Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Parliament debated almost doubling the Remote Gaming Duty on online casino-style products, from 21% to 40%, effective April 1, 2026. Concerns arose that higher duties could push consumers toward unlicensed offshore gambling platforms. The government committed an additional £26 million over three years to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators. Legislative Proposals Target Online Gambling Sector During a Commons debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill, UK ministers introduced plans for major changes to gambling taxation. Specifically, the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) on online casino products—like slots and roulette—would…

Key Moments: Representative Matt Lehman introduced House Bill 39 to equalize access to pari-mutuel pools for all bettors at Kentucky racetracks. Computer-assisted wagering (CAW) operators place billions of dollars in bets each year, heavily influencing odds and payouts for casual bettors. In November 2025, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation approved electronic table-game themes within the state’s Historical Horse Racing system. House Bill 39 Introduced in Response to Technological Betting Edge House Bill 39, sponsored by Representative Matt Lehman, addresses an imbalance between ordinary horse racing fans and large…

Key Moments: Oklahoma has introduced SB 1589, which would criminalize sweepstakes-style online casino games and hold service providers liable. Utah has expanded both regulatory and consumer protection measures to address sweepstakes casinos without imposing a full ban. Six states have taken action to ban sweepstakes casinos in 2025, while additional states prepare new regulations for 2026. Legislative Actions Target Sweepstakes Casino Operations Sweepstakes casinos saw increased popularity during the pandemic, operating in a legal gray area. Now, Oklahoma and Utah have introduced new laws intended to bring more clarity and…

Key Moments: The NCAA formally requested that the CFTC suspend all college sports prediction markets Additionally, the association warned of risks to student-athletes, consumers, and competitive integrity Meanwhile, a dispute over Kalshi’s proposed transfer portal contracts intensified regulatory pressure Concerns Prompt Appeal for Federal Action The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has formally asked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to halt college sports prediction markets. Specifically, the request urges an immediate suspension. The appeal was delivered in a letter to CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig on January 14, 2026.…

Key Moments: Maine’s Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee reviewed LD 2007, which would prohibit Sweeps Coin play DraftKings supported the proposal, citing consumer protection and regulatory alignment VGW and the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance opposed the bill, raising concerns about its effect on the industry Debate Intensifies Over LD 2007 Proposal Maine’s Joint Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee recently assessed LD 2007, legislation aimed at banning Sweeps Coin gaming in the state. The session highlighted a clear divide between advocates and critics of the proposal. DraftKings aligned with state…

Key Moments: The UK now records an estimated 3.6 billion illegal sports streams each year, more than double the level seen three years ago. Unlicensed betting generated £379 million in the first half of 2025, equal to about 9% of the £8.2 billion online gambling market. The UK government plans to raise the Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40% starting on 1 April 2026. Sharp Increase in Sports Piracy and Black-Market Betting Recent research shows a sharp rise in illegal live sports streaming across Britain. Annual volumes are now…

Key Moments: S Gaming prepares to enter the US market through a partnership with BetMGM Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan will gain access to popular S Gaming slot games S Gaming has emphasized its commitment to sustainable entertainment and casual gameplay since 2023 Major Expansion for S Gaming S Gaming, known for delivering engaging online slot and casino titles, is now set to enter the US market in partnership with BetMGM, a prominent iGaming and sports betting platform. This move has been highly anticipated by industry…

Key Moments: Representatives Steven Horsford and Max Miller introduced HR 6985 to repeal a gambling loss deduction cap created by OBBBA. The bill would allow professional gamblers to fully deduct losses, directly addressing so-called “phantom income” taxation. If passed, the change would apply to tax years starting after December 31, 2025. Background of the Controversial Tax Provision Two lawmakers from opposite parties have joined forces to challenge a tax rule from President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Under this rule, gamblers can deduct only 90 percent of…

Key Moments: December 2025 ended with online casino spending at €333.7m, marking an 18.4% increase year-on-year Lottomatica captured 31.14% of online casino market share in December, with Sisal at 12.10% Online sports betting spend in December was €126.6m, down 18.8% compared to December 2024 New Licensing Structure Alters Market Dynamics Italy began its first full month under a restructured online gambling regime in December 2025. The overhauled framework, introduced in mid-November, reduced the active operator pool and imposed stricter regulations on online branding. These changes have immediately impacted both the…

Key Moments SavageTech partnered with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) to roll out its avatar-led gamification engine to GiG operators. The system adds a gamification overlay to sportsbook and casino products, boosting engagement through progression-based mechanics. SavageTech gained strong industry visibility after winning the SiGMA Asia Startup Pitch in Manila earlier this year. Innovative Gamification Layer for Operators SavageTech and Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) have announced a new partnership. As a result, GiG operators will gain access to SavageTech’s avatar-based gamification engine. The technology functions as an overlay on existing sportsbook…