Chips.gg Weekly iGaming Roundup (May 12-May18)
Global News & Regulation Watch
Philippines’ Slot Machine Sector Faces Major Collapse
- Slot revenues dropped 42% YoY to ₱13.4B ($240M) in Q2 2025
- Result of government ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)
- 9,200 jobs lost, 14 suppliers bankrupted
- POGOs’ share of slot machines down from 68% to 19%
- Regional neighbors Cambodia and Laos snapping up excess machines
- Manila’s slot market share falls from 15% target to just over 6%
The Philippines' slot industry saw a brutal 42% revenue drop in Q2 2025, triggered by the government’s POGO ban. With 9,200 jobs lost and 14 suppliers bankrupt, the sector's market share plummeted from 15% to just 6%, while Cambodia and Laos scoop up the leftover machines.
Córdoba Council Pushes Online Gambling Restrictions for Youth
- Proposal to block gambling websites on public Wi-Fi
- Establishment of 24/7 gambling addiction hotline
- Ban on public advertising of online gambling
- Challenges include tech feasibility and legal concerns
- Emphasizes grassroots action to combat youth gambling harm
Córdoba’s city council is pushing for bold online gambling restrictions to protect minors, proposing public Wi-Fi blocks, ad bans, and a 24/7 addiction hotline. Legal and tech hurdles loom, but the effort marks a shift toward grassroots solutions.
Macau’s Satellite Casinos at Regulatory Crossroads
- December 2025 deadline for license renewals or closures
- Option to switch to fixed-fee contracts eliminating revenue sharing
- Uncertainty as concessionaires haven’t announced future plans
- Government ready with support measures for workers and businesses
Macau’s satellite casinos face a December 2025 deadline to renew licenses or shut down. A new fixed-fee contract option may end revenue sharing, but with no clear direction from concessionaires, uncertainty grips the industry.
Bank of Ireland Launches Voluntary Gambling Block Tool
- Enables customers to block gambling transactions on debit cards
- No legal mandate yet, but industry-first step
- Complements upcoming National Gambling Exclusion Register
- Moves towards unified self-exclusion system across operators
In a regional first, the Bank of Ireland has launched a voluntary gambling block for debit cards. It’s a major move toward unified self-exclusion, aligning with the upcoming National Gambling Exclusion Register.
Ibero-American Gaming Summit: Innovation & Regulation
- Event in Lima, May 27-28, gathering regional industry leaders
- Topics: AI integration, digital transformation, hybrid casinos, tax harmonization
- Focus on creating safer, more innovative gaming markets
Leaders will gather in Lima, Peru on May 27–28 to tackle the future of iGaming in Latin America. Topics include AI, hybrid casinos, and tax reform, highlighting innovation and regulation as the path forward.
Americas’ Online Gaming Market Set to Outgrow Europe
- Forecasted $56.3B market size by 2028
- Growth driven by regulatory progress in US, Brazil, Canada
- Tech adoption fueling user growth and new product launches
- Increased focus on compliance and player protection needed
With a projected $56.3B market by 2028, the Americas are on track to overtake Europe in online gaming growth. Regulatory progress in the US, Brazil, and Canada is driving momentum, but a spotlight on compliance and player safety is rising.
As we track these global shifts, the theme is clear: balancing rapid innovation with thoughtful regulation and community care is the key to a sustainable gaming industry. Behind every figure is a real impact on people’s lives.
Thanks for reading this week’s edition of Chips.gg Weekly iGaming Roundup! Stay tuned for next week’s deep dive into the latest market movers and regulatory updates.