iGaming Monthly Digest: July 2025

Regulation and Market Trends

Italy’s gambling regulator, ADM, opened a fresh round of licensing and the response has been immediate and intense. So far, 46 operators have applied for one of the 50 available online gambling permits. Each license comes at a steep cost of €7 million, but that hasn’t slowed down interest.

This wave of applications tells a bigger story: Italy remains one of the most desirable regulated markets in Europe. Despite rising costs and tighter compliance rules, international and domestic operators are clearly betting on long-term returns.

In a less saturated but still significant market, Uzbekistan took a harder line against illegal gambling this July. New legislation introduces a mix of fines and criminal penalties for those running unlicensed operations.

While the country legalized betting back in 2021, actual enforcement has been inconsistent. These new measures suggest a shift in tone. The government appears committed to regulating the sector more seriously—perhaps with a view to eventually expanding it under controlled conditions.

There’s no ignoring the numbers coming out of the Philippines this month. PAGCOR reported that gross gaming revenue hit PHP 215 billion (roughly €3.37 billion) in the first half of 2025. More than half of that came from online and e-Games.

This growth isn’t just a post-pandemic bounce. It reflects a deeper shift toward digital-first gambling behavior, with players clearly favoring online access over brick-and-mortar venues. For operators, the message is clear: if you're not already focused on mobile and digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia, you're missing out.

Operator Moves and Industry Events

BetMGM offered one of the more confident projections this month. The company expects to finish 2025 with over $150 million in EBITDA. While forecasts are always a gamble in themselves, this one seems backed by strong fundamentals—expansion into new states, retention of high-value players, and broader recognition of the BetMGM brand.

It also reflects the continuing health of the U.S. sports betting and casino market, even as competition heats up and acquisition costs remain high.

One of the biggest industry events of the year is heading to Lisbon. From September 24 to 26, the SBC Summit will welcome thousands of professionals from the global betting and iGaming space to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa. The venue is set to host more than 600 speakers and exhibitors, with discussions ranging from regulation and AI to new tech, market strategy, and the evolving role of affiliates.

Organizers expect over 25,000 attendees, making this edition significantly larger than the 2024 summit in Barcelona. It’s shaping up to be more than just another trade show — rather, a key meeting point for operators, suppliers, investors, and decision-makers.

Just ahead of SBC, iGaming Club Lisbon will return on September 16. While smaller in scale, it offers a quieter space for direct business conversations and networking, especially for those focused on European markets.

Sports Betting and Women's Game Momentum

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 is proving to be a milestone not only for the sport but also for betting markets. Operators like Midnite have reported a sharp uptick in betting activity around the tournament, particularly among younger demographics and newer bettors.

The rise in engagement isn’t just about the event itself—it reflects broader enthusiasm for women’s sports. Betting markets are catching up, with deeper lines, more promotions, and wider visibility. Expect this trend to continue long after the final whistle.

Game Releases, and Player Behavior

A behavioral study out of Germany caught attention this month for a more unexpected reason. It turns out a large number of players are turning to free casino games in the middle of the workday. Activity tends to spike between late morning and early afternoon—suggesting these aren’t late-night sessions but quick breaks between meetings or tasks.

One of the more imaginative releases in July came from Indigo Magic, a Bragg Gaming studio. Truckers vs Aliens is exactly what it sounds like—an over-the-top, sci-fi-meets-Americana slot where long-haul drivers face off against an alien invasion.

With a 5,000x max win, bonus features, and a high-volatility structure, the game is built for thrill-seekers. It’s also packed with animated sequences and a touch of humor, which helps it stand out in a crowded marketplace. This one’s likely to gain traction with players who enjoy action and originality in their slots.

Wazdan took home the “Volatility Virtuoso” award at the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards this month. The studio is best known for giving players the option to adjust volatility in their games—a feature that’s become a major differentiator in player-focused design.

The award comes as Wazdan continues to grow its footprint across Europe and beyond. With so many studios releasing similar titles, flexibility and custom experience are fast becoming the features that separate the top performers from the rest.