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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Gambling Site Scam Risk: Only Two of 291 Domains Earn Trusted Rating, ScamInfo.ai Finds
New data from ScamInfo.ai reveals only two out of 291 gambling domains achieved a trusted rating, with over one in four considered high or critical risk. The findings underscore major cybersecurity and regulatory challenges for global online gambling safety.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
Illinois Gambler Sues DraftKings Over $2M Losses, Citing Addiction and Duty of Care
An Illinois resident has filed a lawsuit against DraftKings, claiming its platform enabled a gambling addiction that led to over $2 million in losses and severe mental health struggles. The case raises serious questions for US online operators on responsible gambling obligations and regulatory compliance.
Only 2 of 591 Gambling Sites Rated as Trusted, ScamInfo.ai Study Reveals
A 2026 ScamInfo.ai study found that just 2 out of 591 gambling sites received a trusted rating, highlighting widespread site safety concerns in the global online gambling sector. This revelation underscores the urgency for enhanced player protection and regulatory scrutiny across jurisdictions.
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.
Prediction Markets Challenge Sports Betting Growth in Massachusetts as Handle Falls
Massachusetts reported a year-over-year decline in sports betting handle in May 2026, highlighting a growing trend in major U.S. markets as federally accessible prediction markets appear to divert volume from state-regulated sportsbooks.
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.
Entain Considers Divestment of Central and Eastern Europe Unit Amid Market Shifts
Entain is reportedly weighing the sale of its Central and Eastern Europe business, potentially transferring its CEE joint venture stake to EMMA Capital. The move signals strategic recalibration amid shifting regulatory and commercial dynamics in the region.
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.
Affiliates Battling Black Market SEO Tactics Face Tough Choices in Regulated Gambling
Licensed casino affiliates are losing ground in search rankings to black-market operators, with iGaming stakeholders warning that trust and regulatory compliance—not just technical SEO—will shape the future of player acquisition in competitive gambling markets.
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.
Entain Warns of Illegal Gambling Surge Ahead of 2026 World Cup in UK
Entain has issued a strong warning about coordinated illegal gambling promotion in the UK, expecting a sharp rise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company cites new research and raises concerns about the growing black market threat to licensed operators and consumers.
Netherlands Proposes Gambling Advertising Ban and National Deposit Limits in Regulatory Overhaul
The Netherlands is advancing landmark gambling reforms, proposing a complete ban on gambling advertising, new centralized deposit limits, and mandatory affordability checks. The draft legislation signals a major shift for licensed online casinos operating under Dutch regulation.
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules Skill Games Classified as Slot Machines Under State Law
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has determined that cash-based skill games are legally considered slot machines, giving lawmakers four months to regulate or remove around 70,000 devices statewide. The decision signals a major shift for the state’s grey-market gambling landscape.
Netherlands Moves to Ban Online Gambling Ads and Bonuses in Major Regulatory Overhaul
The Dutch government is advancing proposals to ban online gambling advertising and bonuses, marking the most significant shift in the Netherlands’ regulated igaming market since its 2021 launch. Industry experts warn that the measures could drive players to illegal operators and undermine consumer protection goals.
Regulators
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Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.