iGaming News Weekly Digest: Mobile Gambling Surges, $80B Crypto Casinos, Cyber Threats Escalate

Welcome to this week’s edition of iGaming News Weekly Digest, curated by the team at ONSEC. Tailored for iGaming operators, platforms, and security-conscious leaders, this digest delivers the latest developments shaping the future of the industry—from mobile and crypto-driven growth to tightening global regulations and rising cybersecurity threats. In this issue, we explore how mobile gambling is dominating revenues, crypto casinos are shaking up the status quo, and esports betting is surging. We also track crucial regulatory moves from the Netherlands to Thailand, alongside major cyber incidents that remind us why security must stay top of mind.

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Trends and Analytics

  • Mobile Gambling Dominates iGaming Industry: Mobile gambling is becoming a dominant force in the iGaming industry, accounting for over half of the market revenue. This trend is driving the industry’s growth and attracting new talents to shape its future. Source: finchannel
  • Crypto Casino Revenue Tops $80bn: Despite being illegal in most countries, crypto casinos generated over $80 billion in revenue in 2024. This trend highlights the growing popularity of crypto casinos and their potential to disrupt traditional betting groups. Source: Financial Times
  • Soft2Bet Enters Nigeria’s $2 Billion iGaming Market with Waddibet: Soft2Bet has entered Nigeria’s $2 billion iGaming market with Waddibet, capitalizing on the growing interest in casino gaming in a market traditionally dominated by sports betting. Source: Inside Bitcoins
  • Oddsgate Projects Future of iGaming Until 2050: Oddsgate has launched an unprecedented study that projects the future of the iGaming industry—including online betting, digital casinos, and games of chance—until 2050. This strategic overview provides insights into potential developments in the industry. Source: gamesbras
  • Esports Betting Revenue Projected to Reach $144.8 Million by 2029: The revenue from esports betting is expected to reach $144.8 million by 2029. This projection indicates the growing popularity of esports betting and its potential to contribute significantly to the iGaming industry’s revenue. Source: Fingerlakes1.com
  • New Jersey igaming revenue reaches record $243.9 million in March: New Jersey’s iGaming sector has seen continuous growth, with revenue reaching a record $243.9 million in March. This growth suggests a shift from traditional land-based casinos to online platforms. Source: iGaming Business

Law and Regulation

  • Dutch Gambling Regulator KSA Fines Operator €734,000: The Dutch gambling regulator KSA has imposed a hefty fine of €734,000 on an operator, demonstrating the regulator’s commitment to enforcing compliance. Source: ReadWrite
  • BMM Testlabs Acquired by The Visualize Group: BMM Testlabs, a provider of compliance services to operators offering Class II & III gaming, online casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, has been acquired by investment firm The Visualize Group. Source: SBC Americas
  • Crypto Casino Owner Gambled With Investor Funds, Feds Say: Federal authorities have accused a crypto casino owner of misusing investor funds. The case underscores the need for robust regulation and oversight in the rapidly evolving world of crypto-based gambling. Source: Law360
  • Dutch Watchdog KSA Reprimands 711 Casino Over Gaming Promotions to Kids: The Dutch gaming regulator Kansspelautoriteit has issued a reprimand to 711 Casino for promoting gambling to children through school homework advertisements. This action is part of a broader crackdown on irresponsible gaming promotions. Source: casino.com
  • Blockchain Technology Revolutionizing Sports Betting: Blockchain technology could potentially revolutionize sports betting by addressing regulatory restrictions and inconsistencies in legal areas. Source: Eye On Annapolis
  • New York Proposes Strict Limits on Sports Betting Ads: New York is proposing strict limits on sports betting ads, including a ban on ads promoting bonus bets. If implemented, this could significantly impact the marketing strategies of sports betting companies. Source: Dailymotion

Hacks and Data Breaches

  • MGM Settles for $8.5M in Sibella-Related Laundering Scandal: MGM has settled for $8.5 million in a money laundering scandal related to Sibella. The incident has led to the temporary closure of Kewadin Casinos due to a ransomware cyber attack. Source: Casino.com
  • IPL Betting Rackets Busted in Bengaluru: Authorities have busted illegal betting rackets in Bengaluru related to the Indian Premier League (IPL), seizing electronics and chips worth crores. Four individuals were also arrested in a related server hack case. Source: MSN
  • Game Lounge Launches iGaming’s First-Ever Trust and Data Index: Game Lounge, a leading data-driven iGaming affiliate, has launched the industry’s first-ever Trust and Data Index for affiliate platforms, aiming to educate young people about ransomware risks. Source: Yahoo Finance UK
  • IGT Cyberattack Disrupts Global Casino Tech Operations: International Game Technology (IGT), a major gambling tech provider, suffered a cyberattack leading to system shutdowns and service disruptions. The incident is under investigation, with potential links to ransomware. Source: Security Affairs

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Final Words

As the iGaming landscape rapidly evolves, staying informed is your competitive edge. Whether you’re navigating new markets, adopting emerging technologies, or strengthening your platform’s defenses, the insights in this digest are designed to keep you ahead of the curve.

If you found this digest valuable, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with your colleagues and peers in the iGaming space. Help your team stay ahead of industry trends, regulatory shifts, and cybersecurity threats. The more informed we are, the stronger and safer our industry becomes.