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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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UK Affordability Checks Face Fresh Scrutiny as Dr James Noyes Calls for Reform Pause
Dr James Noyes, senior advisor at the Social Market Foundation, has urged the UK government to halt new financial risk checks for gamblers, citing concerns over transparency and effectiveness. The debate underscores divisions in the ongoing regulatory overhaul of the UK gambling sector.
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US POINTS Act Proposes $100M Federal Funding for Problem Gambling
The US POINTS Act could direct $100 million annually from the federal sports betting excise tax to nationwide gambling addiction prevention, marking the first dedicated federal funding of its kind. Industry stakeholders and regulators view this as a pivotal shift toward responsible gambling policy in the United States.
Unregulated Gambling Sites Raise Fraud Concerns at UK Cheltenham Festival
A new study commissioned by Flutter Entertainment exposes rising fraud linked to unregulated gambling sites during the UK’s Cheltenham Festival, sounding alarms over consumer safety and market integrity. The research, led by reformed fraudster Alex Wood, underscores urgent regulatory and enforcement gaps.
GambleAware Shuts Down as UK Overhauls Responsible Gambling Funding
GambleAware, the UK's leading gambling harm prevention charity, closes amid regulatory overhaul. Coinciding with a steep Remote Gaming Duty increase, its closure marks a pivotal shift in UK responsible gambling strategy and industry funding under new government policy from April 2026.
US Congress Introduces POINTS Act to Channel Sports Betting Tax into Problem Gambling Funding
The bipartisan POINTS Act, newly introduced in the US Congress, seeks to redirect one-third of the federal excise tax on sports wagering—around $100 million annually—toward dedicated problem gambling programs, marking the first federal funding initiative of its kind.
UK Government Eases Charity Transition with Gambling RET Levy Grants
The DCMS has announced transition grants for UK gambling harm charities as the sector shifts to the new statutory Research, Education and Treatment (RET) funding model, which has generated almost £120m. This measure aims to ensure continuity in critical support services during regulatory reform.
Norway Launches Four-Year Action Plan to Tackle Youth Gambling Harm
Norway’s government has initiated a four-year policy plan aimed at reducing problem gambling among young people, focusing on public sector training and educational workshops, as part of a broader strategy to address rising youth gambling concerns in Scandinavia.
UK Government Provides Transition Funding for Gambling Harm Charities Amid RET Levy Rollout
The UK government has introduced transition grants to support gambling harm charities as it moves to a new statutory RET levy system, which has so far raised nearly £120 million. This initiative aims to stabilise the sector during regulatory reforms affecting gambling industry funding for research, education, and treatment.
UKGC Affordability Checks Spark Growing Concern Among Gambling Industry
Leading UK gambling trade bodies urge the UK Gambling Commission to reconsider upcoming affordability checks, warning that strict financial risk assessments could drive thousands of bettors out of the regulated sector. The issue re-emerges as a flashpoint amid the Gambling Act Review.
Surge in Gambling Addiction Support Requests Linked to Growth of Ontario's Online Market
A new study reveals a dramatic increase in gambling addiction help requests among young men in Ontario, coinciding with the province’s rapid expansion of its online gambling market. The findings highlight growing concerns regarding mental health and problem gambling in the wake of regulatory changes.
Australian Politicians Question AI Use in $20 Million Gambling Research Funding Proposal
Australian politicians and academics raise concerns about artificial intelligence being used in gambling harm research that supports a major youth education funding request.
Malta Gaming Authority Reviews Self-Exclusion Implementation Across Online Operators
Malta Gaming Authority releases comprehensive review findings on how online gambling operators implement self-exclusion tools and player protection measures across the industry.
NCPG Urges Prediction Market Platforms to Display Problem Gambling Resources
The National Council on Problem Gambling has formally requested that prediction market operators prominently display the National Problem Gambling Helpline to protect users from gambling-related harm.
Federal Government Approves First-Ever Research Funding for Military Gambling Addiction Studies
The FY26 Defense Appropriations bill marks a historic milestone by providing the first federal research funding specifically dedicated to studying gambling addiction within military populations.
NCPG Issues Responsible Gambling Reminders as Super Bowl Betting Reaches Record Projections
The National Council on Problem Gambling releases guidance for Super Bowl wagering as betting projections reach $1.76 billion, emphasizing personal limits and risk awareness.
NCPG Appoints Heather Maurer as Executive Director in Leadership Transition
The National Council on Problem Gambling has selected Heather L. Maurer as its new Executive Director, bringing 25+ years of public health and nonprofit leadership experience to the role.
Record Participation in National Campaign Against Gifting Lottery Tickets to Minors
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports unprecedented participation in its annual campaign educating communities about the risks of giving lottery tickets to children.
Young Adults Drive 40% Increase in UK Self-Exclusion Registrations Through Gamstop
New Gamstop data reveals a significant 40% rise in self-exclusion registrations among 16-24 year olds, suggesting increased awareness of responsible gambling practices among young adults in the UK.
NCPG Launches New 1-800-MY-RESET Helpline Number for Problem Gambling Support
The National Council on Problem Gambling introduces a new, more memorable helpline number designed to reduce stigma and improve accessibility for those seeking gambling-related support.
Bristol Students Create Problem Gambling Support Toolkit for University Campuses
University of Bristol graduates develop educational resource to help students recognize and address gambling problems during their academic years.
NHS England Data Shows Persistent Regional and Gender Gaps in Problem Gambling Despite Stable Rates
New NHS Health Survey data reveals problem gambling rates remain steady in England, but significant regional and gender differences persist, highlighting need for targeted public health approaches.
Trump Administration Reverses Federal Mental Health and Addiction Funding Cuts After NCPG Concerns
The Trump administration restored over $2 billion in federal grants for mental health and addiction programs after initially terminating them, following concerns from gambling addiction advocates.
UK Gambling Commission Introduces Enhanced Deposit Limit Rules for Player Safety
The UK Gambling Commission has implemented new deposit limit regulations designed to enhance player protection and promote safer gambling practices across licensed operators.
Irish Research Links Childhood Gambling Exposure to Future Harm Risk
New ESRI research commissioned by Ireland's gambling regulator reveals concerning connections between early gambling exposure and increased risk of developing gambling-related problems later in life.
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