Category: Gaming

Crypto casinos continue to outpace regulatory efforts, with regulatory frameworks lagging behind industry growth. Crypto gambling revenue soared past $81 billion in 2024, a more than fivefold increase since 2022, as players flocked to platforms such as Stake, Rollbit and Roobet—licensed in jurisdictions like Curaçao and Malta—despite restrictions in major markets including the UK, US and China. Widespread access through VPNs and affiliate marketing, combined with limited KYC requirements, spending limits and enforcement, have enabled this surge. Regulators struggle with cross-border

Trifecta Gaming has unveiled its KONG slot, slated for release on 31 August 2025, marking a bold expansion of its in-house portfolio. The title promises high-octane gameplay, incorporating multiple wild features and a massive max win of 100,000x—an armory of mechanics designed to elevate player engagement.At the heart of the new title is a 6‑reel setup that brings together a dynamic Jungle theme with advanced slot mechanics. Key features include a Wild Multiplier that boosts wins, Wild Expander that grows

Hard Rock International has dismissed a senior executive amid an unfolding scandal involving improper betting practices at its casino in the Dominican Republic. The controversy, which has cast a shadow over the company’s expansion efforts, is causing a significant disruption to its bid for a new casino in New York City.The executive, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was accused of engaging in activities that violate the company's policies and regulations regarding gambling practices. While Hard Rock has not

A long-established casino in North Las Vegas, known for its vintage charm, is set to close its doors for good this fall, a decision that underscores the growing challenges faced by the city’s tourism sector. The casino, a local staple for decades, has become another casualty of an industry grappling with soaring costs and shifting consumer preferences.The announcement comes as the iconic Las Vegas Strip is experiencing a noticeable dip in visitor numbers, especially from mid-tier tourists. The city, once

Las Vegas casino operators are witnessing a shift in dining habits, as rising costs and shifting labour dynamics impact the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The city’s once-thriving tourism scene, which heavily relied on its entertainment offerings, is facing challenges as tourism numbers decline. Amid this backdrop, casino CEOs and union leaders are addressing how these trends are reshaping the dining landscape in the entertainment capital of the world.Once renowned for its sprawling buffet spreads and celebrity-chef-driven restaurants, Las Vegas is

POKERIN has unveiled the world’s first mobile application that allows players to engage in live-dealer Texas Hold’em directly from their smartphones, marking a significant advancement in the online gaming sector. This innovative platform combines cutting-edge technology with the thrill of real-time casino play, providing a seamless experience for users anywhere in the world.The app’s core feature is its live-dealer capability, where players can interact with real dealers via high-definition video streaming. Unlike traditional online poker games, which use random number

Pakistan’s authorities have implemented a sweeping ban on gambling and casino apps, alongside unregulated forex trading platforms and apps that gather users’ personal data. The decision follows increasing concerns over the safety, privacy, and legality of these mobile applications, which have gained significant traction in the country.The Federal Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, in a statement, announced the prohibition of several mobile applications deemed harmful to the public. These apps, often accessible via popular app stores, are now listed

The oldest hotel and casino in Las Vegas is taking a bold step by removing all live dealer games from its floor. The decision marks a significant change in the city's famed gaming landscape, as the establishment transitions to electronic table games.The hotel, which has a long-standing history in the city's development, made this move in response to evolving customer preferences and technological advancements in gaming. Electronic table games are already gaining popularity for their convenience and immersive experience, with

The Forbes “Philippines’ 50 Richest” list has reaffirmed the dominance of casino magnates, with entrepreneurs from the industry holding the top two positions for yet another year. The list, unveiled on Thursday, highlights the wealth amassed by some of the country’s most influential business figures, reinforcing their stronghold in the nation’s economic landscape.Leading the rankings is Manuel V. Pangilinan, a prominent businessman with extensive investments across various sectors, including media, telecommunications, and gaming. His casino ventures, particularly in the entertainment

Visitor numbers to Las Vegas in June 2025 fell to 3.1 million people, a drop of 11.3% from the previous year, reflecting a broader trend where younger generations are increasingly turning to online gambling platforms rather than traditional casino experiences. This shift has raised concerns among casino operators, who are grappling with a rapidly changing market and declining foot traffic.The decline in physical visitors to the city is part of a growing pattern, where the allure of brick-and-mortar casinos is

A deadly shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Monday left three people dead and three others wounded, prompting an immediate law enforcement response. The attack, which took place inside the popular casino, occurred around midday, sending shockwaves through the community.Authorities quickly responded to the scene, with Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance confirming the fatalities and injuries. The victims' identities have not been disclosed, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Local police, along with officers

Three of the largest integrated resort‑casino operators in the Philippines have reiterated their commitment to legal compliance and responsible gaming, asserting that their online offerings remain firmly regulated under national laws. Their statement arrives amid heightened scrutiny of online gambling platforms by the national government, underlining the intensifying policy debate over the sector’s societal impact.At the heart of the declaration are Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts and Okada Manila. In coordinated announcements issued on Sunday, the operators emphasised that their

DoubleDown Interactive has struck an agreement to acquire Hamburg-based WHOW Games GmbH for €55 million, plus up to €10 million in performance-linked earn‑outs, in a move to deepen its foothold in Europe’s expanding social casino market. The transaction, financed from existing cash reserves, is slated to finalise in the third quarter of 2025.The licensing deal, part of a Share Purchase and Transfer Agreement with Azerion Tech Holding B. V., covers full ownership of WHOW Games, which reported unaudited 2024 revenues of €41.8 million.

In countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where internet censorship is intense and gambling is illegal, a quiet but thriving iGaming scene persists—powered by clever tech, savvy users, and platforms optimized for these challenging conditions. 1. Internet Censorship in Arab Markets CountryBlocked ContentEnforcementSaudi ArabiaGambling, pornography, political dissentDNS-level blocking by national regulatorsUAEGambling, VoIP apps, adult content, datingFiltered via local ISPs under government supervision 2. VPNs & Proxies: The Gateways to iGaming To bypass these digital walls, players rely on tools like VPNs and proxy servers that encrypt

Star Entertainment is confronting a fresh financial crisis as its partners in the Brisbane Queen’s Wharf development have formally sought to cancel the sale of the casino operator’s 50 per cent interest in the integrated precinct. This blow lands just days after shareholders approved a $300 million rescue package that was expected to stabilise the business.The termination notice, issued by Hong Kong-based Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, will take effect five business days from 30 June unless withdrawn, negating the $53 million

A north‑Toronto casino has been hit with a $350,000 penalty after permitting an unscheduled after‑party on its gaming floor without proper risk assessment or controls. Ontario’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission determined that the event violated multiple standards, exposing patrons to safety hazards and operational lapses.On 27 September 2024, an electronic dance music event held in the adjacent theatre overflowed into the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. The artist and more than 400 guests were allowed onto the active gaming

Online casino platforms have witnessed exponential growth as mobile accessibility and virtual payment systems continue to evolve. Amid this expansion, behavioural scientists and gambling regulators are sounding the alarm over growing risks linked to unrestrained digital gameplay. With the global online gambling market projected to surpass $150 billion by 2030, calls for adopting mindful inhibitions during play are becoming increasingly urgent.Industry data points to a steep rise in daily active users across popular gaming portals. Major casino operators are reporting

TerraZero has introduced “Gigi”, a voice-activated AI assistant designed to guide users through its immersive 3D social gaming and brand-engagement platform, Intraverse. The assistant is available both on the website and within virtual environments, offering real-time audio guidance to facilitate exploration, creation, and interaction. This marks a key shift in user experience, integrating conversational AI with virtual exploration functionality.Gigi enables users to ask questions aloud and receive spoken responses, helping them navigate virtual apartments, branded activations, and artist-led environments. The

Duamentes Gaming Report 2025 highlights the urgent need for change: player retention is broken, and most studios fail to understand what players actually want — and by the time they find out in beta, it’s too late to save the game or the business behind it.The GameDev industry has stopped growing. Despite strong top-line numbers — mobile ($96.2B), console ($52.4B), and PC ($40.4B) — studios are being stretched by rising production costs, gameplay fatigue, and shifting user expectations.“Studios keep building games players

Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to veto legislation proposing a timeline for issuing downstate casino licenses has drawn sharp criticism from stakeholders and lawmakers. The bill aimed to expedite the licensing process for three casino projects in New York City and its suburbs, generating significant economic interest. Proponents argued the measure would create thousands of jobs and boost state revenue through gambling taxes, a vital funding source for public services.The veto is seen as a setback for a process already delayed

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, staying ahead of the competition requires more than just quick reflexes and a good internet connection. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring eSports champion, employing effective strategies can significantly elevate your gameplay. This blog post explores key strategies that can help you up your online gaming game and maximize your performance. 1. Master the Basics Before diving into advanced tactics, it’s crucial to master the fundamentals of your chosen game. Each game has

Brazil’s video game market is set to take the spotlight as GamesIndustry.biz kicks off its Brazil Games Week. The event will highlight the latest trends and challenges shaping the gaming ecosystem in Latin America’s largest economy. Over the week, key discussions will unfold around the growing potential of the Brazilian gaming industry, with a focus on both the opportunities for developers and the hurdles the industry faces.Brazil is currently positioned as one of the most promising gaming markets in the

Australia is set to implement stringent regulations for video games that include elements resembling gambling, aiming to tackle the growing concern over potential gambling addiction among younger players. These new regulations will mandate that games with gambling-like features be classified under a new category, ensuring that both developers and consumers are well-informed about the content before purchase.The Australian Classification Board, responsible for rating games and media content, will now require games with loot boxes, microtransactions, and other features that mimic

Arrowhead Game Studios' creative director has voiced support for a more challenging difficulty mode in *Helldivers 2*, following player feedback and reactions to the latest game update. The recent patch, dubbed the “buff everything” update, has led to widespread player discussions about the need for enhanced difficulty settings to address gameplay balance and engagement issues.The “buff everything” update was intended to address various balance issues and improve the overall player experience by making the game’s mechanics more dynamic. However, the

Roblox is set to significantly alter its revenue structure by introducing premium games on its platform, which will allow developers to earn up to 70% of the revenue. This major update was revealed by Roblox CEO and co-founder David Baszucki at the 10th annual Roblox Developers Conference held in San Francisco. The new model aims to offer developers a more lucrative opportunity compared to the current system where they receive about 30% of revenue from transactions made with in-game currency.The

LuckyStreak has partnered with NuxGame to integrate its live casino content into the NuxGame aggregation platform. This collaboration will allow NuxGame's extensive network of casino operators to offer LuckyStreak's live blackjack, roulette, and baccarat games to their players.The integration marks a significant expansion for LuckyStreak, known for its high-quality live dealer games. By joining forces with NuxGame, a prominent provider of gaming software solutions, LuckyStreak is poised to broaden its reach within the global online casino market. NuxGame's platform, which

Yakuza Kiwami, the beloved action-adventure game from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, is set to remain a digital-only release on the Nintendo Switch, with no plans for a physical edition. This decision, confirmed by the studio through social media, aligns with the growing trend in the gaming industry where digital downloads are increasingly favored over physical copies. Despite some disappointment among collectors, the move reflects the evolving landscape of game distribution.Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for its Yakuza series, has built

Nintendo of Europe has unveiled a new leadership team following an extensive reorganization. Luciano Pereña has been appointed as the president, CEO, and chairman of the company. He succeeds Stephen Bole, who has stepped down after a six-year tenure and a total of 35 years with Nintendo.Stephen Bole, who joined Nintendo of Europe as COO and president in 2018, has decided to retire. His departure marks the end of a significant phase for the company, during which he played a

Star Entertainment, the Australian resort and casino operator, has been suspended from trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) following its failure to release annual financial results. The suspension, which took effect on Monday, marks a significant setback for the company, already grappling with a series of operational and financial challenges.The delisting comes as a result of Star Entertainment’s inability to meet the ASX’s regulatory requirements. The company had been under increasing scrutiny for delays in its financial disclosures, a

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the highly anticipated installment in the popular franchise, has unveiled its system requirements, indicating that players with last year's Call of Duty setup will likely be able to run the new game without significant upgrades. This news offers reassurance to gamers who were concerned about having to invest in new hardware to enjoy the latest title.The new game promises an upgraded experience with an advanced movement system and enhanced graphics, but the developers have

Hedge funds are increasingly turning their attention to small-cap casino stocks, drawn by the sector’s potential for significant returns amid evolving market dynamics. As the gambling industry continues to rebound from the pandemic, smaller firms are attracting investors with innovative online platforms and strategic partnerships.Companies like Super Group, which operates the Betway brand, have emerged as key players, leveraging robust cash flows and minimal debt to expand globally. Other notable firms include SciPlay and Golden Entertainment, both of which have

Virtuos, a leading global game development studio, has acquired Third Kind Games, a prominent British indie game developer based in Leamington Spa. The strategic move is set to bolster Virtuos’s "AAA co-development capabilities" and secure a significant presence in the UK gaming market.Third Kind Games, renowned for its contributions to major titles like *Fable*, *Forza Horizon 4*, and *Sea of Thieves*, will remain under the guidance of its nine co-founders. These founders bring a wealth of experience from their previous

The Future Games Show at Gamescom is set to unveil major updates for popular franchises, including "Civilization VII" and "The Lord of the Rings: Gollum." The event promises in-depth presentations and exclusive insights into these anticipated titles.Scheduled for August 21, the Future Games Show will be hosted by prominent figures from the gaming industry, including actors from "Red Dead Redemption 2" and "Grand Theft Auto V." This year’s show aims to capture the gaming community’s attention with detailed previews

Valve is steering a new course in game development with its latest hero shooter, Deadlock. Despite the company’s effort to keep the game under wraps, over 20,000 invites have been issued through Steam, signaling a bold and transparent approach to its soft-launch strategy.Deadlock, currently in its late development stages, aims to reshape the landscape of hero shooters by integrating unique gameplay mechanics and a compelling narrative. Valve's decision to release a large number of invites ahead of the official launch