Funding: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t
This article explores the ongoing debate surrounding industry-funded research into gambling harms. It delves into arguments questioning the neutrality and independence of such funding models.
Regulatory
G2E to spotlight industry concerns over prediction markets with new panel
The Global Gaming Expo (G2E) will feature a new main stage session titled 'A United Front: Confronting Prediction Markets Together' on September 29. This panel will address industry concerns regarding prediction markets, bringing together gaming and union representatives.
Gambling Commission issues final call for feedback on UK regulatory burdens
The UK Gambling Commission has issued a final call for feedback from licensees and stakeholders regarding proposals to reduce regulatory burdens. This initiative, part of the Commission’s 2026/27 Business Plan, seeks to identify rules and processes that could be streamlined.
French financial sanctions authority fines sports betting operator over AML failures
A French financial sanctions authority has imposed fines on an anonymised sports betting operator for anti-money laundering (AML) failures. The operator's former CEO also received sanctions, including suspension and fines, related to these breaches.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch warns gambling taxes will put “good companies out of business”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has criticized the Labour government's gambling taxation policies, warning that they could force reputable companies out of business. She argued that current tax approaches are ineffective for the economy and detrimentally impact the high street, ahead of a potential Autumn Budget tax review.
Polymarket launches European lobbying push to secure financial services status
Prediction market operator Polymarket is launching a lobbying effort in Europe to gain financial services status. This move aims to facilitate its entry into regulated markets within the region.
PAGCOR chief says evolution of regulatory framework inevitable
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco stated that the agency's regulatory framework must continuously evolve. This evolution is necessary to address emerging challenges and the changing landscape of the gaming industry.
BreakingRegulatory
GGL calls for direct powers to prosecute illegal gambling threats
Germany's federal gambling authority, GGL, is advocating for expanded direct powers to combat illegal gambling and associated criminal networks. GGL Co-President Ronald Benter noted that the current Interstate Gambling Regime (GlüStV 2021) lacks sufficient enforcement capabilities.
Prosecutors to focus on nearly two dozen pitches in Clase micro betting case
Prosecutors in the Clase micro betting case have narrowed their focus to 18 specific pitches over a two-year period ahead of the November trial. This adjustment aims to streamline the legal proceedings.
BreakingRegulatory
Polymarket pushes for financial services status in Europe and UK
Polymarket is actively lobbying regulators in Europe and the UK to classify its offerings as financial services, rather than gambling, to facilitate international expansion. The company is engaging with regulatory bodies in London, Brussels, and the EU to argue for this reclassification.
Spain's 17 autonomous communities sign joint document defending authority over land-based gambling
Spain's 17 autonomous communities have jointly submitted a document to the DGOJ and Gambling Policy Council, asserting their authority to regulate land-based gambling venues. This action follows discussions among the regional administrations regarding concerns over the DGOJ's role.
£20,000 illegal gambling den in Manchester raided by police
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) conducted raids in Manchester City Centre, dismantling an illegal gambling operation. Four individuals were arrested following the enforcement activity, with charges including immigration offenses and money laundering.
BreakingRegulatory
Government prepares online casino ban in Brazil
Brazil's government is reportedly preparing a Provisional Measure to prohibit online casino games, as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva targets betting platforms. While the final scope is unconfirmed, discussions suggest it would not affect sports betting or sponsorship.
Malta’s AI guidance flags human oversight alongside gambling innovation
Malta's new AI guidance emphasizes the importance of human oversight in artificial intelligence applications, particularly within the gambling sector. The Charter also encourages due diligence from suppliers regarding AI's environmental sustainability.
BreakingRegulatory
Regulator tightens control on French gambling’s AML duties
France's gambling authority, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has issued a warning to licensed operators regarding their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) obligations. The ANJ is emphasizing the necessity for French gambling firms to ensure stringent compliance and reporting practices for AML/CFT guidelines.
bet365 ups compliance game with “natural choice” Solas Compliance
Bet365 has partnered with Solas Compliance, an AI-powered marketing compliance platform, to enhance its regulatory adherence. This collaboration aims to support the online betting giant in managing marketing compliance requirements within the highly regulated iGaming industry.
Polymarket pushes for European acceptance of prediction markets
Polymarket is reportedly lobbying in the UK and Europe to have its prediction market products classified as financial services rather than gambling. This effort follows its exclusion from several European nations, aiming to secure broader market acceptance.
Backlash for BetStop as gambling in Australia continues to cause controversy
Australia's national self-exclusion register, BetStop, is under scrutiny amid ongoing controversies within the country's gambling sector. Public sentiment remains largely hostile towards gambling promotion, indicating significant challenges for the industry.
BreakingRegulatory
UK’s latest round of AML clampdowns point to issues other than tax hikes
The UK gambling industry faces increasing scrutiny over Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and duty of care compliance, potentially impacting market consolidation more significantly than tax increases. Recent regulatory actions and enforcement highlight a growing focus on these areas.
BreakingRegulatory
Five years of GGL: Authority established and effective
Germany's Joint Gaming Authority (GGL) has marked its five-year anniversary, asserting its establishment as the national online gambling regulator. The authority has overseen the development of the legal online gambling market and effectively combated illegal gambling. GGL also expressed a desire for regulatory approaches that can keep pace with market developments.
BreakingRegulatory
“More international, more digital, more growth” – inside Veikkaus and Fennica’s plans for expansion beyond Finland
Finland's state-owned lottery and betting company, Veikkaus, is preparing for the end of its monopoly in July 2027, transitioning to a new market model. The company supports this change and plans to expand internationally and digitally. This transformation will establish Europe's newest betting market.
UK bingo operators warn tax hike could lead to venue closures, job losses
UK bingo operators are warning that a potential increase in Machine Games Duty on slot machines from 20% to 40% could result in venue closures and job losses. Industry leaders, including Rank Group and Buzz Bingo, have communicated these concerns to government officials.
BreakingRegulatory
Netherlands: KSA reissues eight online gambling licences for five years
The Dutch Gambling Authority (KSA) has reissued eight online gambling licenses for a five-year term, effective from October 2026 to September 2031. These are the first follow-up licenses since the market launched in 2021, replacing initial licenses set to expire in September 2026.
UK Commission suspends Ken Howell's remote license after AML probe
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the remote operating license of Targetlocal Ltd, which trades as Ken Howell's Sports Betting (kenhowells.com). The suspension follows an inquiry that identified anti-money laundering (AML) failings within the company's operations.
BreakingRegulatory
MGA launches AI Gaming Charter for responsible use across gaming sector
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), in collaboration with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA), has introduced an AI Gaming Charter. This voluntary, principles-based framework aims to promote the ethical, responsible, transparent, and accountable use of artificial intelligence within the gaming sector.