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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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Brazil Online Casino Ban Could Double Illegal Market Share to 82%, ANJL Warns
A prospective ban on regulated online casinos in Brazil may push the illegal gambling market’s share from 41% to a staggering 82%, according to a new ANJL study. The warning arrives as the government weighs further restrictions amid ongoing regulatory debate.
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UK MGD Tax Hike Threatens Future of Retail Betting Shops, Warns Betfred Founder
Betfred’s founder has warned that the controversial 2024 increase in UK Machine Games Duty (MGD) could force retail betting shops out of business by 2030, following the closure of 132 Betfred locations since April. This article examines why the tax change poses a significant threat to high street gambling venues.
Brazil Considers Online Casino and Betting Ad Ban Amid Presidential Criticism
Brazil's President Lula has publicly signaled support for banning online casino operations and betting ads, drawing a stark comparison between gambling addiction and crack cocaine. The president's remarks come as Brazil's nascent regulated betting sector faces increased scrutiny and possible legislative changes.
Entain Faces Sponsorship Ban Pressure, 500 Layoffs and 37% Stock Drop Amid UK Scrutiny
UK-listed Entain confronts mounting regulatory pressure as a government-backed sponsorship ban looms, 500 jobs are slashed, and shares plunge 37%. The operator's challenges reflect wider industry strains linked to unlicensed gambling advertising in Premier League football and stalling market growth.
UK Gambling Giant Entain Presses for Immediate Ban on Unlicensed Sports Sponsorships After DCMS Review
UK-listed operator Entain has renewed calls for an urgent ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships in sport, citing 11 Premier League clubs with such deals after the DCMS consultation closed. The move highlights persistent compliance gaps and regulatory risks in the UK’s high-profile sports sector.
UK Lords Demand Gambling Ad Ban as Europe’s iGaming Black Market Hits €12bn
The UK House of Lords pushes for a full gambling ad ban while new data shows Europe’s illicit iGaming market is worth €12bn annually. UK slots reach a record £4.8bn GGY amid mounting regulatory scrutiny and shifting dynamics in European online gambling.
São Paulo Football Clubs Push Back Against Proposed Betting Ad Ban
São Paulo legislators are considering new bills to ban betting advertisements, prompting unified opposition from local football clubs over potential losses to sports sponsorship revenue and wider questions about Brazil’s gambling regulation framework.
UK Gambling Yield Reaches £17.5bn as Machine Revenue Climbs 10.7%
The UK’s gambling market generated £17.5bn in gross gambling yield (GGY) last year, driven by a 10.7% rise in gaming machine activity, notably from adult gaming centres. The latest regulator data highlights key shifts in retail gambling trends across Britain.
Brazil Considers Sweeping Betting Ban as President Lula Signals Crackdown on iGaming
Brazil's President Lula is reportedly preparing to introduce a nationwide ban on casino activity and severe restrictions on betting, threatening the foundations of Brazil's legal online gambling industry amid ongoing legislative reforms.
UK Gambling GGY Reaches £17.5bn as Online Casino Expansion Offsets Declining Betting Revenue
The UK gambling sector generated £17.5 billion in gross gambling yield for the latest reported year, with significant growth in online casino revenue compensating for declines in betting, according to new industry statistics. This shift highlights changing consumer preferences and regulatory challenges for operators in the UK market.
UK House of Lords Calls for Complete Gambling Advertising Ban
The UK House of Lords has recommended a total ban on gambling advertising, signalling a potential major shift in the country's approach to gambling regulation and responsible gambling protections.
US House Committee Advances Restored Full Tax Deduction for Gambling Losses
The US House Ways and Means Committee is reviewing legislation to reinstate a full federal tax deduction for gambling losses, replacing the current 90% limit. The measure could impact gamblers and industry operators nationwide, with retroactive application to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Brazil Targets Illegal Gambling With Stringent Bank Controls in 2026 Crackdown
Brazil’s Secretariat for Prizes and Betting has ordered direct monitoring of banks to detect and block financial transactions related to unlicensed online gambling, unveiling Ordinance SPA/MF No. 2,750/2026 as part of a wider clampdown on illegal operators in the country’s digital betting sector.
Europe’s Illegal Online Gambling Market Hits €12bn, Euromat Study Reveals Rapid Surge
A new Euromat study finds that Europe’s illegal online gambling market has tripled to €12bn, accounting for 25% of the continent’s online sector. The surge raises urgent regulatory questions and highlights the role of crypto and affiliates in driving unlicensed play.
Brazilian President Lula Condemns Online Betting, Vows Regulatory Decision Imminent
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has openly criticized online betting, calling it a “disease” and revealing that the government will soon announce key decisions affecting the country’s rapidly growing online gambling sector.
Quebec Considers Ending Loto-Québec Monopoly with Regulated Online Casino Market
Quebec is weighing significant iGaming regulatory reform as a new poll and political platform signal potential end to Loto-Québec’s online gambling monopoly. Modeled after Ontario, the move could reshape online casino regulation, channel offshore play, and boost provincial revenue.
Netherlands KSA Calls for EU-Wide Crackdown on Unlicensed Online Gambling
The Dutch regulator (KSA) has urged EU authorities to coordinate action against unlicensed offshore gambling, highlighting the growing threat to regulated markets and player protection across Europe. The call reflects mounting regulatory pressure and cross-border enforcement challenges in the online gambling sector.
UK Researchers Call on DCMS to Expand Gambling Ad Ban to Licensed Operators
UK policy researchers are urging the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to broaden its proposed gambling advertising ban to include all licensed operators, pushing for an August 2027 implementation date and raising important regulatory questions for the UK gambling industry.
Bulgaria Proposes Sweeping Gambling Advertising Ban as bet365 Makes Major Cuts
Bulgaria is set to debate a near-total ban on gambling advertising, while bet365 has announced 340 job losses amid wider industry pressures. These moves signal mounting regulatory and commercial challenges for European iGaming operators.
Germany Targets €6 Billion Illegal Gambling Network in Major Enforcement Operation
German authorities have dismantled a €6 billion illegal gambling ring following a three-year investigation and raids on eleven locations, highlighting the urgent regulatory response to money laundering risks identified by the FATF.
FATF Highlights Increased Money Laundering Risks in Global Casino and Betting Sectors
The Financial Action Task Force has released new risk indicators identifying casinos and betting operators as priority sectors for money laundering oversight. The updated guidance underscores compliance pressures for regulators and operators worldwide amid evolving AML challenges.
UK Premier League Faces Regulatory Threat as 10 Clubs Linked to Unlicensed Gambling Sponsors
A proposed UK government ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships puts half of Premier League clubs' revenue streams at risk, as 10 teams currently maintain commercial ties to operators without UK licences. Regulatory pressure could reshape football sponsorship and highlight wider compliance issues.
European Gambling Tax Rates 2026: Key Variations and Implications for Operators and Players
Gambling tax rates across Europe in 2026 display sharp variations, shaping costs for operators and affecting player returns. This analysis examines current rates, the rationale behind national frameworks, and what these trends mean for industry growth and regulatory oversight in major EU markets.
Germany Raids Illegal Online Gambling Network Alleged to Have Processed €6.2 Billion
German authorities have raided an alleged illegal online gambling network accused of processing €6.2 billion ($6.7 billion) in bets and evading €90 million in taxes, escalating enforcement efforts under Germany’s regulated online market.
Regulators
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Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.