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iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap

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SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, releases a fresh regulatory update as part of its renowned iGaming Trends 2025 report. With regulation remaining one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the company highlights the latest developments from key markets worldwide.

The full recap is divided by countries, covering 24 jurisdictions in total. Below is a condensed selection of insights into the iGaming regulatory landscape by region – the complete breakdown is available for free in the full report.

Europe

  • The UK rolled out stake limits for slots, deposit prompts, bonus restrictions, and a new statutory levy. Tighter oversight of suppliers and affordability checks are also underway.
  • The Netherlands proposed universal spending limits, stricter ad rules, and gave regulators powers to block unlicensed operators.
  • Germany approved a state monopoly model for online table games in Baden-Württemberg, applying a progressive tax.
  • Curacao now shifts toward an EU-aligned, reputation-focused framework, operating under a revamped regime with on-site inspections, ad code updates, and mandatory compliance standards.
  • Malta faces EU infringement proceedings over a legal shield that protects Malta-licensed online operators from foreign claims, which could be overturned.

Asia-Pacific

  • The Philippines exited the offshore gaming model with a POGO ban and introduced domestic reforms, including a GGR tax cut and the launch of a verified list of licensed online operators
  • India awaits a Supreme Court ruling on €11.5B in back taxes and is cracking down on illegal gambling ads.

Middle East

  • UAE signals future digital expansion with iGaming-related hiring, although online licences are not yet issued.

Africa

  • Nigeria restructured gambling taxes and banned Google gambling ads, shifting regulation to states.
  • South Africa introduced a Remote Gambling Bill to establish a regulated online gambling framework, which is now pending approval.

South America

  • Brazil is raising its gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax to 18%, expanding betting regulations, tightening oversight of advertising and payment systems, and introducing new restrictions on influencer marketing, including a ban on the use of celebrities and athletes in gambling promotions.
  • Peru reduced its iGaming tax temporarily and expanded IP-blocking measures.

North America

  • The USA (New York) moved to ban sweepstakes casinos and passed legislation targeting social gambling models.

SOFTSWISS continues to monitor the global regulatory environment to guide its partners through compliance shifts and regional opportunities. 

 

About SOFTSWISS

SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 30,000 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.

The post iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Anne Marie Caulfield

GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement

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The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) has published its Statement of Strategy for 2025 to 2027, setting out its strategic priorities over the next three years as it establishes a robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector and delivers on its public protection mandate.

Established on a statutory basis in March 2025, the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 sets out the framework and legislative basis for the GRAI which will operate as an independent, self-financing regulator under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

Minister Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration launched the new Strategy alongside Mr Paul Quinn, Chair of the Authority, and Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI.

The Statement of Strategy sets out the GRAI’s priorities over the next three years with particular focus on six functional areas with related strategic goals reflecting the GRAI’s legislative mandate:

• Licensing

• Monitoring and Compliance

• Enforcement

• Consumer Protection and Awareness

• People, Organisation, and Governance

• Digital First

Each goal is supported by objectives and deliverables which will guide the GRAI’s progress through to 2027.

Jim O’Callaghan TD, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Migration, said: “I commend the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland on the publication of its first Statement of Strategy, which is an important milestone for the Authority, the gambling sector in Ireland and for the wider public.

“This strategy is not just about regulation; it is about educating the public, protecting those vulnerable to gambling harm, and ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility. As Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration I am committed to supporting the Authority in delivering on its mandate.”

Paul Quinn, Chairperson of the GRAI, said: “As a newly established independent regulator, we have been entrusted with a vital public mandate: to ensure that gambling in Ireland is conducted in a safe, fair, and transparent manner, with the interests of individuals, families, and the wider community at its heart.

“Our work is grounded in the principles of prevention, protection, and evidence-based regulation. This Statement of Strategy sets out the roadmap to delivering a modern, fair, and trusted regulatory regime that reflects the constantly evolving nature of gambling and the expectations of the Irish public.

“Establishing the new licensing arrangements, compliance management, and enforcement functions during the term of this Strategy is central to reducing the likelihood of gambling harms and will underpin a well-regulated gambling market in Ireland.”

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI, said: “The Statement of Strategy outlines the vision, mission, and values of the Regulator through to 2027. Each goal within the Strategy outlines a thorough approach to our main functions, from building a robust licensing regime that will ensure operators are consistently adhering to standards to supporting research and educational initiatives that enhance our capabilities as a Regulator.

“The GRAI’s Statement of Strategy 2025 – 2027 has been approved by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and we look forward to achieving our strategic goals together.”

The post GRAI Publishes 2025-2027 Strategy Statement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations

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The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Uganda (NLGRB) intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal gaming operations, seizing over 80 unauthorised gaming machines in Mbarara and Ibanda cities under its operation name “Mashine Haramu.”

According to the NLGRB Operations Manager, Mr. Steven Tabaruka, more than 6000 illegal gaming machines have so far been impounded across Uganda as part of the ongoing enforcement operation.

The operation targets unregulated gaming operators, suppliers, and manufacturers that exploit unsuspecting Ugandans and undermine the integrity of the industry.

Mr. Tabaruka said that the Board’s goal is to protect Ugandans by eliminating illegal gaming activities and promoting responsible gaming. He encouraged individuals in the gaming business to reach out to the NLGRB offices in Mbarara or the head office in Kampala to regularise their operations.

The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board continues to urge the public to report suspicious or illegal gaming activities as part of efforts to ensure a safe and regulated gaming environment for all.

The post NLGRB Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Illegal Gaming Operations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites

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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has requested the Australian internet service providers (ISPs) to block more illegal online gambling sites, after investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.

The latest sites blocked include Crown Gold, Maxispin Casino, Rain.gg, Didibet, LuckyBet, Malina Casino and Spins of Glory.

Website blocking is one of a range of enforcement options to protect Australians against illegal online gambling. Since the ACMA made its first blocking request in November 2019, 1338 illegal gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked. Around 220 illegal services have also pulled out of the Australian market since the ACMA started enforcing new illegal online gambling rules in 2017.

The post ACMA Blocks More Illegal Online Gambling Sites appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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