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31Casino tracks regulation, enforcement, market openings, operator movement, and responsible-gambling developments with an editorial lens. The goal is not volume. The goal is context.
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Brazil Considers Sweeping Sports Betting Ban Amid Political Hostility
Brazil's brief experiment with regulated sports betting faces a critical threat as lawmakers plot a legislative reversal. Amid rising opposition from both political wings, legal operators may have just 180 days left in the market.
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The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
Australia Approves Landmark Interactive Gambling Reform Bill for 2026
Australia’s parliament has passed the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, marking the country’s most sweeping overhaul of online gambling regulation in decades. The reforms, endorsed by both major parties, introduce wide-reaching changes but have drawn criticism from stakeholders across the industry and advocacy groups.
EU Considers iGaming Tax Framework, Sparking Debate on Harmonisation
The European Union is discussing the potential for a unified online gambling tax, a move that could trigger renewed debate on industry harmonisation across member states. Legal and industry experts now consider whether the process signals deeper regulatory changes for EU-based operators.
EU Explores Common iGaming Tax as First Step Towards Regulatory Harmonisation
The European Union is considering a unified tax framework for online gambling, a move that could open debate on harmonising iGaming policy across member states. This marks a significant shift from the current patchwork of national regulations in the EU.
Florida Files Lawsuit Against VGW and Stake Over Alleged Illegal Sweepstakes Gambling
Florida has launched legal action against VGW and Stake, claiming their sweepstakes casino operations constitute illegal gambling. The lawsuits, which also target payment processors, mark a significant escalation in regulatory scrutiny of the sweepstakes casino model in the United States.
Finnish Supreme Administrative Court Reduces Tax Burden on Offshore Slot Winnings
Finland's Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that taxes on offshore slot game winnings should be assessed per session rather than by individual game, easing the tax burden for Finnish players and setting a precedent likely to influence the evolving regulatory environment.
Fanatics Secures Ontario iGaming Licence Ahead of Canadian Market Launch
Fanatics Sportsbook & Casino has received approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, marking its entry into Canada’s regulated iGaming sector. The operator will join a crowded Ontario market with over 80 licensed gambling sites already active.
UK Repeals ‘Aim to Permit’ Gambling Rule, Empowering Local Councils on Licensing
The UK government has abolished the long-standing ‘aim to permit’ rule in gambling licensing, granting local councils the power to veto new gambling venues. This regulatory overhaul alters the balance of control between national policy and local communities in Britain’s gambling landscape.
Mexico Proposes Overhaul of Gambling Law to Address Online Betting Surge and Problem Gambling
A new legislative proposal in Mexico aims to curb the rapid growth of online betting and combat rising problem gambling, especially among young people. Lawmaker Alberto Martínez Urincho has submitted reforms to the Federal Law on Games and Sweepstakes to improve regulation and operator responsibility.
UK Set to Scrap 'Aim to Permit' Rule, Reshaping Retail Betting Licensing
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces plans to revoke the 'Aim to Permit' rule, marking a pivotal shift in licensing policy for high-street betting shops. The move aligns with local government calls for tighter controls and signals a significant regulatory change for the UK gambling landscape.
Netherlands Online Gambling Licences Set for Renewal as Five-Year Terms Expire
Major Dutch online gambling licences are reaching the end of their initial five-year term, with companies including Holland Casino, Bingoal, and TOTO Online already securing extensions following regulator reviews. The Netherlands faces an inflection point as market stability and consumer protection take centre stage.
PokerStars to Become Core Poker Product Across Betfair, Sky Bet, and Paddy Power in UK Integration
Flutter Entertainment will make PokerStars the main poker platform across its major UK brands—Betfair first, with Sky Bet and Paddy Power to follow—marking a key shift in operator integration and product strategy within the UK gambling market.
IG Group Acquires Underdog for $1.3 Billion as Austria Advances Gambling Reform
IG Group has agreed to acquire Underdog in a $1.3 billion deal, marking a major milestone in the European prediction markets sector. Meanwhile, Austria is moving forward on comprehensive gambling reform measures, as mixed Q2 financial results underscore the industry's divergent fortunes.
Italy to Launch Centralised Online Gambling Dispute Portal in September 2026
Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) will introduce a national online gambling complaints platform on 10 September 2026, aiming to strengthen consumer protections and streamline dispute resolution within the country’s regulated betting market.
Brazil Moves to Tighten Betting Regulations with New Restrictions and Taxes
Brazil's federal government is planning fresh restrictions and increased taxes on betting operators, building on July's new advertising limits. The expanded regulatory push comes as the Supreme Federal Court debates the country’s longstanding gambling ban, raising the stakes for Brazil's fast-evolving legal betting market.
Pragmatic Play Unveils Color Game Bonanza Live Casino Title with 3,000x Grand Jackpot
Pragmatic Play has launched Color Game Bonanza, a live casino game offering a Grand Jackpot of up to 3,000x, broadening its real-time game show portfolio globally and targeting fresh engagement strategies for online casino players.
Non-Slot Casino Games Emerge as Key Player Engagement Driver, Infingame Reports
New data from iGaming aggregator Infingame highlights a significant shift in online casino portfolios, with non-slot games emerging as vital for player engagement and revenue. The findings reflect broader changes in player preferences and content strategies across global markets.
Ontario AGCO Fines Betty Gaming CA$120,000 Over Underage Gambling Failures
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed a CA$120,000 fine on Betty Gaming for lapses in age verification that allowed minors to access and gamble on Betty.ca. The incident highlights critical regulatory oversight in Canada’s online gambling market.
Brazil Tightens Betting Advertising Rules: What Changes for Agencies, Influencers, and Brands?
Brazil has introduced sweeping new advertising regulations for the licensed betting sector, impacting agencies, influencers, and gambling brands. The updated rules mark a stricter stance on gambling marketing in one of Latin America’s fastest-growing betting markets.
Austria Moves Proposed Gambling Law Forward With EU Review and Open Licensing Plan
Austria has advanced draft gambling legislation for EU review, proposing the introduction of 13 casino licences, mandated deposit limits, and a national self-exclusion register. This marks a major step toward a more open licensing model and aims to strengthen responsible gambling measures.
Betsson Finalises $74M Acquisition to Rejoin Ontario iGaming Market
Betsson has completed a $74 million acquisition of Rhino Entertainment's Canadian operations, marking its direct consumer return to the Ontario iGaming market. This move strengthens Betsson's presence in Canada and highlights ongoing industry consolidation amid Ontario’s competitive regulated landscape.
Austria Submits Gambling Reform to EU, Proposes 13 Casino Licences by 2027
Austria’s Ministry of Finance has submitted a sweeping gambling reform bill to the European Commission, initiating the EU review phase. The draft plan outlines a tightly controlled market with up to 13 casino licences and anticipates a market launch in October 2027 under revised regulatory oversight.
Betfred Considers Closing 132 UK Betting Shops Amid Gambling Tax Increase
Betfred may close up to 132 UK betting shops following recent gambling tax hikes, according to CEO Fred Done. The move highlights mounting pressure on high street betting operators and the shifting landscape of UK retail gambling regulation and taxation in 2024.
Betfred Shop Closures Signal UK Gambling Tax Impact as FDJ UNITED Posts H1 Loss
Betfred confirms high street shop closures after the UK online gambling tax rise, while the Gambling Commission delays its financial risk assessment and FDJ UNITED reports a first-half loss, highlighting major shifts in the European iGaming market.
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