USA
July 2025 marked a dynamic month for the online gambling industry, with significant partnerships, strategic exits, and new player protection tools shaping the landscape. From Evolution’s expanded role with PokerStars to major operators like Betfred and Super Group pulling out of the US, alongside FanDuel’s tax concerns and WWE’s branded casino games, here’s what’s impacting players and stakeholders this month.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview:
- Evolution extends PokerStars partnership: Becomes exclusive Live Casino provider, enhancing games in four states.
- FanDuel warns on taxes: Urges lawmakers to ease sports betting taxes, citing profit erosion and unregulated risks.
- DraftKings launches My Budget Builder: Introduces a personalized tool for setting gaming limits and reminders.
- Betfred and Super Group exit the US: Both operators cease operations due to regulatory and profitability challenges.
- WWE extends with Fanatics: Launches branded casino games tied to SummerSlam, expanding regulated gambling.
Evolution Extends Live Casino Partnership with PokerStars in North America
Evolution announced a renewed agreement in July 2025 to serve as the exclusive Live Casino provider for PokerStars in the United States. PokerStars, part of Flutter Entertainment and a top global poker and casino brand, builds on its long-standing relationship with Evolution to deliver innovative, player-focused entertainment.
Players in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ontario gain access to Evolution’s full portfolio, including popular live dealer games and game shows like Crazy Time, Lightning Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.
Betfred Shuts Down US Online Betting Operations
UK-based Betfred ceased its online sports betting operations in Pennsylvania on July 31, 2025, completing its withdrawal from the US digital betting market. The platform, partnered with Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino, has stopped accepting new bets, with existing users able to settle wagers or use early cash-out options until month-end, and payouts for later bets issued by mail. It’s unclear if Betfred will continue managing the retail sportsbook.
Following exits from Nevada, Iowa, Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia, Betfred cites challenges in penetrating a US market dominated by FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM. Varying state regulations, high licensing costs, localized compliance, differing bettor behavior, and expensive marketing have made profitability elusive for international operators.
Super Group Exits US iGaming Market
Super Group, parent of Betway and Spin Casino, announced in July 2025 its exit from the US iGaming market, ending operations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The decision, part of a strategic review to enhance shareholder value, follows its 2024 sports betting withdrawal and incurs a $30-$40 million one-time cost, with savings expected from 2026. No final exit date is set, with details due in August.
CEO Neal Menashe cited regulatory challenges, including New Jersey’s tax hike to 19.75%, slowed iGaming expansion, high licensing costs in states like Michigan and Ohio, and a market dominated by major operators, as reasons for the exit. Super Group will focus on more profitable markets, such as Canada and Africa.
FanDuel Warns Against Rising US Sports Betting Taxes
FanDuel urged US lawmakers to reconsider escalating sports betting taxes, warning that high rates threaten the industry’s sustainability. Speaking at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS), FanDuel’s Cesar Fernandez highlighted that taxes, like New York’s 51% rate and Illinois’ $0.50 per wager surcharge, combined with bonuses, marketing, and operational costs, reduce profits to a slim 1.5% margin ($1.55 per $100 wagered).
Fernandez and attorney Brad Fischer noted that excessive taxes could push players toward unregulated sweepstakes casinos, which lack consumer protections. FanDuel advocates for legalizing online casinos in states like New York and Illinois, citing their higher margins and stable revenue as a solution to offset fiscal pressures.
WWE Partners with Fanatics for Branded Online Casino Games
WWE and Fanatics Betting and Gaming announced a multi-year licensing deal in July to launch WWE-themed online casino games on Fanatics Casino in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Five titles, including:
- WWE Blackjack
- Raw Multiplier Melee
- SmackDown Big Money Entrance!
- WWE Bonus Rumble Gold Blitz
- WWE Clash of the Wilds
The games are developed with Boom Entertainment and Games Global, will debut by late July, aligning with SummerSlam on August 2-3 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The deal expands the WWE-Fanatics partnership, leveraging WWE’s brand in regulated online gambling without betting on scripted matches. Fanatics Casino offers slots, blackjack, roulette, and more, with FanCash rewards convertible to casino credit or merchandise, plus responsible gaming tools via Birches Health. A WWE-branded app takeover, including exclusive sign-up offers and a themed Spin to Win game, will enhance the SummerSlam experience for players.
DraftKings Launches My Budget Builder for Responsible Gaming
DraftKings introduced My Budget Builder, a responsible gaming tool allowing players to set personalized limits and reminders for deposits, wagers, bet sizes, losses, time spent, and contest participation across its Sportsbook, Daily Fantasy Sports, and Casino platforms. Accessible via the DraftKings Responsible Gaming Center online or app, the tool offers a guided setup for daily, weekly, or monthly budgets, with limits adjustable downward anytime but increases delayed until the set period expires.
Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, called My Budget Builder “intuitive, proactive, and personalized,” enhancing DraftKings’ commitment to safe, enjoyable gaming. Complementing the 2024-launched My Stat Sheet, which has over 20 million visits for tracking gaming behavior, this tool strengthens player control and informed decision-making amid growing regulatory scrutiny.