Regulatory news. Week №31

🇭🇰 Hong Kong to Legalize Basketball Betting to Combat Illegal Operators. Authorities in Hong Kong plan to legalize betting on basketball as part of efforts to counteract the illegal gambling market.

🇹🇭 Thailand Officially Recognizes Poker as a Sport. The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has officially classified poker as a recognized sport.

🇮🇹 Italy Extends iGaming License Application Period Amid High Demand. The Italian regulator ADM has extended the application deadline for iGaming licenses from September 17 to November 12, 2025. It has received 52 applications from 46 companies, generating € 365 million in revenue—exceeding the target of € 300−350 million.

🇲🇾 Malaysia Cоnsiders Harsher oPenalties for Online Gambling Operators. Online gambling operators in Malaysia could face fines of up to $ 236,000 and up to 12 months in prison. Police are calling for stricter laws to replace outdated 1953 regulations.

🇵🇭 Philippines May Raise iGaming Tax to 40% of GGR. Authorities in the Philippines are considering increasing the tax rate for iGaming operators to 40% of their gross gaming revenue (GGR).

🇬🇧 UK Treasury Prepares Online Betting Tax Reform. The UK Treasury is working on a reform to unify three existing online betting tax rates into one and is also considering increasing the overall tax burden on bookmakers.