Gambling

By Josh Pearson , 13 December 2025

A court has declined to dismiss key gambling-related claims against the founder of RBLXWild, ruling that Robux—the virtual currency used within the Roblox ecosystem—can plausibly be treated as having real-world value. The decision represents a meaningful development in the legal treatment of digital assets, particularly those used by minors, and underscores growing judicial scrutiny of online gaming platforms that resemble gambling operations.

By Josh Pearson , 13 December 2025

Apple Pay is rapidly becoming a preferred payment method across the UK’s regulated online casino sector, reflecting a broader shift toward speed, security, and responsible digital finance in gambling. In 2025, operators are increasingly integrating Apple Pay to meet player demand for instant deposits, biometric authentication, and reduced exposure of financial data. The rise of mobile-first gambling, coupled with tighter compliance expectations, has positioned Apple Pay as a strategic tool rather than a convenience feature.

By Josh Pearson , 12 December 2025

Ohio is witnessing a sharp rise in gambling-related hardships as expanded access to betting—especially sports wagering—drives more residents to seek professional help. Mental-health counselors, addiction specialists, and state hotlines report a significant increase in cases involving financial distress, relationship breakdowns, and mental-health crises tied to compulsive gambling. As communities grapple with the emotional, social, and economic fallout, policymakers and public-health experts warn that the state’s rapid gambling expansion has outpaced safeguards.

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By Josh Pearson , 12 December 2025

Poland is advancing a landmark reform that seeks to classify and regulate loot boxes—digital “mystery boxes” found in video games—as a potential form of gambling. The proposal, currently under parliamentary assessment, reflects growing concern over the monetization mechanics used by gaming companies and the impact these systems may have on minors. Lawmakers aim to establish clearer distinctions between entertainment-based game features and gambling-like elements that involve chance, spending and psychological triggers.

By Josh Pearson , 12 December 2025

A global coalition of public health experts, policymakers and addiction specialists convened in Istanbul to address the accelerating rise of behavioral addictions driven by digital platforms, online gambling and gaming. Organized by the Turkish Green Crescent (Yeşilay) and the International Green Crescent Federation in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s Türkiye Country Office, the three-day meeting brings together representatives from 25 nations.

By Josh Pearson , 12 December 2025

President Trump has signalled that he is considering a major change to U.S. taxation by potentially eliminating federal taxes on gambling winnings, part of a broader strategy to reduce what his administration calls burdens on everyday earners. The proposal, still in a conceptual stage, builds on recent reforms that removed taxes on tips, Social Security benefits and overtime. Under current law, gambling earnings above certain thresholds trigger tax reporting and withholding, with net income subject to federal tax.

By Josh Pearson , 12 December 2025

A group of senior citizens facing criminal charges under the state’s gambling law has received a strong hint from the Bombay High Court to resolve the matter peacefully with the complainants. The case stems from a domestic dispute in which the individuals were accused of participating in a card game at home, leading to allegations under the Gambling Act. During the hearing, the court noted the nature of the allegations, the absence of commercial intent, and the underlying personal differences between the parties.

By Josh Pearson , 9 December 2025

The future of India’s gambling industry rests on a delicate balance of economic ambition, technological expansion, and evolving regulation. As digital platforms reshape consumer habits, the sector is poised for significant growth in both entertainment value and revenue potential. Yet the industry’s trajectory remains deeply influenced by policy decisions, taxation structures, and concerns around consumer protection.

By Josh Pearson , 9 December 2025

Gambling in India sits at a complex intersection of economic potential, regulatory ambiguity, and cultural sensitivity. As the industry expands through digital platforms, state lotteries, and regionally licensed casinos, policymakers face the dual challenge of tapping into its revenue-generating capacity while safeguarding citizens from addiction and financial harm. This article examines India’s fragmented legal framework, the rise of online wagering, and the fiscal implications for state governments.

By Josh Pearson , 9 December 2025

Gambling has long fascinated economists, policymakers, and behavioral experts due to its unique blend of thrill, risk, and reward. Beneath the glimmering lights of casinos and the rise of digital wagering platforms lies a complex psychological machinery that influences how individuals perceive chance, value, and uncertainty. This article explores the cognitive and emotional drivers that make gambling inherently appealing, from reward pathways in the brain to behavioral biases that shape decision-making.