Regulatory news. Week № 31
🇨🇬 DR Congo Requires All Gambling Operators to Register by July 31
The Ministry of Finance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has required all companies operating in sports betting, casinos, lotteries and prediction contests, including online operators, to complete state registration and submit an electronic identification form by July 31, 2026. The requirement is part of a broader market reform aimed at improving tax administration, combating money laundering and bringing operators under a unified supervisory framework. At the same time, operators are being gradually connected to a national digital platform designed to track bets and financial transactions, compare them with company reports and identify potential violations. Read more
🇲🇰 North Macedonia Introduces a State Monopoly on Online Gambling
North Macedonia’s new gambling law has granted the exclusive right to organize online gambling to a joint-stock company that is fully owned by the state. Private companies will no longer be allowed to accept bets or offer online casino services independently. However, they will still be able to participate in the market as providers of technology, platforms and gaming content to the state-owned company through public tenders. MegaWin, the country’s last active online operator, has been granted a transitional period and may continue operating under the previous rules until December 31, 2026. Read more
🇰🇪 Kenya’s High Court Suspends the New Gambling Licensing System
Kenya’s High Court has temporarily suspended key provisions of the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026, effectively halting the new licensing system shortly after its launch. The decision followed a lawsuit alleging that the final capital requirements imposed on operators were significantly higher than those presented during the public consultation process, potentially violating the constitutional principle of mandatory public participation in the adoption of regulations. The court order will remain in force until the case is considered on its merits, leaving the issuance and renewal of licences under the new framework uncertain. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 30
🇲🇿 Mozambique Establishes Online Gambling as a Separate Licensed Segment for the First Time
On July 14, the Mozambican government approved regulations governing the organization and operation of gambling through electronic and computer-based systems. This is the first time online gambling in the country has received a dedicated legal framework and a separate licensing regime independent of land-based casino licences. The decision is directly linked to declining revenues from the traditional casino sector. According to the Ministry of Finance, in 2025 land-based casinos paid only around 54% of the projected tax revenue, while actual collections were also lower than in 2024. The new framework is intended to give the authorities a mechanism for legalizing and taxing the digital segment, which had been growing faster than the land-based market and effectively undermining the previous regulatory model. Read more
🇷🇼 Rwanda Resumes Licensing and Issues Three Licences to Betting Operators
The Rwanda Development Board, through the National Lottery & Gambling Commission, has reopened the market to new licence applications and issued permits to three international brands: Betway, ElephantBet and ForteBet. This effectively marks the resumption of licensing after a pause and confirms Rwanda’s move towards a more structured and regulated gambling market. Read more
🇬🇷 Greece Introduces a DNS-Based Model to Block Illegal Gambling Websites More Quickly
Greek authorities have approved a new DNS-based blocking system designed to accelerate restrictions on access to illegal gambling websites. The country is moving away from slower procedures towards a model that will allow internet service providers to implement regulatory enforcement decisions against domains more quickly. For Greece, this is an important step within its broader policy of aggressively tackling the grey market, which the authorities view as a systemic problem affecting tax revenues and player protection. Read more
❌ Buenos Aires Proposes Banning iGaming Operators from Using Influencers, Athletes and Public Figures in Advertising
A bill has been introduced in the Province of Buenos Aires that would tighten restrictions on online gambling advertising and explicitly prohibit the use of influencers, streamers, professional athletes, entertainers, public figures and sports organizations to promote betting platforms. The proposed ban would cover sponsored posts, advertising integrations, promo codes, affiliate links and other forms of indirect digital advertising, particularly on social media and platforms with large young audiences. The bill also proposes stricter age-verification requirements, including the use of biometric checks and verification against official databases. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 29
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan Strengthens Its Fight Against Illegal Online Gambling Through Financial Channels
From October 2025 to March 2026, banks rejected more than 400,000 transactions worth $ 20.8 million involving 110 blacklisted companies and payment providers. The authorities have also involved mobile operators in blocking payments in real time and strengthened geoblocking measures against unlicensed platforms. Read more
🇧🇬 Bulgaria Considers Licensing and Additional Taxation for Gambling Affiliates
The draft 2026 budget includes the introduction of a separate licensing regime for affiliates promoting licensed operators. The proposal includes a fixed annual fee of € 6,000 and a 10% tax on affiliates’ commission income. Read more
🇦🇲 Armenia to Accelerate the Blocking of Illegal Websites and Restrict Gambling Advertising
Parliament has approved amendments introducing a continuously updated blacklist of illegal websites and mandatory blocking by telecom operators. Gambling advertising will only be permitted on the façades of gambling venues and inside operators’ own offices. Read more
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Tightens Liability for Organising Online Gambling
Parliament has approved amendments at the first reading that extend criminal liability to gambling organised through websites, applications, social media and mobile networks. Proposed penalties include fines of up to twice the amount of illegally earned income and imprisonment, with organised groups facing sentences of up to eight years. Read more
🇨🇿 Czech Republic Creates a Unified Player Risk Assessment System
The IRIS project will analyse user behaviour across multiple licensed operators using pseudonymised identifiers and provide companies only with the player’s risk category. The law permitting this type of data exchange exclusively for player protection has been in effect since 1 October 2025. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 28
🇬🇷 Greece strengthens digital player verification
The regulator is seeking an external specialist to upgrade KYC procedures, identity verification, AML controls, and protections against underage gambling. Read more
🇳🇴 Norway warns individuals over the promotion of offshore operators
The regulator sent more than ten warning letters to private individuals who posted Facebook content linking to unlicensed platforms during the 2026 World Cup. Read more
🇪🇺 ESMA increases pressure on prediction markets in Europe
Some binary-outcome contracts may be classified as financial derivatives and become subject to MiFID II restrictions alongside national gambling legislation. Read more
🇲🇼 Malawi’s sports betting licensing deadline is approaching
Operators must complete the licensing process to continue operating legally in the local market. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 27
🇨🇼 Curaçao Tightens Rules for Operators Working with Cryptocurrency
In 2026, the Curaçao Gaming Authority is consistently strengthening requirements for licensed operators, with cryptocurrency operations becoming one of the key focus areas. In the updated requirements for Terms and Conditions and compliance, the regulator has introduced stricter rules on crypto payment transparency, handling of customer funds, account closures, and refunds. Read more
🇬🇧 The UK Will Increase Gambling Licence Fees by 25% from October 1, 2026
The UK government has officially confirmed a 25% increase in gambling licence fees starting October 1, 2026. Authorities explain the decision by the need to ensure sustainable funding for the Gambling Commission, including stronger supervision, efforts to combat the illegal market, and the implementation of new responsibilities following the White Paper reforms. Read more
🇪🇸 Spain Introduces Unified Deposit Limits Across All Legal Gambling Operators
Spain has approved a system that now tracks a player’s deposits across all licensed operators, rather than separately for each brand. The new regime is established under Royal Decree 520/2026 and introduces unified limits: € 700 per day, € 1,750 per week, and € 3,300 over four weeks. Previously, players could bypass restrictions by spreading deposits across multiple websites; this option is now being closed. Read more
🇮🇹 Italian Regulator ADM Clarifies That Bonuses Are Allowed, While Promotional Campaigns to Encourage Gambling Are Not
ADM has sent licensed iGaming operators a clarification distinguishing between “bonus” and “promozione” following complaints from consumer associations. The regulator’s position is that bonuses are directly provided for within the gambling regulation framework and may be used legally, provided that the operator properly discloses their characteristics, terms, and rules of application on the website. At the same time, unregulated promotional campaigns specifically aimed at encouraging participation in gambling remain prohibited as a commercial practice. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 26
🇦🇲 Armenia has finally adopted a law restricting access to online casinos for vulnerable groups
The National Assembly of Armenia has adopted amendments in the second and final reading that prohibit socially vulnerable citizens from accessing online casinos. The restrictions will apply to recipients of benefits and subsidies, pensioners with no other income, individuals undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, and citizens whose loan payments exceed 40% of their annual income. For all other users, a spending limit will be introduced: no more than 20% of annual income may be spent on gambling. The law also requires licensed online casinos to implement a unified self-exclusion button and provides for the blocking of unlicensed foreign websites.Read more
🇧🇷 Brazil has introduced joint tax liability for payment companies and advertisers working with unlicensed operators
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has issued Ordinance No. 1766, under which financial institutions, payment companies and advertisers working with unlicensed iGaming operators may be held jointly liable for their taxes. After receiving a notification, a payment organization must stop servicing such an operator within 24 hours; otherwise, it becomes liable for the operator’s tax obligations on an equal basis. For advertisers, liability applies immediately, without a separate notification.Read more
🇧🇩 Bangladesh has preliminarily approved a new law against online gambling and match-fixing
The government of Bangladesh has preliminarily approved the Gambling Prevention Act 2026, which is intended to replace the outdated Public Gambling Act of 1867. The new document covers online gambling, match-fixing, as well as the organization, facilitation, promotion and technical support of illegal gambling activities. Exact penalties will be clarified at the next stage, but it has already been stated that the law provides for both fines and imprisonment.Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 25
🇨🇱 Chile allows offshore iGaming operators to register for tax purposes and pay 19% VAT without changing their illegal status
Chile’s tax authority, SII, adopted Resolution No. 69, allowing offshore iGaming operators to register in the tax system and pay 19% VAT on services provided to Chilean users. At the same time, online gambling activity in the country remains unregulated and has previously been recognized by courts as illegal. After registration, operators that have been active during the last 36 tax periods will be required to pay taxes retroactively. SII separately emphasizes that this is not about legalizing the business, but only about fulfilling the state’s tax function. Read more
🇳🇱 The Netherlands prepares a full ban on iGaming advertising and the removal of welcome bonuses
The Dutch government plans to significantly tighten gambling regulation, including a full ban on iGaming advertising and the cancellation of welcome bonuses for new players. The initiative fits into a broader policy aimed at strengthening user protection rules and reducing the visibility of gambling in public spaces. Read more
🇵🇱 Poland tightens the law on casino streaming
In Poland, casino streaming has been classified as a form of trash streaming, meaning that violators may face up to five years in prison for such content. Read more
🇩🇪 Germany proposes stronger tools to fight the illegal gambling market
Germany’s Federal Government Commissioner for Drug and Addiction Policy has proposed tougher measures against illegal gambling, including higher fines, stricter penalties, a nationwide market inspection, and permission to wiretap suspected individuals. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 24
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan establishes a national cybersecurity agency that will help combat illegal betting and gambling
Azerbaijan has created the National Cybersecurity Agency, operating under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. One of its responsibilities will be to counter unlicensed betting and gambling activities, including offshore platforms and their related digital infrastructure. This continues the country’s course toward strengthening control over the grey market through cyber supervision and financial restrictions. Read more
🇦🇪 Play971 becomes the first licensed bookmaker in the UAE
Play971 has become the first licensed operator in the UAE to launch sports betting. The platform is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC and works under a licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. The launch effectively made Play971 the first legal sports betting brand available to residents of the country. Read more
🇳🇿 New Zealand introduces online casino rules ahead of licensing launch
New Zealand has published detailed rules for the implementation of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The regulation will come into force on 3 July 2026 and will set requirements for licensed online casinos, including player limits, mandatory play breaks, advertising restrictions, a ban on credit-based payment methods, and a quarterly levy of 3.5% of online gambling profit. The licensing process is also expected to begin in July, with the market limited to a maximum of 15 operators. Read more
🇪🇺 European regulators increase focus on responsible gambling during the 2026 World Cup
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, European gambling regulators reminded players of the need to stay in control of their betting activity. In France, ANJ launched a campaign warning about the risks of excessive betting; Germany’s GGL urged players to check operators against the official whitelist; and Malta reminded licensees of their obligation to monitor suspicious activity. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 23
🇦🇹 Austria May Abandon iGaming Monopoly and Move to a Competitive Licensing System
Austria is considering abandoning its current state monopoly model for iGaming and transitioning to a competitive licensing framework. One of the proposed requirements for grey-market operators seeking entry into the new regulated system would be the settlement of all outstanding player disputes before obtaining a license. Read more
🇦🇷 Argentina Prepares Tough Sanctions Against Illegal iGaming Operators and Facilitators
Argentina is discussing a new bill that would introduce penalties of up to six years in prison for individuals organizing illegal iGaming operations. In addition, fines are proposed for any parties that facilitate or support grey-market gambling websites. Read more
🇨🇩 DR Congo Plans to Launch a National Gambling Market Monitoring Platform
The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering the launch of a centralized government platform to monitor the gambling market. The initiative comes amid concerns that, despite the industry’s estimated turnover reaching up to $1.7 billion, industry media reports suggest that only around $1 million currently reaches the state budget. Read more
🇧🇷 Brazil Wants Banks to Report Gambling Transactions Monthly
Brazil is advancing a proposal that would require banks to submit monthly reports to the government on gambling-related transactions. The reports would include transaction volumes, the number of player accounts, details of internal control measures, and information on blocked or declined transactions. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 22
🇨🇼 Curaçao prepares mandatory cybersecurity requirements for B2C and B2B licensees
The Curaçao Gaming Authority has published a draft of new information security requirements that will become mandatory for obtaining and renewing licenses for both B2C operators and B2B providers. The framework is based on the CIS Controls IG1 standard, with part of the market expected to transition to the stricter IG2 level within 2−3 years. Among other measures, the draft includes two-factor authentication for admin systems, regular vulnerability scanning, mandatory storage of betting and transfer logs, notification of the regulator about incidents within 24 hours, and direct responsibility of B2B suppliers before the CGA. Read more
🇬🇧 UK creates interdepartmental taskforce to combat the illegal gambling market
DCMS has launched the Illegal Gambling Taskforce for a 12-month period as a coordination platform for representatives of the industry, payment sector, technology companies, regulators, and government bodies. The group will focus on practical measures to reduce the scale, visibility, and accessibility of the illegal gambling market, including restrictions on payments between users and unlicensed operators. At the same time, the government separately emphasizes that the new structure does not replace the powers of the UKGC or law enforcement agencies. Read more
🇱🇹 Lithuania introduces mandatory player ID cards for the entire licensed gambling market
Lithuania’s Ministry of Finance and the national regulator have approved a reform under which personalized player cards will become mandatory for all types of licensed gambling by 2029, including land-based casinos, gaming machines, and online platforms. The system must be linked to state identification, record bets, deposits, and withdrawals, and automatically account for spending limits, self-exclusion, and age restrictions. This could lead to market consolidation, as operators will have to integrate with government infrastructure and undergo new certifications. Read more
🇲🇽 Mexico prepares new restrictions on casino and online betting advertising on TV ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Mexico is discussing a bill that would restrict advertising for casinos and online betting during sports broadcasts and family TV hours. Advertising could be banned before 10:30 p.m., with the initiative explained by the sharp increase in gambling advertising ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 21
🇭🇺 Hungary may begin rolling back privileges for state operator Szerencsejáték Zrt
Reports indicate that Hungary’s new government could gradually scale back the advantages and special treatment previously granted to state-owned operator Szerencsejáték Zrt during Viktor Orbán’s administration. If confirmed, the move would signal a major political shift in one of Europe’s most tightly controlled gambling markets. Read more
🇲🇹 Malta’s ruling party promises €60M and 1,300 jobs for the iGaming sector
Malta’s Labour Party announced that, if it wins the snap parliamentary elections on May 30, it will increase support for the iGaming industry, including €60 million in funding for sector development projects and the creation of 1,300 new jobs. Read more
🇪🇺 European Parliament discusses international tax on the gambling sector
The European Parliament is discussing the idea of a 1% EU-wide levy on gambling revenue or turnover. The proposal could affect operators across all 27 EU member states, with the funds suggested for healthcare, education, and youth projects. Read more
🇹🇷 Turkey strengthens crackdown on illegal gambling market
Turkish authorities are launching a new stage in the fight against illegal gambling operators. The measures are expected to cover not only the domestic market, but also offshore structures, payment systems, affiliate networks, digital platforms, and social med. Read more
Regulatory news. Week № 20
🇹🇷 Turkey intensifies crackdown on illegal gambling: MASAK reviews 13.8 million user data records
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan instructed MASAK to strengthen the monitoring of transactions and data linked to illegal betting operators. According to the article, the financial intelligence unit is analyzing 13.8 million user data records connected to illegal betting databases and payment systems, while more than 3 million Turkish IDs have already been linked to gambling transactions. As part of the new phase of the campaign, authorities arrested 108 people across 35 provinces and are also reviewing more than 14,000 deposit accounts and 52,000 withdrawal accounts that may have been used for offshore betting payments. Read more
🇭🇺 Hungary may revise lottery-sector regulation and state oversight of Szerencsejáték Zrt.
Hungary’s new government is considering reforms in public media, cultural funding, and gambling oversight. Parliamentary hearings covered tax changes, a review of state spending, and stronger control over Szerencsejáték Zrt., the state-owned lottery operator. New Finance Minister András Kármán stated plans to gradually phase out sector-specific special taxes and increase transparency in state-owned enterprises, while Szerencsejáték Zrt. came under separate scrutiny following public debate around four jackpots being won in one week. Read more
🇷🇴 Romania to continue tightening gambling regulation amid political instability
Following the resignation of Ilie Bolojan’s government on May 5, 2026, Romania’s gambling sector has come under additional political pressure. Parliament is already reviewing reforms to the 2009 gambling law, with key measures including raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, strengthening consumer protection, and expanding municipal powers. Under GEO 7/2026, cities gained the right to restrict or fully ban betting shops and slot-machine halls — a measure already used by more than nine cities, including Buzău and Focșani. Amid criticism of ONJN and issues with nearly € 1 billion in unpaid tax obligations, the market is likely to face higher taxes, stronger oversight, advertising restrictions, and an expanded self-exclusion system. Read more
