Welcome to this week’s edition of iGaming News Weekly Digest, curated by the team at ONSEC. Tailored for iGaming operators, casino platforms, and industry leaders, this digest delivers the latest insights driving the evolution of online gambling—from strategic market moves and rising player expectations to critical cybersecurity risks and tightening regulations. In this issue, we spotlight Fanatics’ bold entry into the casino app space, the $8 billion surge in sweepstakes casinos pressuring U.S. lawmakers, and MGM’s strong Q1 earnings. We also explore the global regulatory landscape—from India’s GST hearings to the UK’s new bonus restrictions—and highlight the escalating threat of DDoS attacks and account takeovers targeting online platforms.
Trends and Analytics
Fanatics Launches Standalone Casino App. Fanatics, traditionally known for sports merchandise, has expanded into online gambling by launching a standalone casino app in four U.S. states: Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. This move signifies a strategic effort to diversify its offerings and tap into the growing online casino market. The app aims to attract a broader demographic, particularly women in their late 30s to 40s, diverging from the typical male sports-betting audience. Leveraging its vast customer base and loyalty program, Fanatics seeks to compete with industry leaders like FanDuel and DraftKings. Business Insider
Sweepstakes Casinos Generate $8 Billion, Pressuring Legalization. Sweepstakes casinos, which operate using virtual currencies like “Sweeps Coins” to navigate gambling laws, generated $8 billion in revenue in 2024. Their popularity, especially in states where traditional online casinos are illegal, is prompting lawmakers to consider regulation and legalization to capture potential tax revenues. This trend highlights the growing influence of alternative gaming models in the online gambling landscape. InsideBitcoins.com
MGM Resorts Reports Strong Q1 Earnings. MGM Resorts International reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings for 2025, driven by robust performance in its online sports-betting segment through BetMGM. Adjusted earnings per share reached 69 cents, surpassing the projected 46 cents. The company also announced a $2 billion share buyback program, signaling confidence in its financial health and future prospects. Reuters
Live Casino Gaming Gains Popularity. Live casino games, offering real-time interaction with dealers, have surged in popularity. Games like roulette, blackjack, and poker streamed from live studios provide immersive experiences, with platforms like 10bet and Dream Vegas leading in offerings. This trend underscores the demand for more interactive and authentic online gambling experiences. talkSPORT
Fast Withdrawal Casinos Attract Players. Online casinos offering instant or fast withdrawals are increasingly popular. Platforms like Duelz and BetMGM provide near-instant payouts through e-wallets and other methods, enhancing player satisfaction and trust. The emphasis on quick and hassle-free transactions is becoming a significant factor in player retention and acquisition. The Sun
Law and Regulation
India’s Supreme Court Reviews GST Applicability to Online Gaming. The Supreme Court of India has commenced hearings to determine whether online gaming, including fantasy sports and casinos, should be classified as “betting and gambling” under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework. The government argues that any monetary stakes, regardless of skill involvement, constitute gambling and should be taxed at 28%. This decision could significantly impact the online gaming industry’s tax obligations. The Economic Times
UK Implements Ban on Mixed-Product Promotions in iGaming. The UK Gambling Commission has announced a ban on mixed-product promotions, preventing operators from bundling sportsbook and casino bonuses into a single offer. Additionally, wagering requirements on bonuses will be capped at 10 times the original value. These measures, effective from December 19, 2025, aim to enhance consumer protection and reduce gambling-related harm. CDC Gaming
CFTC Drops Appeal Against Kalshi, Allowing Political Event Contracts.The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has decided to drop its appeal against a court ruling that permitted Kalshi, a prediction market platform, to offer contracts on political events, including election outcomes. This move sets a precedent for the legitimacy of regulated political prediction markets in the United States. Reuters
Macau Appoints Ng Wai Han as New Director of Casino Regulator. The Macau government has appointed Ng Wai Han as the new director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the city’s casino regulator. Ng, a veteran civil servant, is the first woman to hold this position. Her appointment may signal a shift in Macau’s regulatory approach to its casino industry. IAG
Colombia Legalizes Esports Betting. Colombia has passed legislation recognizing esports as an official discipline and incorporating it into the country’s regulated betting market. This development is expected to diversify betting options and stimulate growth in Colombia’s online gambling sector.
Hacks and Data Breaches
While no specific hacks or data breaches of online casino and betting platforms were reported between April 30 and May 7, 2025, the industry continues to face a high-risk cybersecurity environment with a 37% increase in attacks on online slot platforms compared to the previous year. Insurance journal
An attempted ransomware attack on the Co-op Group on April 30, 2025, was attributed to Scattered Spider, a hacking collective known for targeting casino operators in the past, indicating an ongoing threat to the gambling industry. Insurance journal
Data from the first quarter of 2025 showed a concerning 400% increase in DDoS attacks targeting the online gambling and casino sector since February, suggesting a targeted campaign that could be a precursor to other malicious activities. Continent 8
Customer Account Takeovers (ATO) remain a significant threat, affecting various online sectors including gaming, with techniques like session hijacking allowing attackers to bypass multi-factor authentication. The Hacker News
Final Words
As the online gambling industry accelerates with new entrants, regulatory shifts, and surging cyber threats, staying informed isn’t just useful—it’s essential. From fast-withdrawal trends and live gaming innovations to global tax rulings and targeted DDoS attacks, this week’s developments reflect an ecosystem in constant motion.
If you found this digest valuable, share it with your team and peers in the iGaming space. A more informed industry is a more resilient one—let’s keep raising the bar for innovation, compliance, and security together.