Location
Subscribe to our newsletter
October and November have marked a decisive shift for the global iGaming industry, as regulation, technology, and market strategy converge. In this edition, we examine how Europe and the US are addressing cross-border policy challenges, while Asia is embracing AI innovation and strengthening responsible gaming frameworks.
At the same time, emerging markets are rewriting the rulebook. Brazil’s crypto ban signals a compliance-first mindset, and the UAE’s first national framework sets the tone for a tightly regulated but innovation-driven environment.
The sector is moving fast – and staying informed is no longer optional. Let’s dive in!
The growth of online gambling drives regulatory and market friction.
iGaming now accounts for 39% of EU gross gaming revenue (GGR) and generates approximately $12.7 billion in the US;
EU operators face increasing regulatory complexity, driven by evolving EU rules and fragmented, state-by-state US frameworks;
Cross-border lobbying is intensifying as operators push for clearer and more favorable laws, tax regimes, and advertising guidelines.
Responsible gaming and mobile-first strategies power regional momentum.
Asian operators are increasingly outpacing their European counterparts in responsible gaming tools, product innovation, and player protection standards;
Mobile-only consumption dominates, driving the acceleration of social media and influencer-driven acquisition strategies;
AI is accelerating product development, fraud detection, and risk scoring – even as regulators tighten regulations across major Asian markets.
Compliance overtakes pure growth as the industry looks ahead to 2026.
New regulatory frameworks in markets such as India and Brazil are placing compliance and consumer protection at the core of licensing;
Major platforms like Google, Meta, and Telegram are tightening policies and restricting gambling and betting content, reshaping marketing playbooks;
Innovation is becoming more defensive than expansionary, with AI, localisation, and new mechanics focused on sustainable engagement and retention.
Calls for regulation intensify amid concerns over fraud and tax evasion.
The Cyprus Online Gambling Association (COGA) is advocating for legalisation to combat illegal operators and recover lost tax revenue;
Industry stakeholders support reform and a clear regulatory framework capable of attracting investment and creating high-quality jobs;
With cyber fraud and unlicensed sites on the rise, regulators appear increasingly open to structural change.
New rules tighten compliance and reshape operator strategies.
Crypto gambling is prohibited under Ordinance No. 615/2024, which aims to enhance transparency and traceability in the regulated market;
Licensed operators are now limited to fiat transfers, while the Central Bank steps up oversight of crypto exchanges and financial flows;
The move may unintentionally drive some players towards offshore and unlicensed sites that continue to accept crypto.
A one-licence-per-emirate model lays the groundwork for controlled growth.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) is expected to grant one B2C licence per emirate, subject to stringent approval;
Early licence moves involving companies such as Sportsradar highlight how ready the ecosystem is to scale under clear rules;
The UAE’s innovation-led regulatory approach aims to position the country as a global hub for gaming technology and regulated entertainment.