Ask Sumsubers: How are global iGaming regulations expected to change in 2025 and beyond?

Global iGaming regulations are evolving significantly, and 2025 marks a clear shift toward tighter compliance standards, enhanced social responsibility, and intensified enforcement actions worldwide. Based on regulatory developments and announcements, I believe these are the key trends shaping the future of compliance in our industry:

Mandatory responsible gambling measures. Governments worldwide are embedding responsible gambling (RG) into licensing conditions. Mandatory affordability checks, deposit and loss limits, and strengthened self-exclusion programs are becoming the new compliance baseline across the EU, UK, North America, and emerging markets in Latin America and Asia. For example, under its recent regulatory reform Curaçao has implemented a responsible gaming policy, which requires licensed operators to offer robust player protection and self-exclusion measures.

Stricter advertising regulations. Advertising compliance is rapidly tightening, with bans or heavy restrictions on celebrity endorsements, sponsorships, and promotions targeting vulnerable groups or minors. The UK has moved to restrict football shirt sponsorships by gambling companies, and similar initiatives have been introduced in Germany and Canada. The Philippines has also recently introduced strict measures banning most forms of gambling advertising in public spaces, with only responsible gambling messages permitted—which further highlights the global shift towards advertising accountability.

Enhanced AML and KYC enforcement. Regulators globally have intensified the scrutiny of AML and KYC processes. Operators now face substantial penalties for compliance gaps. For instance, just a week ago 12 online casino operators were fined in the first-ever KYC enforcement action in Curaçao. So, the adoption of advanced RegTech solutions such as biometric verification, AI for transaction monitoring, and integrated compliance systems are essential. Regulators expect them, plus they’re your best defense against fraud and money laundering.

Increased licensing and market access controls. Licensing regimes worldwide are being refined and strictly enforced to deter unlicensed offshore operators. Countries like Brazil and Uzbekistan are implementing clear regulatory frameworks. This increases the compliance burden, yet simultaneously stabilizes markets for licensed operators. The Philippines has introduced major reforms to crack down on offshore gaming, strengthen oversight by PAGCOR, and cut down on illegal operations. In Japan the revised gambling addiction law, passed by the Upper House, outlaws online casinos and related apps, and bans directing users to legal overseas gambling sites.

Growing emphasis on infrastructure resilience. This year saw disruptions to regulatory monitoring platforms, a clear reminder of why resilient compliance infrastructure matters. Regulators are now raising the bar, expecting operators to prove they have strong business continuity plans in place for critical compliance systems.

Looking ahead, compliance teams should remain proactive, closely monitor regulatory shifts, embed responsible gambling practices throughout their operations, invest in robust RegTech solutions, and ensure continuous resilience in compliance infrastructure.

The landscape of iGaming compliance in 2025 and beyond is clear: Do you think compliance is expensive? Try non-compliance.

Annamaria Terescenko

Lead Compliance Expert in iGaming and Anti-Fraud at Sumsub