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News matters most when it helps readers understand what changed, where, and why that change actually matters.
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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European Online Gambling Reaches 39% Market Share Amid Shifting Regulatory Landscape
Online gambling now accounts for 39% of Europe’s total gambling revenue, reflecting rapid digital growth and complex regulatory shifts across major jurisdictions. This in-depth analysis breaks down the market size, country-by-country dynamics, and the significance for operators and policymakers.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
UK Considers Doubling Machine Games Duty, Raising Alarm for Land-Based Casino Sector
The UK government is reportedly weighing a plan to double Machine Games Duty (MGD) in its Autumn Budget, a move that could significantly impact land-based casinos and gaming venues across the country.
Entain Delisted from FTSE 100 as Lottomatica–CIRSA Merger and Hungary Regulatory Review Reshape EU iGaming
Entain will exit the FTSE 100 on 21 September, coinciding with Lottomatica's planned CIRSA merger and a government-ordered review of Hungary's gambling regulator. These developments signal significant shifts in Europe’s online gambling landscape across the UK, Italy, Spain, and Hungary.
Paddy Power Puts 100 UK and Ireland Betting Shops Under Review Amid Retail Restructuring
Paddy Power is reviewing up to 100 betting shops, nearly a fifth of its UK and Ireland retail estate, putting 400 jobs at risk. The move highlights changing consumer habits and broader structural pressures in the UK retail betting sector.
Flutter Eyes Up to 100 Paddy Power Shop Closures Amid UK Retail Betting Challenges
Flutter Entertainment is considering closing up to 100 Paddy Power betting shops in the UK, a move the Betting and Gaming Council warns could impact racing revenues and jobs. This reflects wider shifts and pressures in the UK retail betting sector.
Responsible Gambling Campaigns Under Scrutiny as Research Calls for New Approaches
Despite major campaigns in the US and UK, new research suggests that traditional responsible gambling messaging is failing to reduce gambling harm. Experts urge regulators and operators in key markets to rethink strategies for player protection and consider evidence-based alternatives.
Caesars and Circa Address FBI Probe Into Massive US Driver's License Data Breach
The largest reported leak of North American driver’s license scans—153 million files—has prompted an FBI investigation and drawn attention to Las Vegas casino giants Caesars Entertainment and Circa, as questions mount about KYC data exposure and regulatory compliance.
Philippines Advances Sweeping Ban on Online Gambling Advertising with House Bill 10982
The Philippine Congress is considering House Bill No. 10982, which proposes a nationwide ban on online gambling advertising, promotions, and endorsements, introducing severe penalties for violations. If passed, the legislation would significantly reshape the country’s regulatory landscape for gambling-related marketing.
Brazil Senate Committee Approves Sweeping Gambling Advertising and Sponsorship Restrictions
Brazil's Senate Science and Technology Committee (CCT) has approved stringent new restrictions on gambling advertising and sports betting sponsorships, signaling a significant shift for the regulated market and raising concerns it could benefit unlicensed operators.
Brazil Senate Moves to Undermine Bets Law Amid Pre-Election Power Struggle
Brazil’s Senate advanced proposals aiming to unravel the regulated online gambling framework, highlighting how betting regulation has become a fierce political issue in the lead-up to the October 2026 elections.
Lottomatica, Cirsa Merger to Form World's Second Largest Gambling Operator by EBITDA
Lottomatica and Cirsa have agreed to merge, creating the globe's second largest listed gambling operator by EBITDA. The landmark move, impacting Italy and Spain, underscores accelerating consolidation in regulated gaming markets.
Pragmatic Play Taps Kevin Hart for Landmark Live Casino Event in November
Pragmatic Play has enlisted global celebrity Kevin Hart to headline a live casino event on 6 and 7 November 2024, signalling a major crossover between entertainment and iGaming. The partnership may set a precedent for future celebrity-driven live gaming experiences.
Brazil Launches Tax Evasion Investigation Into Betnacional Owner NSX Group
Brazilian authorities have launched a tax evasion probe targeting NSX Group, owner of major betting brand Betnacional, executing search warrants across three states. The investigation highlights intensifying scrutiny of Brazil’s rapidly evolving iGaming sector.
UKGC Suspends BresBet and Bet St George Licences Citing Suspected Compliance Failures
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licences of BresBet and Bet St George, two operators sharing management and a registered office in Sheffield, due to suspected compliance breaches. The action underscores the Commission’s ongoing focus on regulatory enforcement within the UK online gambling sector.
UK BGC Flags £800m in Illegal Premier League Bets as Entain Faces FTSE Demotion
The Betting and Gaming Council projects £800 million staked via illegal operators on Premier League matches in the UK this season, while Entain faces removal from the FTSE 100 and Curaçao sets out new onboarding rules for iGaming licensees. Read the latest from European iGaming regulators and industry players.
Ontario iGaming Market Surges to CAD$9.88B in Wagers as Casino Play Drives Growth
Ontario’s regulated iGaming market reported a record CAD$9.88 billion in wagers in July 2024, fuelled by a 6% increase in online casino activity and strong World Cup betting. The latest data highlights Ontario’s status as a leading North American regulated iGaming jurisdiction amid rising competition and evolving market dynamics.
Brazil Betting Tax Revenues Top £1.2 Billion in 2026 Despite Political Turmoil
Brazil’s betting sector delivered £1.2 billion in tax revenue so far in 2026, even as political tensions threaten its future. This financial windfall highlights the growing importance of the regulated betting industry in Brazil’s fiscal landscape amid mounting political opposition.
Canada Bans Sports Prediction Market Contracts Amid Regulatory Clarification
Canadian financial regulators have announced a nationwide ban on sports and entertainment prediction market contracts, clarifying these are not permitted under current securities rules. The decision has significant implications for innovation in betting markets and comes amid growing regulatory focus on new forms of wagering in Canada.
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.
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.
Regulators
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Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.
