Regulatory News

Leading gambling operators SkillOnNet and Wildz Group have rejected Finland's proposed universal loss limits, warning that overly strict rules will drive players to the black market. Citing the failures of the German regulatory model, the companies argue that the new legal framework must remain competitive to ensure high channelisation rates when the market opens in 2027.

Liam O'Brien - 3 Feb 2026

The conflict highlights the immense tension within the Nordic gambling sector as Finland prepares to dismantle its state monopoly. While Veikkaus maintains its actions are lawful, the investigation by the FCCA will determine whether an incumbent can legally fortify its position against future rivals before the market even opens.

Liam O'Brien - 3 Feb 2026

The Constitutional Court of Colombia has delivered a shock suspension of the 19% VAT on gambling, citing constitutional concerns over emergency decrees. With an election year approaching, legal experts believe the tax is unlikely to be revived before 2027, providing a major boost to licensed operators.

Liam O'Brien - 2 Feb 2026

The Dutch government is set to implement a total ban on gambling advertisements and introduce license limits, citing fears of crime and a need to protect the public from an industry they have compared to the sex trade.

Liam O'Brien - 2 Feb 2026

As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the Russian Finance Ministry has proposed legalising online casinos to generate 100 billion roubles annually, a move critics label as a desperate attempt to fund the ongoing military campaign through state-controlled gambling.

Liam O'Brien - 30 Jan 2026

As the Netherlands prepares for a massive wave of licence renewals, the government has confirmed that fees will rise by 28 per cent across the board. Combined with a 37.8 per cent tax rate, the move has left many wondering if the Dutch market is still a viable home for online gambling operators.

Liam O'Brien - 28 Jan 2026

As the DCMS considers a 30% hike in gambling licence fees, the UK regulator warns that without a significant cash injection, it may be forced to cut staff and scale back essential enforcement against illegal operators.

Liam O'Brien - 28 Jan 2026

The escalating legal conflict over bet365 in Germany serves as a litmus test for the European Union’s ability to enforce judicial cooperation across borders. As Maltese legislation continues to shield operators from multi million euro claims the upcoming decisions from the European Court of Justice will determine whether the current system of regulatory loopholes can survive or if a new era of stringent player protection and cross border accountability is about to begin.

Liam O'Brien - 26 Jan 2026

Finland is scrambling to fix a regulatory oversight that turned gifted scratch cards into worthless bits of cardboard, all while preparing for the biggest gambling market liberalisation in its history.

Liam O'Brien - 26 Jan 2026

As New York faces a billion-dollar drain to neighbouring states and illegal markets, Senator Joe Addabbo launches a renewed 2026 push to legalise iCasinos. With a proposed 30.5 per cent tax rate and a focus on consumer safety, the Empire State may finally be ready to embrace the digital gambling revolution.

Liam O'Brien - 23 Jan 2026

Iowa lawmakers have introduced HSB 586 and SSB 3040 to grant the IRGC explicit powers to shut down unlicenced sweepstakes casinos using civil injunctions and stop orders.

Liam O'Brien - 22 Jan 2026

The Nigerian Tax Act 2025 has officially eliminated VAT on gambling stakes as of 1 January 2026. This landmark legislation aligns Nigeria with international tax standards and provides much-needed clarity for the sports betting and lottery sectors. While stakes are now exempt, operators must still pay tax on service fees and commissions.

Liam O'Brien - 22 Jan 2026

The UK Gambling Commission has accused Meta of profit seeking at the expense of player safety, claiming the social media giant allows illegal casinos to bypass British self exclusion schemes. Tim Miller warned that the regulator will use new powers and millions in funding to make the black market commercially toxic for all involved.

Liam O'Brien - 20 Jan 2026

As the Angolan government prepares to appoint a single provider to oversee all digital gambling transactions, the nation stands at a crossroads. With online revenues falling and physical betting shops booming, this move toward a centralised payment gateway represents a high-stakes attempt to modernise the industry and secure vital tax revenue for the state.

Liam O'Brien - 20 Jan 2026

Norway expands charity lottery access to twenty-three organisations as the state monopoly faces unprecedented political and regulatory challenges.

Liam O'Brien - 16 Jan 2026

Austria prepares for a monumental shift in its betting landscape as the Ministry of Finance outlines new draft legislation for the 2027 casino tenders. While the government focuses on age-based loss limits and stricter enforcement against unlicensed sites, major industry stakeholders are lobbying fiercely for a transition from a state-backed monopoly to an open, competitive licensing model to ensure better player safety and tax retention.

Liam O'Brien - 14 Jan 2026

The Star Entertainment Group is set to ax its corporate head office and eliminate hundreds of roles in a radical decentralisation plan. New CEO Bruce Mathieson Jr told staff the current structure added complexity rather than value. The move follows a A$300 million rescue deal by Bally’s and the Mathieson family aimed at satisfying regulators and securing the company’s future.

Liam O'Brien - 13 Jan 2026

Indiana lawmakers are currently debating a massive 750 million dollar casino relocation to Indianapolis alongside a competing 500 million dollar proposal for Allen County as the state also weighs the future of online lottery and sweepstakes gaming.

Liam O'Brien - 13 Jan 2026

As Iowa legislators gather for the 2026 session, a landmark bill promises to end the impunity of unlicensed gambling platforms. By granting the state commission the power to issue cease and desist orders, Iowa aims to protect its citizens from fraudulent sites and recover billions in lost revenue currently flowing to offshore markets.

Liam O'Brien - 12 Jan 2026

Mississippi’s Senate Bill 2104 is a rigorous legislative filing that aims to classify online sweepstakes casinos as illegal gambling devices, carrying heavy felony charges and asset forfeiture.

Liam O'Brien - 11 Jan 2026