REGULATORY NEWS. WEEK № 39

🇮🇹 Italy Considers New Gambling Measures as Part of Its 2027 Budget

Giorgia Meloni’s government is considering temporary measures that could generate an additional €400–500 million for the state budget from the regulated gambling sector. The main options include extending land-based gambling licences for three years, until the end of 2029, potentially generating €200–250 million annually, as well as preparing a new tender for the scratch-card concession with an estimated starting value of around €1 billion. Digital Lotto receipts and an additional Lotto and SuperEnalotto draw are also being discussed. The proposals have not yet been included in the draft budget and may still be amended or removed before it is presented in October 2026. Read more

🇪🇺 Polymarket Seeks to Have Prediction Markets Recognised as Financial Products in Europe

Polymarket is holding talks with regulators in the UK and the EU in an effort to have prediction markets classified as financial services rather than gambling. The company has already faced restrictions in Italy, the Netherlands, and France and is now seeking to bring the European approach closer to the US model, where event contracts are regulated by the CFTC. According to the report, Polymarket has held meetings with regulators in London and Brussels, including representatives of the European Commission and ESMA. ESMA has noted that some event contracts may qualify as financial instruments or derivatives, although this classification would not apply to every product, while investor protection and market integrity remain key regulatory concerns. Read more

🇧🇬 Bulgaria Launches Public Consultation on New Gambling Advertising Restrictions

The Bulgarian government has prepared amendments to its gambling legislation that would introduce stricter advertising restrictions. The measures under consideration include limits on aggressive marketing, a ban on bright and neon signage near land-based casinos and gaming halls, connecting operators’ equipment to National Revenue Agency systems for real-time data transmission, and stronger AML and tax-control requirements. Gambling advertising on sports kits and at sporting venues is expected to remain permitted, although the final conditions may change following the consultation. Further tax increases for online operators are also being discussed, after the GGR tax rate was already raised from 20% to 25% at the beginning of 2026. Read more

🇲🇹 Malta Publishes AI Guidelines for Licensed Gambling Operators

The Malta Gaming Authority and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority have introduced the AI Gaming Charter, a voluntary framework for the safe, transparent, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in the gambling sector. Operators are encouraged to build AI governance frameworks based on the level of technological risk, clearly inform users about the role and limitations of AI, monitor algorithmic fairness, and use representative datasets. The guidelines also address personal data protection and GDPR compliance, as well as the need for human oversight of AI-driven decisions. An MGA study found that most licensed companies do not yet have a fully developed AI strategy, while analytics, operational optimisation, customer support, and responsible gambling remain among the most mature areas of AI adoption. Read more

🇵🇱 Poland’s Gambling Industry Pushes Back Against an EU-Wide Gambling Tax

Four Polish gambling industry organisations have opposed a proposed 1% EU-wide levy on licensed online gambling that could be used as an additional source of funding for the EU’s 2028–2034 budget. Industry representatives argue that introducing a common tax without simultaneously harmonising regulation and strengthening enforcement against illegal operators could weaken licensed businesses. In Poland, operators already pay a 12% turnover tax, which industry groups claim can amount to more than half of GGR. Instead of an additional tax, they are calling for greater harmonisation of market-access rules, consumer-protection standards, and measures to combat illegal gambling. The proposed EU-wide levy remains under discussion. Read more