Stefan Velikov's latest articles
Stefan Velikov
AuthorStefan Velikov is an accomplished iGaming writer and journalist specializing in esports, regulatory developments, and industry innovations. With over five years of extensive writing experience, he has contributed to various publications, continuously refining his craft and expertise in the field.
Industry
December 5, 2025
Florida Lawmakers to Discuss Stricter Illegal Gambling Penalties Next Session
Recently, many have urged the Florida Legislature to strengthen the state’s lax gambling penalties as it prepares to convene on January 13 for a two-month session ending March 13. Cracking Down on Illegal Gambling to Be the Focus of the Next Legislative Session Florida continues to face illegal gambling activity, from unregulated “arcades” with illicit […]
Industry
December 5, 2025
Estonia Moves Forward with Plans for iGaming Tax Cuts
Estonia’s parliament, the Riigikogu, voted 51-31 to approve a previously announced cut to the country’s gambling tax, reducing it from 6% to 4% – a step toward Estonia’s goal of becoming one of Europe’s next major gambling hubs. Estonia’s Goal to Become iGaming Hub Draws Near Despite Opposition The initiative is being led by MP […]
Industry
December 4, 2025
New York Bill to Ban Sweepstakes Advances to Governor’s Desk
A bill to ban sweepstakes-style casino platforms is now awaiting New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision, as lawmakers have granted final approval to the measure. Now the governor has until December 31 to either sign it into law or block it from taking effect. Bill Advances to the New York Governor’s Office State Senator Joseph […]
Industry
December 4, 2025
Brazil’s CAE Greenlights Gradual Tax Increase for Gambling Operators
On December 2, Brazil’s Senate Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) approved an advanced bill, PL 5,473/2025, to gradually raise taxes on the gambling industry, with the highest rate set at 18% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Brazil’s CAE Moves Forward with New Gambling Tax Legislation Lawmakers approved the measure with a 23–1 vote, agreeing on a […]
Casino
December 3, 2025
Hard Rock Casino Launches Scholarship Program for High School Graduates
Students graduating from any high school in Gary, Indiana, now have a new chance to pursue a college degree at no cost, thanks to a tuition-free scholarship program created by Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in collaboration with the Urban League of Northwest Indiana. Hard Rock Casino and Urban League of Northwest Indiana Announce Collaboration […]
Industry
December 3, 2025
UKGC Tightens Control Over Adult Gaming Centers in 2025
According to the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes, who spoke at the Bacta trade body’s Annual Convention in Leeds, the regulator has stepped up its oversight of Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) throughout this year. In addition, Rhodes talked about the commission’s funds and vowed that the regulator will continue its fight against illegal […]
Casino
December 2, 2025
Mexican Casino and Miss Universe Boss Accused of Working With Cartels
Raúl Rocha Cantú, a Mexican business magnate involved in land-based casinos, online gambling, and as a co-owner of the Miss Universe pageant, is sought in his home country for allegedly participating in a trafficking network dealing in fuel, weapons, and drugs, with connections to cartel organizations. Mexican Authorities Are Looking for Rocha According to the […]
Casino
December 2, 2025
Tribal Casinos Linked to Major Increase in Living Standards, Study Says
According to a recent working paper co-authored by UCLA Luskin’s Randall Akee, a professor of public policy and American Indian studies, tribal casino operations increase wages for American Indians, and per-capita distributions of casino profits may have helped raise living standards for tribal members residing on reservations. Tribal Casinos Improve Local Economic Conditions, According to […]
Legal
December 1, 2025
NGCB Again Warns Operators Who Offer Sports Event Contracts
Earlier this month, US District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled in favor of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB), finding that companies such as Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com engage in illegal gambling when they sell shares tied to the outcomes of sporting events. Following this landmark decision, the NGCB issued an additional notice to casinos, sportsbooks, and […]
Legal
December 1, 2025
Kazakh Couple Arrested for Using Spycam to Defraud Australian Casino
New South Wales police have detained a Kazakhstani couple accused of using a concealed camera and earpieces to cheat their way to nearly AUD 1.2 million (around $784,000) at Crown Sydney casino in Australia. Couple Accused of Cheating in Crown Sydney Casino According to New South Wales police, a 36-year-old woman by the name of […]
