News desk
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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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.
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The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Romania Implements Tiered Taxes on Gambling Winnings from August 2026
From August 2026, Romania will enforce a new tiered tax structure on customer gambling winnings, part of a fiscal strategy to curb the nation’s EU-leading budget deficit. The policy marks a significant regulatory intervention with wide-ranging implications for players and the broader iGaming sector.
UK Gambling Commission Flags White-Label Oversight Shortfalls as Key Money Laundering Risk
The UK Gambling Commission has identified insufficient scrutiny of white-label partnerships within the online casino sector as a significant money laundering risk, classifying remote casinos as high risk for AML and terrorist financing issues. This assessment carries broad regulatory and compliance implications for the UK gambling market.
Brazil Moves to Ban Online Casino: PT Government Backs PL 2,258/2026
Brazil's PT government, led by President Lula, is intensifying efforts to pass Bill PL 2,258/2026, which would ban online casino games. The upcoming session of the National Congress is set to focus on this contentious regulatory move in Latin America’s largest gambling market.
Entain Secures AGLC Approval for Sports Interaction, PartyCasino in Alberta’s Regulated iGaming Market
Entain has launched Sports Interaction and PartyCasino in Alberta's newly regulated iGaming market following AGLC licensure in July 2026. The expansion positions Entain among the first private operators in Alberta, marking a significant step for Canadian gaming regulation.
UK Gambling Commission to Publish Full FRA Evidence, Pledging New Transparency
The UK Gambling Commission will publish the complete data and methodology underpinning Financial Risk Assessments in Autumn, responding to mounting calls for transparency around this controversial player protection measure. This marks a pivotal regulatory moment for the UK gambling sector and stakeholders.
Buenos Aires Proposes Mandatory Facial Recognition and Session Limits for iGaming
Buenos Aires province lawmakers have introduced a bill mandating facial recognition for online gambling users, along with session and login restrictions, aiming to strengthen responsible gambling standards in Argentina’s largest provincial market.
US Lawmakers Move to Ban Sports Prediction Markets Nationwide with New Bipartisan Bill
A bipartisan bill introduced in the US House aims to ban federally registered sports prediction markets nationwide, mirroring earlier Senate efforts. Lawmakers from Nevada, Utah, and California say event contracts risk expanding unregulated gambling under federal law.
Alberta Launches Licensed iGaming Market with 50 Operators on Opening Day
Alberta has launched its fully regulated online gambling market, becoming the second Canadian province to do so. With 50 licensed iGaming operators registered at launch, the move signals a significant shift in Canada’s gambling landscape and provides a robust framework for consumer protection and market competition.
Gibraltar Launches World-First Regulation for Online Prediction Markets
Gibraltar has established the world’s first regulatory regime specifically for online prediction markets, licensing two specialist platforms under its new framework. This strategic move positions Gibraltar at the forefront of innovation in regulated gambling and digital economy policy.
Alberta iGaming Market Opens With 50 Licensed Operators on Launch Day
Alberta officially launches its regulated iGaming market on July 13, featuring 50 registered operators including global brands such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. The high-profile rollout marks a pivotal step for Canada’s online gambling landscape and sets a notable regulatory precedent for other provinces.
UK Gambling Commission Faces CMS Committee Scrutiny Over Financial Risk Assessments Rollout
The UK Gambling Commission is under scrutiny from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee following its decision to proceed with Financial Risk Assessments, highlighting concerns around player privacy and regulatory transparency in the UK’s gambling sector.
UK Gambling Commission Faces Criticism Over Financial Risk Assessments Rollout
The UK Gambling Commission's plan to introduce Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) for operators has drawn strong backlash from across the gambling sector. Industry representatives warn the staged approach could have lasting impacts on both operators and players amid debates about public safety and regulatory overreach.
UKGC Implements New Risk Checks as Sweden Enforces AML Fines and Malta Prioritises AI in Regulation
The UK Gambling Commission has begun phasing in enhanced financial risk assessments, Swedish courts have backed the regulator’s AML fines for three operators, and Malta is moving to integrate artificial intelligence in gambling oversight. This article analyses the implications for EU iGaming regulation and industry compliance trends.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Historic Ban on Online Sports Betting with House Bill 971
Ohio could become the first US state to repeal legal online sports betting if House Bill 971 passes, signaling a pivotal shift in state-level gambling regulation and igniting national debate over responsible gambling measures.
Regulators
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Countries
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Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.
