π’ Weekly iGaming News Update β November 2025
UK Online Casino Revenue Hits New High; Tax Pressure Grows
According to a recent report from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), British gambling firms have recorded a sharp rise in earnings β net revenues climbed to Β£12.6 billion in the year to March 2025. Thatβs a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. The Guardian+2vegasslotsonline.com+2
A key driver for this growth is the online casino sector: gross gambling revenue (GGR) from online casinos surged to Β£5 billion, marking a β15% jump and putting the figure 55% higher than at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guardian+1
β οΈ Industry Under Fire: Tax Hikes and Market Concerns
With such growth, pressure mounts on regulators and lawmakers. Some UK MPs and watchdogs are calling for substantial tax increases on online casino earnings, arguing the sector has expanded rapidly and contributed to social issues. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
Proposed changes include raising Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) from 21% up to 50%. Industry representatives warn this could backfire β potentially costing thousands of jobs and pushing gamblers toward unregulated black-market operators. The Guardian+2The Gaming Boardroom+2
Analysts from the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), supported by an EY-commissioned report, argue that such drastic hikes could lead to over 40,000 job losses and a major collapse in regulated betting and casino services. The Gaming Boardroom+1
βοΈ Rising Competition: New Online Casinos in Ireland
Meanwhile, Irelandβs online gambling landscape is heating up. Several new casinos have launched in 2025 β including 24 Casino, Puntit Casino, and Lukki Casino β offering large welcome bonuses, modern game libraries, and both fiat and crypto payment options. The Sun
These platforms aim to attract Irish players with competitive offers and user-friendly designs. Still, experts advise caution: many operate under Curaçao licensing, so players are urged to check license status and review bonus terms before depositing. The Sun
π What This Means for HiCasino
-
Growing Demand: The sharp increase in UK online casino revenues and the expansion in Ireland signal rising global demand β a solid sign for casino operators using HiCasino platforms.
-
Opportunity for Crypto & Provably-Fair Platforms: As regulation tightens in some markets, transparent, blockchain-based solutions (like HiCasinoβs CoinBet or PlayCrash) can stand out as safer, more sustainable alternatives.
-
Potential Risks: Tax hikes and regulatory pressure β especially in major markets such as the UK β could drive players toward unlicensed casinos, which highlights the importance of compliance, transparency, and safe payment systems.
-
Market Expansion: New markets (like Ireland) present chances for operators to launch fresh brands and attract players with bonuses and popular casino games β using HiCasino as the backend for fast deployment.
π What You Should Do Next (If You Run or Plan A Casino)
-
Consider launching in newer markets (e.g., Ireland) while regulations are still catching up.
-
Use crypto-friendly, provably-fair platforms like CoinBet or PlayCrash to appeal to players seeking transparency and security.
-
Monitor tax and regulatory developments in key regions (UK, Europe) to stay ahead of changes.
-
Focus on compliance, licensing, and player trust β these are becoming major differentiators.
-
Leverage marketing smartly: with growing competition, well-timed bonuses, secure payments, and great UI/UX can make a difference.
π Sources & Further Reading
-
UK gambling firms make extra Β£1bn from punters amid calls for tax rises. The Guardian
-
UKGC reveals Β£1bn YoY online casino revenue surge ahead of Budget 2025. vegasslotsonline.com
-
MPs urge Reeves to raise gambling taxes despite βscaremongeringβ from firms. The Guardian+1
-
Betting & Gaming Council warns further tax increase will devastate UK betting industry. The Gaming Boardroom
-
New online casinos in Ireland [November 2025]. The Sun
The Sun
The Sun
The Guardian
Leave a Reply