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.
Brazil Sees 160% Surge in Unauthorised Betting Sites Post-Online Gambling Ban
Brazil experienced a sharp 160% rise in unauthorised betting domains within three days of its new online betting ban, according to Bet Legal and Iron Security. The explosion of illicit platforms raises critical questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and the ongoing battle against the black market in Brazil.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
Brazil Betting Ban: Lula Signs Measure Halting Online Gambling Operations
Brazil’s President Lula has signed a Provisional Measure that immediately bans the operation, offering, intermediation, and advertising of betting and online games across the country. This regulatory move profoundly disrupts Brazil’s burgeoning sports betting sector and signals a critical policy shift in Latin America's largest gambling market.
Brazil Considers Online Betting Ban as Presidential Provisional Measure Looms
Brazil may enact a ban on online betting through a provisional measure expected to be announced by President Lula in São Paulo, signaling a dramatic regulatory shift for Latin America’s largest gambling market.
Bulgaria Targets Outdoor Gambling Ads and Online Betting Fees in Regulatory Overhaul
Bulgaria has announced draft legislation that would impose a near-total ban on outdoor gambling advertising and increase online betting fees, as part of a broader push to tackle gambling-related harms and tighten industry oversight.
Brazil Bans Licensed Online Betting Operators Effective October 6 Under Lula Decree
President Lula has issued a sweeping ban on licensed online betting operators in Brazil, reversing landmark iGaming reforms less than two years after regulation. The decision disrupts Latin America's largest betting market and has immediate repercussions for operators, investors, and Brazilian tax revenues.
Brazil Set to Impose Full Online Betting Ban as Lula Fulfils 2026 Election Pledge
Brazil’s President Lula has pledged a nationwide ban on online betting, overturning the Bets Law as part of the Workers Party's 2026 election commitment. The move signals a sharp regulatory shift with broad implications for operators, tax revenue, and public policy.
Malta Raises Casino Gaming Tax to 15% from October 2026
Malta will increase its casino gaming tax rate to 15% from 1 October 2026, marking a significant regulatory shift for the island's gambling sector. The update introduces lower rates for sports betting and skill games, with the VAT exemption scope also narrowed.
Brazil Considers Online Casino Ban Amid President Lula’s Hardline Gambling Stance
Brazil's President Lula has delivered a strong rebuke of the betting industry at the UN, as his administration prepares a provisional measure that may restrict gambling advertising and ban online casinos. Industry uncertainty rises as Brazil mulls broader regulatory changes targeting the sector.
Bulgaria Gambling Advertising Ban Proposal Threatens Affiliate Sector
Bulgaria's Progressive Bulgaria party has unveiled draft legislation proposing a near-total ban on gambling advertising, a move that could severely impact the country's affiliate industry and reshape the wider iGaming market.
Brazil Considers Online Casino Ban as President Lula Prioritises Gambling Policy in Reelection Push
Brazil’s federal government is debating stringent restrictions on online gambling, including a possible ban on digital casino games like “tigrinho,” as President Lula places betting regulations at the forefront of his reelection campaign.
Curacao Data Breach Reveals Hundreds of Hidden Online Casino Owners
A major data leak at the Curacao Gaming Authority has exposed the names and details of hundreds linked to offshore gambling firms, raising serious questions about ownership transparency and regulatory practices in Curacao's online casino sector.
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.
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.
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.