Welcome to this week’s edition of iGaming News Weekly Digest, brought to you by the ONSEC team.
Curated for iGaming operators, sportsbook executives, compliance leads, and platform developers, this digest delivers timely insights into the trends, regulatory movements, and security threats transforming the online gambling landscape. In this issue, we spotlight Canada’s surging casino market, the rise of immersive AI-driven betting experiences, and a projected $169B boom in global sports wagering. You’ll also find key updates on regulatory crackdowns in Europe and the U.S., along with emerging cybersecurity threats—including phishing scams, ransomware, and crypto fraud—putting platforms and players at risk.

Trends and Analytics

• Canada’s online casino scene is booming in 2025, with newcomers like Duelz, Swift Casino, and bet365 Casino competing to offer the best bonuses, mobile experiences, and game libraries. This detailed guide from talkSPORT breaks down the top platforms by category—slots, live dealers, mobile, and more—helping players choose the safest, most rewarding sites to play. Source: Talk Sports
• The global sports betting market is projected to surge from $98.36 billion in 2023 to $169.37 billion by 2029, fueled by the explosive rise of e-sports, mobile betting, and regulatory expansion. As jurisdictions legalize and technology like VR, blockchain, and AI reshapes the landscape, online platforms and fixed-odds wagering are leading the charge in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive industry. Source: Research and Markets
• Betting Trends 2025 explores how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and VR are revolutionizing the gambling industry, creating hyper-personalized, immersive, and transparent experiences. With a growing focus on responsible gaming and data-driven personalization, the industry is shifting toward a future where ethics, innovation, and user engagement go hand in hand. Source: Macau Design Award Blog
• Oklahoma is planning a major lottery revamp with the proposed launch of a digital “iLottery” platform aimed at modernizing access while supporting responsible gambling. The initiative includes wellness tools, in-app ticket checking, and real-time addiction alerts—highlighting a growing trend toward ethical, tech-enabled gambling reform. Source: The Sun US
• A top U.S. regulator warns that the booming gambling industry has become a “highway without speed limits,” calling for federal rules to curb unchecked advertising and protect consumers. As online betting spreads rapidly across 37 states, concerns mount over addiction, underage access, and the industry’s resistance to regulation—highlighting an urgent need for nationwide oversight. Source: The Guardian
  

Law and Regulation

• Italy’s sweeping gambling reform is set to slash the number of licensed online operators by 60%, raising entry barriers with €7 million fees and stricter compliance rules. The move signals rapid consolidation in Europe’s largest market, favoring large, omnichannel corporations while introducing tighter AML, player protection, and digital safeguards. Source: IGB
• Massachusetts Gaming Commission chair Jordan Maynard has called for federal oversight of the U.S. gambling industry, warning that the current state-by-state approach leaves critical gaps in consumer protection. He advocates for national advertising standards, a unified self-exclusion list, and greater transparency as the legal market expands across 37 states without consistent regulatory safeguards. Source: World Casino Directory
• Connecticut’s House has passed a bill banning credit card use for online gambling and prohibiting inducement-based ads, marking a bold step toward curbing problem gambling. If enacted, the legislation would set new standards for payment transparency and advertising ethics, influencing broader regulatory trends across U.S. states. Source: CT News
• FanDuel will introduce a 50-cent surcharge on every Illinois bet starting September 1, passing new state betting taxes directly onto users. The controversial move has sparked backlash, highlighting growing tensions between regulators and operators, and raising concerns about pricing fairness for recreational bettors. Source: Casino Beats
• A new YouGov survey reveals that 65% of regular UK bettors would turn to unregulated gambling sites if tax hikes make legal betting more expensive. As the government considers a unified remote gambling tax, the Betting and Gaming Council warns it could backfire—undermining player safety and pushing punters toward the black market. Source: European Gaming

Hacks and Data Breaches

• $37M Global Crypto Scam Defrauds U.S. Victims Scammers used romance and Ponzi-style tactics to trick victims into fraudulent crypto investments, laundering the money through shell companies and international banks. The FBI is now investigating this large-scale “pig butchering” scheme affecting hundreds of Americans. Impact on iGaming: Platforms accepting crypto must strengthen fraud monitoring and educate users to prevent scam-linked deposits and chargebacks. Source: SC Media
• $2.1B in Crypto Stolen Through Phishing and Human Exploits CertiK reported that over $2.1 billion in crypto was stolen in 2025 via phishing, compromised wallets, and social engineering—not through smart contract flaws. The trend highlights how hackers now target user psychology more than code. Impact on iGaming: Operators with wallet integrations must harden account security and proactively warn users about phishing and wallet compromise risks. Source: Cointelegraph
• AT&T Data Breach Resurfaces With 86M Records Exposed. An old but decrypted data dump with SSNs, addresses, and phone numbers of 86 million AT&T customers has reappeared on hacker forums. This leak significantly raises identity theft and synthetic identity fraud risks. Impact on iGaming: Fraudsters may exploit this data to bypass KYC and abuse bonuses or conduct account takeovers on gambling sites. Source: Hack Read
• United Natural Foods Hit by Ransomware, Halts Distribution. The main distributor for Whole Foods experienced a ransomware attack that shut down logistics, payments, and internal systems. The breach underscores the growing threat of supply-chain disruptions. Impact on iGaming: A similar attack on key vendors (e.g. payment processors, cloud hosts) could bring gambling platforms offline or delay financial operations. Source: Industrial Cyber
• SentinelOne Stops China-Linked APT Using Shared Vendor. A Chinese state-sponsored hacking group attempted to breach organizations through a third-party supplier. SentinelOne’s defense stopped the attack, but it highlights how even secure firms can be vulnerable through vendor chains. Impact on iGaming: Platforms relying on external software, analytics, or hosting must audit third-party security and implement zero-trust access controls. Source: Dark Reading

Final Words

As the digital gambling frontier pushes forward, so do the challenges—and opportunities—shaping its future. From crypto-driven fraud and phishing attacks to bold regulatory reforms and tech-fueled market expansion, this week’s developments underscore the importance of proactive, informed decision-making across the iGaming sector.

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Welcome to this week’s edition of iGaming News Weekly Digest, curated by the team at ONSEC. Tailored for online casino operators, sportsbook executives, and iGaming innovators, this digest delivers a sharp analysis of the latest market trends, regulatory shifts, and cyber threats shaping the future of digital gambling. In this issue, we explore the projected $245B growth trajectory of the global online gambling market, how AI and machine learning are redefining player engagement, and the surge in live dealer games and high-payout platforms. We also track sweeping regulatory changes across North America and Asia, and spotlight the latest data breaches and fraud schemes threatening platform integrity.

Trends and Analytics

• Global Online Gambling Market Projected to Reach $245.45 Billion by 2034. The online gambling and betting market is expected to grow from $88.44 billion in 2025 to $245.45 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 12.01%. Key growth drivers include the proliferation of smartphones, expansion of sports betting, and advancements in mobile platforms. Europe remains the largest market, while the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing. Source: Custom Market Insights
• AI and Machine Learning Revolutionize iGaming Personalization
  Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are significantly enhancing personalized experiences in the iGaming sector. These technologies enable real-time adaptation of games and bonuses to individual player preferences, leading to increased engagement and retention. Source: Yogonet
• Live Casino Gaming Gains Popularity in Canada. Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular in Canada, offering players an immersive experience akin to traditional casinos. Top platforms like King Casino and bet365 Casino are leading this trend, providing a variety of live games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Source: Talk Sport
• Surge in Fast Withdrawal and High-Payout Casinos. Players are increasingly favoring online casinos that offer rapid payouts and high return-to-player (RTP) rates. In Ireland, platforms like Zoome and 24 Casino are leading the way by providing instant withdrawals through e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, coupled with substantial welcome bonuses. Similarly, in the UK, casinos such as talkSPORT BET and Mr Vegas are gaining popularity for their high RTP games and efficient payment options. This trend underscores a growing demand for transparency, speed, and player-centric features in the iGaming sector. Source: The Irish Sun
• Innovative Bonus Structures and Gamification. Online casinos are revamping their bonus offerings to attract and retain players. In Ireland, operators like Seven Casino and LuckyWins are introducing substantial welcome bonuses with low wagering requirements, while also incorporating gamified elements such as loyalty programs and achievement-based rewards. These strategies aim to enhance player engagement and satisfaction by providing more value and interactive experiences. Source: The Sun Irish

Law and Regulation

• Connecticut Senate Approves Anti-Sweepstakes Bill. On May 28, the Connecticut Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1235, aiming to ban online sweepstakes casinos and simulated gambling devices. The bill also expands the state’s ability to enter multi-state gaming compacts and strengthens advertising regulations. It now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives. Source: Covers
• Thai parliament to deliberate casino bill in July, minister says. Thailand’s government is set to deliberate a draft bill in July 2025 to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes. The proposed legislation includes strict entry requirements for Thai citizens, such as a 5,000 baht entry fee and proof of holding at least 50 million baht in bank deposits. The government anticipates that this initiative could attract up to 100 billion baht ($3 billion) in investments and boost tourist arrivals by 10%. Source: Reuters
• Canadian Senator Reintroduces National Sports Betting Advertising Framework. On May 28, Ontario Senator Marty Deacon reintroduced Bill S-211, proposing a national framework to regulate sports betting advertising in Canada. The bill seeks to limit the number, scope, and placement of such advertisements to mitigate potential harms associated with gambling promotion. Source: Covers
• CT reaches $1.5 million settlement with company that ran illegal online casino. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection reached a nearly $1.5 million settlement with High5Games, a company accused of operating an illegal sweepstakes game targeting individuals who had self-excluded from online gambling. The settlement includes restitution to affected users and contributions to consumer protection programs. High5Games’ license, previously suspended, was reinstated following the shutdown of its illegal platform. Source: CT Insider
• Minnesota Supreme Court weighs legality of electronic gambling tables at non-tribal card club. The Minnesota Supreme Court is currently deliberating whether electronic gambling tables at a non-tribal card club violate state agreements that grant Native American tribes exclusive rights to operate video games of chance. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the state’s gambling landscape and tribal gaming rights. Source: YogoNet

Hacks and Data Breaches

• Global Data Breach Compromises 184 Million Passwords. A massive data breach exposed 184 million passwords associated with major tech platforms, including Google and Apple. While not exclusive to the gambling sector, this breach poses a substantial risk to online casinos and betting platforms, as compromised credentials could be exploited to access user accounts and sensitive information. The breach highlights the vulnerability of interconnected digital ecosystems and the potential ripple effects on various industries, including online gambling. Source: NY Post
• Widespread Website Hacking Linked to Online Gambling Ads, Experts Respond. Security experts reported a surge in website hacks connected to online gambling advertisements. These breaches involve unauthorized access to websites, where malicious actors insert gambling-related ads, potentially leading users to fraudulent platforms. Such activities not only compromise website integrity but also pose significant risks to users who may unknowingly engage with illegitimate gambling sites. Source: Tempo Eng
• Analysis Reveals Escalating Cyber Threats in Online Casinos. A recent analysis highlighted the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting online casinos. The report emphasizes that traditional security measures are becoming inadequate against advanced attack vectors aimed at player data and payment systems. It calls for the adoption of more robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard the integrity of online gambling platforms. Source: Inside Pulse
• Fake Online Cricket Betting Scam Defrauds Businessman of Over ₹1 Crore. In India, two individuals were arrested for orchestrating a fake online cricket betting scam that defrauded a businessman of over ₹1 crore. The accused created fraudulent betting platforms, luring victims with promises of substantial returns. This incident underscores the prevalence of online betting scams and the importance of regulatory oversight and public awareness to combat such fraudulent activities. Source: Times of India

Final Words

As the iGaming ecosystem continues to expand at record speed—driven by mobile-first innovation, evolving regulatory frameworks, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats—staying informed is essential for staying ahead. From AI-powered personalization to high-stakes enforcement actions and emerging global markets, this week’s developments reveal both the risks and the rewards facing digital gambling operators.

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