Canada
New York Impact, Ad Risks Highlighted In U.S. Sports Betting Regulatory Survey

Contagion from New York’s high-tax model and an anticipated backlash on advertising are policy risks of chief concern for a U.S. sports betting market that is set to expand to almost every state within the next three years, according to the findings of the second annual VIXIO GamblingCompliance and SBC U.S. Sports Betting Regulatory Survey.
Just over half the 145 senior industry executives, regulatory officials and legal advisors who participated in the survey said they expect sports betting to be legal in 45 or more states by 2025, compared with 32 at the start of 2022.
But concerns related to New York’s unique regulatory model for online sports betting and its high tax rate of 51 percent were a clear theme of survey responses.
When asked in the VIXIO/SBC survey to select the policy issue most likely to impede growth of the U.S. market in future years, 21 percent of respondents picked high tax rates and license fees, ahead of the 12-14 percent who selected either the slower rollout of iGaming, the Wire Act, limited enforcement actions against offshore operators, or restrictions on permitted bet types or events.
The spread of New York’s high-tax model to other states was also selected by almost 28 percent as the most concerning from a list of hypothetical regulatory events.
The initial VIXIO/SBC survey conducted in late 2020 mainly highlighted industry concerns related to the 1961 Wire Act, an enigmatic federal law which prohibits interstate sports wagering, but these appear to have diminished since a favorable federal appellate court ruling that came on the same day as the inauguration of a Biden administration seen as less likely to clamp down on online gambling than that of former President Trump.
“The second VIXIO/SBC U.S. Sports Betting Regulatory Survey showed a noticeable and understandable shift in industry sentiment on regulatory risks in the U.S. market,” said James Kilsby, VIXIO’s chief analyst.
“Ten states passed laws on sports wagering during 2021 and they did so through a far more diverse range of regulatory models than in prior years, with New York establishing by far most expensive U.S. market to date in terms of tax rates and license fees, and another potentially lucrative market, Florida, seeking to grant exclusivity to the Seminole Tribe.”
While sports betting is expanding rapidly, online casino or iGaming is stuck in a much lower gear, limited to just six states at the start of 2022. 25 percent of survey participants said perceived risks of problem gambling were the main reason for the slower rollout of iGaming compared with sports betting, closely followed by concerns of cannibalization of land-based casino revenue. Still, 55 percent said they expected iGaming to expand to 10 or more states by 2025.
On another hot topic, survey participants were also asked about nascent concerns related to advertising, which has exploded in various states that have recently launched online sports wagering. 65 percent said they agreed some kind of policy backlash, similar to that currently sweeping across Europe, is inevitable without industry efforts to proactively limit marketing efforts.
Powered by WPeMatico
Betty
Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership

Independent slots studio Thunderkick has agreed a deal with Ontario-based operator Betty to supply the rapidly growing online casino with a diverse collection of globally popular titles.
Betty, an official partner of sporting franchises Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has risen to prominence since its 2022 establishment, when it was built following the consultation of 300 casino players to create the optimal iGaming environment.
Distinguishing itself from North American competitors by catering specifically to slot enthusiasts rather than sports bettors, the operator has curated a portfolio of 2,800 games, hand-picked to deliver customers maximum entertainment value.
Thunderkick’s content is the latest to be integrated into Betty’s online casino, and the agreement will see a selection of its most popular titles, including The Wildos 2, Midas Golden Touch 3, and Esqueleto Explosivo 3, made available to a greater number of Ontarian players.
Thunderkick marked its debut in the Canadian province in Q2 of 2024, and has since partnered with a network of leading operators to improve its market position. The collaboration with Betty will further amplify its visibility in a key jurisdiction as the provider looks to reinforce its reputation as a global slot developer.
Svante Sahlström, CCO at Thunderkick, said: “It’s our mission at Thunderkick to go deeper, not wider, in 2025. That means forging meaningful, lasting relationships in target markets as opposed to securing as many commercial deals as possible.
“Since entering Ontario over 12 months ago, we have worked tirelessly to enhance our presence in the province, and working with leading brands such as Betty allows us to bring our unique games to a deeper pool of Canadian players.”
Paraskeva Smirnova, Casino Operations Manager at Betty, added: “Betty’s USP has always been our drive to build a slot portfolio with the very best titles from the industry’s most creative suppliers.
“Thunderkick’s passion for slot development is there for all to see, and the introduction of its games to our casino further elevates the consumer experience.”
The post Thunderkick commits to growth in Ontario with Betty partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BCLC
Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026

BCLC is pleased to announce the return of the New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference, taking place November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
This global event brings leading voices in research, policy and industry together to explore innovative approaches to safer gambling. Attendees can expect two days of forward-thinking dialogue, evidence-based insights and collaborative solutions to help shape the future of player health.
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
New to the 2026 conference, BCLC is excited to offer sponsorship opportunities to organizations that share BCLC’s passion for safer gambling. Benefits of sponsoring New Horizons 2026 include industry visibility, leadership recognition and meaningful engagement with a global audience. To learn more about sponsorship, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration and program details will be released later this fall.
The post Save the Date: BCLC’s New Horizons in Safer Gambling Conference Returns November 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
The post absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
-
eSports7 days ago
TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION
-
Central Europe6 days ago
CT Interactive grows its certified game portfolio in the Slovak market
-
Asia6 days ago
Galaxy Entertainment Opens New Overseas Office in Singapore
-
Africa6 days ago
MulaSport launches Kiron’s data-lite Soccer Game across 5 countries in Africa
-
Industry Awards6 days ago
BETBY SUCCESSFULLY WRAPS SiGMA EUROMED 2025 PARTICIPATION WITH SPORTSBOOK RECOGNITION
-
American Gaming Association6 days ago
MDC Issues Commentary as U.S. Gambling Enters “Regulatory Reset” Following $148 Billion Wagered
-
Latest News6 days ago
Playson introduces new Twin Feature in regal release 3 Royal Coins: Hold and Win
-
Latest News6 days ago
Swintt put players’ safecracking skills to the test in Victorian Vaults