Regulatory news. Week โ7
๐บ๐ธ Michigan โ discussion of a fixed per-bet fee
In Michigan, a proposal has been introduced to implement an additional fee on each sports bet (per-bet fee). The initiative would modify the current taxation model and could increase the financial burden on operators. The bill is currently under review. Read more
๐ฑ๐ท Liberia โ legalization of prediction markets under an international license
The National Lottery Authority of Liberia (NLA) has officially licensed prediction markets under the Liberian International Gaming Licence. The regulator states that this is the first international gaming license explicitly covering the prediction markets vertical. Read more
๐ง๐ท Brazil โ Senate committee approves ban on betting advertising and sponsorship
The Science and Technology Committee of Brazilโs Federal Senate has approved a bill banning advertising and sports sponsorship by bookmakers and online casinos. The initiative continues the tightening of regulations following the launch of the regulated betting market and will now proceed to further consideration. Read more
๐ช๐ช Estonia โ reinstatement of 5.5% online tax from March 1
The Estonian Parliament corrected a technical error in the tax law: starting March 1, 2026, the online gambling tax will again be set at 5.5% of GGR. Due to the earlier error, online casinos were temporarily excluded from taxation. The regulator is urging operators to voluntarily pay the equivalent tax amount for that period. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ6
๐ฆ๐ท Argentina (Santa Fe) โ Online Betting Licence Tender
The Province of Santa Fe has launched a tender for online betting operator licences. Applications are accepted until March 2, 2026. Licences will be issued for 10 years with an option to extend for an additional two years. The minimum contribution is set at 15% of GGR. Foreign companies may participate only in partnership with local entities. Net asset requirements start at $ 2 million for local applicants and $ 120 million for foreign groups. Read more
๐บ๐พ Uruguay โ Mandatory Biometrics and Responsible Gaming Certification
The regulator DNLQ has approved new rules for licensed online platforms, introducing mandatory biometric user verification and a requirement to obtain a Responsible Gaming compliance certificate from the World Lottery Association. Existing players must be re-verified within 180 days. Read more
๐ธ๐ช Sweden โ Tighter Control Over Offshore Operators from 2027
Sweden has announced a reform taking effect on January 1, 2027. All operators allowing Swedish players access to their platforms will be held liable, even without a local licence. The goal is to narrow the “offshore window” and strengthen the share of the regulated market. Read more
๐ซ๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฑ Finland and the Netherlands โ New Licensing Fees for iGaming Operators
Finland has approved a new licence fee for online gambling operators of โฌ 29,000, with amendments to existing licences costing an additional โฌ 1,120. In the Netherlands, the regulator KSA will increase the gambling licence application review fee to โฌ 61,300 from April 1. These changes are part of preparations for a stricter and more expensive market entry regime. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ5
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom โ tax increases on online gambling confirmed
Remote Gaming Duty for online casinos will rise from 21% to 40% from April 1, 2026, while the tax rate for online betting (Remote Betting Duty) will increase to 25% from April 1, 2027. The changes are already included in the state budget as a separate gambling duties section. Read more
๐ง๐ท Brazil โ bill proposes using betting tax revenues to support teachers
A bill has been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies proposing that part of betting tax revenues be used to offset personal income tax for teachers. The initiative is part of a broader package fine-tuning betting market regulation following its launch. Read more
๐จ๐ผ Curaรงao โ new rules for iGaming operators’ domains and mirrors
The Curaรงao Gaming Authority has tightened domain management requirements: every domain and mirror must be officially declared and linked to a specific licence. Using undeclared domains will be treated as a licence breach and may lead to sanctions. Read more
๐ง๐ท Brazil โ head of betting regulator SPA steps down
The head of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, Rรฉgis Dudena, has left his position to take a role at Brazilโs Ministry of Finance. He played a key role in launching the regulated betting market on January 1, 2025. The regulator will continue operating as usual after his departure. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ4
๐ซ๐ฎ Finland โ New Gambling Act and transition to a multi-license model from 2027
The new Gambling Act has passed all political procedures, has been signed and officially published. Veikkaus’ monopoly on online betting and casino will be abolished, and from 2027 Finland will move to a multi-license model for online betting, slots, casino games, and online bingo. Read more
๐จ๐ฆ Canada (Alberta) โ Rules published for the future iGaming market
The Province of Alberta has published a new set of rules for private online operators โ another step toward transitioning from an AGLC-dominated model to a regulated, competitive iGaming market. The document defines key technical and compliance requirements for licensees; launch timelines and the exact number of licenses have not yet been disclosed. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA (West Virginia) โ Bills proposing to raise online betting and casino tax to 25%
Bills have been introduced in the West Virginia legislature proposing to increase the tax rate for online sportsbooks and iGaming operators to 25% of revenue. The initiative was introduced by Delegate Adam Burkhammer and is being discussed amid growing state revenues from the online gambling segment. Read more
๐ฎ๐ณ India bans most real-money online games
The Indian Parliament has passed the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025”, which effectively bans online games involving real-money stakes (including fantasy sports, poker, and others). This has led to the suspension of real-money operations by major platforms and a large-scale revision of operators’ business strategies. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ3
๐ช๐ช Estonia โ online casinos temporarily tax-free due to a legislative error
Due to a technical mistake in amendments to the Gambling Tax Act, online casinos in Estonia are formally exempt from gambling tax for 2026. The ruling coalition is already preparing a new bill to promptly reinstate the tax and close the “zero-rate” loophole for remote gambling. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA (Virginia) โ HB161 bill on online casinos and poker
Bill HB161 has been introduced to the Virginia General Assembly, proposing to legalize online casinos and online poker under the supervision of the Virginia Lottery Board. The draft ะฟัะตะดััะผะฐััะธะฒะฐะตั operator licensing, a 15% GGR tax, and separate fines/sanctions for unlicensed iGaming and sweepstakes casinos. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA (Georgia) โ renewed attempt to legalize online sports betting
In Georgia, bill HB910 has been reintroduced, aiming to legalize online sports betting under lottery management without a separate referendum. The proposal allows up to 18 online operators and is designed to channel proceeds into the stateโs education funds. Read more
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom โ debate on increasing gambling taxes
The UK Parliament is debating a potential increase in taxes on the gambling industry. The initiative has sparked mixed reactions: some MPs support higher taxes to boost budget revenues, while others warn of risks such as players and operators moving to the unregulated market and reduced competitiveness of the licensed sector. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ2
๐ง๐ท Brazil: The regulator SPA is facing a shortage of resources to combat the illegal betting market. The iGaming black market accounts for approximately 41โ51% of the total market, and the regulatorโs capabilities are constrained by a lack of staff and technology. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA: Operator Fliff has launched a peer-to-peer DFS product, “Superstars,” in California amid increasing regulatory pressure on sweepstakes and DFS games, as traditional DFS formats and social betting face growing legal scrutiny. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA: In Indiana, a hearing on HB 1052 has sparked debate over banning sweepstakes casinos. The bill proposes defining “sweepstakes gaming” as illegal gambling activity and would allow gaming commissions to fine and prosecute operators. Read more
๐บ๐ธ USA: A 2026 outlook report discusses plans to tighten betting regulations โ for example, restrictions on prop bets โ in response to a series of sports betting scandals in 2025. However, a full ban on such products is considered unlikely, with regulators favoring clearer rules and stronger integrity protections instead. Read more
Regulatory news. Week โ1
๐ง ๐จ๐ณ China: The cyberspace regulator has proposed banning AI chatbots from generating content related to gambling, pornography, violence, and suicide. The proposal would also require suicidal cases to be escalated to a human operator and guardians to be notified. Public discussion of the draft is open until January 25, 2026.
๐ฒ๐ฑ Telegram: In the Android beta version, a feature called “Emoji Stake” was discovered in the code, allowing users to place bets using Stars currency in the Dice emoji game.
๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฐ Kazakhstan: Authorities are discussing expanding the list of territories where casinos can be legally opened.
๐ง๐ท๐ Brazil: President Lula has approved Law No. 224/2025, introducing a phased increase in the GGR tax for online bookmakers to 15% from 2027 and 18% from 2028, against the backdrop of around BRL 3.8 billion in gambling taxes already collected by October 2025.
Regulatory news. Week โ52
๐ฐ๐ฌ Kyrgyzstan: A bill will be considered introducing criminal liability for the illegal organization and conduct of lotteries, including online formats, as well as a full ban on binary options in the country.
๐ต๐ฑ Poland: The President of Poland has vetoed a proposal to increase the tax on gambling winnings from 10% to 15%.
๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria: The President of Nigeria stated that he will not sign the recently adopted bill that would transfer regulatory authority over lotteries and gambling in all states to the federal government.
๐ต๐ญ Philippines: Authorities in Cebu City have banned both offline and online advertising promoting gambling.
๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands: The municipality of Tilburg has begun work on banning gambling advertising in public spaces.
๐ฆ๐ท Argentina: The regulator of Buenos Aires Province (IPLyC) has required all seven licensed iGaming operators to implement biometric player identification within 60 days.
Regulatory news. Week โ51
๐ซ๐ฎ The Finnish Parliament has approved a law abolishing the state monopoly; applications for licenses from private operators will open on March 1.
๐ง๐ท In Brazil, the lower house of parliament has approved a phased increase in the tax for betting operators from 12% to 15%; the bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.
๐จ๐ด As of December 31, Colombia will abolish the temporary 19% tax on online gambling.
๐ง๐ฌ The National Assembly of Bulgaria has rejected a proposal to nationalize the gambling industry.
๐ฉ๐ฐ In Denmark, preparations are underway to ban the RevShare model for affiliates starting in 2027.
Regulatory news. Week โ50
๐จ๐ผ The Curaรงao gambling regulator has adjusted the rules for the acquisition of companies holding a local gambling licence: gambling companies must now first independently submit an application for a licence in the Netherlands before completing an acquisition.
๐ซ๐ฎ A bill has been submitted to the Finnish Parliament to abolish the state monopoly on betting and online casinos; if approved, the market launch is planned for January 2027.
๐ณ๐ฑ The Advocate General of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, Lindenberg, published an opinion recommending that players be denied refunds of lost funds from iGaming operators for the period prior to the legalisation of the sector in October 2021.
๐ธ๐ช The head of the Swedish operator ATG has called on the government to increase the online casino tax to 26%.
๐ฎ๐ณ The Indian state of Odisha has abolished prison sentences for gambling-related violations and replaced them with fines of up to USD 834.
๐ธ๐ฟ The government of Eswatini is taking measures to restrict minors’ access to betting platforms.
๐ง๐ท The Brazilian government has announced the launch of a national self-exclusion system.
Regulatory news. Week โ49
๐ฌ๐ง In the United Kingdom, the online gambling tax will increase from 21% to 40% starting April 2026, while a separate 25% rate for betting will be introduced in 2027.
๐ฟ๐ผ In Zimbabwe, starting January 1, 2026, the tax for gambling operators will rise from 3% to 20% and will replace the corporate income tax; the tax on player winnings will increase from 10% to 25%.
๐ง๐ด Bolivia plans to abolish taxation for gambling operators. According to the new president, these fees generate less than 1% of budget revenues while requiring significant administrative costs.
๐ฆ๐ท Argentina has streamlined the procedure for registering iGaming operators in the tax registry.
Regulatory news. Week โ48
๐ฑ๐ท Liberia has launched a regulated online gambling market.
๐ช๐บ๐ฌ๐ง Gambling regulators from Germany, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have agreed to exchange information and coordinate actions to combat illegal online gambling.
๐ฑ๐น The Lithuanian government has brought together more than a dozen state agencies to eliminate regulatory loopholes that illegal gambling operators had been exploiting for years.
๐จ๐ฆ More than 40 Canadian senators have called for a nationwide ban on gambling advertising.
๐ซ๐ท The French gambling regulator (ANJ) has announced the launch of an updated national self-exclusion register, fully digitized to simplify the registration process.
๐บ๐ฌ Ugandaโs gambling regulator (NLGRB) has introduced responsible gaming guidelines outlining the legal obligations of all gambling operators.
