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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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New Zealand Approves First Regulated Online Casino Market with Landmark Bill
New Zealand's Parliament has approved its first dedicated online casino gambling framework, marking a pivotal move to regulate a sector previously dominated by offshore sites. The new legislation establishes strict operator requirements and aims to improve consumer protection within the country's digital gambling landscape.
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New Zealand Passes Landmark Bill to Regulate Online Gambling Market
New Zealand’s Parliament has passed a comprehensive bill establishing the country’s first regulatory framework for online gambling, closing longstanding loopholes that have allowed offshore casino operators to serve local players. This marks a major shift for the New Zealand iGaming sector and sets a precedent in the Asia-Pacific region.
Italy Gambling Law Reform Accelerates: Meloni Government Reconsiders Retail and Advertising Restrictions
The Italian government has fast-tracked reforms to its gambling laws, putting retail regulation and the controversial ban on gambling advertising under review. With legislative deadlines approaching, key Meloni administration officials face pressure to modernise Italy's fragmented regulatory framework.
New Zealand Lawsuit Targets bet365 and Super Group Amid Upcoming iGaming Regulation
New Zealand's regulatory landscape faces a major test as a lawsuit adds bet365 and Super Group alongside SkyCity, with implications for international operators ahead of the country's iGaming market launch.
Brazil’s Caixa Halts Bets Online Gambling Launch Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
Brazil’s Caixa Econômica Federal has suspended plans to enter the online gambling sector via its Bets platform, citing uncertainty around federal gambling regulation. The move marks a significant shift in Brazil’s evolving gaming landscape as stakeholders await clearer direction on the Bets Law and online betting framework.
UK Online Casino Market Faces Shifting Landscape as Regulation and Technology Drive Evolution
The UK online casino market is adapting to heightened regulation and rapid technological change, shaping growth trends around compliance and consumer protection. New insights show how the sector, one of the world’s largest, is prioritising safe play and innovation amid market pressures.
EU Court Ruling Limits Malta and Gibraltar Online Gambling Market Access, Opens Door to Player Refunds
The European Court of Justice has ruled that EU member states can block online gambling operators licensed in Malta or Gibraltar, potentially leading to a surge of player refund claims. This decision significantly restricts cross-border market access for major iGaming hubs and reshapes the European regulatory environment.
Brazil Set for Major Gambling Shakeup as Lula Plans Presidential Decree to Overhaul Regulation
President Lula is preparing a presidential decree to overhaul Brazil's gambling sector, bypassing traditional legislative channels and reshaping the regulatory landscape amid ongoing debates over the Bets Law and market structure.
Brazil Mulls Major U-Turn on Online Gambling Regulation After 2025 Launch
Brazil is considering scrapping its regulated online betting and iGaming framework just one year after its official rollout in early 2025, marking a dramatic policy reversal that would have significant consequences for operators, consumers, and tax revenue in Latin America's largest market.
Alberta Online Gambling Market Set to Launch with 32 Operators in 2026
Alberta will launch its regulated online gambling market on July 13, 2026, drawing interest from 32 operators, including major brands like DraftKings and PointsBet. The move positions Alberta as a key jurisdiction in Canada’s evolving online gambling landscape.
Brazil Government Weighs Dismantling Online Gambling Framework After Only One Year
The Brazilian government is reportedly considering a major reversal of its recently established online betting and iGaming framework, barely a year after its nationwide launch, raising questions about the future of regulated gambling in Latin America's largest market.
European Court of Justice Rejects Malta’s Gambling Licence Defences in Major Cross-Border Ruling
The European Court of Justice has issued a pivotal decision curtailing Malta's ability to defend its gambling licences against enforcement actions by other EU member states, particularly following a high-profile case involving Lottoland and German regulators.
Ohio Fines Kalshi $5 Million for Operating Unlicensed Sportsbook
Ohio regulators have fined prediction market operator Kalshi $5 million for running an unlicensed sportsbook, following a pivotal federal ruling. The case clarifies Ohio's authority to regulate gambling formats despite federal commodity laws, signaling strict enforcement against unauthorized betting operators.
Brazil PT Party Proposes Federal Ban to Overturn Bets Law, Challenging Online Gambling Regulation
Brazil's ruling Workers' Party has presented a bill to Congress aiming to fully repeal the country's Bets Law, targeting a federal ban on online gambling. The move signals renewed uncertainty for Brazil's regulated gambling market and questions the government's policy direction.
Washington DC Bill Seeks to Legalize Online Casinos, Ban Sweepstakes Operators
A new bill in Washington DC proposes full legalization and regulation of online casino gaming while banning sweepstakes casino sites, aiming to address unregulated play and protect players. The move could reshape legal iGaming in the District and impact gray-market operators.
Brazil Betting Ban Sparks Industry Pushback as Lula Renews Crackdown Debate
Brazil’s leading gambling association is challenging President Lula’s revived proposal to ban sports betting, warning such a move threatens billions in tax revenue and could revert the sector to unregulated black market activity.
Mexico Moves to Criminalise Sports Betting Fraud and Match-Fixing With Ten-Year Prison Sentences
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies advances a bill aiming to combat match-fixing and sports betting fraud with prison sentences of up to 10 years. The proposed reforms signal a major regulatory shift in the country's gambling landscape and seek to bolster integrity in Mexican sports and betting sectors.
Ohio Lawmakers Seek Ban on Online Sports Betting and Stricter Wagering Limits
Ohio Republican legislators have introduced a sweeping bill to ban online sports betting and impose tighter restrictions on wagering, directly challenging the state’s rapidly growing digital gambling market. The proposed law could reshape how and where Ohioans place sports bets, sparking controversy across the industry and among stakeholders.
Italy Faces Renewed Pressure to End Gambling Advertising Ban After World Cup Exit
Italy’s shock absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reignited political calls to scrap its national gambling advertising ban, enacted under the 2018 Dignity Decree. Industry stakeholders and politicians are urging immediate action, citing the impact on sports funding and Italy’s international competitiveness.
Kentucky Raises Sports Betting Age to 21 and Expands Gambling Oversight in Sweeping Regulatory Reform
Kentucky lawmakers have passed House Bill 904, raising the minimum age for sports betting to 21 and expanding regulatory oversight over fantasy sports and other gaming activities. The bill, now headed to Governor Andy Beshear, marks a significant shift in the state's approach to gambling regulation.
Malta Gaming Authority Cancels Winzon Group Ltd Online Casino Licence After Compliance Failures
The Malta Gaming Authority has revoked the online gambling licence of Winzon Group Limited, citing regulatory breaches. This development underscores strict enforcement of Malta’s gaming rules, sending a clear signal about the MGA’s stance on operator compliance within one of Europe's main iGaming jurisdictions.
Finland Bans Affiliate Marketing Ahead of 2027 Gambling Market Launch
Finland is set to launch a regulated online gambling market in 2027 but will ban all affiliate marketing, diverging from the European norm. This measure has fueled debate on its consequences for consumer protection and operator competitiveness.
Kentucky to Raise Sports Betting Age to 21 Amid Enhanced Gambling Oversight
Kentucky legislators have passed House Bill 904, aiming to increase the sports betting age to 21 and broaden oversight of fantasy contests and regulated gambling, pending the governor’s approval. This move further aligns Kentucky with national regulatory standards on gambling.
Australia Set for Sweeping Gambling Advertising Ban by 2027 Under Labor Reforms
The Australian government will phase in a stringent gambling advertising ban by 2027, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming decisive steps to overhaul industry marketing practices and bolster protections for young and vulnerable audiences.
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