Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Michel Groothuizen, chair of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has emphasized that combating illegal gambling requires greater international collaboration The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has recently identified illegal gambling as a major financial crime risk in its September 9 communication KSA estimates that the Netherlands loses more than €500 million ($587 million) in tax revenue each year due to offshore gambling operations Regulatory Leadership Pushes for Cross-Border Coordination The chair of the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), Michel Groothuizen, has stressed that the Netherlands cannot tackle illegal offshore gambling networks in isolation.…

Key Moments: The NFL and college football seasons have started, setting the stage to gauge the effect of prediction markets on traditional sportsbooks. New York, the top sports betting market, reported a 15.3% year-over-year decline in August handle, with only one prior instance of such a decrease. Prediction markets recorded over $5 billion in contracts traded during the NFL’s season-opening weekend, marking their two busiest days ever. Prediction Markets Face Scrutiny Amid Football Kickoff The launch of the NFL and college football seasons is expected to offer fresh insight into…

Key Moments: Google Ads will ban gambling-promoting content targeting Croatia from 7 October 2026 Existing certifications for affiliate and aggregator advertisers will be revoked on 7 October 2026 Direct promotion of licensed operators’ own gambling products remains permitted under current policy Policy Update Targets Affiliate and Aggregator Sites Google Ads has announced it will prohibit the promotion of gambling-promoting content aimed at the Croatian market, starting on 7 October 2026. This applies specifically to affiliates and aggregator sites, rather than operators advertising their own products. Google will revoke all existing…

Key Moments: Ruth Evans will begin a five-year term as Chair of the UK Gambling Commission on 30 September 2026. Evans will succeed Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as interim Chair since February 2025. The Commission highlighted Evans’ strong background in consumer protection and regulatory leadership. Leadership Change at the UK Gambling Commission Ruth Evans will become Chair of the UK Gambling Commission on 30 September 2026. She will serve a five-year term. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy announced the appointment. The leadership…

Key Moments: Europe’s illegal online gambling market was estimated to have generated €12 billion in net revenue during 2025 The unlicensed sector is now estimated to account for approximately 25% of Europe’s total online gambling market Researchers pointed to the role of cryptocurrency gambling and regulatory constraints as growth accelerators for the black market Scope and Findings of the Euromat Study A new report commissioned by Euromat has indicated that Europe’s illicit online gambling market reached an estimated net revenue of €12 billion ($14.1 billion) during 2025. According to the…

Key Moments: The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has started reviewing bookmakers’ terms, service design, and potential manipulative techniques. An AI tool is being used to analyze operator websites, mobile apps, and communications for “dark patterns.” Bookmakers using unfair contract terms could face fines of up to 10 per cent of turnover. Regulator Focuses on Transparency and Fair Practices The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has announced steps to assess whether the betting industry’s terms, conditions, and service structures utilize manipulative tactics. The regulator…

Key Moments: Flutter Entertainment has launched a review that could see up to 100 Paddy Power betting shops closed, impacting approximately 400 employees. The announcement follows similar moves in the sector, including recent closures by William Hill and Betfred. The Betting and Gaming Council warns that ongoing shop closures may undermine British horse racing’s financial stability and drive customers to unregulated sites. Flutter Weighs Major Reduction of Paddy Power Outlets Flutter Entertainment has initiated a review process that could result in shutting down as many as 100 Paddy Power betting…

Key Moments: Poland’s competition authority has started a comprehensive investigation into the fairness and responsibility of the nation’s betting sector Major operators, including STS, Fortuna, Superbet, Bukmacherska, E‑toto, LV Bet, and Totalbet, are under scrutiny for possible manipulative practices Bookmakers accused of using unfair contract terms may face fines reaching up to 10% of turnover Regulator Targets Fairness and Consumer Protection Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), led by President Tomasz Chróstny, has launched an extensive probe into the practices of the country’s most prominent betting operators. The…

Key Moments: Colorado regulators fined Fanatics Sportsbook $20,000 for sending promotional messages to a self-excluded VIP player Fanatics acknowledged the breach and agreed to settle, promising to audit its self-exclusion procedures Recent legislative changes in Colorado now impose stricter regulations on sports betting operators’ marketing and funding practices Regulatory Breach and Settlement Fanatics Sportsbook has been ordered to pay a $20,000 penalty following two separate incidents where promotional offers were sent to a player who had self-excluded from all online sportsbooks in Colorado. The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission reviewed…

Key Moments: Hungary’s government has started a review to assess the possible dissolution of the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) A 35-year Sopron casino concession granted to CAI Hungary Kft without public tender has sparked scrutiny SZTFH has defended its independence, enforcement record, and pledged full cooperation with the government review Government Initiates Review of SZTFH The Hungarian government has launched a formal review to determine whether the Supervisory Authority for Regulated Activities (SZTFH) should be disbanded. Its duties could then move to ministries under direct state control. A…