Gambling

Casino Guru has been honored for its significant contributions to promoting safer gambling, marking an important milestone in the global movement toward responsible gaming. The recognition highlights the organization’s sustained efforts in consumer education, transparent dispute resolution, and the development of tools aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and industry standards evolve, Casino Guru’s initiatives demonstrate how independent platforms can shape healthier gaming environments.

The United Arab Emirates is weighing the possibility of introducing regulated gambling, signaling one of the most significant economic and cultural shifts in its recent history. As the nation broadens its strategy to attract high-value tourism and diversify away from oil dependence, the potential establishment of casinos has become a focal point of policy discussion. While the UAE already leads the region with luxury leisure infrastructure, the introduction of gambling would place it among the world’s most competitive entertainment hubs.

SJM Holdings has stepped back from its earlier plan to acquire Casino Ponte 16, marking a significant shift in the company’s expansion strategy. The decision comes after internal evaluations suggested that the proposed acquisition no longer aligned with SJM’s long-term commercial priorities. The move underscores the casino operator’s cautious approach in a market undergoing regulatory adjustments and competitive pressures.

Sri Lanka is preparing for a significant transformation of its gambling landscape as the government moves to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework beginning 1 December 2025. The newly gazetted Gambling Regulatory Authority Act introduces sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing oversight, curbing unregulated gaming activity, and ensuring greater transparency within the industry. The initiative marks a pivotal step toward modernizing governance structures, protecting consumer interests, and strengthening state revenue channels.

The global gambling landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven largely by the rapid proliferation of online casino applications and mobile gaming platforms. Recent studies indicate that the number of active users in the gambling market is projected to climb to 5.1 million by 2030, signaling a clear shift toward digital wagering ecosystems. This surge coincides with increasing smartphone penetration, seamless payment technologies, and a growing acceptance of online betting as a mainstream form of entertainment.

Sri Lanka’s gambling landscape is undergoing a period of reassessment as policymakers weigh regulatory reform against economic priorities. The country maintains a restrictive stance on unauthorized gambling, yet it also recognizes the potential fiscal benefits of establishing a more transparent and well-governed framework. Casinos currently operate under stringent licensing conditions, while online gambling remains largely unregulated.

Global viewership for casino and gambling livestreams is climbing at an accelerated pace, reshaping digital entertainment and redefining user engagement across streaming platforms. The sector—once considered a niche category—is now experiencing sustained growth driven by interactive formats, influencer-led sessions, and rising consumer interest in real-time wagering experiences. Streaming platforms are witnessing higher watch times, broader demographics, and stronger advertiser participation.

In the aftermath of India’s clampdown on online gambling, Nepal has experienced a steep rise in illegal online casinos and betting sites targeting its population. Despite stringent laws, including the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074, which criminalizes gambling, unregulated platforms are proliferating, using cryptocurrency and other cross-border mechanisms to evade authorities. Enforcement remains inconsistent, though recent arrests involving high-profile figures and large transaction volumes have underscored the urgency.

A major industry body representing casino operators has voiced strong opposition to a proposed government regulation that would ban cash transactions exceeding Rs. 8.3 lakh (US$10,000) within gaming establishments. The group argues that such a restriction could disrupt legitimate operations, discourage premium players, and undermine the sector’s economic contribution. While regulators cite anti-money laundering (AML) and financial transparency as the driving forces behind the proposed limit, industry leaders maintain that existing compliance frameworks already ensure accountability.

A prominent casino operator has raised concerns over the government’s proposed 40% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on gambling revenue, warning it could severely undermine the industry’s viability. The operator emphasized that such a steep tax rate may deter high-value players, suppress investment, and reduce overall revenue generation. Industry analysts suggest that the policy could have a ripple effect on employment, tourism, and ancillary services tied to casinos.