29 Sept 2025
As autumn takes hold, the casino and live-dealer world, including online casinos, has delivered fresh developments; from regulatory updates and enforcement in the UK to strategic shifts and expansions across the globe. Let’s break down the standout stories from September 2025:
- UK and UK-Linked Highlights
- Lottomart Hit with £360,000 Regulatory Action
- Land-Based Casino Reforms Fuel Betting Rollout
- Gambling Ads Rules Tightened for Overseas Operators
- Global and Cross-Border Developments
- Star Entertainment Licence Suspension Deferred
- UAE Enters Casino Market with Wynn Resort Plan
- Manhattan Casino Project Rejected by Community Board
- Why September 2025 Matters
UK and UK-Linked Highlights
Lottomart Hit with £360,000 Regulatory Action
In September, Maple International Ventures Ltd., operating Lottomart.com, was fined £360,000 by the UK Gambling Commission following investigations that found multiple breaches in anti-money laundering and operator standards.
Land-Based Casino Reforms Fuel Betting Rollout
Thanks to recent UK regulatory changes, Rank Group is gearing up to introduce self-service betting terminals (SSBTs) and additional gaming machines in its casino venues this month. The company expects licence approvals by late summer, with full rollout through September and beyond.
Gambling Ads Rules Tightened for Overseas Operators
On 3 September, the ASA (via CAP Code amendments) targeted a regulatory loophole allowing gambling advertising by overseas operators to reach UK audiences more freely. The updated rules aim to better control cross-border marketing and protect UK consumers.
Global and Cross-Border Developments
Star Entertainment Licence Suspension Deferred
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group had its Gold Coast casino licence suspension deferred until 30 September 2026, after oversight and compliance remediation efforts showed progress.
UAE Enters Casino Market with Wynn Resort Plan
In a landmark move, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) is preparing to open its first luxury casino resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled for 2027. The project is backed by the country’s newly formed (2024) General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
Manhattan Casino Project Rejected by Community Board
A high-profile proposal for a full-service casino in Manhattan (Freedom Plaza) was rejected after local community boards voted against the proposal. Though the casino won’t move forward in Manhattan, other borough proposals remain under consideration.
Why September 2025 Matters
- Stronger enforcement in the UK:
- The fine levied on Lottomart underscores that regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering policies remain central targets for the Gambling Commission.
- Modernising land-based operations:
- Rank’s push to incorporate betting terminals into casinos reflects how legislation is enabling greater convergence of betting and casino offerings.
- Global expansion & regulatory evolution:
- From Star’s deferral in Australia to UAE’s entry into the casino space and New York’s planning battles, we’re seeing shifts in both markets and policies.
- Marketing & compliance watch points:
- The tightening of ad rules for overseas operators signals that even cross-border marketing must meet UK standards.
As September draws to a close, one thing is clear: the casino and live dealer industry is in a constant state of change, even here at Genting Casino. From the UK’s tougher stance on compliance to major regulatory and development initiatives abroad, the sector continues to balance innovation with accountability.
Whether it’s regulatory updates for land-based operators or evolving frameworks abroad, or advertising standards that protect players at home, these developments all point toward a future where transparency and responsible play remain at the heart of the industry.
The house will always have an edge. Never try to chase losses by gambling more. Casino games are games of chance. Outcomes are random, and no wins are guaranteed. Betting more will never change the odds. Always play responsibly and within your means.
Sources:
- “Maple International Ventures Limited faces £360,000 regulatory action” - https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/maple-international-ventures-limited-faces-gbp360-000-regulatory-action
- “Rank eyes land-based betting rollout in September as UK reforms pass into law” - https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/rank-land-based-betting-uk-reforms/
- “UK Tightens Gambling Ads Rules for Overseas Operators” - https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/uk-tightens-gambling-ads-rules-for-overseas-operators-119655
- “Star Entertainment's Gold Coast casino licence suspension deferred until 2026” - https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/star-entertainments-gold-coast-casino-licence-suspension-deferred-until-2026-2025-09-25/
- “UAE enters the Casino World: First luxury resort set to open in Ras Al Khaimah in 2027” - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/uae-enters-the-casino-world-first-luxury-resort-set-to-open-in-ras-alkhaimahin2027/articleshow/124046847.cms
- “Manhattan casino plan nixed after board closes door — but gambling facility may still come to NYC” - https://nypost.com/2025/09/22/us-news/manhattan-casino-plan-nixed-after-board-closes-door-but-gambling-facility-may-still-come-to-nyc/
- “There will be no casino in Manhattan after all proposals are rejected by locals” - https://apnews.com/article/nyc-casino-mohegan-sun-united-nations-ebfa399297abd46957fbdaca17b9639a
