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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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Betfred Suspends Irish Operations as New Gambling Licensing Framework Commences
Betfred has paused its online gambling services for customers in Ireland, citing the introduction of new national licensing regulations as the reason. The move reflects growing compliance demands facing global operators in Ireland’s evolving regulated market.
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European Regulators Present United Front on Prediction Markets Regulation
Nine gambling regulators from across Europe have issued their first joint declaration addressing prediction markets, marking an unprecedented regulatory collaboration. The move underscores growing concerns about market manipulation and the integrity of gambling frameworks across the continent.
Ireland Introduces Sweeping Gambling Risk Rules, Expands Regulatory Powers
Ireland has unveiled a national risk assessment and a 30-point action plan to fundamentally reshape gambling oversight. Led by the new Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), these measures mark a significant shift in how Ireland addresses gambling-related risks and consumer protection.
World Cup Player Elye Wahi Arrested in France for Alleged Spot-Fixing
Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup just weeks after French police detained him on suspicion of spot-fixing in a Ligue 1 match. The case has triggered renewed scrutiny of sports integrity controls in France and beyond.
Netherlands Introduces Sweeping Gambling Ad Ban Amid World Cup 2026 and EU Market Clampdowns
The Netherlands has enacted a broad online gambling advertising ban during World Cup 2026, while EU countries tighten restrictions on prediction markets. These regulatory shifts signal a critical moment for the European gaming industry, with compliance and market dynamics changing quickly.
Novig Gains CFTC Approval for 50-State US Prediction Market
Novig has been granted Designated Contract Market status by the CFTC, allowing the launch of a regulated sports prediction exchange accessible nationwide in the United States. This unprecedented regulatory move could reshape market access for prediction platforms and challenge state-by-state licensing norms in US gaming.
Austria Finalises Gambling Reform Deal as Lawmakers Weigh Cooling-Off Measures
Austria’s coalition government is closing in on comprehensive gambling legislation reform, with lawmakers debating a cooling-off period for operators. The deal aims to overhaul one of Europe’s last protectionist regimes and could reshape the country’s licensing landscape ahead of the summer parliamentary recess.
Entain Warns of Illegal Gambling Surge Ahead of 2026 World Cup in UK
Entain has issued a strong warning about coordinated illegal gambling promotion in the UK, expecting a sharp rise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company cites new research and raises concerns about the growing black market threat to licensed operators and consumers.
Netherlands Proposes Gambling Advertising Ban and National Deposit Limits in Regulatory Overhaul
The Netherlands is advancing landmark gambling reforms, proposing a complete ban on gambling advertising, new centralized deposit limits, and mandatory affordability checks. The draft legislation signals a major shift for licensed online casinos operating under Dutch regulation.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Skill Games Classified as Slot Machines Under State Law
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has determined that cash-based skill games are legally considered slot machines, giving lawmakers four months to regulate or remove around 70,000 devices statewide. The decision signals a major shift for the state’s grey-market gambling landscape.
Netherlands Moves to Ban Online Gambling Ads and Bonuses in Major Regulatory Overhaul
The Dutch government is advancing proposals to ban online gambling advertising and bonuses, marking the most significant shift in the Netherlands’ regulated igaming market since its 2021 launch. Industry experts warn that the measures could drive players to illegal operators and undermine consumer protection goals.
Netherlands Moves Toward Total Online Gambling Advertising Ban in Sweeping Regulatory Push
The Netherlands government is preparing a complete ban on online gambling advertising, signaling the strictest stance yet since the Remote Gaming Act’s 2021 introduction. The move adds tougher deposit limits and measures targeting illegal providers, reshaping the Dutch gambling landscape and raising wider questions for European operators.
US Prediction Markets: Study Estimates $34 Billion in Offshore Trading by US Users
A new study by the Coalition for Prediction Markets reveals that US-based users traded approximately $34 billion on illegal offshore prediction exchanges, highlighting regulatory gaps and growing demand for event-based wagering in the United States.
France Faces Critical Online Casino Regulation Debate as Illegal Market Grows
French regulator Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin warns of rising illegal online casino activity, prompting renewed debate on whether France should formally regulate iCasino amid pressure from established state operators FDJ and PMU.
New Zealand Finalises Online Casino Regulations Ahead of 2026 Licensing Launch
New Zealand has published its final online casino regulations as the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is set to take effect on 3 July 2026. The move paves the way for a formal licensing process in one of the last unregulated mature gambling markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Colorado Bans Credit Card Deposits for Sports Betting, Imposes New Limits on Operators
Colorado has passed new legislation banning credit card deposits for sports betting, restricting players to six deposits per day, and prohibiting push notifications and texts soliciting bets. The law, effective August 12, marks a significant tightening of sportsbook regulation in the state.
Quebec Online Gambling Reform Stalls Amid Advertising Debate and $2.3B GGR Loss
Quebec faces mounting pressure over $2.3 billion in lost iGaming revenue due to the prevalence of offshore gambling sites, as political controversy surrounding gambling advertising curtails efforts to implement an Ontario-style regulated online market.
Brazil Online Betting Regulation Faces Deep Divide in Congress Hearing
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies revealed stark disagreements on the regulation of fixed-odds online betting during a key public hearing, with further data now requested from major agencies. The debate raises crucial questions about consumer protection and future frameworks in Latin America's largest gambling market.
Argentina Bill Seeks Stricter Controls on Illegal Gambling and Youth Betting
Argentina is preparing major reforms to tighten online betting oversight and address youth gambling, as digital wagering surges and concerns about addiction rise. The bill, supported by President Javier Milei, could significantly reshape the regulatory landscape and reframe gambling addiction as a public health issue.
Spain Bans Prediction Markets Amid Fresh EU Regulatory Moves
Spain's gambling regulator has banned leading prediction market platforms as part of a wider enforcement surge, while Austria is set to liberalise its online gambling sector and Sportradar faces litigation. These changes reflect shifting regulatory and legal dynamics across the European iGaming industry.
Austria Begins Landmark Process Toward 2029 Online Gambling Liberalisation
Austria has initiated a comprehensive review of its gambling laws, marking the start of a regulatory overhaul set to culminate in a liberalised online gambling market by 2029. This move targets the longstanding monopoly of Casinos Austria and signals significant change for operators, regulators, and consumers.
Austria Eyes End to Casino Monopoly With Multi-Licensing Overhaul
Austria is moving to dismantle its long-standing online casino monopoly by introducing a multi-licensing regime, signaling a sweeping reform of its gambling laws and a move towards a more open, regulated market. This shift could transform operator and regulatory dynamics in Austria’s iGaming sector.
US Senator Schatz Seeks Federal Ban on Micro Prop Bets and Offshore Gambling Payments
US Senator Brian Schatz has announced federal legislation aimed at banning micro prop bets and empowering the FTC against companies facilitating payments to illegal offshore gambling sites, marking a potential turning point in US sports betting regulation.
bet365 Gains ANJ Licence Approval for French Market Entry Ahead of 2026 World Cup
bet365 has received approval from French regulator ANJ to launch online betting operations in France, marking a significant market entry just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. This move reshapes the French landscape and signals intensifying competition among regulated sportsbook operators.
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