News

The Hong Kong SAR Government has indefinitely suspended plans to authorise basketball betting, reversing a long-anticipated expansion of the city’s legal gambling framework. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) confirmed the halt today, citing the need for further assessment of the risks posed by the integration of prediction markets and the potential for increased problem gambling among the youth. Hong Kong’s Regulatory Pivot: Prioritising Social Stability over Expansion The decision to pause the rollout represents a significant shift in the administration’s approach to the gambling tax revenue stream. While the HKJC has long sought the legalisation of basketball wagering […]

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 904, a major legislative package designed to overhaul the state’s gaming regulatory framework. The bill sought to consolidate oversight under the newly formed Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation while introducing strict new mandates for prediction markets and fantasy sports.  By rejecting the measure, the executive branch has halted a transition intended to centralise the governance of horse racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming under a singular, autonomous entity. Regulatory Uncertainty and Market Access  The veto creates an immediate impasse for operators and regulators who anticipated a unified governance structure for Kentucky’s […]

The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has concluded an extensive investigation into underage participation in the legal online gambling market. The findings indicate that gambling by minors is “only possible by way of exception” within the regulated sector, affirming the effectiveness of current age-verification protocols across the Netherlands. The study was initiated following concerns regarding the accessibility of digital betting platforms to those under 18. However, the data suggests that the high barriers to entry, specifically the integration of the iDIN identification system, have been successful in insulating the legal market from youth participation. Technical Barriers and Identity Verification The […]

The Washington D.C. Council has officially introduced Bill 26-0656, a comprehensive legislative package aimed at modernising the District’s gambling landscape. The “Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act of 2026” proposes a dual strategy: establishing a regulated, tax-paying online casino (iGaming) market while simultaneously implementing a total ban on sweepstakes-based gambling operations. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Wendell Felder, represents a proactive attempt to bring unregulated digital gaming under the strict oversight of the Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG). By establishing a formal licensing regime, the legislation seeks to protect consumers while ensuring the District captures vital tax revenue currently […]

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced a significant leadership transition at the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA). Effective from 2 June 2026, Mr Tan Sin Heng Daniel will assume the role of Chief Executive, succeeding Mr Teo Chun Ching, who will relinquish his appointment after years of transformative leadership. Mr Tan, currently serving as the Commander of the Traffic Police (TP) within the Singapore Police Force (SPF), brings a wealth of experience in policy, transformation, and technological integration to the regulator. The Legacy of Teo Chun Ching: From CRA to GRA The Chief Executive, Mr Teo Chun Ching, has […]

In a milestone for Eastern European regulatory technology, the Ukrainian state has officially launched its State Online Monitoring System (DSOM) into test operation. Managed by PlayCity, the new regulatory body under the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the system marks the first time the Ukrainian government will have the capability to track every bet, payout, and transaction within the legal gambling market in real time. The implementation is a central component of a wider digital overhaul aimed at eradicating shadow market activities and ensuring full tax compliance. Developed in collaboration with the IT firm Kitsoft on the low-code platform Liquio, the […]

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has officially approved the 2026 action plans for Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) submitted by licensed French gambling operators. While the regulator noted significant progress in compliance during the previous year, the new 2026 framework introduces more aggressive requirements specifically aimed at curbing organised crime and corruption within the sector. This latest regulatory review follows a series of “compliance support interviews” held throughout 2025, during which the ANJ monitored the implementation of identification systems, internal controls, and the quality of suspicious activity reports (SARs) sent to TRACFIN. Targeting Organized Crime: The “Narco-Trafficking” Context […]

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has officially initiated the process to award the state’s final unallocated Category 3 mobile sports wagering licence. During its most recent public meeting, the Commission outlined the procedural framework and evaluation criteria that will govern the selection of the next operator to enter one of the most competitive betting markets in the United States. Under the state’s 2022 sports wagering law, Massachusetts is permitted to host up to seven “untethered” mobile licences, those not linked to a brick-and-mortar casino or racetrack. While several major operators are already live in the state, this final slot represents […]

The Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA) has issued comprehensive new guidance regarding the “Terms and Conditions” (T&Cs) and player-facing disclosures required under the National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK). This regulatory update marks a pivotal shift in Curaçao’s oversight, moving away from the historically opaque “master licence” era toward a framework that mirrors the consumer protection standards of Tier-1 European jurisdictions. Effective immediately, B2C operators transitioning to the LOK model must ensure their T&Cs are not only legally robust but also “fair, transparent, and easily accessible”. The move is designed to eliminate predatory clauses and ensure that players have a […]

The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has issued an official statement countering recent remarks by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who suggested a total ban on online betting in Brazil. In an interview with ICL Notícias, the President expressed deep concern over rising household debt and the social impact of gambling, stating he would “shut down” operations if given the chance. The IBJR’s response serves as a critical defence of the newly established legal framework, arguing that a pivot toward prohibition would be counterproductive. The Institute emphasises that the formal market is the only viable mechanism for protecting […]