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.
Lead story
The most recent article in the current news slice. Use it as the quickest way into the latest coverage.
UK Gambling Commission Confirms Rollout of Financial Risk Assessments Despite Industry Pushback
The UK Gambling Commission is moving forward with mandatory financial risk assessments for players, despite strong opposition from operators who warn this could increase black-market gambling. The decision marks a significant shift in responsible gambling regulations within the UK.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
Dutch Supreme Court Rejects Claims Against Pre-Regulation Gambling Operators
The Dutch Supreme Court has ruled that contracts between online gambling operators and players from before the 2021 regulation cannot be voided, shielding operators from liability in the Netherlands' pre-legalisation market. The decision sets an important legal precedent affecting historic claims in the country's gambling sector.
UKGC Raises Licence Fees as Leadership Turnover and Betfred Fine Signal Regulatory Shift
The UK Gambling Commission has increased licence fees across the sector, fined Betfred £900,000 for compliance failures, and experienced a second senior leadership departure within a year. These moves signal a period of heightened regulatory focus and internal change in the UK gambling industry.
Ohio Lawmakers Seek Ban on Online Sports Betting in Sweeping Regulatory Bill
Ohio legislators have introduced House Bill 971, proposing a full ban on online sports betting and restricting legal wagering to retail sportsbooks. The measure signals a major shift in the state’s regulatory stance and raises questions about the future of Ohio’s booming online gambling market.
UK Gambling Commission Raises Licence Fees 25% After Larger Hikes Rejected
The UK Gambling Commission has confirmed a 25% increase in licence fees for operators, rejecting proposals for even larger hikes. This move reshapes operator costs in the UK market amid broader regulatory reforms.
Bulgaria Moves to Impose Stricter Rules on Gambling Affiliates as 2026 Budget Advances
Bulgaria is set to introduce new rules for gambling affiliates as part of its 2026 national budget, currently approaching final parliamentary approval. The regulatory overhaul follows months of caretaker government and signals increased scrutiny of the country's online gambling marketing channels.
UK Gambling Licence Fees to Rise 25% from October 2026 as DCMS Targets Operator Costs
The UK will increase gambling licence fees by 25% from October 2026, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed, amid industry opposition. This marks a significant escalation in regulator funding as the UKGC faces mounting responsibilities under ongoing reforms.
UK Gambling Industry Urges Data-Driven Approach as Think Tank Seeks Further Tax Hikes
The UK gambling sector faces renewed calls for higher taxation after the Social Market Foundation advocated further duty rises, just months after online gaming taxes reached 40 percent. Industry stakeholders warn of unintended consequences, urging policymakers to base tax strategy on evidence and impact analysis.
Ireland Enacts Landmark Online Gambling Regulation as GRAI Assumes Control
Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRAI) will assume full oversight of the country’s online betting sector in July 2024, concluding the most sweeping regulatory overhaul in the state’s history. The new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 imposes strict licensing and compliance measures across the Irish gambling industry.
Spain Gambling Regulator Moves to Cap Deposits as Entain Exits CEE, Meta Faces Ad Scrutiny
Spain's industry regulator is advancing plans to cap player deposits, Entain announces withdrawal from Central and Eastern Europe, and Meta comes under pressure over gambling ad compliance. This roundup details key developments shaping EU iGaming regulation and business in June 2026.
North Carolina to Require Sportsbooks to Report Gamblers Winning $2,000+ Per Year
North Carolina has passed a law mandating sportsbooks report bettors with annual winnings of $2,000 or more to state tax authorities, alongside an increase in the online sports betting tax rate from 18% to 23%. Critics warn these changes could drive players to unregulated offshore sites.
Alberta iGaming Licensed Operator Count Falls to 46 Ahead of Regulated Market Launch
Alberta has confirmed 46 iGaming operators remain on track for the province's regulated online gambling market launch on July 13. Officials note strong industry interest, but emphasize responsible gambling and player protection will be central in Canada's newest competitive marketplace.
Germany to Overhaul Gambling Regulation as CDU Considers Economic Council Reform Plan
A reform strategy backed by Germany’s Economic Council has given the ruling CDU a clear path to resolve long-standing deadlock in the country’s gambling regulation, with potential for transformative market reform. Here’s what this means for operators, stakeholders, and the German gambling environment.
EU Commission Advances Plan for 1% Gambling Tax Across Member States
The European Commission has accelerated discussions around a proposed uniform 1% gambling tax across the EU, a move set to reshape operator margins and regulatory alignment across member states. European Parliament officials confirm the measure is gaining political momentum in Brussels.
Spain Approves Nationwide Gambling Deposit Limits via Royal Decree
Spain has enacted a landmark royal decree imposing single, cross-operator deposit limits for all licensed gambling platforms. The move introduces unified player caps across the sector and is set to reshape responsible gambling supervision in one of Europe’s most significant regulated markets.
Austria to End Gambling Monopoly by 2027 as Coalition Commits to Market Liberalisation
Austria’s ruling parties have agreed to terminate the national gambling monopoly, targeting October 2027 for a regulated, open online gaming market. This could reshape the landscape for operators and regulators, with major implications for the country’s longstanding gaming framework.
Spain Sets New Betting Deposit Limits Amid Regulatory Overhaul
Spain has approved a sweeping new deposit limits system for betting operators as part of ongoing regulatory reforms targeting responsible gambling. The Royal Decree, announced in June 2026, expands on existing controls and highlights the government’s determined approach to player protection and market oversight.
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.
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.
Regulators
Use the regulator layer
Many news stories make more sense once you understand the regulator behind them.
Countries
Read the market guides
Move from headlines into full market context when a jurisdiction becomes important.
Guide
Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.