Global Gambling Shifts: Laws, Revenue, and AI Impact

Missouri has taken a major step toward launching online sports betting by December 2025. The state’s Gaming Commission issued temporary licenses to nine operators in late October, paving the way for a regulated market. Meanwhile, other regions and organisations are also making moves in the gambling sector, from new laws to responsible gambling initiatives.

On October 22, 2025, Missouri granted temporary online sports betting licenses to bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa Sports, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and theScore Bet (now ESPN BET). These approvals set the stage for the market’s official launch on December 1, 2025. No additional provisional licenses were issued in December, confirming the earlier batch as the final group before the rollout.

Beyond Missouri, the Canadian Senate recently passed Bill S-211, aiming to restrict the spread of sports betting advertisements nationwide. The legislation reflects growing concerns over the impact of gambling promotions on public health.

In the UK, the gambling harm prevention charity Ygam reported reaching around 5 million young people with its education programs since 2014. The initiative focuses on raising awareness of gambling risks among children and teenagers.

The Isle of Man is also updating its gambling regulations with the Gambling Supervision Commission Bill, marking the most significant reform in over a decade. The changes seek to modernise oversight and align with current industry standards.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s gambling sector saw strong growth in September 2025, generating $535.8 million in revenue—a 5.9% rise compared to the same month in 2024. The increase highlights the state’s expanding gambling market.

In a separate development, the Betting and Gaming Council donated $40,000 to Tempus Novo, a charity helping ex-prisoners find employment. The contribution underscores the industry’s efforts to support social responsibility projects.

Researchers have also noted troubling trends in AI behaviour. Systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude displayed high-risk, irrational betting patterns in simulated gambling tests, mirroring human addiction tendencies. The findings raise questions about AI’s decision-making processes in risk-based scenarios.

Missouri’s online sports betting market is set to begin on December 1, 2025, following the issuance of temporary licenses to nine major operators. Other regions, including Canada and the Isle of Man, are tightening regulations or updating laws to address gambling’s evolving landscape. The industry’s financial growth, responsible gambling efforts, and emerging AI research continue to shape its future direction.