News

Slovakia’s national Gambling Help Line has handled more than 2,800 calls during its first year of operation, reflecting growing demand for support services related to gambling addiction and harmful play. The initiative operates in cooperation with the country’s gambling regulator and a specialised addiction treatment facility, providing professional assistance to both players experiencing gambling problems and their families. The service forms part of Slovakia’s broader responsible gambling framework, aimed at strengthening prevention, early intervention, and treatment pathways for individuals affected by gambling-related harm. Growing Demand for Gambling Support Services The helpline, launched in early 2025, recorded 2,866 calls during its […]

Indiana has formally moved to outlaw online sweepstakes casino platforms after Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1052 (HB1052) into law. The measure prohibits gaming sites that operate through dual- or multi-currency sweepstakes systems, a model commonly used by platforms offering casino-style games such as slots or table games without traditional gambling licences. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, marking a significant regulatory step for the state and positioning Indiana among a growing list of jurisdictions targeting sweepstakes-based gaming models that lawmakers say resemble real-money gambling. This development follows earlier legislative approval of the bill […]

The UK Parliament has taken parliamentary oversight a step further in the ongoing debate over remote gaming and remote betting duty increases by tabling an amendment in the Finance (No. 2) Bill that would require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to conduct an impact assessment on the potential effects of increased gambling duties on the economy of Gibraltar. The debate reflects mounting concerns about the broader implications of the UK’s tax reform on regulated gaming hubs outside the UK, particularly Gibraltar, whose economy is heavily linked to remote gambling services. New Clause 9: A Call for Economic Impact Assessment The […]

Danske Spil, Denmark’s state‑owned gaming operator, has published its 2025 annual financial results, revealing a strong performance marked by its highest net profit after tax in company history and continued significant contributions to Danish society. The results underscore the company’s resilience in a competitive market and highlight its role in funding community initiatives across sports, culture and social causes throughout Denmark. Key Financial Metrics: Strong Profit and Community Contributions Danske Spil’s annual report shows that the company delivered a net profit after tax of DKK 2.008 billion, the strongest result since the organisation’s establishment. Despite a marginal year‑on‑year change in gross gaming […]

In a high‑profile legal development with implications for online gambling enforcement in Europe, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has been asked to clarify whether European courts can issue preservation orders, effectively freezing bank accounts, against offshore gambling operators whose insolvency proceedings are opened outside the European Union. The question arises from a reference by a German higher regional court in a cross‑border dispute involving a Curaçao‑based gambling operator, and hinges on interpreting the European Account Preservation Order (EAPO) Regulation (EU) No 655/2014. Background: Cross‑Border Gambling Dispute Leads to ECJ Reference The case stems from proceedings before the Oberlandesgericht Frankfurt am […]

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has taken a major step toward formalising federal oversight of prediction markets by publishing an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) that seeks public comment on whether to amend or issue new regulations for event contracts traded on these platforms. The action comes as prediction markets, including sports and other real‑world event contracts, grow in popularity, drawing participation from both retail and institutional investors. The ANPRM marks a key phase in the CFTC’s effort to establish a clearer regulatory framework under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and reassert its exclusive jurisdiction over these […]

Belgium’s Gaming Commission has published the 2026 Royal Decree on contributions, detailing mandatory payments and financial obligations for licensed gambling operators for the coming year. The decree, approved by the Council of Ministers in late 2025 and now officially published, finalises the contribution framework that operators must satisfy to maintain compliance under the Belgian Gaming Act. This development is significant for the country’s regulated iGaming and betting ecosystem, as it clarifies financial commitments for licence holders and underpins the Belgian regulator’s enforcement and oversight capacity across both online and land‑based markets. What the Royal Decree Means for Operators The 2026 […]

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has released a wide‑ranging interview with its newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Mullally, in which he outlines his priorities for strengthening regulatory cooperation as gambling markets become increasingly interconnected. Mullally, who stepped into the CEO role earlier this year, emphasised the importance of deepening member engagement, fostering shared learning, and addressing cross‑border risks that transcend traditional regulatory boundaries. Leadership Shift: Why IAGR Created a CEO Role In his first public Q&A since taking the helm, Mullally explained that the decision to create a permanent CEO position responds to the organisation’s growth and […]

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has published its Regulatory Oversight: Supervisory Engagement Efforts 2026 report, detailing its enhanced oversight strategy and targeted focus areas for the year ahead. Building on the risk‑based, evidence‑led framework refined in 2025, the Authority will apply a data‑driven approach to identify priority risks, allocate supervisory resources and strengthen the resilience, integrity and protection standards within the online gaming sector. Pillars of 2026 Supervision: Key Themes The MGA’s supervisory strategy for 2026 continues to centre on three core regulatory themes: compliance, player protection and sports betting integrity, with a series of thematic reviews and targeted engagements […]

U.S. lawmakers have introduced H.R. 7875, the Providing Opportunities for Individuals in Need of Treatment and Support (POINTS) Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill designed to dedicate federal funds toward problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Presented during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the legislation would redirect a portion of the existing federal sports wagering excise tax to establish a competitive grant program for states, tribes, and community organisations.  Key Legislative Takeaways The POINTS Act aims to provide much‑needed support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction by reallocating federal funds from existing sports wagering excise taxes. The bill, introduced by a […]