Who has been licensed, who has been fined and why. Licence grants, renewals, suspensions and revocations, anti-money-laundering and social-responsibility penalties, and the compliance standards regulators are enforcing.
Finland's forthcoming regulated gambling market continues to expand, with operators 711 and Play North both securing licences from the National Police Board of Finland. The approval establishes Finland as the third licensed operating territory for Belgium-based 711, joining Belgium and the Netherlands.
The UK Gambling Commission has expanded its enforcement strategy against unlicensed operators to directly target their money, assets, and operational business models. The shift moves beyond traditional domain takedowns to disrupt the broader financial networks sustaining the black market. The regulator announced the updated approach at the start of Illegal Gambling Awareness Week.
Pennsylvania authorities are reporting widespread compliance following a statewide crackdown on unauthorized skill games. State Police have inspected more than 12,200 establishments since October 14, identifying non-compliant devices in only 68 locations. Enforcement operations against illegal gambling machines remain active throughout the commonwealth.
The Irish government has notified the European Commission of its plans to establish a mandatory Social Impact Fund under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Starting 1 April 2027, licensed gambling operators will be legally required to make annual contributions to support the initiative.
An estimated £500m is forecast to be staked with unregulated black market operators throughout Britain's National Hunt jump racing season. The Betting and Gaming Council highlighted the escalating threat posed by unlicensed betting to British racing's funding, estimating that £10m will be wagered illegally during the Cheltenham November meeting alone.
The Betting and Gaming Council has warned that unlicensed operators are projected to take £500 million in wagers over the current British jump racing season. The trade body highlighted independent data showing a surge in illegal online gambling traffic in the UK ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
Data from the UK Gambling Commission reveals an overall decline in under-18 gambling participation, indicating that young people are largely steering clear of licensed operators. The regulator's findings point to the success of stringent age-verification measures and compliance investments made by domestic gambling companies.
South African Trade Minister Parks Tau is considering whether to appeal a court ruling that struck down the award of the national lottery licence to Sizekhaya Holdings. During a parliamentary briefing on the matter, the lottery regulator disclosed that Sizekhaya's ticket sales have fallen well below its licensing bid forecasts.
Romanian gambling trade association FEDBET has called on the government to intervene and protect the country's rapidly shrinking land-based casino sector. The trade body warns that Emergency Government Ordinance 7/2026 has created a licensing limbo that has already impacted approximately 8,500 jobs across retail venues.
The Federation of Romanian Gambling Organisers has warned that approximately 80% of the country's authorised gambling venues and slot machines could disappear by the end of 2026. The association attributes the potential closures to widespread delays in local licensing decisions under Emergency Government Ordinance No. 7/2026. Consequently, operators have been left without a clear regulatory pathway to renew their operating permits.
The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has called on gambling operators to review and enhance their anti-money laundering (AML) controls following the release of updated risk guidance. The revised framework highlights heightened financial crime risks, specifically within online gambling and business-to-business arrangements, based on the island's latest National Risk Assessments.
The Pennsylvania State Police reported a 99.4% compliance rate in its enforcement campaign against illegal skill games, with 12,134 of 12,202 inspected establishments removing the devices. Following the expiration of a 120-day safe harbor period on October 14, authorities seized 14 machines and $1,913 in cash. Alongside the ongoing skill game actions, state regulators have also issued warnings targeting sweepstakes operators.
Bulgaria’s Council of Ministers has submitted proposed amendments to the Gambling Act to the National Assembly, aiming to tighten financial and regulatory controls on the sector. The draft legislation includes a ban on gambling advertising, covering the promotion of games, licensed organizers, and associated brands. In addition to marketing restrictions, the bill proposes higher taxes and increased licensing fees for operators.
Kambi Group has finalized an agreement granting multinational lottery operator Allwyn a perpetual, global licence to its sportsbook source code. The deal also establishes a long-term partnership under which Kambi will continue to provide trading services and technical support.
Kambi has signed a comprehensive partnership with Allwyn covering sportsbook source-code licensing and long-term trading services. According to Kambi CEO Werner Becher, the milestone deal validates the company's proprietary technology and establishes a framework for future commercial opportunities.
Operator Stake is shifting focus toward regulated expansion, with Latin America serving as a primary target for market entry. Management plans to adapt the brand's distinct marketing strategy and global profile to align with local compliance standards and licensing frameworks.
Kambi Group has signed a global sportsbook partnership with lottery and gaming operator Allwyn. Under the agreement, which covers source code licensing and trading services, Kambi expects to generate approximately 45 million to 50 million in operating profit over a five-year period.
The UK Advertising Standards Authority has condemned a paid-for online display advertisement for Casumo's "Spinumo" promotion. The breach was detected using the regulator's newly implemented AI-driven Active Ad Monitoring System. In response, Casumo defended its operating standards, emphasizing its commitment to customer protection and regulatory compliance.
A Chilean Senate committee has backed an outright ban on online gambling, departing from previous plans to establish a formal regulatory framework. Lawmakers are currently evaluating legislative amendments that would replace licensing proposals with total prohibitions on internet betting.
European lottery operator Allwyn has announced plans to transition its sportsbook technology in-house and acquire full ownership of Instant Win Gaming (IWG). The strategic moves are designed to increase operational flexibility and streamline efficiency across its digital gaming portfolio.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has launched "Check Before You Play," a free online tool designed to help consumers verify whether gambling websites are licensed in their jurisdiction. The platform was introduced alongside the association's first Illegal Gambling Awareness Week as part of broader international efforts to combat illegal online gambling.
Romania faces an estimated 80% reduction in retail gambling venues amid an intensifying licensing deadlock among local authorities. The potential wipeout stems from Emergency Government Ordinance No. 7/2026, which decentralized gambling approvals by granting licensing powers to municipal bodies.
Allwyn has entered into an agreement with Kambi Group to bolster its sportsbook technology and operations. Under the deal, Kambi will grant Allwyn a perpetual, global license to its sportsbook source code while continuing to provide trading and associated services. The partnership is projected to increase Kambi’s operating profit by approximately €50m.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission has issued a warning to consumers regarding the risks of using unlicensed online gambling platforms, citing threats of financial loss and data misuse. Regulators reiterated that Hard Rock Bet remains the state's sole legal online sportsbook as part of an effort to steer bettors away from the black market.
Haiti's Ministry of Economy and Finance has established a national gambling regulator, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux de Hasard et d’Argent (ANJHA). The new body will oversee, monitor, and supervise the country's gambling sector. Under the updated regulatory framework, operators are mandated to pay all licensing fees, taxes, and other financial obligations directly through the national tax administration.
Kambi Group has entered into agreements with Allwyn, granting the multinational gaming entertainment company a perpetual, global license to its sportsbook source code. The partnership will power Allwyn's sportsbook technology consolidation and is projected to contribute between €45m and €50m to Kambi's operating profit from 2027 to 2031.
SBC News is providing live coverage from Berlin for the Gaming in Germany 2026 conference to report on the latest developments across the German gambling sector. The event evaluates the market's progress following an extended period of regulatory reviews and challenges to the licensing regime. Additional insights regarding the country's commercial performance and regulatory outlook are expected to emerge from the sessions.
The UK Gambling Commission has launched an enforcement campaign aimed at eliminating unlicensed betting operations, warning black market operators that it will actively target their businesses and revenue. Announced at the start of Illegal Gambling Awareness Week, the initiative also serves as a response to critics questioning the regulator's oversight of the illegal market.
Kenyan gambling operators have urged the government to annul newly imposed licensing fees and capital requirements. Industry representatives argue that the updated licensing framework raises serious legal questions and imposes unsustainable financial burdens on local businesses.
Traffic to illegal betting websites in Britain has expanded nineteenfold since 2021, according to a report from the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. The study also highlighted that visitors are spending significantly more time on unlicensed platforms than they were two years ago.
The British Horseracing Authority has issued a warning over black-market expansion following an IFHA report showing a seven-fold increase in traffic to illegal bookmakers. The findings, based on an analysis of 301 betting websites, highlight escalating competition from unlicensed operators in the UK racing sector.
Super Group's flagship brand Betway has renewed its Spanish online gambling licence, extending its market authorisation until the end of 2029. The license extension was confirmed by Spain's regulatory authority, the Directorate General of the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).
The Dominican Republic’s gambling regulator has identified seven authorized online operators as it develops licensing regulations under the country's new gambling framework. The regulatory body also warned that approximately 81 other operators are currently operating without state permission.
CDA Gaming has secured a court injunction against Brazil's MP 1.394, enabling operators Betsul and Casa de Apostas to resume operations. A TRF-3 federal judge provisionally restored the licence, ruling that the abrupt termination of previous authorisations violated principles of proportionality and legal certainty.
A survey commissioned by the UK Gambling Commission indicates that 2.5% of online gamblers used illegal gambling websites in the four weeks prior to being surveyed. Across the wider adult population, engagement with unlicensed platforms was estimated at 0.6%.
Finnish MP Sinuhe Wallinheimo has raised concerns over whether the national regulator will be adequately prepared for the transition to a licensed gambling market. Despite these readiness issues, Wallinheimo reaffirmed his support for ending the state monopoly to improve player safety and secure tax revenues.
The UK Financial Ombudsman Service has ordered Santander to refund thousands of pounds in gambling losses incurred by a customer using offshore operators. The decision highlights the growing regulatory and financial liabilities facing UK banks regarding their monitoring of transactions related to unlicensed gambling.
Malta has filed an objection that extended the European Union’s notification period for Austria’s proposed gambling reforms until December 7. The delay prevents the Austrian government from ratifying the legislation to dismantle its online gambling monopoly until mid-December. Consequently, operators face a tighter preparation window ahead of the market's anticipated licensing rollout in 2027.
The licensed Dutch gambling market declined in 2025, primarily driven by a sharp contraction in digital verticals according to figures from the Kansspelautoriteit (Ksa). Online casino revenue fell by 18.2%, while the online sports betting sector recorded a 30.2% decrease.
Mozambique's new regulatory framework for online casinos is scheduled to take effect on 20 November. The regime opens the market to licensed operators while introducing substantial financial and regulatory compliance mandates.