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-first innovation and AI-powered experiences to escalating cyber threats and evolving global regulations. In this issue, we cover a stark UN warning about the growing ties between gambling, cybercrime, and fraud, along with major breaches affecting IGT and Catawba Two Kings Casino. We also dive into how mobile and esports betting are reshaping engagement, explore Brazil’s legalization of esports wagering, and examine the UK’s proposal to unify gambling taxes.

Trends and Analytics

• Online Gambling Market Set to Reach $169.2 Billion by 2030. A new market research report projects the global online gambling industry to hit $169.2 billion by 2030, driven by increased smartphone penetration, digital payment methods, and sports sponsorships. iGaming operators who prioritize frictionless payments and localized strategies are best positioned to benefit from this growth surge. Source: GlobeNewswire

• AI, AR, and Blockchain Reshape Casino Experiences. The casino industry is undergoing a technological transformation with the adoption of Artificial Intelligence for player behavior analysis, Augmented Reality for immersive gameplay, and blockchain for transaction transparency and provably fair gaming. These tools are enhancing trust, personalization, and retention in online platforms. Source: The Design Inspiration

• Mobile Gaming Becomes iGaming’s Dominant Channel. Mobile devices are now the primary access point for online gambling, with 5G networks, native apps, and responsive platforms driving a shift in development priorities. Mobile-first markets are seeing higher engagement rates, making mobile UX optimization a strategic imperative. Source: Yogonet

• Esports Betting Accelerates with Gen Z Engagement. Esports betting is rapidly expanding, driven by Gen Z audiences and tech-savvy features like micro-betting, live odds, and in-stream wagers. Regulatory advancements in LATAM and Southeast Asia are fueling cross-border growth in games like VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2. Source: EGW News

• Live Sports Drive Real-Time Betting Engagement. According to Boomerang’s recent report, real-time engagement during live sporting events is outperforming pre-game betting models. Platforms are investing in personalized odds, dynamic interfaces, and behavioral analytics to increase conversion during peak traffic windows. Source: Gambling Insider

Law and Regulation

• UK Proposes Unified Remote Gambling Tax. The UK government has launched a consultation to consolidate its three existing remote gambling taxes into a single Remote Betting & Gaming Duty (RBGD). This proposed change aims to simplify the tax system for online gambling operators, including online casinos. However, industry stakeholders express concerns that this could lead to higher taxes for some operators, potentially impacting the sector’s growth and competitiveness.Source: ​iGB+2iGB+2 
• Brazil Legalizes Esports Betting. Brazil’s Ministry of Sports issued Ordinance No. 36 on April 23, officially legalizing esports betting. This move allows wagers on major tournaments like Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, and Fortnite, provided organizers secure proper licenses. The regulation aims to tap into Brazil’s booming online betting market, estimated at R$20–30 billion monthly. Source:  ​Esports Insider
• Hawaii’s Sports Betting Legalization Bid Fails. Hawaii’s House Bill 1308, which aimed to legalize sports betting, failed after amendments reintroducing taxes and fees derailed negotiations between the House and Senate. This setback leaves Hawaii among the states without legalized sports betting. Source:  Next.io
• DraftKings Sued Over ‘Risk-Free’ Promotions. DraftKings faces a new class-action lawsuit in Pennsylvania over allegedly misleading “risk-free” promotions. The lawsuit accuses the company of targeting problem gamblers and using deceptive bonus mechanics. Source:  Casino Beats
• Kenya Imposes 30-Day Ban on Gambling Advertising. Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board announced a 30-day ban on gambling advertisements across all media platforms to curb underage exposure and enforce responsible gambling guidelines. Source:  CDC Gaming

Hacks and Data Breaches

• UN Report Warns of Convergence Between Gambling, Cybercrime & Fraud. A new report by the UNODC warns that the online gambling industry is increasingly being exploited for transnational organized crime, including money laundering and cyberfraud. The document outlines how criminal groups are using gambling platforms to launder illicit funds, and it calls for enhanced international regulation and monitoring. Source: UNODC Report (PDF)
• Cyberattack on Gambling Tech Giant IGT Disrupts Systems
  International Game Technology (IGT), a leading provider of gaming technology, disclosed a cyberattack that impacted its internal IT systems and applications. The breach, confirmed in a statement from IGT, led to system outages and raised concerns about the security of critical gambling infrastructure. Source: Security Affairs
• Anubis Ransomware Group Targets Catawba Two Kings Casino. The Anubis ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on the Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. The hackers allege they have obtained detailed architectural plans, including layouts of the casino’s main floor, parking areas, hotel tower, server rooms, chip vaults, surveillance camera placements, and evacuation routes. They have threatened to release this sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.  Source: Cybernews
• Player Data Breach Impacts Trust and Operations. An in-depth analysis from iGamingBusiness highlights how player data breaches not only compromise personal information but also disrupt business operations and damage brand perception. The article explores how security failures can cascade into broader organizational risks, eroding user trust and undermining competitiveness in the highly regulated iGaming space. Source: iGaming Business

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Final Words

As the iGaming landscape rapidly evolves, staying informed is your competitive edge. Whether you’re navigating new regulations, defending against rising cyber threats, or embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain, the insights in this digest are here 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 security challenges. The more informed we are, the stronger and safer our industry becomes.