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U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal has unveiled a comprehensive legislative proposal aimed at tightening regulation of prediction markets, seeking to impose new protections against fraud, insider trading and the participation of underage individuals on these rapidly expanding online platforms. Joined by Senator Andy Kim, Blumenthal introduced the “Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act,” a bill that would make it unlawful for both individuals and platform operators to use

Brazil has emerged in recent years as one of the world’s most promising gambling markets. The formal regulation of sports betting in 2023 and the introduction of a licensing system laid the groundwork for rapid industry growth. Yet, political tensions and shifting positions from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have created an environment of uncertainty about the sector’s future. A pivotal moment for the Brazilian gambling landscape came in December 2023 with the signing o

The Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation has suggested that access to online casinos be restricted to players aged 21 and older, but experts warn that enforcing such rules will be a major challenge. Legal analyst Olga Fedorova cautioned that without careful planning, “any new restrictions will remain nothing but a nice idea on paper.” She emphasized the need for “a robust mandatory identity and age verification to be in place before anyone is allowed to place a bet on [leg

South Africa’s gambling sector could soon face one of the highest tax burdens in the world if the government proceeds with a proposal to introduce a 20% national levy on gross gambling revenue (GGR) from online betting.   While officials argue that the measure is intended to address the growing social impact of online gambling, industry stakeholders contend that the policy amounts to a revenue grab that will disproportionately penalize licensed operators without delivering ta

Brazil’s regulated betting sector has reacted strongly after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged authorities to consider banning online gambling, comments that have drawn criticism from industry stakeholders who warn the move could drive players into the unregulated market.   The remarks were made during a national address delivered on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, when Lula described gambling addiction as a growing social problem affecting Brazilian familie

Vietnam’s casino industry is experiencing steady growth, fueled largely by strong demand from South Korean visitors. At the same time, the market is undergoing notable changes as player demographics evolve, competition among operators intensifies, and digital technologies become more deeply integrated into customer engagement strategies. Scott Choi, head of external marketing at Lion Club, a premium e-gaming club operator in Vietnam, told AGB that Korean players remain the si

Authorities in Jakarta, Indonesia, have intensified their efforts to combat illegal online gambling, announcing a major crackdown on 132 online casino websites and freezing hundreds of billions of rupiah in related financial transactions.   According to officials, law enforcement agencies have temporarily blocked bank transactions totaling 255.75 billion rupiah, equivalent to about $15.2 million, as part of an ongoing campaign against digital gambling networks.   In an offici

Japan’s government has confirmed that local authorities will be able to submit applications for integrated resort (IR) developments between May 6th, 2027, and November 5th, 2027, marking the next phase in the country’s casino resort licensing process. The announcement follows a Cabinet approval on March 10th of an amendment to a Cabinet Order under the IR Implementation Act, according to a statement from the Japan Tourism Agency. The revised order is scheduled to take effect

OPAP reported gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €2,407.9 million for the full year 2025, marking a 4.9% increase compared with the previous year and setting a new record for the Greek gaming operator. The milestone was largely supported by continued expansion in online gaming alongside solid performance from the company’s retail operations. However, a significant increase in operating expenses during the year placed pressure on profitability, reducing EBITDA margins and slightly

A Russian court has chosen not to impose prison sentences on the three individuals behind a high-profile illegal poker club operating in the western city of Smolensk.   Instead, the district court issued suspended jail terms ranging from 20 to 22 months, according to a report by Russian media outlet Rabochy Put.   The three organizers, whose identities have not been disclosed due to legal restrictions, were also ordered to serve two years of probation. In addition, each of th

Uganda’s authorities are urging the country’s gambling operators to prepare for the introduction of a proposed Centralised Payment System that could soon reshape how betting transactions are conducted nationwide.   The system, which is awaiting parliamentary approval, would impose strict requirements on operators and carries a potential penalty of UGX110 million (€26,268) for those who fail to comply.   The proposed payment gateway would be licensed by the Bank of Uganda and

Authorities in Mauritius have ordered the immediate suspension of betting activities operated by Bet 593 Ltd following an investigation into suspected money laundering.   The directive was issued by the country’s Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) after the regulator completed an internal inquiry and referred the matter to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), which subsequently led to the arrest of the company’s director on provisional money laundering charges.   The suspe

Casino operators in Macao recorded a solid increase in gaming income during February, with revenue rising 4.5% year-on-year as the Lunar New Year travel period attracted large numbers of visitors to the Pearl River Delta special administrative region.   According to the city’s gambling regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Macao’s gross gaming revenue reached 20.62 billion patacas in February, equivalent to roughly $2.56 billion. The results, reported by B

The government of the Isle of Man has officially categorized its gambling sector as presenting a “medium-high” risk for money laundering, highlighting the regulatory challenges facing one of the island’s most significant—and often scrutinized—industries.   In a newly released standalone National Risk Assessment (NRA) for gambling published on February 24, authorities concluded that the sector’s exposure to money laundering (ML) risks remains substantial. According to the repo

Two major American gaming operators, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International, are closely tracking developments in the Middle East after Iranian attacks across the region raised concerns about safety and stability in the United Arab Emirates, where both companies are investing billions of dollars in new resort developments. Wynn Resorts is currently constructing a massive $5.1 billion casino resort on an island in Ras Al Khaimah, while MGM Resorts International is building

Lawmakers in Louisiana are preparing to consider a series of gambling-related policy proposals when the 2026 legislative session begins on March 9 in Baton Rouge.     Several bills have already been pre-filed ahead of the session, which will bring together members of the Louisiana State Senate and the Louisiana House of Representatives next week.   The proposals address multiple areas of gambling regulation, including sports betting markets, online sweepstakes casinos, the co

Nationwide Building Society has revealed that the total amount spent by its customers on gambling increased by 9% year-on-year in January, with the number of gambling-related transactions climbing 7%, according to figures published by the lender on Friday. The data, based on responses from a representative sample of 2,000 UK gamblers, also showed that the top 10% of spenders wagered an average of around £745 per month. The survey, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Nationwi

New Zealand will begin its iGaming licensing process from July, according to a new timeline issued by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill, which passed its first reading in July 2025, is expected to be passed into law in May following a second reading in parliament. Once it clears this stage, the bill will move to committee for a third reading before becoming enforceable. The introduction of the licensing regime represents a sign

Nearly half of the adult population in the Philippines, or approximately 32 million people, are reportedly engaging in online gambling, according to recent reports. Internet betting has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the Philippine government appearing intent on maximizing revenue from gambling, the country’s leading English-language newspaper is now urging regulatory reform. The Manila Bulletin, founded in 1900 and the second-oldest English newspaper in the Far

The UK Gambling Commission is preparing to examine whether cryptoassets could be introduced as a payment method for licensed gambling operators, marking what officials describe as an exploratory but significant development in the regulator’s approach to innovation and consumer protection.   Speaking at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual general meeting, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission, confirmed that the regulator will assess how cryptoassets