Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has defended the government's decision to raise player taxes on online casino winnings to fund public services. The policy justification follows figures showing taxes withheld from gambling winnings rose 27.3% year-on-year to €369 million between January and August 2026. The increase coincided with broader growth in total gaming gross revenue across the market.
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Colombia's government has proposed reinstating a 19% VAT on online gambling deposits as part of a broader tax reform bill. Under Article 41 of Bill 477/2026C, known as the Ley de Rescate Económico, the measure would integrate internet gaming into the general VAT framework of the national Tax Statute. The legislation would also revise taxable bases for the land-based gaming sector.
The Dutch Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has launched two new educational campaigns aimed at mitigating the impact of gambling advertising and gambling-related harm on young people. The initiative arrives as the Dutch government pushes for a complete ban on gambling advertising amid a broader regulatory overhaul. The rollout also coincides with an ongoing dispute between Dutch gambling association VNLOK and Meta.
The High Court of South Africa has set aside the decision to award the Fourth National Lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings, reopening the tender process. Sizekhaya, which is majority owned by Goldrush Holdings, had previously assumed operational control from incumbent operator Ithuba. The court ruling follows a successful legal challenge brought by Ithuba to contest the award process.
Leadstar Media has warned that Finland's proposed ban on affiliate marketing under its incoming licensing regime could ultimately compromise player safety. As the country prepares to dismantle Veikkaus' monopoly ahead of a 2027 launch, more than 50 companies have registered licensing interest, with 18 already cleared by the National Police Board. Stakeholders caution that restricting regulated affiliates risks driving traffic to unlicensed operators.
The Malta Gaming Authority has softened planned reforms to its Recognition Notice regime following pushback from the gaming industry. The framework, which permits foreign-licensed operators to base operations in Malta, was previously designated as a medium-high money-laundering risk in national assessments. Implementing firmer regulatory oversight on these entities is now expected to require new legislation.