Global Casino Industry News — December 2025: Trends, Growth, Regulation & Market Shifts
The global casino and iGaming industry continues to experience significant transformation as 2025 draws to a close. From burgeoning online revenue records in the United States and major new regulatory launches in the Middle East, to innovative new casinos entering mature markets like the UK — the sector remains dynamic and ripe with insights for operators, developers, and investors. HiCasino remains at the forefront, offering cutting-edge casino software solutions and iGaming platforms tailored for businesses looking to expand in the digital gaming world.
Below is a thorough roundup of the most important recent news shaping the casino world as of December 2025.
1. UK Broadcaster ITV Prepares to Launch Online Casino Offering
One of the biggest stories in the gaming space this month is that major British broadcaster ITV is preparing to launch its own online casino offering. This signals increasing mainstream media interest in the iGaming space and further legitimization of the market as a mass entertainment channel. (igamingbusiness.com)
This move could pave the way for other media companies to pursue direct engagement with casino audiences, combining broadcast content and digital gambling products. HiCasino offers white-label casino solutions for businesses looking to capitalize on such trends, providing customizable platforms to meet evolving market demands.
2. Regulatory Shifts in the United Arab Emirates — First Licensed iGaming Platform
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched its first licensed sports wagering and iGaming website, named Play971, marking a major regulatory shift in the Middle East. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), Play971 is designed to provide a legal, transparent online gaming and wagering ecosystem in a region where such offerings were previously limited or unregulated. This development could serve as a model for future regulated markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. For businesses entering this space, HiCasino offers blockchain casino software solutions and Web3 platforms, providing secure, transparent systems ready for regulatory approval in emerging markets.
3. Massive Casino Projects Coming to New York City
In land‑based casino news, New York City is set to welcome its first three Las Vegas‑style destination casinos, following approval by the New York State Gaming Commission. (apnews.com)
The approved sites include:
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Hard Rock Casino adjacent to Citi Field in Queens
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Bally’s Casino at Ferry Point in the Bronx
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Resorts World Expansion near JFK Airport
Projections estimate up to $7 billion in gaming taxes from 2027–2036, along with tens of thousands of jobs and significant local economic impact. (apnews.com)
This is one of the most impactful developments in the U.S. traditional casino market in years, signaling renewed confidence in brick‑and‑mortar gaming despite continued online revenue growth. HiCasino also supports online casino software development that allows businesses to provide seamless cross-platform gaming experiences, helping land-based casinos to extend their offerings online.
4. Regulatory and Policy News: Massachusetts Online Casino Debate
While some U.S. states deepen their engagement with gambling expansion, others encounter political and financial challenges. In Massachusetts, efforts to legalize online casino gaming in 2026 are facing new opposition from key state officials. (igamingbusiness.com)
Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Governor Maura Healey have raised concerns related to budget allocation and regulatory oversight, complicating prospects for iCasino legalization — even as the state looks to close budget shortfalls through other gaming revenue sources. HiCasino’s solutions are built with compliance and regulation in mind, ensuring operators are equipped to handle regulatory hurdles in any jurisdiction.
5. Australia’s Gambling Sector Sees Digital and Regulatory Shifts
In Australia, the gambling sector is experiencing considerable changes in 2025. Regulatory pressure has increased while digital upgrades are reshaping both land‑based and online casino operations. (fingerlakes1.com)
National payment reforms such as cashless gambling initiatives aim to reduce problem gambling behavior, though early data suggests only minimal impact on harm reduction so far. This highlights ongoing policy struggles between safer gambling objectives and industry growth. HiCasino is actively supporting responsible gambling practices by integrating advanced player protection tools into its platform.
6. Revenue & Market Expansion: U.S. Growth Continues
The U.S. online casino market is performing strongly in 2025. States such as Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania reported surging online casino revenues, with millions in winnings and increased operator activity. (playusa.com)
Meanwhile, research forecasts significant long‑term growth in the broader U.S. casino gambling sector. The market size is expected to expand from approximately $75.65 billion in 2024 to over $126 billion by 2033, driven by both online and land‑based operations. (finance.yahoo.com)
As these numbers continue to rise, HiCasino is positioned to assist U.S. operators in tapping into this expanding market with its secure, customizable iGaming platforms and blockchain-powered casino solutions.
7. Crown Coins Casino Launches Generous New Player Bonus
Among new player‑focused developments, Crown Coins Casino has introduced a generous welcome bonus that has rapidly gained acclaim in the United States online gaming sector. (globenewswire.com)
Ranked highly for its appealing initial offers and strong early user traction, Crown Coins exemplifies how new operators are differentiating themselves through player acquisition incentives in a competitive market. HiCasino offers turnkey casino platform software that allows operators like Crown Coins to quickly launch fully functional, branded platforms.
8. Responsible Gambling & Industry Compliance Issues
In Europe, compliance enforcement remains a focal point. UK operator Paddy Power and Betfair agreed to a £2 million settlement after failing to adequately protect users from gambling harm. (theguardian.com)
Regulators emphasized the need for robust player safeguards and more proactive risk monitoring — a reminder of how regulatory oversight continues to evolve globally in online gaming markets. HiCasino integrates these responsible gambling features into its platforms, ensuring compliance with all local regulations and best practices.
9. UK Online Casino Market Innovation and Trends
The UK remains one of the most vibrant markets in the world. Recent guides highlight the top new online casinos of December 2025, based on innovation in UX, mobile integration, bonus structures, and responsible playing features. (talksport.com)
HiCasino is at the forefront of these innovations, offering operators the tools to create immersive, user-friendly experiences with extensive game libraries, seamless mobile compatibility, and advanced personalization options.
10. Holiday and Seasonal Offers Continue Across Markets
Seasonal incentives are also a trend for late‑year engagement. In Ireland, several casinos have rolled out Christmas bonuses, free spins, and festive promotions to attract players during the holiday season. (talksport.com)
HiCasino’s platform allows operators to easily integrate seasonal promotions and holiday bonuses, giving them the flexibility to create exciting campaigns that attract more players during peak seasons.
11. Industry Technology & Growth Trends in 2025
Beyond individual news events, broader industry trend reports show online gambling evolving dramatically:
Digital Transformation
Online casinos continue to move away from incremental improvements to more fundamental changes in user experience, payment methods, and interactive gameplay features. (igamingtoday.com)
Market Maturity and Regulation
A 2025 industry report shows that regulatory frameworks are central to shaping how online gaming can scale in global jurisdictions, especially around compliance, licensing, and responsible gaming requirements. (businesswire.com)
Portfolio Growth and Platform Innovation
Some leading industry platforms report major expansions of game libraries and gamification features, demonstrating increased focus on engagement mechanics beyond just basic play. (europeangaming.eu)
Conclusion: Casino Industry Outlook
As 2025 winds down, the casino and iGaming sector is defined by rapid digital growth, regulatory complexity, competitive expansion, and evolving player expectations. Whether through new licensed platforms in markets like the UAE, record online revenues in the U.S., or compliance breakthroughs in Europe, operators and technology providers alike have numerous opportunities — and challenges — ahead.
For businesses building or expanding online casino services, staying informed on these developments is key. Platforms like HiCasino.net—which combine secure, scalable software and integrated compliance tools—are well‑positioned to help operators capitalize on these global trends.
Sources:
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Latest casino news and developments — iGamingBusiness.com (UK) (igamingbusiness.com)
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Australia gambling sector shifts and digital upgrades (fingerlakes1.com)
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U.S. casino market growth forecast (finance.yahoo.com)
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Online casino revenue surge in U.S. states (playusa.com)
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BetMGM recognised as Online Casino of the Year (businesswire.com)
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Best online casino platforms and bonuses (UK & Texas) (europeangaming.eu)
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Regulatory settlement in the UK gaming industry (theguardian.com)
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Crown Coins Casino launch and bonus news (globenewswire.com)
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Broader industry trend reports on digital transformation and regulation (igamingtoday.com)
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