Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: The French regulator, ANJ, approved operators’ annual safer gambling plans but demanded more concrete results by 2027. Flagged cases of potentially excessive gambling rose from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025 among licensed online operators. AFJEL reported in November 2025 that the illegal online market counted 5.4 million players with estimated €2bn gross gaming revenue. Regulator’s Review Highlights Progress and Remaining Challenges The French gambling authority, ANJ, provided feedback on licensed operators’ annual action plans addressing excessive gambling and underage access, following a review at the beginning…

Key Moments: Over 400 prominent figures in British racing have signed an open letter requesting that the government pause the introduction of affordability checks for bettors Industry representatives have warned that these measures could threaten both racing’s funding and more than 85,000 jobs Concerns have mounted regarding a potential increase in black market activity and the intrusiveness of the proposed regulations Industry Leaders Unite in Opposition More than 400 notable leaders within British horse racing, including executives, trainers, owners, senior officials, and supporting politicians, have formally appealed to the UK…

Key Moments: Major changes to gaming taxation and VAT exemptions will take effect on 1 October under Legal Notices 84 and 86 of 2026. The reform merges the gaming tax and device levy into one tax. It also introduces a studio broadcasting levy and simplifies VAT exemptions. New tax rates will apply based on game type and delivery model. Meanwhile, clearer VAT rules will impact sports betting and some casino services. New Regulatory Framework for Gaming and VAT Malta has introduced major reforms to the Gaming Tax Regulations and the…

Key Moments Polymarket has signed a multi-year exclusive partnership with La Liga for the US and Canada The company faces significant operational restrictions in Canada, including a total ban in Ontario until 2027 Polymarket and La Liga will use new integrity monitoring technology for Spanish soccer matches Exclusive La Liga Deal Bolsters Polymarket’s North American Sports Strategy Polymarket has taken another major step in its sports marketing initiatives by finalizing a multi-year agreement to serve as the Official and Exclusive Prediction Market Partner of La Liga in both the US…

Key Moments: A federal court in Washington, D.C. dismissed lawsuits brought by DC Gambling Recovery against leading sports betting companies. The plaintiffs attempted to use a 300-year-old statute to claim millions from companies including DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel. Flutter Entertainment’s stock price has fallen by more than 50% since the beginning of the year, with a nearly 14% drop after its February results. Court Sides with Operators Over Outdated Law A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has thrown out lawsuits that could have imposed enormous financial penalties on top…

Key Moments: The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) introduced new guidelines based on recent research and industry feedback regarding player safeguards. Fresh regulatory instructions clarify intervention procedures and the operation of the Cruks self-exclusion system. KSA enforced legal boundaries for sports betting, prompting immediate compliance from operators who removed non-compliant markets. Regulators Lay Out Comprehensive Player Safety Measures The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has announced a series of updated regulations, accompanied by findings from two new research initiatives. These steps are designed to clarify exactly how online gaming companies must protect…

Key Moments: Tribal leaders at the Indian Gaming Association convention addressed rising competition from prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi Several tribal nations have filed federal lawsuits against Kalshi and Robinhood, challenging prediction markets’ legality and their impact on exclusivity agreements The Indian Gaming Association has created a defense fund and called on Congress to define the regulatory boundaries for prediction platforms Prediction Platforms Ignite Industry Concerns Discussions at the Indian Gaming Association’s latest meeting in San Diego were dominated by the emergence of prediction markets. Tribal leaders debated…

Key Moments: The North Macedonian parliament has withdrawn a major gambling reform bill and is sending it back to the government for revisions. A proposed rule requiring casinos and slot halls to relocate at least 500 meters from schools has triggered intense concern among industry operators. The gambling sector in North Macedonia continues to await clarity, with no timeline set for the return of the updated legislation. Parliament Withdraws Gambling Reform Draft The North Macedonian parliament has recently chosen to halt progress on a sweeping gambling legislation overhaul. After several…

Key Moments: Slovakia’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (ÚRHH) added consumer protection to its responsibilities beginning January 1, with a new department established from February 1, 2026. In the most recent year, Slovakia’s gambling market achieved €1.55 billion in gross gaming revenue, representing a 7.2% increase over 2024. The innovative “Gambling Without Myths and Illusions” educational initiative received international recognition at the Global Regulatory Awards 2025. Regulator Expands Mandate to Prioritize Consumer Protection The Gambling Regulatory Authority (ÚRHH) in Slovakia has widened its focus to include consumer protection, in addition to its…

Key Moments: The Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has been formed by seven national gaming associations from the Western Balkans. Serbia’s gaming industry generated over €214 million ($247 million) in 2024, with Serbian-developed games reaching nearly 300 million downloads worldwide. Bulgaria recorded 54,000 self-exclusion enrollments since March 2025, as part of a new one-year voluntary program. Formation of a Regional Coalition Seven gaming industry associations from the Western Balkans have joined forces to establish the Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF), intending to enhance cooperation and advance the gaming sector across the region.…