News

Sweden’s gambling regulator has implemented a revamped supervision fee framework for licensed operators as part of its ongoing regulatory overhaul. The new fees, introduced under SIFS 20261, take effect in 2026 and are designed to align regulatory funding with the scale and risk profile of different segments of the gambling market. The changes come amid broader moves within the Swedish gambling landscape to tighten compliance and close enforcement gaps, particularly as online gaming continues to expand and regulators contend with ongoing challenges such as unlicensed operators persisting within or adjacent to the market. What the New Supervision Fees Cover Under the […]

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has implemented a set of updated regulatory rules that intensify the supervision of business-to-business (B2B) suppliers catering to the Philippine iGaming market, thereby intensifying the risks for vendors who have postponed accreditation within the regulator’s dynamic framework. According to industry sources and statements from PAGCOR officials, suppliers that fail to secure the necessary endorsements risk significant compliance and operational impacts, including denial of approvals and limited market access. Under the revised framework, technical suppliers, platform providers, and third‑party service companies supporting licensed operators are increasingly being drawn into PAGCOR’s compliance perimeter. The rules […]

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit against unlicensed casino-style gambling app operators, accusing them of violating Washington’s Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit alleges that the apps, which have been offering online gambling services to Washington residents without proper licensing, have taken more than $225 million from users since September 2020. The lawsuit targets illegal operators who have exploited gaps in the state’s regulatory framework to provide online gambling services that are outside the control of Washington’s gaming regulators. The apps in question offer a variety of casino-style games but are not licensed […]

The Colombian gambling regulator, Coljuegos, has introduced a new registry for slot machines as part of a concerted effort to tighten regulatory oversight and combat illegal gambling operations. The initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing market transparency and enforcing compliance across the physical gaming sector. The new system, officially known as the Registro Único de Importadores y Comercializadores (RIC), is intended to give regulators a precise view of the importation and commercialisation of slot machines in Colombia. By centralising this information, Coljuegos aims to prevent illegal devices from entering or circulating in the market, directly supporting enforcement actions against […]

Egyptian authorities have announced plans to block online betting sites as part of a comprehensive crackdown on unlicensed gambling operations. This move, which will also target illegal sports betting apps, marks a significant escalation in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to regulate gambling activity and protect consumers from unregulated platforms. The crackdown is a response to growing concerns over gambling addiction, financial losses, and insufficient consumer protections, as unlicensed foreign operators dominate Egypt’s online gambling market. The Ministry of Finance and Egyptian regulators have outlined plans to shut down these sites permanently, with penalties for users and operators who continue to engage […]

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has issued cease-and-desist letters to several unlicensed online sweepstakes casinos operating within the state, marking the latest move in the Board’s ongoing effort to regulate the growing online gaming market. The action comes amid increasing concerns over consumer protection and market integrity, as unlicensed operators continue to target Illinois residents with gambling offerings that skirt regulatory oversight. The Illinois Gaming Board has made it clear that online sweepstakes casinos are operating outside the bounds of the law unless they hold a valid licence issued by the state. The sweepstakes operators have been ordered to halt […]

Andrew Rhodes, the Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has announced his decision to step down from his role on 30 April 2026. Rhodes has led the Commission through significant reforms in the gambling sector, overseeing the introduction of vital consumer protection measures and the implementation of the Gambling Act Review. Rhodes, who has served as UKGC Chief Executive for nearly five years, will leave to take up a new role, which is expected to be announced in due course. His departure marks the culmination of a period of transformation at the Commission, with a focus on consumer […]

Sweden’s state‑owned gambling operator Svenska Spel has proposed a significantly higher dividend for its owner after reporting net gaming revenue and profit growth for the 2025 fiscal year. The board has put forward a SEK 1.8 billion (€157 million) dividend—up from SEK 1.6 billion the year prior—following a strong performance across key business areas. The company’s results come as the Swedish gaming sector navigates regulatory change and broader market shifts that have implications for all licensed operators, including reforms targeting unlicensed operators and channelisation risk and new leadership appointments with mandates over gambling regulation. What the 2025 Dividend Proposal Reflects The board’s proposal to increase […]

New Zealand’s long-anticipated regulated online casino market is now tracking to early 2027, after Cabinet-linked documentation clarified that the competitive licensing process is expected to begin in 2026, with licences issued the following year. The update reflects the government’s decision to finalise secondary regulations covering advertising, harm minimisation, and consumer protections before opening the market, extending the interim period for offshore operators currently serving New Zealand players. What the 2027 Timeline Means for NZ-Facing Operators Who benefits: Operators with mature AML, KYC, and safer-gambling systems gain additional preparation time; weaker grey-market actors face increasing regulatory and reputational exposure. What must […]

The Dutch gambling regulator has instructed licensed online operators to discontinue “Share Your Bet” social betting tools, warning that the functionality may constitute indirect advertising and create uncontrolled exposure to gambling content. The move reinforces the regulator’s position that consumer protection and advertising rules extend beyond paid media into product design. The instruction reflects a broader tightening of oversight in the Netherlands, where regulators are increasingly scrutinising how gambling content is distributed and consumed across digital channels. Key Takeaways: What This Means for Operators in the Netherlands Social features face compliance risk: Bet-sharing tools are now treated as advertising mechanisms […]