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Brazil’s Online Betting Regulation Generates Billions in Revenue as Tax Pressure Intensifies
The regulation of online betting in Brazil is already producing a substantial financial impact on public accounts. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, the federal government recorded R$3.4 billion in revenue generated from licensed betting operators. The figure stands out not only because of its size, but also because it represents a 123.7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, when collections totaled R$1.5 billion. Official data released by the Fede
6 days ago6 min read


Malta Unveils Comprehensive VAT and Gaming Tax Reforms Set for October 2026 Implementation
Following the publication of Legal Notices 84 and 86 of 2026 on April 1, the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA) together with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has revealed a series of forthcoming changes aimed at refining Malta’s VAT and gaming tax regimes. These reforms are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its regulatory framework for the gaming sector. The initiative draws heavily
May 42 min read


European Crackdown Targets Cross-Border Money Laundering Network Linked to VAT Fraud
European authorities have carried out a sweeping enforcement operation involving twenty major searches across Germany and Poland, aiming to dismantle a sophisticated financial network accused of concealing illicit proceeds. The coordinated effort, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, focused on a criminal syndicate primarily run by Chinese nationals who allegedly specialized in large-scale fiscal evasion. Investigators believe the group funneled millions of euros t
May 46 min read


Russia’s Growth Outlook Slashed as High Rates and Taxes Weigh on Economy
Sberbank has revised down its forecast for Russia’s economic growth, projecting gross domestic product expansion of just 0.5% to 1%, compared with its earlier estimate of 1% to 1.5%. The downgrade follows a weak performance in the first quarter of the year, signaling mounting pressure on the country’s economy. The state-controlled lender updated its outlook ahead of the release of preliminary first-quarter GDP figures from the Economy Ministry, expected on Wednesday, as
Apr 301 min read


Five Charged in Multi-Year Chelsea Tax Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme
Five individuals are facing fraud and money laundering charges after prosecutors alleged they orchestrated a long-running scheme in Chelsea involving stolen identities and falsified tax returns that generated more than $220,000 in fraudulent refunds. The case arises from a multi-agency investigation into a tax fraud operation that spanned from April 2017 through July 2021, according to a statement released by the Suffolk District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors allege that Dan
Apr 303 min read


UK Gambling Tax Increase Raises Fears of Illegal Betting Surge Ahead of 2026 World Cup
The UK government’s move to raise gambling taxes is expected to significantly alter the competitive landscape of the betting industry, with licensed operators cautioning that the policy could accelerate the expansion of illegal betting markets in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Writing in The Telegraph, Stella David warned that increasing the remote gaming duty to 40 percent could push regulated operators to the fringes of the market at a critical moment, as unlicensed
Apr 212 min read


Uganda Proposes Unified 30% Gaming Tax and New 15% Levy on Player Winnings
Uganda’s government is moving forward with plans to overhaul its gambling tax framework, with proposals that would standardize operator taxes and introduce a new levy on player winnings. The initiative comes through a bill submitted on 31 March by Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister Matia Kasaija, aimed at amending the country’s Lotteries and Gaming Act. Under the current legal framework—originally enacted in 2016 and most recently updated in 2023—gaming o
Apr 172 min read


Brazil’s Betting Boom Faces Mounting Pressure as Tax Reform Threatens Legal Market Stability
Brazil’s regulated fixed-odds betting market has entered its second year with strong momentum, building on the solid foundation established in 2025. The sector now boasts 83 licensed operators, approximately 29.4 million active users, and an impressive R$37 billion directed into public revenues. Despite these encouraging figures, fresh analysis has introduced a note of caution regarding the market’s long-term sustainability. A new report by LCA Consultoria, commissioned by th
Apr 33 min read


Lagos Introduces 5% Withholding Tax on Online Betting Winnings
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has rolled out a new five percent withholding tax on the net winnings of online bettors, with immediate effect. The announcement was made on Thursday by the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Are, who confirmed that the tax will be deducted at source across all gaming platforms licensed by Lagos State. This applies regardless of whether the player resides within the state or outside it. According to a public not
Mar 263 min read


South Africa’s Proposed Online Gambling Tax Sparks Industry Backlash Over Potential 39% Effective Rate
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
Mar 136 min read


Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Removes CIDE-Bets Deposit Tax from Antifaction Bill Before Final Approval
Licensed betting operators in Brazil have avoided the introduction of a 15% tax on player deposits after the Chamber of Deputies voted to strip the provision from the Antifaction Bill prior to its approval on Tuesday. The proposal, known as CIDE-Bets, had originally been included in the bill passed by the Senate plenary in December. At that stage, the legislation not only sought to strengthen penalties against criminal organisations but also introduced a 15% levy on deposits
Feb 273 min read


Lagos Introduces 5% Withholding Tax on Online Betting Winnings Amid Broader Push for Gaming Sector Compliance
The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) has implemented a five percent withholding tax on the net winnings of online bettors, a measure that takes immediate effect across the state’s regulated gaming market. The announcement was made on Thursday by LSLGA Chief Executive Officer Bashir Are, who confirmed that the deduction will apply to all gaming platforms licensed in Lagos, regardless of whether the player resides in the state. According to the public notice i
Feb 243 min read


Estonia Moves Swiftly to Close iGaming Tax Gap After Legislative Oversight
Estonia has acted quickly to correct a legislative error that inadvertently exempted online gambling operators from taxation, following the discovery of a drafting mistake in recent amendments to the country’s Gambling Tax Act. In December, the Riigikogu (Parliament) approved changes to the Gambling Tax Act introduced by Eesti 200 MP Tanel Tein. However, an oversight in the wording of the amendments resulted in remote gaming activities being excluded from the updated legisl
Feb 162 min read


Evoke Warns of Lower-Than-Expected 2025 Revenue as Strategic Review Clouds Outlook
British gambling group Evoke said on Tuesday that its full-year 2025 revenue is expected to fall short of market expectations and declined to issue any guidance for 2026, pointing to an ongoing strategic review that could ultimately lead to a sale of the business. The update rattled investors, sending the company’s shares down by as much as 12% during the trading session. The owner of William Hill and 888 said it now expects revenue for 2025 to be about £1.79 billion ($2.47 b
Jan 293 min read


South Africa Extends Public Consultation on Proposed 20% Online Gambling Tax
South Africa’s National Treasury has extended the deadline for public submissions on its proposal to introduce a 20% national tax on online and interactive gambling revenue, granting stakeholders an additional month to comment before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presents the 2026 Budget. The move follows requests from interested parties for more time to assess and respond to the proposal. Treasury initially invited public comment after releasing a draft discussion pa
Jan 223 min read


Australian Authorities Step Up Action Against Tax Dodgers at Start of 2026
Australian regulators and tax authorities have kicked off 2026 with a renewed focus on companies and individuals that have failed to meet their tax obligations, signalling a tougher enforcement approach against unpaid tax debts. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), alongside the corporate watchdog Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), has begun taking action against people responsible for managing corporations that have neglected to pay tax liabilities in
Jan 222 min read


Colombia Shifts Online Gambling Tax From Player Deposits to Operator Revenue
The Colombian government has revised its taxation strategy for the online gambling sector, replacing the 19% value-added tax previously applied to player deposits with a levy based on gross gaming revenue. The updated framework came into force on January 1, redirecting the tax burden toward the actual income earned by operators rather than the total amount of money deposited by customers. The deposit-based 19% VAT was first introduced in February 2025 as a temporary response
Jan 212 min read


Treasury Proposes New ‘Sin Tax’ on Online Gambling and Extends Public Comment Period
The National Treasury of South Africa is preparing to introduce a new tax targeting online gambling, a move that would see gambling operators pay an additional 20% on the revenue they generate from online betting activities. As part of the consultation process, the Treasury has extended the deadline for public submissions on the proposal, shifting it from 30 January to 27 February 2026 to allow for broader engagement and feedback. The department has described the proposed lev
Jan 212 min read


European Parliament Set to Suspend Approval of US Trade Deal Amid Greenland Dispute
The European Parliament is preparing to suspend the ratification of the US trade deal agreed in July, according to sources close to its committee on international trade. The announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday in Strasbourg, France, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Europe. The move comes as Donald Trump intensifies his efforts to acquire Greenland, prompting threats of new US tariffs over the issue during the weekend. The standoff h
Jan 212 min read


EU Draws Up €93 Billion Tariff Retaliation Plan as Trump Escalates Greenland Threats
The European Union is preparing a sweeping package of retaliatory measures against the United States, including tariffs worth up to €93 billion ($107.71 billion), in response to threats by US President Donald Trump to annex Greenland, according to a Financial Times report published on Sunday evening. Brussels is also examining the possibility of limiting access for US companies to the European market as part of a broader response. The measures were discussed during a meetin
Jan 194 min read
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