Just in time for Safer Gambling Week, the leading gambling harm prevention charity, BetBlocker, unveiled an improved dashboard for its software. Currently, the platform is available in dozens of languages and helps gamblers across the globe self-exclude from gambling and enables them to better control their habits. Equally as important, BetBlocker grants access to support and help resources, vital for any person affected by at-risk or problem gambling.
Ahead of the much-anticipated Casino Guru Awards 2026, celebrating leadership, responsibility and culture in the iGaming vertical, Casino Guru introduced four new categories. The new categories for the upcoming event, scheduled to take place on May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta, include Woman Leader of the Year, Rising Star in Responsible Gambling, Young Changemaker Award and Industry Culture Shaper.
Equally as important, Casino Guru was recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Safer Gambling honors from the 2025 Global Regulatory Awards. The prestigious award in the Responsible Gambling vertical reaffirms Casino Guru's ongoing support for the development of an accountable and sustainable gambling industry that safeguards the players.
Only recently, one of the biggest gambling-related scandals in the history of the NBA shocked basketball fans. The scandal has put a stain on at least 34 people, allegedly involved in different schemes that have undermined the integrity of the league. In the latest development, the NBA continues to investigate potential illegal gambling activities with league officials collecting phones and other data from employees part of different teams.
Business and finance
At a time when prediction markets are facing significant scrutiny, the American Gaming Association (AGA) reportedly lost two of its most prominent members. A newly released report suggested that both FanDuel and DraftKings have withdrawn from AGA while tension surrounding prediction markets continues to grow.
A spokesperson for the Association, contacted by Casino Guru News, explained: "In discussion with DraftKings and FanDuel, the AGA has accepted their request to relinquish their membership, effective immediately. We wish them the best, and we expect to maintain close ties in our mission to promote and protect legal, regulated gaming."
Brightstar Lottery announced that its subsidiary, LottoItalia S.r.l., signed a new agreement and will operate Italy Lotto. The latter company emerged as the winner of the Italy Lotto license awarded by Italy's tax agency and will operate the lottery for nine years until November 2034.
In a separate announcement, Brightstar Lottery released its 18th annual sustainability report. Highlighting the company's dedication to sustainability, the report focuses on its effective strategy and three key principles: Empowering Our People, Collaborating with Partners and Preserving the Planet.
Shifting focus to other US states, TheLotter, the fast-growing lottery courier service provider, announced its withdrawal from New Jersey. The company's General Manager, Barry Golombek, thanked TheLotter customers in New Jersey and admitted that the decision to exit the market was not easy. On the bright side, TheLotter said it will focus on growth and expansion in other US markets.
Regulation and laws
The leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment operator with a strong presence in Las Vegas, Caesars Entertainment, has become the latest company to receive a penalty in the Matt Bowyer saga. Only recently, the gambling watchdog in Nevada, the Nevada Gaming Control Board, confirmed Caesars is facing $7.8m fine over alleged failures related to anti-money laundering.
The potential monetary sanction follows fines issued by the Board against Resorts World Las Vegas, as well as MGM Resorts. Allegedly, the aforementioned operators permitted Bowyer, who recently began serving his prison sentence, to gamble without enforcing sufficient background checks.
Across the ocean, in the Czech Republic, the country is losing billions to illegal gambling. New research and analysis sounded the alarm about the growing threat of illegal gambling, costing the country CZK4bn in unrealized tax revenue. While there are 27 locally licensed gambling operators, the number of illegal providers is more than 1,100.
Responsible gambling
Another important development saw BetBlocker reach a major milestone in 2025, recording 250,000 active users. Operating across the globe, the charity reported an increase in exclusions from gambling activities in important markets such as the United States, Canada, Europe, Kenya and South Africa, among others.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director. The NCPG picked the seasoned veteran with more than 25 years of experience, Heather L. Maurer, for the major role. While the appointment was announced only recently, the Council confirmed that it will be effective from January 7, 2026.
GambleAware, the leading charity protecting people from gambling harm, released new research, revealing how some neurodivergent people are affected by problem gambling and harm. Coinciding with the release of the results of the study, the charity uncovered a range of tools supporting practitioners and therapists treating people with problem gambling and neurodivergence.
Besides recording a significant milestone with 250,000 active users, BetBlocker announced its participation in Safer Gambling Week with the launch of a new feature. The innovative solution, called the Scheduler feature, marks an excellent addition to the organization's service portfolio. The Scheduler feature, recognized for its innovation, is designed in a way that analyzes customer behavior and suggests tailored blocking interventions. According to BetBlocker, the solution represents "protection when protection is needed."
The voice of the industry
In the latest episode of Safer Gambling Talks, Casino Guru's Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, Šimon Vincze, had the opportunity to talk to Maris Catania, who was recently appointed to the role of Director of Player Sustainability at LeoVegas Group. Catania addressed a number of hot topics, including cyberbullying and what continues to motivate and inspire her.
This week, Casino Guru News had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Mancala Gaming's CCO, Emiliano Sanchez. In an exclusive interview, the executive discussed the company's ongoing expansion in online gambling, highlighting that while Mancala Gaming's identity and expertise remain rooted in slots, popular game genres such as crash games are also on the radar.
Earlier in the week, Casino Guru News released an interesting analysis focusing on Drake's sports bets. An avid gambler, Drake continues to raise eyebrows with hefty sports bets. However, some of the rapper's catastrophic losses are subject to speculation online, with many wondering is there such a thing as the Drake Curse?
