Finland Approves Move to Competitive Online Gambling Licensing

Finland Approves Move to Competitive Online Gambling Licensing

Key Moments: President Alexander Stubb signed Finland’s new Gambling Act on January 16, 2026, setting the stage for regulatory overhaul The online monopoly by Veikkaus is set to end July 1, 2027, transitioning to a licensing framework EGBA considers Finland’s decision as marking the end of the EU-wide monopoly era for online gambling Legislative Shift: Monopoly to Licensing Finland has confirmed a significant transformation in its online gambling landscape with the enactment of a new Gambling Act, signed on January 16, 2026, by President Alexander Stubb. The legislation outlines a…

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Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling amid FATF Scrutiny

Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Online Gambling amid FATF Scrutiny

Key Moments: Cambodia has stepped up enforcement against illegal online gambling and scam operations to avoid re-listing on the FATF grey list. Meanwhile, the National Bank of Cambodia has prioritised anti-money laundering by launching a second national risk assessment and upgrading surveillance systems. As a result, authorities have arrested and extradited high-profile figures, revoked licences, and frozen assets linked to unlawful gambling and online fraud. Government Response to FATF Concerns Cambodia is taking a firmer stance against unregulated online gambling and financial crime as it faces the risk of returning…

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Norway’s Regulatory Struggles: Risk Gambling Climbs Under Monopoly System

Norway’s Regulatory Struggles: Risk Gambling Climbs Under Monopoly System

Key Moments: The number of moderate-risk and problem gamblers in Norway increased from 188,000 in 2021 to 269,000 in 2024. Nearly half of Norwegian online casino players have continued to use unregulated foreign sites, despite restrictive measures. Gambling Addiction Norway has reported a surge in young people seeking help, pushing its services toward capacity. Growing Gambling Risk Despite Tighter Controls Norway has intensified its efforts over the past three years to curb gambling, deploying advertising prohibitions, blocking certain financial transactions, restricting DNS access, and targeting foreign operators with enforcement actions.…

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Tax Code Changes Amplify Losses for U.S. Casino Gamblers

Tax Code Changes Amplify Losses for U.S. Casino Gamblers

Key Moments: A new tax rule limits gamblers to deducting only 90% of losses against winnings, leaving 10% potentially taxable even in losing years. Meanwhile, efforts by Nevada lawmakers to overturn the rule stalled earlier this year and are unlikely to resume this session. Slot wins of $2,000 or more, poker profits above $5,000 after buy-in, and bets paying 300 times the wager trigger IRS reporting via W-2G forms. Gambling Loss Deductions Tightened Under New Rule For decades, U.S. tax law allowed gamblers to fully offset winnings with losses, ensuring…

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BGaming Joins Forces with PokerStars for Global Expansion

BGaming Joins Forces with PokerStars for Global Expansion

Key Moments: BGaming has entered into a new agreement with PokerStars PokerStars’ user base will now have access to BGaming titles such as Merge Up, Gemhalla, and Wild Cash x9990 This collaboration advances BGaming’s outreach as it prepares for further growth in 2026 Strategic Partnership for Broadening Reach BGaming has officially sealed a partnership with PokerStars, a major name in the online poker landscape operated by Flutter Entertainment. The arrangement gives BGaming an opportunity to showcase its products on a platform that attracts millions of participants every day. Access to…

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Missouri Regulators Decline NCAA Request to Restrict College Sports Prop Bets

Missouri Regulators Decline NCAA Request to Restrict College Sports Prop Bets

Key Moments: First, the Missouri Gaming Commission unanimously voted to maintain current college sports prop betting options. Meanwhile, the NCAA requested new restrictions after federal indictments involving former college basketball players. At the same time, Missouri’s sports betting market launched with more than 250,000 active accounts in its first 24 hours. Missouri Maintains Current Betting Options The Missouri Gaming Commission has chosen not to adopt the NCAA’s request to restrict specific college sports prop bets. Instead, regulators decided to keep all existing options in place. This approach allows the Commission…

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Las Vegas Slot Returns Decline, But Nevada Still Outpaces Rivals

Las Vegas Slot Returns Decline, But Nevada Still Outpaces Rivals

Key Moments Nevada’s slot hold climbed to 7.15% in 2025, a 26% rise over ten years The Las Vegas Strip posted the state’s highest slot machine hold at 7.57% Despite tighter machines, Nevada outperformes other states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Iowa Tighter Slot Machines Mark Significant Shift Recent research conducted by the UNLV Center for Gaming has confirmed what many have suspected: slot machines in Las Vegas have become notably less generous over the past decade. The statewide slot hold in Nevada reached 7.15% in 2025, which means that players…

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Google Implements Stricter Gambling Ad Requirements in EMEA Markets for 2026

Google Implements Stricter Gambling Ad Requirements in EMEA Markets for 2026

Key Moments: Starting March 23, 2026, Google will enforce stricter eligibility checks for gambling advertisers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Operators must prove compliance with a “good health policy” and show a strong record of responsible behavior to keep certification. New rules will ban free hosting and subdomain use, and require sites to show a direct link to the licensed gambling industry. Expanded Certification Standards Announced Google’s Ads division in Dublin has announced policy changes for gambling advertising in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Starting March 23,…

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Netherlands Gambling Authority Unveils Comprehensive 2026 Supervision Strategy

Netherlands Gambling Authority Unveils Comprehensive 2026 Supervision Strategy

Key Moments: The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has published its Supervisory Agenda 2026, placing stronger emphasis on illegal gambling enforcement and player protection. From January 2026, the KSA will operate under a new structure with three directorates and a dedicated Player Protection department. Five core themes will steer regulatory efforts in 2026, including tighter AML controls, an enhanced duty of care, and stricter advertising rules. Strategic Restructuring for Enhanced Supervision The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has unveiled its Supervisory Agenda 2026. Notably, the plan sharpens the regulator’s focus on illegal…

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Brazilian Senate Considers Using Betting Taxes to Fund Teacher Income Tax Exemptions

Brazilian Senate Considers Using Betting Taxes to Fund Teacher Income Tax Exemptions

Key Moments: A new bill proposes exempting teachers from personal income tax on earnings up to R$10,000 per month The exemption would be funded by tax revenue from fixed-odds betting companies under Law No. 14,790 The legislation is currently awaiting formal referral in the Senate as of October 14, 2025 Bill Targets Fiscal Relief for Educators A legislative proposal in the Brazilian Senate seeks to provide income tax relief to education professionals, leveraging the country’s regulated betting sector to offset the fiscal impact. Known officially as PL 5,143/2025 and introduced…

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