Brazil's Supreme Federal Court and Finance Minister are fast-tracking key cases related to fixed-odds betting, focusing on illegal operations, tax evasion, and money laundering. This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure the integrity of the betting market in Brazil.
Playtech has launched in Connecticut, securing an Online Gaming Service Provider license from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. This marks their entry into the sixth regulated iGaming state in the US, following their previous expansion into Delaware.
CIRSA has acquired a majority stake in Slots del Sol, a prominent online casino operator in Paraguay, signifying CIRSA's strategic entry into the South American market. This acquisition expands CIRSA's international presence by integrating Slots del Sol's online platform, two land-based casinos, and two gaming halls.
Peter & Sons has expanded its North American presence by launching its full game portfolio in Alberta, Canada. This move introduces popular titles like Barbarossa: Dragon Empire and The Soapranos to players in the province, signifying a step forward in the studio's regulated market strategy.
Gaming Corps has successfully launched its content with bet365 in Alberta, coinciding with the province's newly regulated market opening. This marks Gaming Corps as one of the initial studios certified for the Alberta market and also sees an expansion of their partnership with bet365 in Spain and Ontario.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has criticized the UK Chancellor's decision to increase Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) to 40% starting April, arguing it will boost the illegal gambling market. Independent analysis by H2 Gambling projects offshore online gambling turnover to double to £36 billion by 2031, fueling concerns about player protection and tax leakage.
IGT announced its decision to exit the Electronic Table Games (ETG) business in 2027 to concentrate on core business priorities. This strategic move signifies a streamlining of IGT's product offerings and a re-evaluation of its market focus.
Chile's online betting market is thriving with numerous platforms operating without local licenses, raising concerns and intensifying debate about their legality and regulation. A recent report by Diario Financiero highlighted the prominent individuals and international connections behind these platforms, primarily located in Cyprus, Estonia, and Greece.
Betsson Argentina CEO Maximiliano Bellio states that the legal online betting market in Argentina comprises less than 10% of total gambling activity, with the illegal market dominating. Bellio emphasizes that combating this illicit market is the industry's primary challenge.
St8, a casino games aggregator, has secured an iGaming Services Supplier registration in Alberta, Canada. This new license marks a significant step in the company's broader strategy to expand its presence across regulated North American iGaming markets, adding to its existing licenses in jurisdictions such as Sweden, the UK, Romania, and Ontario.
Merkur Group has acquired White Hat Studios, a prominent US iGaming slots provider operating in all seven regulated states. This acquisition expands Merkur Group's presence in the US market and leverages White Hat Studios' strong position to enhance its North American operations.
Kerstin Kosanke, President of the German Casino Association, has raised concerns that upcoming EU cash limit regulations and national anti-money laundering requirements could lead to the demise of German casinos due to excessive bureaucracy. She suggests Germany risks following Sweden's path where stringent regulations severely impacted the land-based casino sector.
Inspired Entertainment has launched its online slot games with multiple operators in Alberta, following the official opening of the province's regulated iGaming market. This expansion includes partnerships with major brands like bet365, BetRivers, and DraftKings, making Inspired's content available to a new audience in Canada.
bet365 has officially launched its sportsbook and casino services in Alberta, Canada, expanding its presence in the Canadian market beyond Ontario. This move solidifies bet365's strategic growth in North America and includes a partnership with the Canadian Football League.
Rio de Janeiro has implemented Decree Rio nº 58.274/2026, restricting fixed-odds betting advertising in municipal public spaces, including outdoor media. This move reflects a broader trend in Brazil towards tighter marketing regulations for betting operators.
PENN Entertainment has launched TheScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino in Alberta, Canada, along with standalone casino apps. This move expands their online gaming presence in the Canadian province.
Evoplay has entered the Austrian iGaming market through a partnership with win2day, Austria's only licensed online gambling provider. This collaboration marks Evoplay's official entry into the country.
The Rank Group plc has permanently appointed Richard Harris as its CEO. Harris has served as the company's CFO for four years and as Interim CEO since January 2026.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has formally questioned the Gambling Commission regarding its proposed Financial Affordability Assessments. The letter seeks clarity on the evidence and methodology supporting these controversial new measures. This indicates potential legislative scrutiny of the Commission's plans.
Brazil's federal government is set to implement stricter regulations on sports betting advertising, mandating prominent health warnings across all media formats. The new rules aim to curb advertising impact and will be enforced with tougher penalties for non-compliant licensed operators.
Brazilian lawmakers and health experts are expressing serious concerns about the widespread sports betting and online casino advertising, warning it normalizes gambling and contributes to debt and mental health issues. A new bill has been proposed to implement a nationwide ban on such advertisements.
Brazil's Ministry of Finance has blocked 2.8 million welfare beneficiaries, including recipients of Bolsa Família and BPC, from accessing licensed betting platforms. This action enforces a Supreme Federal Court ruling prohibiting the use of social-programme funds for gambling, impacting 10.4% of all beneficiaries.
Citigroup analysts predict Macau's casino industry will experience its 'toughest quarter since reopening,' with a projected 7% year-on-year revenue drop in the second half of the year. This decline is attributed to the impact of the FIFA World Cup, potentially leading to the lowest EBITDA since Q3 2024.
Light & Wonder has launched its content and platforms in Alberta, Canada, on the first day of the province's newly regulated iGaming market. This move allows them to offer their portfolio to players across Alberta, leveraging a significant new regulated market in North America.
High 5 Games has received supplier approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), allowing them to offer their games to all licensed B2C operators in the province, beyond the current Play Alberta platform. This expansion signifies a broader market entry for High 5 Games within Alberta's online gaming landscape.