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
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UK Betting Industry Faces Over 1,100 Job Losses as Betfred and Entain Respond to Rising Taxes
Betfred will cut 600 jobs and close 132 shops across the UK, closely following Entain's announcement of 500 redundancies. Both operators cite increased gambling duties and higher operational costs, reflecting mounting pressure on the retail betting sector as regulatory and tax changes reshape the market.
More reporting
The broader feed, with room for regulatory, industry, and responsible-gambling developments.
SkyCity Faces $33 Million Lawsuit from VIP Gambler Over Alleged Duty of Care Breach
A former VIP gambler who reportedly wagered nearly NZ$500 million at SkyCity Auckland is suing the operator, alleging failures in responsible gambling oversight after losing NZ$33 million. The case highlights questions around casino duty of care in New Zealand and the global challenge of protecting high-stakes players.
UK Gambling Commission Flags White-Label Oversight Shortfalls as Key Money Laundering Risk
The UK Gambling Commission has identified insufficient scrutiny of white-label partnerships within the online casino sector as a significant money laundering risk, classifying remote casinos as high risk for AML and terrorist financing issues. This assessment carries broad regulatory and compliance implications for the UK gambling market.
Brazil Moves to Ban Online Casino: PT Government Backs PL 2,258/2026
Brazil's PT government, led by President Lula, is intensifying efforts to pass Bill PL 2,258/2026, which would ban online casino games. The upcoming session of the National Congress is set to focus on this contentious regulatory move in Latin America’s largest gambling market.
Responsible Gambling Council Report Finds UK, Sweden, Norway, Australia Moving to Mandatory Player Protection
A new Responsible Gambling Council report reveals a significant shift in the UK, Norway, Sweden, and Australia toward more prescriptive, mandatory player protection measures. The findings highlight converging regulatory approaches and growing emphasis on harm prevention across major gambling markets.
Entain Secures AGLC Approval for Sports Interaction, PartyCasino in Alberta’s Regulated iGaming Market
Entain has launched Sports Interaction and PartyCasino in Alberta's newly regulated iGaming market following AGLC licensure in July 2026. The expansion positions Entain among the first private operators in Alberta, marking a significant step for Canadian gaming regulation.
Lightning Link Slot Debuts Online in Regulated US and Canada Casinos
Aristocrat Interactive’s Lightning Link High Stakes, a leading land-based slot, has launched online in regulated US iGaming states and Canadian provinces. The move marks the digital debut of the popular title, expanding classic slot gameplay to a fast-growing North American audience.
Illinois Recognizes Gambling Addiction as Substance Use Disorder Under New Law
Illinois has become the first US state to classify gambling addiction alongside drugs and alcohol under its Substance Use Disorder Act, expanding access to treatment and resources for problem gamblers. Senate Bill 2749, signed in July 2024, marks a significant shift in regulatory and public health policy within the state.
UK Gambling Commission to Publish Full FRA Evidence, Pledging New Transparency
The UK Gambling Commission will publish the complete data and methodology underpinning Financial Risk Assessments in Autumn, responding to mounting calls for transparency around this controversial player protection measure. This marks a pivotal regulatory moment for the UK gambling sector and stakeholders.
Buenos Aires Proposes Mandatory Facial Recognition and Session Limits for iGaming
Buenos Aires province lawmakers have introduced a bill mandating facial recognition for online gambling users, along with session and login restrictions, aiming to strengthen responsible gambling standards in Argentina’s largest provincial market.
Evolution Faces Takeover Bid as Kenneth Dart Surpasses 30% Stake
Evolution, the leading live casino supplier, confronts potential ownership upheaval after billionaire Kenneth Dart increased his shareholding above 30%, triggering a mandatory takeover bid under Swedish law. The development could reshape the European B2B casino landscape and raises questions about Evolution's future strategy and governance.
US Lawmakers Move to Ban Sports Prediction Markets Nationwide with New Bipartisan Bill
A bipartisan bill introduced in the US House aims to ban federally registered sports prediction markets nationwide, mirroring earlier Senate efforts. Lawmakers from Nevada, Utah, and California say event contracts risk expanding unregulated gambling under federal law.
Alberta Launches Licensed iGaming Market with 50 Operators on Opening Day
Alberta has launched its fully regulated online gambling market, becoming the second Canadian province to do so. With 50 licensed iGaming operators registered at launch, the move signals a significant shift in Canada’s gambling landscape and provides a robust framework for consumer protection and market competition.
Gibraltar Launches World-First Regulation for Online Prediction Markets
Gibraltar has established the world’s first regulatory regime specifically for online prediction markets, licensing two specialist platforms under its new framework. This strategic move positions Gibraltar at the forefront of innovation in regulated gambling and digital economy policy.
Alberta iGaming Market Opens With 50 Licensed Operators on Launch Day
Alberta officially launches its regulated iGaming market on July 13, featuring 50 registered operators including global brands such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. The high-profile rollout marks a pivotal step for Canada’s online gambling landscape and sets a notable regulatory precedent for other provinces.
UK Gambling Commission Faces CMS Committee Scrutiny Over Financial Risk Assessments Rollout
The UK Gambling Commission is under scrutiny from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee following its decision to proceed with Financial Risk Assessments, highlighting concerns around player privacy and regulatory transparency in the UK’s gambling sector.
FanDuel VIP Program Faces Scrutiny After $2M Gambling Addiction Allegation in US
A FanDuel VIP sports bettor in the US alleges the sportsbook fuelled his $2 million gambling loss with high-value perks and a personalized Bryce Harper video, raising fresh questions for the industry’s responsible gambling protocols and VIP practices.
UK Gambling Commission Faces Criticism Over Financial Risk Assessments Rollout
The UK Gambling Commission's plan to introduce Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs) for operators has drawn strong backlash from across the gambling sector. Industry representatives warn the staged approach could have lasting impacts on both operators and players amid debates about public safety and regulatory overreach.
Banijay-Driven JOA Acquisition Raises Stakes in French Online Casino Legalisation Debate
Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of JOA Groupe, France’s second largest land-based casino operator, highlights renewed momentum in the country’s contentious debate over regulated online casinos, as one of Europe’s entertainment giants signals a deeper ambition to shape the future of French gambling policy.
UKGC Implements New Risk Checks as Sweden Enforces AML Fines and Malta Prioritises AI in Regulation
The UK Gambling Commission has begun phasing in enhanced financial risk assessments, Swedish courts have backed the regulator’s AML fines for three operators, and Malta is moving to integrate artificial intelligence in gambling oversight. This article analyses the implications for EU iGaming regulation and industry compliance trends.
Alberta iGaming Market Set for July 13 Launch as Major Operators Prepare Entry
Alberta’s regulated online casino and betting market will officially launch on July 13, with leading operators such as FanDuel announcing their entry. The move signals a major shift for Canada’s iGaming landscape and could reshape competition and consumer protection in the province.
DraftKings Launches Alberta Sportsbook Ahead of 2026 World Cup Surge
DraftKings is set to debut its sportsbook and online casino platforms in Alberta as the province opens its regulated market on July 13, aiming to capture early momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The launch marks a significant milestone in Canada’s evolving legal gambling landscape.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Historic Ban on Online Sports Betting with House Bill 971
Ohio could become the first US state to repeal legal online sports betting if House Bill 971 passes, signaling a pivotal shift in state-level gambling regulation and igniting national debate over responsible gambling measures.
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.
Regulators
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Countries
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Guide
Licensing and player protection
A useful companion when news stories hinge on licensing and player-safety claims.