U.S. comeback of Polymarket: Increase in problem gambling averted
In the dynamic world of gambling, 2025 has seen a surge of consolidation and strategic acquisitions, particularly in the sports betting and online platforms sectors. This trend is evident in several key recent transactions.
Apollo's $6.3 billion acquisition of IGT marked a significant gaming industry merger, bringing the company back to Las Vegas. Flutter Entertainment, on the other hand, acquired Boyd Gaming’s remaining 5% stake in FanDuel for approximately $1.755 billion, giving them full control of the leading U.S. sports betting platform and enhancing their dominance in American online sportsbooks and iGaming.
The sports technology sector also witnessed a 28.1% year-over-year increase in M&A deals in 2025, with a focus on businesses offering operational management solutions, fan engagement analytics, and adjacent product offerings to create end-to-end platforms.
However, not all major players have made headlines for acquisitions. Entities such as Polymarket, Resorts World New York City, CVC Capital Partners, Dutch Lottery, Koin, Evolution, BetParx, and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) have not publicly announced any significant acquisitions or developments as of August 2025. This suggests stable operations or non-disclosed/private transactions for these companies in the current period.
Regulatory approvals have also played a crucial role in industry consolidation. PointsBet's acquisition by Mixi received Ontario gaming approval, indicating regulatory progress for expansion or consolidation in Canadian markets.
The gambling industry is not without its challenges, however. A survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) indicates that 8% of the US population reported suffering from gambling-related harm in 2024. The survey also shows a decrease in the number of gamblers in sports betting from 26% in 2021 to 23% in an unspecified year.
In an effort to address these concerns, more than 700 casinos have changed their terms and conditions for the better due to initiatives like the Fair Gambling Codex and Complaint Resolution Center.
One company aiming to expand its offerings is BetParx, which plans to localize popular titles and introduce blackjack games. Meanwhile, Polymarket's acquisition of QCX, LLC for $112m is seen as an opportunity for the company to return to the United States.
In other news, the Nederlandse Loterij is searching for a new chairman after the announcement of the upcoming departure of its existing chair, Alexander Pechtold. The proposed Resorts World New York City resort, if built, would house 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, and 2,000 hotel rooms.
The US government has dropped probes into Polymarket, leaving the platform in the clear. BetParx has partnered with IC360, gaining access to Integrity Monitoring Dashboard, ProhiBet, and Playbook AI for monitoring suspicious betting activity.
Our website News had an interview with beBettor Chief Insights Officer, Sonny Cott, discussing the importance of assessing the wealth profile of affiliate traffic for iGaming operators. We also published a video interview with Matej Novota, Head of Casino Research, discussing the success of the Fair Gambling Codex and Complaint Resolution Center. Our team also interviewed Ralitsa Georgieva, Octoplay's Director of Business Development, discussing the studio's strategy and product development.
In conclusion, the gambling industry in 2025 is a landscape of consolidation, strategic acquisitions, and regulatory developments. While some companies have remained quiet on the acquisition front, others are expanding their offerings and forging new partnerships. The industry continues to evolve, with regulatory bodies playing a crucial role in shaping its future.
Casinos, such as Resorts World New York City, are planning to expand their gaming operations, potentially housing thousands of slot machines and gaming tables, indicating a continued growth in the casino-and-gambling sector. It's essential for all gambling companies, like Polymarket and BetParx, to prioritize responsible-gambling initiatives, as concerns about problem gambling persist in the industry.
