Fresh News January 2026
Regulation tightens as Global Gambling Markets Recalibrate
2026 begins with a clear signal: regulation, taxation, and compliance are now driving iGaming growth. Governments are tightening oversight, adjusting fiscal rules, and reshaping markets as regulators increasingly align expectations around AML, data governance, AI, and consumer protection.
From Brazil’s tougher tax and enforcement measures to Finland’s move to a licensing model – and Europe’s convergence on standards – the industry is entering a more disciplined phase, where market access depends on strong compliance and sustainable operations.
Below are the key developments shaping the opening weeks of the year.
Brazil raises Taxes on Sports Betting Operators
Brazil is strengthening its sports betting framework by introducing higher taxes and greater accountability. What’s changing:
The GGR tax on fixed-odds betting will rise from 12% in 2026 to 15% by 2028;
Financial institutions and advertisers may share liability if they support unauthorized operators;
Betting tax revenue is being reallocated to increase contributions to social security and public programs.
Finland approves Gambling Reform, Market to open in 2027
Finland is moving from its gambling monopoly to a licensed, competitive iGaming market. Key timeline and changes:
Parliament approved a licensing model covering online casino games and sports betting;
Licensing is expected to begin in March 2026, with the competitive market launching on July 1, 2027;
Advertising rules will tighten, limiting influencer marketing and strengthening consumer safeguards.
2026 Gambling Outlook: Regulation and Compliance in Focus
2026 is expected to bring higher regulatory pressure and more complex compliance demands. What leaders are watching:
Pressure is mounting from higher taxes, tougher regulations, and fragmented enforcement;
Growth is shifting toward newly regulated markets in LatAm, Africa, and parts of Asia;
Scrutiny of crypto gambling and new gaming formats is rising as regulators target black-market activity.
Europe’s Gambling Rules drift toward Quiet Harmonisation
Europe is not moving toward a unified gambling law, but regulators are converging through shared technical and compliance standards. What’s converging:
Alignment on expectations around data, AML, AI governance, and consumer protection;
Voluntary standards for harm detection, reporting, and AI use are likely to become formal compliance requirements;
Policymakers are tightening controls while aiming to protect the competitiveness of legal markets.
Brazil’s Betting Regulation shows early success (with Risks ahead)
Brazil’s first year as a regulated market shows scale, but the next phase will test stability. Year-one highlights and pressure points:
80+ licensed operators reportedly generated nearly R$9 billion in tax revenue;
Planned tax increases and potential advertising restrictions could affect market sustainability;
Ongoing progress relies on stronger action against illegal betting.
Romania’s ONJN sets a 2026 Compliance Agenda
Romania’s regulator is enforcing rules and rebuilding trust after a tough audit period. Priorities for 2026 include:
Enforcement will strengthen, supported by new monitoring systems;
A national self-exclusion scheme, a machine verification system, and automated transaction tracking;
Support for harm-reduction efforts and potential legal reforms.
What this means for Operators in 2026
Rising costs are likely across taxation, compliance, and monitoring;
Partners in payments, affiliates, and advertising face greater liability and enforcement risk.
AML controls, responsible gambling tools, and AI governance are moving from best practices to baseline requirements.
Emerging regulated markets may offer growth, but will demand stronger operational readiness from day one.