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A New Star Is Born: Ukraine’s Role in the Future of the CIS and Eastern European Markets
International betting and gaming industry event organizer SBC launches a brand new in-person conference and exhibition for the CIS and Eastern European markets. Presented by Parimatch, SBC Summit CIS brings together regional market leaders, national state authorities, and international partners to discuss the future development of the region.
Holding an event of this magnitude in Kyiv confirms Ukraine is becoming a significant new player on the gambling industry map. On the summit panels, state authorities and business representatives discussed the prospects for the region’s development as a gaming hub for Eastern Europe and the increased interest in the Ukrainian market from global players.
The participation of the Olympic gold medal-winner and First Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Youth and Sports, Zhan Beleniuk, who opened the summit, served as a powerful reminder of the strong connection between sport, government, and the entertainment industry.
Oleksiy Kucher, Head of Executive Body, State Regulatory Agency of Ukraine:
“It’s our firm position that regulation needs to be simple, transparent, and understandable for business. The state approves such a positive goal as the step out from the shadow of the gambling business, but it can fail at the stage of implementation. If we do not regulate relations between clients, businesses, and regulators, gambling may step into the shadows again. We do not want this, and we will not let it happen. Gambling in Ukraine is doing well now, and it will be even more accessible, so keep it up and develop.”
Besides the latest developments in Ukraine, the conference sees renowned expert speakers examine the scale of the opportunities in other markets in the region and the potential impact of the latest technological developments that will filter through into next-generation iGaming products, and how could we forget the region’s leading suppliers who came to demonstrate their latest innovations.
Maksym Liashko, co-CEO at Parimatch Tech, said:
“The legalization of the market has opened up many opportunities for the development of the industry, attracting international capital and benefits for the state. The betting and gaming industry brings innovative technologies, high-tech jobs, and increasing technical expertise among Ukrainian specialists, thanks to the legalization. Proof of this was evident in the showcases presented at the exhibition. And this is just the beginning of Ukraine unleashing its potential.”
Another integral part of the in-person SBC Summit CIS was responsible gambling. The development of responsible gambling became essential in Ukraine to establish a legal market and comply with international industry standards.
Paul Dent, Gambling Therapy Manager:
“Gambling Therapy is very pleased to be working in partnership with Parimatch, the first of its kind in Ukraine to develop and progress more responsible gambling. Through Gambling Therapy, an online and international service offered by Gordon Moody, we will be offering free practical and emotional support to those struggling with gambling as well as supporting affected others. This will take the form of a helpline available in Ukrainian and Russian with access to highly experienced counselors, along with native-speaking groups and forums available 24 hours a day.”
Rostyslav Maikovich, Chief Analytics Officer, leader of the Parimatch’s Responsible Gambling Project:
“Responsible gaming is a significant part of Parimatch’s business development and caring for customers. We take experiences from successful world practices and European countries in this area: Parimatch’s Responsible Gambling Project is being implemented in development, analytics, and communications with clients. For example, the absolute world heavyweight boxing champion and gold medal-winner of the 2012 Olympics, Oleksandr Usyk, joins Parimatch brand as the Responsible Gambling ambassador. Oleksandr helps us to highlight the values of responsible gambling to audiences around the world.”
AGCO
AGCO issues $110,000 in penalties to BetMGM Canada for offering cash to induce new gambling customers
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has served BetMGM Canada Inc. with an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP) of $110,000 for violations of the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.
In two separate incidents in 2024, BetMGM engaged marketing companies who offered cash to members of the public in return for opening new BetMGM accounts. The marketing activities occurred in public forums, such as a major national trade conference. Under AGCO’s Standards, operators are responsible for the conduct of their third-party suppliers who are contracted to support the operator’s Ontario gaming business, and must require their third-parties to meet Ontario laws, regulations and standards (Standard 1.19).
Ontario is one of the first jurisdictions in the world to establish and enforce rules that strictly limit high-risk inducement advertising and marketing in the online gambling industry. Registered iGaming operators are prohibited from offering gambling inducements, bonuses and credits as part of their broad public advertising and marketing activities (Standard 2.05). These Standards exist to protect Ontarians from predatory advertising and promotional marketing practices in order to limit the risk of gambling-related harm.
A registered operator served with an OMP by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
QUOTE
“Responsible gambling safeguards and the protection of Ontarians on registered gaming sites is among our key priorities. The AGCO monitors the activities of all registered operators and their third-party suppliers to ensure they are meeting our high standards and we continue to take strong action to ensure they operate within the public interest.”
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar – AGCO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BetMGM Canada Inc. failed to comply with the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming. Specifically, the licensee failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:
- 1.19 Operators are responsible for the actions of third parties with whom they contract for the provision of any aspect of the Operator’s business related to gaming in Ontario and must require the third party to conduct themselves in so far as they carry out activities on behalf of the operator as if they were bound by the same laws, regulations, and standards.
- 2.05 Advertising and marketing materials that communicate gambling inducements, bonuses and credits are prohibited, except on an operator’s gaming site and through direct advertising and marketing, after receiving active player consent.
Contrary to the Standards, BetMGM Canada Inc. and/or their affiliates allegedly engaged in the following activities:
a) | On or about January 13 and 14, 2024, BetMGM representatives were alleged to have attended the National Franchise Show and were offering $100 in cash to new players for opening a new account and depositing $15. |
b) | On or about March 11, 2024, BetMGM acknowledged that its marketing affiliate “Above the Street” had engaged in prohibited inducement marketing. The conduct resulted in 377 player sign-ups and $127,180.00 in commissions to “Above the Street”. |
c) | On or about April 13, 2024, another BetMGM marketing affiliate “Maple Leaf Marketing” engaged in prohibited inducements and marketing to induce on-site activations and acquire new players. The conduct resulted in 94 player sign-ups and about $34,000.00 in commissions paid to “Maple Leaf Marketing”. |
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Casino Stocks Are Crashing
Casino Stocks Are Crashing – Is This the First Domino to Fall?

Casino stocks are taking a beating, and investors are paying attention. Over the past three months, shares of major gaming companies have plunged, with some losing nearly a third of their value.
It’s a sharp reversal from the post-pandemic boom, raising questions about what’s happening. Are consumers pulling back? Is Las Vegas losing its luster? Or is this an early warning sign of something bigger, like a possible U.S. recession?
The Numbers: Casino Stocks Down Double Digits
If you’ve been following the markets, you’ve seen the red ink spreading across the gaming sector. Since the start of the year, stocks of America’s biggest casino operators have fallen across the board:
Caesars Entertainment (-33.46%) and Las Vegas Sands (-23.35%) are leading the decline, but it’s not just them. MGM is down nearly 18%, and even Wynn Resorts, which fared the best, lost 4.44%.
What’s Behind the Drop?
It’s not one thing – it’s a cocktail of economic pressures, policy shifts, and changing consumer habits that are hitting casinos where it hurts.
1. Americans Are Watching Their Wallets
When the economy tightens, luxury spending is often the first thing to go. Casino visits aren’t a necessity, and early signs suggest that discretionary spending is starting to slow. Inflation has been eating into real wages, interest rates remain high, and household debt levels are creeping up. If consumers are feeling the squeeze, gambling revenues are one of the first places you’ll see it reflected.
2. Las Vegas Tourism Isn’t Bouncing Back Like Before
Las Vegas thrived in the post-pandemic reopening boom, but that momentum might be fading. Canadian tourists, who are a key demographic for Vegas, are visiting less due to the strong U.S. dollar and a weaker Canadian economy. Meanwhile, high-end Chinese tourism, which casinos rely on for their biggest spenders, is still struggling. Economic uncertainty and stricter money transfer rules in China have kept many of those gamblers at home.
3. Trade Policies and Global Uncertainty
The Trump administration’s renewed trade disputes with China and Canada aren’t helping either. Retaliatory tariffs could slow economic activity and dampen consumer confidence. If the broader economy starts to weaken, luxury sectors like casinos could take a bigger hit.
“Don’t blame it all on Trump’s erratic trade policies. They play a role, but there’s a bigger picture at play. China’s slowing down, the post-pandemic boom is receding, and the market is beginning to wrangle with serious questions about debt, the deficit, and a slowdown in government spending” – James from Nowagercasinos.com
4. Why Caesars and Las Vegas Sands Are Taking the Worst Hits
Not all casino stocks are created equal. Caesars Entertainment’s heavy reliance on the U.S. market, especially Las Vegas, makes it more vulnerable to domestic slowdowns. Add in its $12 billion debt load, and you have a recipe for investor nervousness. Rising interest rates make refinancing more expensive, and if revenue slows, Caesars could be in a tough spot.
Las Vegas Sands, on the other hand, has no U.S. casino presence anymore – it bet everything on Asia. That means its stock is almost entirely tied to Macao and Singapore. If China’s economy slows or travel restrictions tighten, it feels the pain immediately. That’s likely why its shares have been hit so much harder than Wynn’s, which still has a mix of U.S. and international operations.
Recession Warning or Just an Industry Correction?
So, what does this all mean? Is the casino sector flashing a warning sign for the broader economy? Maybe, but it’s not a slam-dunk case for a full-blown recession.
Gaming stocks are highly sensitive to sentiment. Investors could simply be rotating out of high-risk, consumer discretionary stocks due to interest rate worries. That’s happened before, without an actual recession following.
That said, if casino revenues start declining sharply in upcoming earnings reports, that could indicate a real consumer pullback. And if that’s happening at the same time as weak retail sales, rising unemployment, and slowing GDP growth, then we’ve got a bigger problem on our hands.
For now, the sharp drop in casino stocks is worth watching, but it’s not necessarily time to hit the panic button. At least, not yet!
The post Casino Stocks Are Crashing – Is This the First Domino to Fall? appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Barry Dickey
Vanta and the U.S. Space Force Launch Quantum Esports Series

The U.S. Space Force has launched the Quantum Esports Series, a groundbreaking esports league designed to cultivate and showcase the next generation of aspiring professional gamers. Powered by the U.S. Space Force and operated in partnership with Vanta, this 11-week tournament series will feature intense competition in VALORANT and Rocket League, with $20,000 in prize money and thousands of dollars in swag up for grabs.
To ensure a platform for emerging stars, players who have reached the top 32 in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) or Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) within the last 12 months are ineligible to compete. Each split will feature 16 teams per game, and every participating team will receive free expert coaching from Vanta, providing invaluable development opportunities. The goal is to elevate teams on the cusp of professional play and give them a real chance to break into the pro scene.
“The U.S. Space Force recognizes the strong connection between the skills required for competitive gaming and the critical thinking abilities essential to our mission. Just as esports demands strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, so does defending our nation in the space domain. The Quantum Esports Series is a unique way to connect with talented individuals who possess these valuable skills, and we’re excited to support their growth,” said Mr. Barry Dickey, Director of Strategic Marketing, Air Force Accessions Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
“Esports goes beyond competition; it serves as a proving ground for leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and resilience. Through the Quantum Esports Series, we are excited to help players hone these skills. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Space Force on this initiative, which represents an exciting opportunity to nurture and elevate the next generation of top-tier talent and advance the future of competitive gaming,” said Jimmy Roche, Chief Commercial Officer at Vanta.
The post Vanta and the U.S. Space Force Launch Quantum Esports Series appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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