Vivo Gaming Opens a European Studio in Malta

Vivo Gaming has opened a studio in Malta, anchoring its European operations in the heart of the industry’s licensing capital.

The floor brings European-facing tables and game shows under one roof, streamed in 4K to operators across the continent’s regulated markets.

Malta strengthens Vivo Gaming’s European presence alongside its studios across Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Explore the Vivo Gaming studio network, or book a meeting with the team.

Vivo Gaming takes the LATAM iGaming market by storm with brand new Spanish-language content suite


(Image credit: Vivo Gaming)

UK Gambling Operators Could See Tax Rise

The UK Chancellor has signalled that UK gambling operators may soon face higher taxes, a move intended to ensure the industry pays its “fair share.” In remarks made at the Labour Annual Conference, Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted that gambling may be a target in the upcoming autumn budget, saying that while the sector contributes to the economy, it should shoulder more of the burden. 

What the Chancellor Is Saying

Reeves did not explicitly state a tax rate, but in an interview with ITV, she remarked, “I do think there’s a case for gambling firms paying more.” She emphasised that while she has not gambled personally, she sees the value in the industry’s economic role and believes operators should contribute fairly. 

The government is under pressure to raise revenue to reduce borrowing, which may make the gambling sector an attractive target. An update is expected in the autumn budget on 26 November, which will likely reveal whether the hints become proposals. 

Possible Tax Structures Under Discussion

One proposal under discussion is to replace the current three-tier tax system for remote gambling with a single unified rate. That would simplify tax collection but could reduce flexibility for products that differ in risk or profitability. Critics argue that a one-size-fits-all model would undermine incentives to promote safer, lower-risk product design. 

Currently, remote gambling is taxed at varying rates depending on the type of game and whether it’s online or land-based. The statutory levy that operators must already pay ranges from 0.1% (for mostly land-based operations) up to 1.1% for online casino services. 

The Gambling Commission has warned that operators who fail to meet levy obligations may risk losing their licences. 

Industry Pushback and Risks

Industry bodies have responded strongly to talk of tax hikes. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) described some of the proposals as “short-sighted.” Its CEO, Grainne Hurst, warned that tax increases risk degrading regulated gambling to a level where customers might look to the black market for more competitive offers. 

Over 100 Labour MPs have also expressed concern about a flat rate. They believe a single rate might remove fiscal levers that currently encourage safer gaming practices and product differentiation. 

What This Means for UK Gambling Operators

If tax rises go ahead, UK gambling operators could need to revisit business models, pricing strategies, and user incentives. Higher taxes might squeeze margins, especially in competitive segments like online casino and slots. Smaller operators could feel the pressure more acutely than large incumbents.

There’s also a risk of customer migration. Some players may seek lower-cost alternatives, including offshore or unregulated platforms. That could erode the tax base and reduce consumer protections, outcomes that would undermine the government’s goals.

Yet, there may be upside for operators that invest in safer, differentiated products. If tax structures reward lower-risk offerings, platforms that focus on transparency, responsible gambling tools, and lower volatility models might fare better than high-risk, high-margin ones.

Navigating Policy Uncertainty

The next few weeks will be critical as the autumn budget approaches. UK gambling operators will be watching closely to see if the finance bill includes tax changes, and whether those changes are sweeping or targeted. The 100+ Labour MPs calling for nuanced levies suggest that any outcome might not be universally applied. 

Conclusion

The possibility of higher taxation for UK gambling operators is now a likely subject in the forthcoming government budget. While the sector’s economic contribution is acknowledged, it faces growing pressure to contribute more. How tax rises are structured could make a big difference between sustainable growth and contraction. Operators that adapt, innovate, and emphasise responsible play may withstand the change best, but the road ahead may prove challenging.

Are VR Live Casinos the Future of Gaming?

Every few years, the gambling world gets a shake-up. First it was online poker, then mobile apps, and more recently live dealer tables. Each leap has tried to bring players closer to the buzz of a casino floor. Now there’s a new contender: VR live casinos.

The idea sounds futuristic, put on a headset, step into a digital casino, and join a game like you’re really there. But is this the next chapter in gaming, or just a flashy concept that’s still years away?

Stepping Inside a VR Live Casino

Traditional live casinos already let you stream real dealers at real tables. You click to place bets, chat in a box on the side, and watch the action unfold. VR takes that format and cranks it up a level.

With a headset strapped on, you don’t just watch, you enter the space. You can stroll through a virtual lobby, sit at a blackjack table, or glance around at other players. The goal is to make you feel like you’ve left your sofa and walked straight into a buzzing casino.

It’s an ambitious step, and one that’s only just starting to take shape.

Where the Tech Stands Now

VR casinos aren’t brand new. A handful of studios experimented with VR poker rooms and slot machines years ago. The problem was always the same: too few people had the gear to make it worthwhile.

That’s still true to an extent. While headsets like the Meta Quest have lowered the barrier, most casino players don’t own one. And even if they did, streaming a lifelike 3D environment with live dealers takes serious bandwidth. Not everyone has that kind of internet speed.

There’s also the cost for operators. Building a VR-ready environment with proper graphics, smooth interaction, and dealer integration isn’t cheap. 

Even so, interest is growing. Industry forecasts suggest VR gambling could expand quickly once headset prices drop further and network access improves.

Why Players and Operators Care

The appeal of VR live casinos is easy to see. For players, immersion is the big draw. Instead of watching a dealer on a flat screen, you’re in the room, able to shift your view or lean in on the cards. It feels closer to the real thing.

The social side matters too. Online casinos can feel a bit lonely. VR offers the chance to nod at the player across the table, chat in real time, or pick up on body language through avatars. That’s a big part of what makes land-based casinos fun.

Operators also see the potential. A VR casino can be customised in ways that physical venues can’t. One operator might design a sleek modern lounge, another a themed fantasy world. It’s a new way to stand out in a crowded market.

The Sticking Points

But there are reasons VR live casinos haven’t gone mainstream yet. The audience is still tiny compared to the millions who play on phones or desktops. Until more people actually own headsets, it’ll be hard for operators to justify the investment.

Comfort is another issue. Some users can only last 20 minutes before feeling motion sick. That’s not ideal for games designed to keep people playing for longer stretches.

And then there’s regulation. Gambling laws don’t always move quickly, and VR raises fresh questions. How do regulators monitor fairness in a 3D space? How do they enforce responsible play? These are issues that still need answers.

Add in the high development costs, and it’s clear why most casinos are sticking with the formats they know best for now.

What the Future Might Look Like

Despite the hurdles, it’s hard to ignore where things are heading. Headsets are getting cheaper and lighter. Internet speeds are improving. And gaming companies are already blending VR with augmented reality and so-called metaverse platforms.

The most likely path is a hybrid one. Casinos will offer traditional live dealer tables as the default but add VR-compatible rooms for those who want them. Over time, more players will try it out as the tech becomes accessible.

In ten years, it’s possible that VR live casinos will be a regular feature, not a novelty. They probably won’t replace standard formats entirely, but they could become another option for players who want a more immersive spin on their favorite games.

Final Thoughts

VR live casinos capture the imagination. They promise a mix of immersion, interaction, and creativity that standard screens can’t quite deliver. At the same time, the road to mass adoption isn’t straightforward. Players need affordable hardware, operators need to cover the costs, and regulators have to catch up.

For now, live dealer games remain the bridge between physical casinos and digital play. But as technology keeps moving forward, VR live casinos might one day bring the casino floor to anyone with a headset and a fast connection.

Vivo Gaming at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025

Vivo Gaming exhibited at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025, showcasing its latest game shows and its move toward cloud chroma-key production.

The show underlined Vivo Gaming’s momentum across a year of new studios, partnerships and AI releases.

The team meets operators and partners at events across the calendar. Book a meeting with Vivo Gaming, or explore our live dealer solutions.

Legal Challenges Mount Against Indian Online Gambling Ban

The Indian online gambling ban is barely weeks old, yet it’s already being tested in the courts. The sweeping law, passed in August 2025, outlaws all real-money games played online, whether they’re based on skill or chance. Supporters call it a bold move to protect citizens, while critics argue it tramples on rights, threatens livelihoods, and could push players into riskier underground markets.

A Fast-Moving Law

Few expected the legislation to move as quickly as it did, the lower house signed off on 20 August, the upper house gave approval the next day, and by 22 August the president had signed it into law. Overnight, India went from being one of the largest iGaming markets in Asia to a country where real-money play on the internet is illegal.

Penalties are tough. Operators that continue to offer games face fines and the risk of criminal charges. Players don’t face prosecution directly, but they’ve effectively lost access to legal, regulated options.

Why Companies Are Fighting Back

It didn’t take long for challenges to emerge. Operators have filed petitions in the Karnataka High Court, arguing that the law sweeps too broadly, treating games of skill the same way as games of chance. India’s own courts have historically recognised skill-based titles as legitimate, with operators saying this sudden reversal puts their businesses at risk. 

Legal experts are also raising the issue of proportionality. Under India’s constitution, citizens have the right to carry on a profession. Banning all real-money games, they argue, may go further than necessary. Less restrictive options, such as licensing, advertising controls, or loss limits, could have addressed concerns without shutting down an entire sector.

Economic Shockwaves

The ban is already having dramatic consequences, with operators across iGaming and fantasy sports reporting plummeting revenue and signalling the need to layoff significant portions of their workforce. 

Industry groups warn that the fallout could extend much further. Estimates suggest that more than 200,000 people work in roles linked to online real-money gaming, from software developers to marketing teams. All of them now face uncertainty.

The Black Market Question

One of the biggest fears is that players won’t simply walk away from online gaming. Instead, they’ll turn to offshore or underground sites. These operators are harder to regulate, less likely to offer protections like self-exclusion, and almost impossible for tax authorities to monitor. In other words, the demand doesn’t disappear, it just moves into riskier territory.

That outcome would undermine the government’s stated goals. Instead of safer play, critics argue, the ban could lead to more harm, less transparency, and greater exposure to fraud.

Are Alternatives Possible?

Not every region is taking the same approach. In Karnataka, for instance, lawmakers have floated the idea of creating a regulatory authority that would distinguish between chance and skill, license the latter, and penalise unlicensed operators. The proposal also includes programs to support players who develop gambling problems.

Observers say this is a more balanced path, one that keeps the industry under supervision rather than driving it into the shadows. It also preserves revenue streams that states rely on for public programs.

What Comes Next

The legal process will take time, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. If courts side with the challengers, parts of the Indian online gambling ban may be overturned or rewritten, opening the door to regulation rather than outright prohibition. If not, companies may shut down their India operations altogether, leaving a vacuum that illegal operators are quick to fill.

Either way, the debate is far from settled. The ban has triggered a national conversation about rights, regulation, and responsibility. And for now at least, everyone, from operators to players to lawmakers, is waiting to see how the courts will shape the future of gaming in India.

The Evolution of Live Casino Player Habits: What 2025 Is Already Telling Us

The live casino world never stands still. If you’ve been running tables for a few years, you’ve probably noticed how quickly things have changed. By 2025, the pace feels even faster, players are approaching live dealer games with new expectations, and their behaviour tells us a lot about where the industry’s heading. Keeping track of live casino player habits is critical. It can be the difference between keeping your players engaged and watching them drift to competitors.

Mobile-First Is the New Normal

A decade ago, most players sat down at their desktops when they wanted a live casino experience. That picture looks very different now. The vast majority are logging in on their phones. In fact, around 80% of online gamblers use a smartphone as their main access point, which makes mobile the primary channel.

For operators, this has real consequences. Everything from lobby design to the way a dealer’s framed on camera has to feel natural on a small screen. Players expect crisp video, smooth betting buttons, and no delays. If they can stream movies or sports flawlessly on mobile, they expect the same from a live blackjack or roulette table. When the mobile experience stutters, players don’t usually stick around.

Personalisation Isn’t Just a Bonus

Another change you’ve probably noticed is how players react to generic lobbies. They don’t want to scroll through the same options as everyone else. Instead, they respond to setups that reflect their habits. Live casino player habits now point toward personalised menus, suggested tables, and environments that feel tailored.

This personalisation can be as simple as offering regional language options or as advanced as building lobbies based on previous play history. Either way, players are looking for signs that the casino understands them. It’s the same expectation they already bring from streaming platforms and e-commerce.

Blending Casino and Entertainment

Traditional tables are still popular, but hybrid formats are drawing attention. Games that mix standard rules with game show elements, spinning wheels, or interactive challenges keep players coming back. These formats show that live casino isn’t just gambling for many people anymore. It’s entertainment, and entertainment requires variety.

If you’re only offering classic tables, you may struggle to hold younger players who are used to fast-changing, interactive experiences. The lesson from 2025 so far is clear: give them more than just a basic game.

Dealers as Hosts, Not Just Facilitators

One of the clearest shifts is how much weight players now place on the dealer’s role. Years ago, the dealer was there mainly to keep the game running smoothly. Now, players expect warmth, charisma, and conversation. Dealers are closer to hosts than referees.

This means training goes beyond shuffling and dealing. It includes communication skills, personality, and even performance. Players return to tables where they feel welcomed, not just where they win.

A Growing Demand for Trust

It shouldn’t surprise you that trust has climbed up the list of priorities, players want visible fairness, clear rules, and transparency in how games operate. Live casino player habits show they tend to favor environments where trust is obvious, such as tables with clear camera angles, visible shufflers, and dealers who explain rules without hesitation.

Operators that emphasize transparency build stronger loyalty. In an industry with so much choice, trust can be the feature that tips a player’s decision.

Social Play Is Back

The chat box used to be a side feature. Now it’s a key part of the experience. Many players want to chat with dealers and interact with others at the table. Leaderboards, challenges, or simple conversation make the live casino feel like a community space rather than a solo session.

Think of it this way: players are already used to social interaction in their games, apps, and online communities. Bringing that same energy into your live casino can keep them engaged for longer sessions.

Local Tastes Still Matter

Global platforms often assume one setup will work everywhere. In practice, player habits vary a lot by region. Latin American players may prefer different table designs than players in Europe or Asia. Language options, themes, and even the pace of play can influence engagement.

If you ignore localisation, you risk creating a disconnect. Tailoring the experience to regional expectations is central to staying relevant in an increasingly global space.

Responsible Play and Sustainability

One of the subtler trends in 2025 is how players view responsibility. Many expect operators to provide tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and visible links to support resources. Offering these tools doesn’t discourage play. Instead, it shows your brand cares about its community.

Sustainability’s also starting to enter the conversation. Players notice when companies talk about greener operations, from studio setups to staffing practices. It’s not yet a make-or-break factor, but it’s one more way to show you align with player values.

Looking Ahead

By now, it’s clear that live casino player habits are evolving in ways that stretch far beyond gameplay. Mobile-first access, personalisation, trust, and social engagement are setting the tone for 2025. If you treat live casino as a product that never changes, you’ll fall behind.

The operators who succeed will be the ones who adapt quickly, listen to what players want, and view live casino as a living, evolving service. Habits change, but if you pay attention to the signals, you can be ready before the rest of the industry catches on.

Result Recognition and a Security & Risk Agent Go Live

Vivo Gaming has put two new AI agents into live production. Result Recognition reads each game outcome automatically from the table, removing manual entry and the errors that come with it.

Read more about the technology behind the studios, or book a meeting with the team.

India iGaming Ban Sparks Fears of Black Market Surge

India’s decision to ban all forms of real-money online gaming has set off one of the biggest debates the industry has seen in years. The law, passed in August 2025, was introduced as a safeguard against addiction, fraud, and underage gambling, with officials behind the move describe it as a way to wipe out social problems tied to betting. Yet critics say the India iGaming ban may do more harm than good, with one fear dominating the conversation: the black market.

How the Ban Came Together

The new law, known as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was rushed through the system. The lower house gave its approval on August 20, the upper house followed the next day, and the president signed it on August 22. With that, India went from being one of the largest emerging gaming markets in Asia to a country where real-money games online are outlawed, regardless of whether they’re skill-based or chance-based.

The penalties are stiff. Operators face fines, loss of licenses, and even criminal liability if they continue offering real-money products. For players, the law effectively closes off any legal avenues for participation.

Why Critics Are Pushing Back

Opponents of the ban don’t argue that regulation is unnecessary. Most agree safeguards are needed. What troubles them is the sweeping nature of the law.

Gaming law specialists point out that countries with strong regulatory systems, such as the UK, have managed to balance consumer protection with industry growth. By contrast, a total ban leaves players without safe alternatives. As one legal analysis put it, prohibition doesn’t eliminate demand, it simply diverts it to less transparent places.

Industry groups, including the All India Gaming Federation, have been outspoken in warning about lost jobs and shuttered businesses. India had built a sizable gaming economy over the past decade, with developers, customer support teams, and entire ecosystems tied to online play. Many now face an uncertain future.

Economic Shockwaves

The market reaction was immediate. Dream11, one of the country’s most successful fantasy sports platforms, reported that 95% of its revenue disappeared virtually overnight. MPL, another major operator, has already started restructuring and announced plans to let go of roughly 60% of its Indian staff, close to 300 people. Both companies are now pivoting to free-to-play models and international expansion just to survive.

This sudden disruption highlights what critics call the hidden cost of prohibition. Not only are companies struggling, but the government itself stands to lose billions of rupees in tax revenue.

Black Market Concerns

Perhaps the biggest fear is that players won’t simply stop gaming. They may look for alternatives on unregulated sites, many of which operate offshore or through encrypted channels. These platforms are harder to monitor, more vulnerable to fraud, and almost impossible to tax.

In practice, that could mean players face greater risks while the state loses oversight and revenue. It’s exactly the opposite of what policymakers say they want to achieve.

Karnataka’s Different Path

Some regions are exploring a middle ground. Karnataka has floated the idea of a regulatory authority that would separate games of chance from games of skill, license the latter, and impose penalties on illegal operators. The proposal also includes support for individuals struggling with gambling problems.

This approach has been welcomed by analysts as more pragmatic. Instead of pushing activity underground, it acknowledges that demand exists and tries to channel it into safer, regulated spaces.

What Comes Next

India’s ban is still new, and its long-term effects will take time to measure. What’s already certain is that the law has changed the landscape overnight. Investors are nervous, operators are shifting strategies, and players are left with fewer legal choices.

For now, the focus will be on whether the black market fills the gap left by regulated operators. If it does, lawmakers may find themselves revisiting the policy sooner rather than later.

Closing Thoughts

The debate around India’s gaming ban is far from over. Supporters see it as a bold step to protect citizens. Critics see it as a miscalculation that puts jobs and consumers at risk. Both sides agree on one point: online gaming isn’t going away.

The real test will be whether India chooses to maintain a hard line or eventually pivots toward regulation that balances economic opportunity with social responsibility. Other countries in the region will be watching closely, and the lessons learned here could shape gaming policy well beyond India’s borders.

Real-Time Data in iGaming: Empowering Operators

At Vivo Gaming, we’ve seen how dramatically the iGaming industry has shifted in just a few short years. Live dealer games are now mainstream, players expect seamless streaming on mobile devices, and competition between operators has never been fiercer. In this fast-moving environment, offering a great library of games isn’t enough anymore. Operators need insight, and not just data pulled from yesterday’s activity. What really matters is information delivered in the moment. Real-time data in iGaming has become one of the most powerful resources available, and it’s already changing how operators run their businesses.

The Value of Acting in the Moment

For much of the industry’s history, operators relied on after-the-fact reporting. Reports were collated, analyzed, and used to make adjustments, but they always looked backward. While useful for long-term planning, those reports left operators blind to what was happening right now.

Real-time data changes this completely. By tracking betting activity, game trends, and technical performance as they occur, operators aren’t just reacting days later, they’re shaping the experience as it unfolds. The ability to act while a session is still live is what gives this approach its real power, and it’s quickly becoming the standard across the industry.

Improving the Player Experience

One of the clearest benefits of real-time data in iGaming is the way it makes the player journey better. A live casino that reacts instantly feels more engaging and more personal. If a blackjack table suddenly draws a surge of attention, the operator can spotlight it or add incentives before the momentum fades. If a player shows interest in a certain style of play, the system can highlight similar content during the same session.

That kind of responsiveness doesn’t go unnoticed. Players can sense when an environment is tuned to them rather than set in stone. It builds a sense of connection and loyalty, qualities that keep people coming back long after the initial excitement has worn off.

Guarding Against Risks

There’s also a serious side to live monitoring. Operators have to protect their platforms against fraud, ensure games remain fair, and promote responsible play. These obligations can’t be met with data that arrives long after a session has ended. Real-time visibility lets operators identify suspicious activity, irregular betting, or potential signs of player distress right away.

Acting quickly protects both the business and the players. Suspicious activity can be frozen, and players showing signs of risk can be supported before the situation gets worse.

Keeping Operations Running Smoothly

The complexity of a live casino is easy to underestimate. Dealers, studio equipment, streaming technology, and player interfaces all have to align. A single glitch in one area can ripple across the entire system.

Real-time data gives operators a clear window into everything happening. If a stream begins to lose quality or a dealer table encounters an irregularity, the issue can be fixed before players even notice. This oversight reduces downtime, increases reliability, and creates confidence on both sides of the table.

How Vivo Gaming Supports Operators

At Vivo Gaming, our Data Feed API integrates smoothly with existing platforms and delivers synchronized game results and video feeds in real time. That synchronization means the information isn’t just abstract numbers but a reflection of what’s happening in the live casino itself.

The API is deliberately flexible. Some operators stick with the standard tables we stream from our global studios. Others want private, branded tables to strengthen their identity. A third group goes further, hosting their own studios with our support, covering everything from design to dealer training. The choice depends on strategy, but the benefit is the same: operators get reliable live data they can act on instantly.

A Practical Advantage in a Crowded Market

With so many options available to players, small differences often decide who keeps their attention. Live data gives operators an edge that’s hard to copy. Promotions can be adjusted while a game is running, not the next day. Suspicious behavior can be stopped before it affects the community. Game portfolios can be shifted toward what players actually enjoy right now rather than what was popular weeks ago.

This isn’t theory, we see it play out every day with our partners. The operators who lean on live data create environments that feel personal, transparent, and trustworthy. Those qualities are exactly what keep players engaged, and they’re becoming the key factor separating leading brands from the rest.

Looking Toward the Future

What excites us most is where this is heading. At the moment, real-time data lets operators react quickly. The next step is using the same flow of information to predict what comes next. As artificial intelligence and machine learning grow more sophisticated, they’ll work alongside live data to anticipate behavior. An operator might see that a player who enjoys one type of table game will likely enjoy another, or that a sudden shift in betting habits signals a problem before it develops fully.

By giving operators tools that deliver live information, Vivo Gaming helps them prepare for whatever comes next. Real-time data in iGaming is shaping the way successful operators manage their platforms, and it’ll soon be as fundamental to iGaming as the games themselves.