NEXT.io iGaming Digest – 21 May 2025

🌍 EveryMatrix expands its African footprint and launches a powerful new loyalty product.

Plus, Texas votes to dismantle its Lottery Commission, and the UKGC nears final decisions on financial risk checks.

Here are the top stories shaping iGaming today.

💬 Join the iGaming Telegram Community to discuss them!

1. EveryMatrix’s Mark Schmidt on Africa, Regulation, and the Power of Localisation

EveryMatrix managing director for Africa, Mark Schmidt, shares insights on building a tech-driven iGaming business in South Africa.

From responsible gambling gaps and crypto-fueled grey markets, to why Kenya may be more advanced than South Africa in payments and UX, Schmidt dives deep.

He also highlights the dominance of Hollywoodbets and Betway, and the opportunity for smart acquisitions in family-run operations.

➡️ Explore what sets EveryMatrix apart in the African market.

2. SharpLink Gaming Targets $4.5M Raise in New Offering

SharpLink Gaming has priced its new public offering at $2.94 per share, aiming to raise $4.5m.

The Minnesota-based firm, which recently executed a 1-for-12 reverse stock split, plans to use proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Following a difficult year with declining revenue, this raise marks a renewed push to regain financial stability.

➡️ See how SharpLink plans to navigate a tough iGaming climate.

Want to connect with iGaming C-Levels without distraction?

➡️ Ask us about the NEXT Retreats happening in Cyprus and Mexico this Autumn

3. Texas Senate Votes to Abolish Lottery Commission

Texas lawmakers have unanimously passed Senate Bill 3070, which proposes dismantling the Texas Lottery Commission following scandals involving third-party courier apps like Jackpocket.

Duties will shift to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with tighter oversight and criminal penalties introduced for violations.

➡️ Get the details on Texas’ sweeping lottery overhaul.

4. Ohio Introduces Limited iGaming Bill with Strict Conditions

Ohio’s House Bill 298 would legalise online casino games under a highly controlled framework. Licences would be limited to existing casino and racetrack operators, with a $50m fee per licence.

A 28% tax rate and a firm crackdown on sweepstakes casinos are among the bill’s standout provisions.

➡️ Find out how Ohio plans to bring iGaming to the state — cautiously.

5. UKGC: 97% of Financial Risk Checks Now “Frictionless”

The UK Gambling Commission has released new data from its financial risk assessments pilot.

According to Helen Rhodes, 97% of checks were completed seamlessly, up from 95% in the last phase.

The Commission continues to explore how to best integrate the checks into operator workflows without harming customer experience.

➡️ Read the UKGC’s latest on its controversial affordability project.

6. VGW Launches New Trade Body to Represent Sweepstakes Casinos

VGW, along with PLAYSTUDIOS, Yellow Social Interactive, and others, has formed the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) to advocate for the growing sweepstakes casino sector.

Former Congressman Jeff Duncan will lead the organisation, which aims to promote responsible gameplay and work with regulators on modern policy frameworks.

Words from VGW CEO Laurence Escalante: “We recognise the rising interest in our sector and our responsibility to advocate for appropriate industry frameworks.”

➡️ Learn how the SGLA plans to defend social gaming in the U.S.

7. Unibet Fined A$1M in Australia Over Self-Exclusion Failures

Unibet Australia, operated by Betchoice Corporation, has been fined A$1 million by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The penalty follows failures to deactivate nearly 1,000 accounts registered with BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion scheme.

Carolyn Lidgerwood (ACMA) described the infractions as a significant lapse that undermined the integrity of the self-exclusion system.

➡️ See what changes Unibet must now implement under court order.

8. EveryMatrix Launches EngageSuite for Loyalty and Gamification

EveryMatrix has debuted EngageSuite, a unified gamification and loyalty platform offering features like tournaments, jackpots, loyalty currency, and AI-driven personalisation.

The suite is already live with clients, showing performance lifts across metrics like session length, average bets, and user activity.

Words from Stian Enger Pettersen, CEO Casino: “EngageSuite is more than a toolkit. It’s a transformative engagement solution.”

➡️ Discover how EngageSuite is redefining player loyalty in iGaming.

Which of these stories will impact the industry the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

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