The iGaming industry is one that changes fast. One day, countries are banning online casinos. Next, they are handing out licenses. It’s a Wild West, and whether you’re a player or an online casino owner, it’s worth paying attention. Some governments are tightening restrictions, while others see the iGaming sector as a way to bring in more tax money. Online platforms, AI, and blockchain casinos are forcing lawmakers to play catch-up. So, what’s really happening? Let’s break it down.
What’s Changing Right Now?
The sports betting landscape in the United States has transformed dramatically since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to legalize said form of gambling. As of January 2024, 39 states have operational legalized sports betting, with 31 of these also allowing online sports betting. This fast expansion has led to over $450 billion being wagered since 2018, including $66 billion in 2023. Players are also diversifying their gaming habits, changing up the games they’re playing. If you’d like to explore the vast world of Baccarat, askgamblers.com is here to help. In 2025, we can expect more states to embrace iGaming and further regulate it.
While the US is prone to allowing gambling, in January 2025, the UK has been hit with a new wave of gambling regulations. Stricter financial checks will be mandatory for high-spending players, and from February 2025, the threshold for these checks will drop from £500 to £150. Additionally, new rules focusing on slot games will concern the design of games to limit excessive play. This includes banning autoplay features, removing “turbo” buttons that create a false sense of control, and setting a minimum spin time of five seconds for casino games. Even celebratory sounds or flashy visuals for small wins—those equal to or less than the stake—will no longer be allowed.
While casinos and slot machines are illegal in Brazil, online betting has been authorized since 2018. Brazil started blocking thousands of online betting websites back at the start of 2023. In December of the same year, a law was signed to regulate and tax betting companies, over fears of growing gambling addiction. As of right now, 96 companies that operate 210 gambling websites remain active due to their willingness to participate and abide by the law. But their luck might be cut short as to remain operative, they will have to start paying 30 million reais ($5.3 million) and permanently follow federal rules to eliminate fraud, money laundering, and intrusive advertising.
The Nordics on the other hand have long taken a “we’ll handle it ourselves” approach to gambling. State-run monopolies have dominated the countries for years. Slowly but surely, governments controlling betting, lotteries, and online casinos are starting to change. Sweden, for example, broke up their long-sanding monopoly in 2019 and opened the market to license operators. Now, private companies can legally offer online gambling—following strict regulations, of course. Recently, the Swedish Gambling Authority has been tightening the rules, cracking down on unlicensed sites, and imposing bigger fines for violations. The goal, of course, is to give people back more control and lessen the side effects of gambling.
Finland has been even more stubborn about keeping its gambling monopoly intact. Until recently, Veikkaus, a state-run operator, was the only legal option for Finnish players. But that’s about to change because, in 2026, Finland will officially end its gambling monopoly and introduce a licensing system. The shift is coming mainly because of the EU pressure and the rise of offshore gambling. Finland hopes to keep more tax revenue by regulating private operators while still promoting healthy gambling.
After legalizing online gambling in 2021, Germany is still cracking down on unlicensed operators in 2023. With heavy restrictions, online gambling is legal across the country. But getting a license in Germany isn’t easy. Strict deposit limits, advertising restrictions, and mandatory player accounts make it one of the most controlled markets in Europe. Operators are also not happy about the 5.3% tax on online slots and poker stakes. The result is a safer and more transparent market, but one that is also pushing players toward unlicensed sites due to the strict rules and limited game variety.
The Government’s goal in Spain is to reduce gambling, especially among young people. They are achieving this by tightening the screws on advertising. In 2020, Spain banned gambling ads on TV, radio, and online between 1 AM and 5 AM. After that came stricter sponsorship rules—no more betting logos on football shirts and no celebrity endorsements. All these efforts seem to be working because Spain has one of Europe’s lowest gambling addiction rates. Operators aren’t thrilled about this because of fewer marketing opportunities—it’s harder to acquire new players and new brands struggle to compete with big names in the game.
What Changes Will the Future Bring?
While the fast advancements in technology are changing gambling, regulators are slow to catch up. Crypto and blockchain casinos are not making things any easier. They offer anonymous transactions, making it harder for governments to track money flow, enforce taxes, and stop the spread of illegal gambling. Some countries, like the UK and Germany, have banned crypto gambling altogether. Malta and Curacao are welcoming them (with regulations, of course). But one thing’s for sure, crypto is making lawmen rethink their strategies and old-school gambling laws.
With AI being the big buzz it is right now, it is also turning tables in the iGaming community. This time, it helps the regulators. It’s like a high-tech game of cat and mouse. Casinos are using AI to monitor player behavior, detect problematic gambling, and prevent fraud. Regulators are using it to track suspicious betting patterns and make sure the providers are following the rules.
The result? Stricter compliance, fewer loopholes, and a gambling industry that’s more transparent than ever. The trend is clear—monopolies are weakening, competition is increasing, and regulation is tightening. For players, that means more choices. For operators, it means more hoops to jump through. Only the future will tell.