NEXT.io iGaming Digest – 26 February 2025
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?? Light & Wonder exits live casino, Dina Titus takes on prediction markets, and Caesars considers spinning off its Digital division.
Here are today’s top iGaming stories and listen to the companion podcast. ??
1. Evolution’s Todd Haushalter Bets Big on Rapid-Fire Games
Evolution 's new titles like Marble Race and Ice Fishing are built to deliver high-energy, rapid gameplay.
Read this exclusive interview with CPO Todd Haushalter on NEXT.io where you can find out why he believes success in live casino means keeping pace with shrinking attention spans.
2. Light & Wonder Abandons Live Casino Offering
Light & Wonder has announced its decision to discontinue and divest from its live casino business following a strategic review.
CEO Matt Wilson cited a challenging pricing environment and a smaller-than-expected market opportunity as key reasons for the exit.
3. Dina Titus Calls Prediction Markets a ‘Backdoor’ to Legalised Betting
Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus has challenged the CFTC over the potential legalisation of national sports prediction markets.
Titus warns that allowing betting on sports contracts through prediction markets could undermine state-regulated sports betting, erode consumer protections, and reduce tax revenue.
4. MGM China Seeks $2B Loan for Debt Refinancing
MGM China is in talks with banks to secure a $2 billion syndicated loan to refinance existing debt and ensure liquidity.
5. PointsBet Backs A$353M Takeover Bid Amid Rival Offer
The PointsBet board has unanimously recommended a A$353 million acquisition offer from Japanese consumer tech firm MIXI, even as Australian operator BlueBet tables a competing bid. Words from CEO Sam Swanell .
6. DigiPlus Interactive Joins FTSE Global Equity Index
DigiPlus Interactive Corp has been added to the FTSE Global Equity Index Serie. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE index is expected to enhance its visibility among global institutional investors.
7. Caesars Weighs Digital Spin-Off as Online Revenue Surges
Caesars Entertainment is considering spinning off its Digital division following a 20% revenue increase to $1.2 billion in 2024. Caesars is targeting $500 million in online EBITDA by 2025.
8. Kambi Shares Tumble on Cautious Guidance
Kambi ’s stock dropped 8.5% after issuing conservative 2025 EBITA guidance of €20 million-€25 million, despite a 10.1% Q4 trading margin. Words from CEO Werner Becher .
9. Mississippi Moves to Raise Casino Taxes Amid iGaming Standoff
Mississippi lawmakers are considering raising land-based casino taxes from 12% to 16% as a response to the failure to legalise online gambling.
10. New Jersey Governor Proposes iGaming and Betting Tax Hike
Governor Phil Murphy has proposed raising online casino and sports betting taxes to 25% in the FY2026 budget, following similar moves in Illinois, Ohio, and Maryland.
11. 1spin4win Brings Classic Slots to Pokerdom
1spin4win has partnered with Pokerdom to integrate its portfolio of over 130 classic slots into the platform. Words from Sales Manager Tanya P.
12. Xanada Investments Offers 1% Referral Bonus for Startup Leads
Xanada Investments has launched a referral program allowing industry professionals to earn 1% of successful startup investments. Words from CEO Vladimir Malakchi .
What’s Your Take?
Which of these stories will impact the industry the most? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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