Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) is imposing new restrictions on social interaction features and engagement mechanisms used by licensed online gambling platforms. This move, communicated to operators via an SPA notice, signifies a new regulatory focus on social gambling within the country's Bets regime.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is taking full control of the Irish online betting market this week, marking the final stage of a major regulatory reform enabled by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This represents the most significant overhaul of the country's gambling sector in decades, impacting all Irish betting operators.
Italy's gambling regulator, ADM, has issued a warning to online gambling companies regarding compliance with existing rules on bonus and content communication. This aims to clarify the advertising regulations overseen by AGCOM.
FIRST.bet has appointed industry veteran Ian Bradley as co-CEO, reuniting him with Tom Light, former CEO of SBTech, to lead the B2B sportsbook provider's global expansion efforts. Bradley brings over 20 years of experience in B2B sportsbook operations, including roles at Sporting Index and Sporting Solutions.
The British Gambling Commission is actively soliciting feedback from licensed operators regarding the most significant burdens within the UK gambling sector. This initiative is a core part of its 2026-2027 business plan, aiming to foster innovation while upholding regulatory standards.
Egypt and South Africa are intensifying efforts against illegal and unlicensed gambling operations in their respective markets. This crackdown comes amid significant growth in the African betting industry and aims to protect licensed operators and revenue streams.
Germany's ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has received a reform proposal from its associated Economic Council, outlining a strategy to resolve the country's long-standing gambling market issues. This initiative aims to address Germany's reputation as a challenging market within Europe.
UK horse racing leaders believe their sport will be exempt from potential future gambling advertising restrictions, unlike other sports like football. This stance is based on the sport's deep historical and financial ties to betting, with the betting industry providing significant funding to horse racing.
Prediction market platform Kalshi is reportedly seeking new investment to achieve a valuation exceeding $40 billion, with an IPO rumored for next year. If successful, this valuation would make it larger than any currently listed gambling company, highlighting significant potential disruption and growth in the broader betting and financial markets.
A new study by ScamInfo.ai found that only two out of 291 gambling domains achieved a 'trusted rating', with over a quarter considered high or critical risk. This positions the gambling sector as one of the most dangerous online categories, with gambling and betting sites making up 34.7% of the 7,185 websites analyzed across various sectors.
A study commissioned by Ukrainian regulator PlayCity found that while most Ukrainians favor stricter gambling regulations, only a small portion of the population gambles. This discrepancy highlights a potential disconnect between public sentiment and actual engagement with the gambling sector in Ukraine.
Entain has confirmed the sale of its 20% stake in Entain CEE to joint venture partner EMMA Capital for approximately €425 million. This transaction values Entain CEE at £1.9 billion and signifies Entain's withdrawal from the Central and Eastern European market.
Entain has publicly questioned the legitimacy of crypto-betting operator Stake.com's operating base in Curaçao, escalating a dispute regarding grey market operations in the UK. This follows Entain's ongoing efforts to highlight operators it perceives as having ambiguous regulatory standing.
The European Commission is actively considering a proposed uniform 1% gambling tax across the EU, a measure that has reportedly gained significant momentum. This potential collective tax would have a substantial impact on gambling operators throughout the continent.
VBET plans a significant expansion into the Dutch online gambling market in 2026, leveraging an expanded product portfolio and a strong focus on localization and regulatory compliance. The brand identifies the Netherlands as a key growth market following the World Cup summer.
VBET plans to significantly expand its presence in the Dutch online gambling market in 2026, viewing the Netherlands as a key growth area in Europe. The strategy includes an expanded product portfolio, localization efforts, and a strong commitment to regulatory compliance.
Georgia is introducing draft legislation to create a new licensing category for international online gambling operators, allowing them to offer online slots and sports betting specifically to foreign customers. This move includes a 5% gambling tax for these dedicated foreign licenses.
Spain has approved new deposit limits for betting customers via a Royal Decree, signaling continued government oversight of the betting sector. This follows previous measures such as new ID verification and future restrictions on bonusing from 2025.
Austria's leading political parties have reportedly agreed to end the country's gambling monopoly, setting October 2027 as the target launch date for a new, liberalized market. This move would introduce competition to the Austrian gambling sector, which has long been dominated by a state-controlled entity.
SBC News opines that the global rise of prediction markets could significantly complicate problem gambling prevention and treatment efforts in territories like the UK. The inherent nature of these markets may undermine current responsible gambling strategies implemented by the industry and regulators.
This article speculates on the potential policy implications for the betting industry if Andy Burnham, recently elected as MP for Makerfield and potentially the next Prime Minister, were to lead the UK. His previous stances on gambling regulation, particularly concerning advertising and affordability checks, could significantly impact the sector.
Ukraine's gambling regulator, PlayCity, has partnered with Kick, a streaming platform, to combat illegal gambling advertising. This collaboration expands PlayCity's existing efforts with other major social media platforms like TikTok, Meta, and Google to address the proliferation of black market adverts.
EveryMatrix has established a dedicated lottery division to enhance its focus on digital-first technology and features within the lottery sector. The company has a long history of providing turnkey solutions, sports, and casino technology to tier-1 lotteries.
Paf, the exclusive operator in Aland, achieved record revenues exceeding €200m in 2025 and made a significant acquisition. Despite its success, a director highlights a vulnerability in legal gambling markets, suggesting a need for solutions.
Super Technologies has moved to acquire Romanian software development firm Crafting Technologies, pending regulatory approvals. This acquisition aims to expand Super Technologies' European technology footprint and establish a larger development hub in Romania, adding to its existing network.