Author: Daniel Williams

Key Moments: Latvia plans to merge its gambling regulator into the State Revenue Service (SRS) effective April 1, 2026 New gaming tax rates are set to take effect starting January 1, 2026, across several gambling segments The Finance Ministry anticipates the updated gambling tax measures to generate approximately €9.2 million Regulatory Consolidation Announced Latvia’s government has decided to combine the Izložu un azartspēļu uzraudzības inspekcija (IAUI), the country’s Lottery and Gambling Supervision Inspectorate, with the State Revenue Service (SRS) on April 1, 2026. This move, which was authorized by Prime…

Key Moments: SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator integrates with over 300 providers and focuses on “security by design” throughout the product lifecycle Multi-layered defense mechanisms, 24/7 Security Operations Centre, and regular “red team” ethical hacking exercises help mitigate threats Post-incident monitoring and ongoing staff training maintain vigilance against evolving attacks and social engineering attempts Comprehensive Security Integration Cybersecurity has become an indispensable pillar of trust for iGaming platforms, where security breaches can inflict significant financial and reputational consequences. The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, which connects more than 300 providers to operators across the…

Key Moments: The UK Gambling Commission’s CEO reaffirmed Allwyn’s role as National Lottery operator during a legal dispute over the 2022 license. The regulator disclosed a rise in lottery-related costs to £28.8 million for the year to March, with legal expenses alone surpassing £13 million. Legal action from Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell seeks £200 million in damages and a separate £1.3 billion claim, with a court case scheduled for October. National Lottery Recognized as Vital Asset At the Allwyn Participant Protection Conference on 23 September, Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive…

Key Moments: The Pride in Place initiative aims to give residents the ability to block new betting shops, vape stores, and fake barbers. Over 330 communities are expected to benefit from record government investment as part of the program. Britain reported 5,931 betting shops as of March 2024, reflecting a decline from previous years. Empowering Local Communities The government has outlined plans to grant residents new authority to influence the development of their high streets. Through the introduction of the Pride in Place program, local communities will be able to…

Key Moments: The Philippines deported 91 Chinese nationals accused of participating in illegal online casino operations Licenses for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) were canceled in July 2024 The deportees face potential prosecution under Chinese law upon return Deportation of Chinese Citizens Linked to Unlawful Gambling Philippines authorities have removed 91 Chinese nationals from the country, sending them back to China after they were charged with involvement in an unauthorized online gambling operation. Officials confirmed the individuals had continued working in an offshore gaming sector despite the government’s recent prohibition…

Key Moments: Macau casinos reopened on 25 September after a closure that lasted nearly half a day due to Super Typhoon Ragasa. Citigroup adjusted its September 2025 gross gaming revenue forecast for Macau to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion) following the typhoon and subpar activity. Transport connections, including ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong, recommenced the morning of 25 September after earlier suspension. Operations Resume Following Typhoon Lockdown Gaming venues in Macau restarted business in the early hours of 25 September after being shut since the afternoon of 24 September…

Key Moments: Brazilian gamblers are increasingly using VPNs to access international betting platforms and bypass domestic regulations. Brazil’s Ministry of Finance has established geolocation verification requirements, but enforcement remains problematic due to evolving VPN technology. Social media platforms are amplifying the trend by disseminating tutorials on circumventing gambling restrictions. Regulatory Environment Faces New Obstacles A growing number of bettors in Brazil have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs) as a means of sidestepping established gambling regulations and gaining entry to international wagering sites. By masking their physical location, these users…

Key Moments: The Thai Senate has formally turned down the Entertainment Complex Bill that would have allowed casinos within entertainment complexes. The Senate panel warned that the proposal could have increased money laundering risks, eroded public trust, and delivered minimal real economic value. Tourism projections were adjusted downward, with Chinese arrivals dropping by 34 percent in the first half of 2025 and overall foreign arrival numbers falling by 7 percent. Senate Assessment and Decision The Thai Senate has voted against the Entertainment Complex Bill, a legislative proposal aimed at legalizing…

Key Moments: Japan began enforcing a new law targeting gambling addiction on September 25, introducing a ban on online gambling advertisements and prohibiting new online casino launches. The legislation addresses widespread online gambling activity, with a recent survey indicating approximately 3.37 million Japanese participate in online gambling, mostly under the age of 40. Authorities will mandate website administrators and social media platforms to remove gambling ads when ordered, as part of stronger enforcement and public awareness efforts. Legislation Focuses on Online Gambling Restrictions Japan has officially enforced a new law…

Key Moments: Gamble Aware Nigeria highlighted unethical collaborations between fintech apps and gambling operators Push notifications and ads on fintech platforms have targeted even underage users, according to Gabriel Akpabio Regulatory agencies have not responded to repeated outreach regarding these practices Concerns Raised Over Fintech and Gambling Integration Gamble Aware Nigeria has raised alarm regarding the connections between instant payment platforms and gambling apps. The organization is seeking to stop fintech services from linking users directly to betting products and pushing frequent gambling notifications. General Manager Gabriel Akpabio has condemned…