Voices Shaping the Way We View the Gambling Industry

_{João Mar is speaking on reshaping how the gambling industry views compliance, with calls for global reform and tech-driven transparency. (Image: Courtesy of João Mar)}

There’s no doubt that digital commentary is shaping the way we view a wide range of issues—from green energy to online payments. Often, what these individuals or groups have to say finds its way into the minds of lawmakers and onto the pages of policy documents.

Commentators within the gambling industry are dealing with a rapidly changing landscape. Casinos.com has been scanning the internet and taking note of what some of these voices are saying.

One such voice is João Mar, an iGaming AML, KYC & Compliance, Risk & Fraud, and Responsible Gaming content writer.

João recently wrote a piece that begins, “Let’s get real, iGaming is here to stay, growing every year, and although everyone thinks I am against the industry, it’s quite the opposite.”

A Call for Global Reform

The iGaming industry is booming, and João believes it requires global reform rather than outdated bans. He argues that existing laws are outdated and fail to accommodate advancements such as blockchain and AI.

According to João, the online casino industry isn’t some shady underground business; it’s a multi-billion-dollar global market with millions of players. He questions why regulators continue to treat it like the “Wild West”.

“Most gambling laws were written in what feels like the Stone Age, long before blockchain, crypto, and AI-powered compliance tools existed,” João said. 

“Yet instead of adapting, regulators keep trying to ban sweepstakes, restrict new technologies, and push operators into the shadows. How does that help anyone?”

Embracing Cryptocurrency Enhances Transparency

João believes that rather than prohibition, regulators should create clear, modern frameworks that allow licensed operators to demonstrate safe and transparent practices.

Embracing technologies such as cryptocurrency can mitigate threats, enhance transparency in transactions, benefiting players, operators, and governments alike by ensuring safety, clarity, and revenue collection.

“Give licensed operators the opportunity to prove they can run safe, fair, and transparent platforms,” João said.

Time to Change the Laws

Commenting on cryptocurrency, João acknowledges that some still claim it’s “too decentralised” to regulate. But he argues that every transaction is traceable, public, and permanent. “That’s more transparency than most traditional banking systems,” he said.

João also points to the potential for innovation, such as using World Coin for KYC and AML processes, to further integrate cryptocurrency within the gaming landscape. It’s time to change the laws, not the game.

He hopes regulators will open their minds, adapt, and work with legitimate operators instead of against them.

“I’m not saying unlicensed casinos should run wild,” he said. He claims:

• Players get safer, with more responsible and supervised gaming experiences.
• Operators get a clear path to compliance.
• Governments collect revenues (instead of losing it to offshore sites).

João concludes, “The industry isn’t the enemy. Change the laws, not the game.”