USA
- Maryland raises mobile sportsbook tax to 20%, sparking concerns over competitive fairness and potential player migration to untaxed offshore sites. iCasino legalization fails to progress.
- Evolution debuts Red Door Roulette in New Jersey and Delaware, blending top game show elements as part of a broader U.S. rollout.
- BetMGM wins Casino Operator of the Year for the 4th time at SBC Awards Americas, praised for its massive game portfolio and record-breaking jackpots.
- NCAA considers allowing pro sports betting for athletes and staff, reflecting the enforcement challenges in a legal betting landscape. A June vote could make it official.
- FanDuel launches real-time deposit monitoring, expanding its leadership in responsible gambling tools with AI-driven player protection across all US markets.
Maryland Raises Mobile Sports Betting Tax to 20%
Maryland has increased the tax rate on mobile sports betting from 15% to 20% under the new 2025 budget law signed by Governor Wes Moore. While the governor initially proposed a 30% rate, lawmakers settled on a lower figure after negotiation. The law keeps the in-person sportsbook tax at 15%.
Most of the revenue will continue to support public education, but some operators like DraftKings have already flagged the hike as a financial hit, projecting a $30 million revenue dip. Although legal sportsbooks remain operational, higher taxes could erode their competitive edge by reducing promotions and bonuses, effectively making offshore sites and other alternatives, which face no such tax burden, more attractive to players. In turn, this can weaken player protection for residents in Maryland.
Meanwhile, efforts to legalize online casino gambling in Maryland stalled earlier this year. The state now joins others like Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey in exploring higher tax rates on legal wagering as a source of budget relief.
Evolution Expands US Catalogue With Red Door Roulette
Evolution continues to shape the future of live dealer gaming with the US debut of Red Door Roulette, now live in New Jersey and Delaware. This new game blends elements of Lightning Roulette and Crazy Time, offering a slot-style selection phase with up to 15 bonus numbers that can trigger a multiplier-rich bonus round.
Originally launched globally in 2023, Red Door Roulette marks another step in Evolution’s push to expand its live game show portfolio across North America. CEO Jacob Claesson emphasized the title's appeal to new live dealer players and confirmed that more game launches are on the way in 2025 as Evolution leads the innovation curve in regulated US markets.
BetMGM Wins North America Casino Operator of the Year Again
BetMGM was named North America Casino Operator of the Year at the 2025 SBC Awards Americas, marking its fourth win in five years and reinforcing its dominance in the iGaming sector. Judges credited BetMGM’s continued success to its expanding portfolio of over 5,400 games, exclusive jackpot titles, and standout moments like the record $6.5 million progressive payout in 2024. The company also took home silver for Employer of the Year, reflecting its strong internal culture and employee development initiatives.
NCAA Moves to Allow Pro Sports Betting for Athletes and Staff
The NCAA continue its ambivalence in relation to sports betting. While often advocating against it, for example the recent video footage below, they are no looking to lift bans.
They would lift the ban on athletes, coaches, and staff betting on professional sports, with the Division I Council set to discuss the change in June. A recent 21–1 vote by the Division I Board of Directors recommended deregulating pro sports wagering while maintaining a ban on college sports betting.
If approved, the rule change could take effect as soon as late June. The proposal reflects growing challenges in enforcing existing policies as legal sports betting spreads across the US The NCAA is also considering a “safe harbor” policy for athletes seeking help with gambling issues.
In my opinion, this is the right way to go, sports betting is already in focus in relation to matches and broadcasts online and in television network. I don’t think it’s possible to find a middle ground, either they ban it or allow it, along with addressing all the potential issues and put considerable resources into educating and spreading awareness.
FanDuel Leads Again With Real-Time Deposit Monitoring for Safer Gambling
FanDuel is once again at the forefront of responsible gambling innovation, this time with the launch of "Real-Time Check-In," a new deposit monitoring tool that uses machine learning to detect and flag unusual customer behavior. Announced at the SBC Summit Americas, the feature prompts users to reflect on irregular deposits, offering options to reduce the amount, set a limit, or review spending via the My Spend dashboard.
This marks the latest move in FanDuel’s broader effort to integrate real-time, personalized safeguards into the player journey. It builds on successful tools like My Spend and Deposit Alerts, which have seen high engagement, particularly during the NFL season. By focusing on moments of financial risk, FanDuel continues to shape the industry standard for responsible gambling protections. Real-Time Check-In will be rolled out in all US states where FanDuel is active.