Gespa's latest report indicates that Switzerland's regulated gambling turnover is projected to remain below CHF4bn in 2025. Online sales are a significant contributor, accounting for nearly a quarter of the country's lottery and sports betting sector.
Finland has received 50 iGaming license applications, predominantly from foreign operators, ahead of its planned market liberalization in 2027. This surge in interest follows recent legislative changes to open the Finnish gambling market.
Carlos Lima has been appointed as the new executive president of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR). His primary objective is to fortify the regulated market, emphasizing consumer protection, industry integrity, and economic growth within Brazil's evolving gaming sector.
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has named Ciarán Carruthers, an experienced casino executive, as its new CEO. Carruthers will be responsible for spearheading the development of the gambling market within the UAE.
South Korean authorities are launching a reward-based tip line to combat illegal betting during the 2026 World Cup. This initiative reflects a heightened focus on blocking illegal gambling operations in the country.
Finnish state-owned gambling operator Veikkaus is implementing new age-based loss limits targeting younger players, starting from €4,000. Simultaneously, the operator is removing its previous annual loss limit of €25,000 (25+) for older players, a move that is expected to increase the gambling risk for some player segments.
The Mpumalanga province in South Africa generates almost a third of the country's total gambling revenue, significantly outperforming its population share. This suggests a highly concentrated and successful gambling sector within the region.
New Zealand has announced new online gambling regulations, set to take effect on July 3, 2026, coinciding with the launch of a new competitive licensing process for operators.
Singapore police are investigating 30 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal online gambling and money laundering in a recent enforcement operation. The suspects are facing charges related to unlawful gambling activities and various financial crime offences.
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has urged licensed bookmakers to enhance their monitoring efforts ahead of the 2026 World Cup, joining other national regulators in issuing warnings. This initiative aims to uphold betting integrity and prevent match-fixing during the anticipated major sporting event.
The UK Gambling Commission is facing challenges in accurately measuring illegal gambling due to the increasing use of VPNs. This presents a significant problem for regulators as it obscures the true scale of the black market and complicates enforcement efforts.
The UK gambling industry generated £4.5 billion in Gross Gaming Yield (GGY) during Q4 2025, marking a 2.27% increase from Q4 2024, according to the Gambling Commission. This financial performance indicates continued growth within the regulated UK market.
Bally's Intralot has agreed to an all-share takeover of struggling operator Evoke in a deal valued at £243 million. This acquisition follows months of Evoke exploring strategic options for its future.
Play971 has launched legal football betting services for residents in the UAE, following its licensing as the first iGaming site in the region last November. This marks a significant development for the regulated betting market in the United Arab Emirates.
France's gambling regulator ANJ has launched a new campaign to promote responsible gambling ahead of the World Cup, citing a survey indicating that 41% of viewers intend to bet during the tournament. This initiative aims to mitigate risks associated with an anticipated surge in betting activity. The campaign focuses on preventing excessive gambling, especially among young people.
Allwyn reported a 21% increase in Q1 net revenue, driven partly by strong performance from Betano, which saw its revenue rise by 27% year-on-year. The acquisition of PrizePicks also contributed positively to these results.
The New South Wales government has allocated an additional $1.3 million to its GambleAware program. This funding aims to enhance peer support, front-line assistance, and increase the number of service locations across the state by 44%, strengthening responsible gambling initiatives.
Following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Nigeria, states are now taking the lead in regulating gambling, shifting power from the federal government. This decentralized approach is creating regulatory inconsistencies and challenges, particularly in religiously conservative regions.
The National Gaming Board (NGB) has issued a warning about a projected surge in illegal betting activities, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The regulator is urging consumers to practice caution and vigilance when engaging in betting during this period.
PlayCity Ukraine, the country's new gambling regulator, has issued 250 licenses in its first year of operation. This marks a significant step in establishing a regulated gambling market in Ukraine following the dissolution of its predecessor, KRAIL.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) is consistently deferring decisions on operator liability and player-loss claims to national courts, leading to ongoing uncertainty for iGaming operators across Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. This avoidance by the ECJ means that a unified legal stance on these issues remains unestablished, perpetuating a fragmented regulatory landscape.
Allwyn has appointed Khalid Reede Jones, former Virginia Lottery chief, as the CEO for its North American operations. Jones will be based in Chicago and tasked with expanding Allwyn's presence across the region, effective July 6.
Hanoi police have initiated criminal proceedings against a media agency that, while posing as an SEO and traffic-boosting firm, primarily supported black-market gambling websites. This action highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal gambling operations in Vietnam.
Media mogul Barry Diller has made a buyout offer for MGM Resorts, which could lead to one of Las Vegas's largest casino operators changing hands. This development comes as Caesars Entertainment is also undergoing a significant transaction, highlighting a period of major M&A activity in the Las Vegas casino market.
Brazilian federal prosecutors have initiated an inquiry into the Lula government's oversight and regulatory processes concerning the newly regulated sports betting market. The investigation will also examine the public health system's capacity to address and prevent problem gambling, indicating a broader focus beyond mere regulatory compliance.