News

Key Moments: DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has confirmed its entry into Brazil with the launch of GamePlus on 22 September. The initial offering will feature over 150 popular Brazilian titles in both free-to-play and real-money formats. DigiPlus is planning to debut its BingoPlus brand in Brazil in 2026, highlighting a long-term commitment to the market. Strategic Launch and Brand Introduction DigiPlus Interactive Corp., a digital entertainment provider from the Philippines, has revealed plans to begin operations in Brazil on 22 September. This marks the company’s inaugural venture outside Southeast Asia, aligning…

Key Moments: Bacta has introduced a new Self-Exclusion Plan targeting higher standards in response to recent negative media coverage. The initiative was shaped following discussions at the National Council and input from member support officers. The plan mandates annual staff training, clearer venue messaging, governance improvements, and investment in a unified national scheme. Sector Responds to Scrutiny Bacta has taken swift steps to address concerns raised by negative media attention regarding the operation of self-exclusion programs in UK Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs). The association’s leadership announced the implementation of a…

Key Moments: The Italian government plans to launch a national cybersecurity shield targeting illegal gambling sites accessed on public internet devices. Operators are now required to pay €7 million per license, with 46 applications approved under the updated system. The Ministry of Economy and Finance underscored the vital role of online protections as the country adapts its gambling regulations. Government Steps Up Efforts to Tackle Black Market Gambling Italy is advancing a comprehensive plan to tackle illegal gambling. A core component is the introduction of a “cybersecurity shield” under the…

Key Moments: Officials have arrested a 42-year-old man in Bury. This is part of an ongoing probe into horse racing manipulation and suspicious betting activity. The investigation was prompted by irregular betting patterns in horse racing markets reported earlier this year. The detention coincided with unrest in British horse racing. Notably, a nationwide strike occurred on 10 September. Coordinated Action Leads to Arrest A 42-year-old man was taken into custody in Bury after a joint operation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the Gambling Commission. This arrest is part of…

Key Moments: Dr Stefano Filletti’s recent article highlights that iGaming directors must provide active, ongoing evidence of due diligence as AI shapes operations. Maltese law imposes personal and corporate liability, shifting the burden of proof to company officers once charges are raised. Continuous oversight, documented processes, and live monitoring are stressed as essential tools to meet legal and ethical standards in fast-evolving AI environments. AI Oversight Becomes a Legal Imperative In a detailed discussion by Dr Stefano Filletti, Managing Partner at Filletti & Filletti Advocates and Head of Department of…

Key Moments: The UAE Lottery recently launched Colour Prediction, an online game offering up to AED 60,000 (US$16,338) in prizes every minute. Retail ticket sales have begun at three ADNOC petrol stations in Dubai, following an online-only launch in November 2024. The total number of UAE Lottery winners has reached 247,119, including three who secured AED 1 million prizes. Introduction of Colour Prediction The UAE Lottery has unveiled an innovative online experience, Colour Prediction, designed to engage players with instant win opportunities. This dynamic offering allows users a chance to…

Key Moments: Six key European gambling markets have enacted major tax reforms in 2025, aiming for more than €520 million in additional yearly revenue. Early data from the Netherlands shows a 25% drop in gross gaming revenue and tax receipts falling to 83% of previous levels despite higher tax rates. Germany’s 5.3% turnover tax has led to only 20-40% of slot play occurring on licensed sites, shifting most players offshore. Coordinated Tax Reforms Sweep Across Europe A wave of gambling tax hikes has rolled across six significant European markets, positioning…

Key Moments: On February 9th, 2025, over 130 million Americans watched Super Bowl LIX and millions engaged in online sports betting where permitted On July 25th, 2024, the UK implemented mandatory age verification for major online services, prompting a surge in VPN usage U.S. gaming regulations have effectively used advanced location verification to enforce access, whereas UK approaches have been easily bypassed The U.S. Betting Model and Regional Regulation During Super Bowl LIX on February 9th, 2025, viewers not only witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs with…

Key Moments: Tax Secretary Eugène Heijnen confirmed he will not introduce new policies. However, gambling tax revenue is still expected to fall in 2025. The Kansspelautoriteit now projects a €40 million ($47 million) decline in iGaming revenue for 2025. This reverses earlier forecasts of growth. Gambling tax rates will rise from 30.5% to 34.2% on January 1, 2025. Then, on January 1, 2026, the rate will increase again to 37.8%. No Adjustments Planned to Offset Revenue Shortfall During a parliamentary session last week, Dutch State Secretary for Taxation Eugène Heijnen…

Key Moments: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified serious regulatory weaknesses in Timor-Leste’s Oecusse Digital Centre (ODC) free trade zone. Authorities seized SIM cards and Starlink satellite devices during a raid on a hotel in the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) on 25 August 2025. The UNODC connected several Timor-Leste-based companies to the 14K Triad, Cambodian gambling networks, and possible illicit online gaming activity. Timor-Leste’s Growing Profile in Offshore Gaming The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised alarms about Timor-Leste…