • Higher-quality traffic: Compliance reduces fraud, improving traffic efficiency.

Many traffic sources, including Google, Facebook, and premium programmatic platforms, enforce strict iGaming policies. This means agencies that operate in compliance gain preferential access, while black-market operators struggle with bans and restrictions.

In contrast, working with unlicensed brands often leads to short-term gains but long-term instability. Black-hat media buying comes with high risk, including frequent account shutdowns, payment delays, and loss of advertiser relationships.

The Impact of Regulations on Influencer and Streaming Marketing

Strict regulations have also affected influencer marketing. In countries with tight restrictions, streamers can no longer serve as direct brand ambassadors for casinos. For example, while streamers in Tier 3 markets (regions with lax regulations) aggressively promote gambling to younger audiences, this is strictly forbidden in Tier 1 markets like the UK and France.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

To adapt, agencies have found creative solutions:

  • Using AI and deepfake technology to modify streamer appearances
  • Replacing copyrighted music with royalty-free alternatives
  • Carefully curating influencer partnerships to avoid compliance risks

These strategies help agencies continue leveraging influencer marketing without violating legal guidelines.

Conclusion

Regulation is an unavoidable reality in iGaming media buying. While it presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for agencies that know how to navigate the landscape effectively.

For media buyers, working within legal frameworks is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. The future belongs to those who can play by the rules while still outperforming the competition. Recently, RockApp has secured licenses in all regulated states across the United States, further solidifying its commitment to compliance and long-term growth in the iGaming industry.

The post The Impact of Regulatory Changes on Media Buying in iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Gambling in the USA

Scientific Games Introduces GlowMark, All-New Fluorescent Marking System for Lottery Extended Play Scratch Games

Published

on

scientific-games-introduces-glowmark,-all-new-fluorescent-marking-system-for-lottery-extended-play-scratch-games

 

Vibrant Neon Marking System Enhances the Play Experience for Popular Crossword and Bingo Games 

Scientific Games has created an all-new fluorescent marking system for lottery extended play scratch games such as crossword and bingo, adding a vibrant neon glow to the play experience. Recognizing the expanding popularity of extended play games, which have seen significant growth in recent years, the company’s metro Atlanta-based scratch game designers, game programmers, chemists and production experts developed GlowMark to give players a bright fluorescent surprise when they scratch the game. The innovation is available to U.S. and international lotteries.

2025-Cision-500x625px-GlowMark.png

Scientific Games, the world’s largest creator, producer and manager of lottery games, offers more than 100 strategic product enhancements for its world-leading lottery instant products. The new GlowMark marking system reveals a contrasting neon fluorescent color when the player scratches the play area, a vibrant departure from the typical white reveal area found in most games.

SG Analytics indicate extended play lottery games have grown by 32% in the past five years (2019-2024). Today, they represent 18.3% of U.S. lottery retail sales. What was once a niche product is now offered by 44 U.S. lotteries, with retail sales topping $11.5 billion last year.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Scratch games featuring fluorescent inks also grew in popularity, representing more than 12% of games in the market by fiscal year 2025. Additionally, $10 scratch games with fluorescent inks outperformed other $10 games by nearly 9% in fiscal year 2025.

“Our Innovation and Discovery teams developed this innovation by using fluorescents to enhance the scratch game experience and are now thrilled to debut GlowMark, our newest advancement in extended play marking systems,” said Danielle Hodges, Senior Director, Global Product Innovation & Development for Scientific Games. GlowMark gives games a strong, visually appealing contrast between the marked and unmarked areas of the game, adding excitement with glowing neon colors.”

Extended play scratch games produced at Scientific Games’ metro Atlanta global headquarters, as well as production facilities in Canada and the UK, can feature GlowMark. The company’s products represent 70% of lottery instant game global retail sales.

Innovating products and solutions that move the global lottery industry forward since 1973, Scientific Games provides retail and digital games, technology, analytics and services to 150 lotteries in 50 countries worldwide.

GlowMark™ is a trademark of Scientific Games, LLC. © 2025 Scientific Games, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post Scientific Games Introduces GlowMark, All-New Fluorescent Marking System for Lottery Extended Play Scratch Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Gambling in the USA

Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints Respected Industry Leaders Lou Dorn as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary; Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel

Published

on

resorts-world-las-vegas-appoints-respected-industry-leaders-lou-dorn-as-chief-legal-officer-and-corporate-secretary;-elizabeth-tranchina-as-general-counsel

 

Resorts World Las Vegas announces the appointments of Lou Dorn as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, and Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel. Together, they bring proven leadership across the gaming and hospitality industries and will oversee legal, regulatory, governance, and risk-related functions for the resort, helping to drive operational excellence and support long-term growth.

“Lou brings an exceptional depth of experience in gaming law and regulatory compliance that will be instrumental as we continue to grow and evolve,” said Jim Murren, Chairman of Resorts World Las Vegas. “His leadership will help ensure our operations remain forward-thinking, responsible and built on a strong legal foundation.”

Dorn’s distinguished career spans both public service and private-sector leadership. He comes to Resorts World from Bally’s Corporation, where he served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel – North America and oversaw legal operations for 19 casino and resort properties across the U.S., including online gaming and sports wagering platforms. Prior to that, he held executive legal roles at Monarch Casino & Resort, SLS Las Vegas, Aliante Casino and Hotel and the Las Vegas Hilton, where he led legal strategy, compliance programs and regulatory affairs.

Earlier in his career, Dorn served as Chief of the Corporate Securities Division for the Nevada Gaming Control Board and as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Nevada. In these roles, he helped shape and enforce gaming regulations and compliance for the state, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both Nevada gaming law and federal securities law.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

“Joining Resorts World Las Vegas at such a dynamic time in its growth is an exciting opportunity,” said Dorn. “Having spent my career navigating the complexities of gaming law and regulatory compliance, I look forward to supporting the resort’s continued success by ensuring we operate with the highest standards of legal integrity and strategic governance.”

Resorts World Las Vegas also welcomes Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel. A seasoned legal counsel with more than 20 years of legal and regulatory compliance experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, Tranchina began her legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in the Gaming Division for the Louisiana Department of Justice. She most recently served as General Counsel for Investar Bank, headquartered in Louisiana, overseeing the legal operations for more than 20 branch locations across Louisiana, Texas and Alabama. Prior to that, she was General Counsel at Rio Hotel & Casino where she managed the legal, regulatory compliance and risk functions for the property. Tranchina has held senior leadership roles at publicly traded gaming, sports betting, and iGaming companies, overseeing legal and compliance matters across multiple jurisdictions.

“Elizabeth brings a steady, solutions-oriented mindset to complex legal challenges. Her experience across gaming and financial services adds valuable perspective to our leadership team, and her contributions will be instrumental as we continue to grow,” said Carlos Castro, President and Chief Financial Officer for Resorts World Las Vegas.

For more information about Resorts World Las Vegas, please visit rwlasvegas.com.

 

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

The post Resorts World Las Vegas Appoints Respected Industry Leaders Lou Dorn as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary; Elizabeth Tranchina as General Counsel appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Continue Reading

Latest News

How CommsHub Built-In Failover Protects High-Volume Messaging Businesses

Published

on

how-commshub-built-in-failover-protects-high-volume-messaging-businesses
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In today’s connected world, a single missed message can have a ripple effect far beyond its intended recipient. For high-volume messaging businesses, from fintech to e-commerce, reliability isn’t just a feature; it’s the foundation.

At CommsHub, we’ve seen how even the most robust communication strategies can fall apart when traffic isn’t managed intelligently. That’s why built-in failover isn’t an add-on for us,  it’s at the very core of our platform architecture.

The Hidden Risk in Messaging at Scale

Sending a million messages is easy. Delivering a million messages on time without losses, delays, or duplicates is the real challenge.

Traditional messaging setups often rely on a primary route, with a manual backup plan in case of outages. The problem? Manual intervention takes time and every second loss increases the risk of failed conversions, missed verifications and frustrated customers.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

For some sectors, a five-minute delay can mean thousands in lost revenue. For others, it can damage trust irreparably.

How Our Failover Works

CommsHub’s built-in failover system works like an automated traffic director.

  • Real-Time Route Monitoring: Every active channel is monitored for delivery speed, message status and error rates.
  • Instant Automatic Switching: If performance drops below a set threshold  or a provider experiences downtime  traffic is instantly redirected to the next best available route.
  • Multi-Level Redundancy: We don’t just fail over once. Traffic can cascade through multiple backup routes until successful delivery is confirmed.

This means campaigns keep running without interruption, even when unexpected technical issues occur in the background.

The Numbers Behind It

In controlled environments, we’ve observed that our failover logic reduces message loss to near zero. While previously around 17% of messages were considered as lost or undelivered – while in reality, fallback mechanism saves them.

The architecture also ensures that when switching routes, there’s no spike in costs  thanks to our intelligent routing engine, which considers provider pricing in real time.

Protecting Revenue and Reputation

The immediate benefit is obvious: you don’t lose communication with your audience. But the deeper value lies in protecting both revenue and reputation.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

For high-volume businesses, the stakes are high:

A trading platform missing two-factor authentication codes risks losing active traders.

An e-commerce brand failing to deliver time-sensitive promotions risks wasted ad spend.

A fintech company delaying fraud alerts risks customer churn.

CommsHub’s failover was designed to address these risks without requiring extra integration work or manual monitoring.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Engineering for the Future of Messaging

We see failover not as a safety net, but as a structural pillar of next-generation communication platforms. As channels diversify and volumes grow, redundancy and intelligent routing will be as essential as delivery speed and analytics.

This is why we’ve invested heavily in creating an architecture that can evolve with market needs  from adding new providers in days instead of weeks, to scaling traffic instantly during spikes.

The result? Businesses that can move faster, sleep easier and deliver messages with confidence.

In messaging, there’s no such thing as “just a delay.”
Every second counts  and with built-in failover, those seconds are always on your side.

Advertisement
European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Meet Us at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

We’ll be showcasing CommsHub’s next-generation messaging solutions at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, from 16-18 September.

Visit us at Booth D181 to see how built-in failover can help your business deliver every message with confidence.

The post How CommsHub Built-In Failover Protects High-Volume Messaging Businesses appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending

Get it on Google Play

Fresh slot games releases by the top brands of the industry. We provide you with the latest news straight from the entertainment industries.

The platform also hosts industry-relevant webinars, and provides detailed reports, making it a one-stop resource for anyone seeking information about operators, suppliers, regulators, and professional services in the European gaming market. The portal's primary goal is to keep its extensive reader base updated on the latest happenings, trends, and developments within the gaming and gambling sector, with an emphasis on the European market while also covering pertinent global news. It's an indispensable resource for gaming professionals, operators, and enthusiasts alike.

Contact us: [email protected]

Editorial / PR Submissions: [email protected]

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 - Recent Slot Releases is part of HIPTHER Agency. Registered in Romania under Proshirt SRL, Company number: 2134306, EU VAT ID: RO21343605. Office address: Blvd. 1 Decembrie 1918 nr.5, Targu Mures, Romania