A new study indicates that Brazil's illegal betting market share decreased in the first half of 2026, though clandestine platforms continue to hold a substantial portion of online wagering. This trend suggests a potential shift towards regulated channels as the market evolves.
Over 540 British high-street betting shops have closed, resulting in 4,500 job losses since last year's budget, according to the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC). The BGC attributes these closures to increasing taxes and operational costs, warning of further reductions if pressures continue.
France is facing crucial decisions regarding its iGaming industry ahead of upcoming presidential elections, with consumer protection and responsible gambling becoming increasingly central themes. While a 'whistle-to-whistle' advertising ban was rejected, the political landscape suggests potential shifts in regulatory focus and industry settlements.
A Connecticut judge rejected Kalshi's motion for a preliminary injunction, ruling its sports markets are not 'swaps' under the Commodity Exchange Act and likening their parlay-style offerings to casino gaming. This decision prevents Kalshi from operating its sports-event contracts in Connecticut and has significant implications for how event betting platforms are classified and regulated across the US.
The article discusses the significant reaction to new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's policy changes affecting high street bookmakers. These imminent changes are poised to reshape the retail gambling landscape in the UK, sparking debate over whether betting shops are 'dodgy businesses' or 'valued community hubs.'
Norway's state-owned gambling monopoly, Norsk Tipping, has settled a long-running dispute with nearly 17,000 customers. This resolution, however, does not end the ongoing political scrutiny of the company's monopolistic operations within Norway's iGaming market.
Kenya's gambling regulator has received a High Court ruling allowing it to proceed with the licensing process and its oversight duties. This decision comes despite a substantive judicial review being set for judgment in October, providing clarity for operators in the market.
Italy's media authority, AGCOM, has reinforced the Dignity Decree by issuing new guidelines to 46 licensed operators, prohibiting the use of tipsters and celebrity endorsements for promoting online betting and gambling brands. This move aims to enhance safer gambling campaigns and ensure compliance with existing marketing restrictions. Operators are now required to adhere strictly to these updated rules overseen by the ADM.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to scrap the 'aim to permit' policy for betting shops, requiring them to seek planning approval for new locations. This change, which also extends to adult gaming centres, comes amidst continued closures in the sector and follows the Prime Minister's negative characterisation of such businesses.
Following a UK gambling tax hike, operators are re-evaluating their B2B supplier contracts, impacting the business models and profitability of gaming technology and content providers. This shift forces suppliers to demonstrate greater value to maintain partnerships in the adapting landscape. The article explores how this tax increase is hurting B2B suppliers by putting pressure on their agreements with operators.
A study projects Brazilian families will lose $12.5 billion to gambling in 2025, with 41% to 51% of the market attributed to illegal, unlicensed websites. This highlights the substantial economic impact and the prevalence of the unregulated market in Brazil.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued a reminder to regulated entities dealing with event contracts regarding their responsibility to display clear pricing information. The CFTC specifically noted that the American odds format, often used by casino bookmakers, could be misleading to market participants, emphasizing the need for transparent financial disclosures.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to revoke the 'Aim to Permit' rule for gambling licensing, a move sought by many local governments. This decision will significantly impact the regulatory landscape for high street betting shops in the UK. The change reflects a hardening stance on retail gambling regulation.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has collaborated with South Yorkshire Police in a coordinated operation aimed at tackling illegal gambling and suspected organized crime. This joint effort underscores regulatory commitment to combatting unlicensed activities and protecting consumers.
Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) is preparing new restrictions on online betting platforms, targeting design features like rapid wagering, autoplay, and user interfaces that may promote compulsive gambling. These upcoming consumer protection and technical requirements will impact licensed operators in the Brazilian market. This follows the country's recent regulation of online betting.
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court has delayed a case concerning the criminalisation of traditional gambling, as Justice Flávio Dino requested more time to consider its impact on the country's regulated betting framework. The case involves Article 50 of Brazil's Criminal Contraventions Law, which penalises operating unauthorised games of chance, with the delay indicating a nuanced approach to the nation's evolving gambling legislation.
Chile's Santiago Court of Appeals has approved a continuous DNS-based process to block unauthorized online betting and gambling sites. This mechanism allows for the ongoing addition of new domains and mirror sites without requiring new court proceedings, streamlining enforcement against illegal operators. The procedure also includes a review stage to ensure fairness.
A Mexican lawmaker has proposed significant amendments to the Federal Games and Sweepstakes Law, aiming to address gambling addiction and implement stricter controls on online gambling operators. The initiative seeks to introduce new provisions to better regulate the industry within Mexico.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has reportedly advised prediction markets to discontinue using 'American odds' formats. This directive aims to distinguish prediction markets from traditional sportsbooks, as highlighted by financial markets advocacy group Better Markets.
South Korean casino operators are lobbying the government to abandon its proposed five-year renewable permit system and increased contributions to a tourism fund. The new regulations, unveiled last month, have already negatively impacted casino share prices and financial forecasts.
Novig, a prediction market platform, has filed lawsuits against four US states (New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Mexico) shortly after its nationwide launch. This aggressive legal strategy aims to preemptively address potential regulatory challenges and ensure an uninterrupted market entry for its CFTC-regulated platform.
California cardrooms are criticizing the state's arrangements with tribal casino operators, alleging that tribal casinos receive unfair gaming exclusivity without adequate revenue sharing. The cardrooms argue they face a higher tax burden compared to tribes, sparking a renewed debate over gambling regulations and economic fairness in the state. This conflict has significant implications for California's complex gaming landscape.
A new draft proposal in Mexico City aims to tighten player safety mechanisms for gambling and sweepstakes, introduced by Deputy Alberto Martínez Urincho. While presented to the local congress, the federal nature of gambling laws means it would require broader governmental approval to be enacted.
Glasgow has received a significant grant to launch 'The Glasgow Project,' an initiative aimed at combating gambling-related harms within the city. This funding will expand the efforts of Glasgow's existing gambling harms group, as the economic cost of these harms in the city is estimated to exceed £15 million annually.
Uganda has removed a tax exemption for land-based casinos, making them subject to a 15% tax on net winnings. This change aligns the taxation of land-based casinos with the existing online gambling sector in the country.