Chips.gg Weekly iGaming Roundup (July 7 - July 13)
The betting world never sleeps and this week brought major developments from every corner of the industry. From regulatory rebounds in Australia to mounting pressure on Brazil’s betting economy, the headlines reveal a sector in rapid transformation.
Crown Resorts Fully Regains Licensing Across Australia
Crown Perth has officially passed its final compliance test, meaning all three Crown properties in Australia are now fully licensed to operate. The Western Australian government determined the casino met the necessary standards following significant reforms. This turnaround comes after a 2022 inquiry deemed Crown Perth unfit due to major anti-money laundering failures. Instead of revoking the license, authorities implemented a strict remediation program overseen by independent monitor Paul Steel. Improvements include tighter financial crime detection, revamped employee conduct protocols, and enhanced governance structures. CEO David Tsai called the moment a major milestone in Crown’s journey to becoming a benchmark for safe, ethical gaming.
Sweepstakes Casinos: Legal Innovation or a Gambling Grey Area?
Sweepstakes casinos are exploding in popularity across the U.S., offering slot-style games without requiring real-money deposits. Users purchase virtual credits and receive bonus tokens, which can be used to win cash prizes, sidestepping conventional gambling laws.
This model thrives on legal loopholes, often reaching players in states where online casinos are still prohibited. Critics, however, argue that these platforms mimic the addictive mechanics of real gambling, potentially blurring ethical lines. Despite legal standing, concerns are growing about unregulated spending habits and misleading advertising. The debate continues: are they a bridge to responsible gaming access, or a detour into unchecked wagering?
Philippine Casino Giants Push Back Against Online Betting Restrictions
Top Philippine casino operators, Newport World, Okada Manila, and Solaire, jointly opposed a proposed ban and restrictive reforms targeting online gaming. Lawmakers are considering harsh new policies, including high minimum deposits and restrictions on key payment platforms like GCash and Maya.
The operators argue their online services already follow strict compliance protocols under PAGCOR's oversight, including KYC verification, AML safeguards, and responsible gambling tools. They also stress that online operations are an extension of their licensed business and subject to technical testing and advertising guidelines. In short, they claim the system works and that further restrictions would hurt both players and legitimate businesses. Their unified stance marks a growing rift between regulators and the industry.
Brazil’s Finance Minister Demands More Taxes on Betting Operators
Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has slammed the betting industry for enjoying “privileged treatment” and contributing little to the national economy. Under the Bolsonaro administration, many online gambling companies operated untaxed, reaping profits with minimal oversight. Haddad now aims to reinstate an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue, citing fairness and economic responsibility. A new law, effective October 2025, seeks to enforce these standards and ensure operators are properly licensed. Beyond taxation, Haddad is pushing for comprehensive regulation to align gambling with industries like tobacco and alcohol in terms of public accountability. His approach aims to ensure Brazil reaps tangible benefits from a rapidly growing but underregulated sector.
PAGCOR Warns Public About Illicit Online Gambling Streams
PAGCOR has issued a strong public warning against gambling activities broadcast over social media, calling them likely illegal and unsafe. The regulator stated these platforms offer no consumer protections and often disappear with users' money. Scammers entice players with small initial wins to bait larger deposits before manipulating results or vanishing. Some fake sites even mimic government websites to gain user trust, adding another layer of deception. Enforcement remains difficult, with over 150 sites awaiting shutdown as many operate from abroad. PAGCOR and the Cybercrime Center are ramping up efforts, including AI tools and legal action against influencers promoting unauthorized gambling.
As governments push for tighter oversight and tax accountability, operators are being forced to adapt or defend their turf. Meanwhile, legal workarounds like sweepstakes casinos continue to challenge traditional definitions of gambling. The message is clear: the era of unregulated growth is ending. The future of betting will be shaped not just by technology and demand, but by those bold enough to balance profits with responsibility.
#WeeklyiGamingRoundup #iGamingNews #OnlineBetting #CasinoIndustry #GamingRegulation #ResponsibleGambling #BettingUpdates #GamingCompliance #GlobalGaming
Rajashree Seal
Ryan