NEXT.io iGaming Digest – 22 May 2025

✈️ Penn faces heat over private jets and executive pay, Better Collective weathers Brazil's regulation, and Skywind sues over alleged code-based fraud.

Meanwhile, GR8 Tech launches a push-up-powered movement and Maryland hikes mobile betting taxes. Dive into today’s top stories.

Here are the top stories shaping iGaming today.

💬 Join the iGaming Telegram Community to discuss them!

1. Penn Under Fire Over CEO Pay, Stock Sales & Jet Use

Activist investor HG Vora Capital is turning up the pressure on Penn Entertainment, criticising CEO Jay Snowden’s 70% pay rise amid weak shareholder returns.

The firm also highlighted over $200m in insider stock sales and “excessive” use of company jets, claiming Snowden used the planes more for commuting than company business.

➡️ Learn why Penn’s executive perks are fuelling a proxy battle.

2. The Rise of Ben Keith: Inside the Star Sports Story

In the latest Waterhouse VC update, Tom Waterhouse spotlights Ben Keith star sports, the maverick bookmaker behind Star Sports.

From £2 bets at Hove greyhounds to trading seven-figure positions at Cheltenham, Keith’s rise is a masterclass in risk, resilience, and personal service.

➡️ Discover how a street-savvy teen built one of the UK’s top independent bookies.

3. Skywind Accuses In Touch Games of ‘Super-User’ Fraud

Skywind Holdings, backed by billionaire Teddy Sagi, has filed fresh fraud claims in its ongoing High Court battle over its £51m acquisition of In Touch Games.

The company alleges a “Super-User Code” was used to delete incriminating audit data. Sellers Simon and Yu-Lin Wilson deny wrongdoing.

➡️ Read what explosive internal messages reveal about the case.

4. Intralot Denies Bidding for Tabcorp’s Max Gaming

Greek gaming giant Intralot has denied reports that it’s pursuing a deal for Tabcorp’s Max Gaming, following speculation in The Australian.

CEO Gillon McLachlan says Tabcorp isn’t under pressure to sell, despite a A$1.37bn FY loss.

➡️ Get the latest on Australia's most-watched M&A rumour.

Want to connect with iGaming C-Levels without distraction?

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

5. Greyhound Board Challenges Wales’ Racing Ban

The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has filed a judicial review against the Welsh government’s greyhound racing ban.

CEO Mark Bird claims the decision was disproportionate and ignored recent welfare reforms.

➡️ See why the board believes the ban could backfire on animal welfare.

6. Maryland Raises Mobile Betting Tax to 20%

Maryland's Gov. Wes Moore has signed a bill raising mobile sportsbook tax rates from 15% to 20%.

The move aims to support the state’s education fund amid a sluggish economy, while still keeping the market competitive.

➡️ Find out how operators like DraftKings are bracing for the impact.

7. Crypto Red Flags? “Tell Somebody,” Say Police

Detective Inspector Geoff Donoghue urged gambling firms to report suspicious crypto activity at NEXT Summit Valletta.

Joined by Chainalysis ’ Minh Dao , he warned that blockchain data can launch criminal probes, but only if operators act.

Donoghue says silence helps no one.

➡️ Learn why reporting a single red flag could shield your business.

8. Better Collective Sees 13% Revenue Dip in Q1

Better Collective reported €83m in Q1 revenue, down 13% year-on-year.

Co-CEO Jesper Søgaard attributed the dip to Brazil’s regulatory shift, but praised higher-than-expected player migration and retention.

➡️ See why the “New BC” is betting big on long-term growth.

9. Court Rejects DraftKings Appeal in MLB Likeness Lawsuit

A federal judge denied DraftKings’ bid to fast-track an appeal in a lawsuit filed by MLB Players Inc, over the use of player likenesses.

The ruling means the case will move forward to discovery and potential trial.

➡️ Read why DraftKings failed to convince the court on ‘newsworthiness’.

10. GR8 Tech and Usyk’s Team Turn iGaming into a Fitness Arena

GR8 Tech and Ready To Fight , co-founded by Oleksandr Usyk , went viral with their #SelfPerformanceChallenge.

CEOs and founders across iGaming joined the global fitness wave, proving high performance isn’t just for the gym.

➡️ See how burpees and boardrooms collided in a one-of-a-kind campaign.

11. Elantil Partners with Sumsub to Boost Fraud Prevention

Elantil has integrated Sumsub ’s full-cycle verification into its marketplace, enabling operators to deploy advanced compliance tools with one-click ease.

CTO John Debono and Sumsub’s Kris Galloway hailed the move as a new standard in operator autonomy.

➡️ Discover how this partnership is simplifying KYC and fraud checks.

12. Gamzix Doubles Down on Classic Slot Innovation

Gamzix is proving that retro slot formats can still deliver modern retention. With hits like “Sticky Coin” and “Patrick’s Luck”, and features like dynamic multipliers and bonus buys, the company is blending nostalgia with next-gen performance.

Words from James Davies , Head of Commercial: "Such thematic variety keeps the portfolio visually fresh and emotionally relatable for different player segments."

➡️ Find out how classic slots are driving longer sessions and stronger ROI.

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

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