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Industry News — 26 Aug 2026

✨PAGCOR to Launch App for Online Gaming Protection
PAGCOR plans to launch an application by the end of 2026 to help Philippine players identify and access licensed online gaming platforms. The initiative builds on PAGCOR Guarantee and aims to reduce illegal gambling while strengthening player protection and regulatory compliance.

✨GLI Gains Uzbekistan Gaming Certification Listing
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been recognised by Uzbekistan’s NAPP as an approved testing and certification laboratory for the country’s regulated gaming market. The recognition allows operators and suppliers to use GLI reports, supporting compliance as Uzbekistan develops its emerging gaming sector.

✨Mexico Betting Transactions Surge 432% During World Cup
Online betting transactions in Mexico increased 431.75% during the 2026 FIFA World Cup compared with 2022, according to STP. The surge highlights the growing influence of mobile betting and digital payments, while major sporting events continue to attract new bettors.

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Industry News — 27 Aug 2026

✨ Brazil Lawmaker Proposes 180-Day Betting Ban
Brazilian congresswoman Caroline De Toni has proposed a bill to ban online fixed-odds betting nationwide. If approved, licensed operators would have 180 days for their federal authorisations to be cancelled, while betting operations, advertising, financial transactions and related promotions would face restrictions.

✨ Yangon Lawmaker Calls for Online Gambling Crackdown
A Yangon lawmaker has called for stronger action against online gambling by tracing payment networks through mobile wallets such as KPay and Wave Money and domestic bank accounts. Authorities are already monitoring gambling activity, with reported cases increasing in 2026.

✨ PAGCOR Keeps E-Gaming License Freeze
PAGCOR will maintain its freeze on new e-gaming operator applications as it focuses on consolidating the Philippines’ regulated online gaming market. Licensed operators have fallen from 74 to 48, while the regulator targets inactive licensees and keeps existing e-gaming fee rates unchanged.

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Industry News — 31 Aug 2026

✨ Brazil Tightens Betting Advertising Rules
Brazil’s CONAR has approved updated betting advertising rules, strengthening requirements for responsible gambling, influencer and affiliate marketing, and protection of minors. The framework also targets advertising by illegal operators and introduces greater oversight of betting promotions to improve consumer protection.

✨ AI Baccarat Side Bets Raise Casino Concerns in Asia
AI-assisted advantage play is creating new challenges for baccarat operators in Asia, particularly as side bets generate a significant share of casino revenue. Players can use AI to identify favourable betting opportunities, prompting casinos to adopt stronger AI-based monitoring and behavioural analytics.

✨ Google Tightens Gambling Ad Certification Rules
Google has tightened gambling advertising certification requirements, requiring operators and affiliates to provide clearer licence and corporate information, meet stricter website and app standards, and recertify after material changes. The updated rules increase ongoing compliance responsibilities for gambling advertisers across regulated markets.

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Industry News — 1 Sep 2026

✨ Australia Tightens Age Checks for 18+ Games
Australia is moving toward stricter age verification for adults-only video games, requiring platforms such as Steam, Xbox and PlayStation to strengthen controls against underage access. Users may need official IDs, adult-linked payment methods or facial age estimation, raising compliance and privacy concerns.

✨ Nepal Blocks 200+ Betting Apps in Crackdown
Nepal has blocked more than 200 betting apps and websites in a nationwide crackdown on illegal online gambling. The government is targeting offshore operators, promotional networks and financial channels, while warning users against bypassing restrictions and highlighting risks including fraud and money laundering.

✨ Brazil Blocks 60,000+ Illegal Betting Sites
Brazil’s SPA has ordered the blocking of more than 60,000 websites linked to illegal betting platforms, combining website restrictions with payment controls and advertising enforcement. Authorities are also intensifying financial crime investigations as Brazil strengthens oversight of its growing regulated betting market.

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Industry News — 2 Sep 2026

✨ France’s ANJ Issues New Fraud Guidance
France’s ANJ has published guidance to help licensed gambling operators identify and respond to player fraud. The document covers five key fraud categories and emphasises evidence-based enforcement, proportionate sanctions and compliance with existing legal requirements rather than introducing new regulations.

✨ SiGMA and Google Highlight Mexico Gaming Opportunities
SiGMA Group and Google Mexico have highlighted Mexico’s gaming market potential and the growing importance of regulatory compliance. During a Mexico City networking event, industry leaders discussed market expansion, affiliate opportunities, digital advertising requirements and the need to support regulated gambling growth.

✨ Uruguay Casino Chamber Pushes for Online Gambling Regulation
Uruguay’s casino operators’ chamber, Cuoasec, has proposed a new framework for regulating online gambling, including licences linked to land-based casinos, responsible gambling measures and exclusive use of the bet.uy domain. The proposal is under government and political review as debate over digital gambling regulation grows.

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Industry News — 3 Sep 2026

✨ Hong Kong Jockey Club Reports Record HK$39.3B Community Contribution
The Hong Kong Jockey Club contributed a record HK$39.3 billion to Hong Kong’s community in 2025/26, supported by record wagering turnover. However, the Club highlighted growing competition from illegal gambling, high betting taxes and restrictions on regulated sports betting as key challenges.

✨ Chile Orders Blocking of 42 Unauthorized Gambling Sites
Chile has ordered telecommunications providers to block access to 42 foreign online gambling websites operating without authorisation. The measure follows court rulings and uses DNS blocking, while authorities emphasise that tax registration does not constitute gambling approval as lawmakers consider a new licensing framework.

✨ Philippine Gambling Ad Ban Faces Offshore Enforcement Gap
The Philippines is considering nationwide gambling advertising restrictions that lawyers warn could disproportionately affect licensed operators while leaving offshore platforms difficult to control. Two proposed bills target gambling advertising and sponsorship, raising concerns over enforcement gaps, consumer channelisation and the competitiveness of the regulated market

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Industry News — 8 Sep 2026

✨ Brazil Establishes Process to Pursue R$1B in Illegal Betting Funds
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice has established an administrative process to pursue the potential forfeiture of more than R$1 billion linked to illegal fixed-odds betting. The framework requires administrative review and judicial proceedings, with recovered funds potentially directed to the National Public Security Fund.

✨ Cambodia Prepares Casino Evaluation Framework for Licence Renewals
Cambodia’s CGMC is developing an “integrity and quality” evaluation framework that could introduce stricter suitability assessments for casino licence renewals. The proposed criteria are being reviewed against existing gambling laws, although specific requirements and the implementation timeline have not yet been announced.

✨ Cambodia to Suspend Casino-Based Online Betting
Cambodia will suspend online betting operations broadcast from casinos nationwide starting in October, as authorities strengthen measures against scams and unclear financial flows. Casinos violating the suspension could face licence revocation, while the government works to strengthen regulatory, technological and compliance safeguards before any resumption.

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Industry News — 9 Sep 2026

✨ Buenos Aires Province Introduces 2% Levy on Online Slot Prizes
Buenos Aires Province has introduced a 2% contribution on prizes from licensed online immediate-resolution games, including virtual slots, excluding sports betting. The measure is expected to generate ARS35–40 billion monthly, with revenue supporting municipalities, social programmes and responsible gambling initiatives.

✨ Brazil Considers Sweeping Online Gambling Restrictions
Brazil’s government is considering tighter online gambling restrictions, including a potential ban on casino-style games such as slot titles. President Lula is pushing for stronger measures over gambling addiction and household debt, with a provisional measure potentially reaching Congress as early as next week.

✨ South Korea Youth Gambling Amnesty Draws 1,777 Cases
South Korea’s first nationwide youth gambling voluntary reporting programme recorded 1,777 cases, with 84.5% reported by youths themselves. Casino-style games accounted for 95.9% of cases, while authorities referred most participants for treatment and identified 464 illegal gambling websites for blocking.

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Industry News — 10 Sep 2026

✨ Brazil Considers Online Casino Ban Under New Gambling Restrictions
Brazil’s government is reportedly preparing a provisional measure that could ban online casino games within the regulated betting market. Separately, Bill 5.317/2026 proposes nationwide betting limits, a responsible gaming registry and stricter advertising rules, potentially increasing compliance requirements for licensed operators.

✨ Cambodia Revokes 18 Casino Licences in Scam Crackdown
Cambodian authorities have revoked 18 casino licences and suspended nine others over alleged links to online scam activities. The crackdown follows inspections of licensed casinos and comes alongside tighter controls on online gambling, financial flows and proposed integrity requirements for future casino licence renewals.

✨ India Closes Google Real-Money Gaming Antitrust Case
India’s CCI has closed its antitrust investigation into Google’s treatment of real-money gaming apps after new legislation prohibited online money games, related advertising and payment facilitation. The regulator said continuing the case would serve no useful purpose but may revisit it if the law changes.

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Industry News — 11 Sep 2026

✨ AiA and Nigerian Bookmakers Sign MoU
The African iGaming Alliance (AiA) and Association of Nigerian Bookmakers (ANB) have signed a one-year MoU to strengthen cooperation on responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, AML, illegal gambling and market integrity. The partnership also promotes research and knowledge sharing to support sustainable iGaming development across Nigeria and Africa.

✨ FATF Warns of Rising Online Gambling AML Risks
FATF has warned that the growth of online gambling, digital payments and cross-border platforms is creating new money laundering and terrorist financing risks. Its latest report highlights vulnerabilities in casinos and sports betting, offshore gambling, virtual assets and complex ownership structures, urging stronger AML/CFT controls and customer due diligence.

✨ Malaysia Consults on Gaming Rules
Malaysia has launched a 45-day public consultation on a proposed Gaming Sub-Code covering loot boxes, gacha mechanics, in-game purchases, age assurance and child safety. The framework aims to strengthen protections for younger players, with feedback open to gamers, parents, industry stakeholders and consumer groups until October 24, 2026.

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Industry News — 14 Sep 2026

✨ Brazil Blocks 66,000 Illegal Betting Domains
Brazil’s SPA has blocked 66,482 illegal betting domains and removed 1,511 online profiles between January 2025 and September 2, 2026. The regulator has also resolved 68 sanctioning proceedings, issuing R$18 million in fines while strengthening enforcement against illegal betting, responsible gambling and advertising violations.

✨ Lula Delays Decision on Brazil Betting
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declined to confirm whether he will support a ban on sports betting. After consulting stakeholders, including groups affected by gambling-related debt, Lula said he will make a decision after reviewing their feedback, leaving the future of Brazil’s regulated betting market uncertain.

✨ Indonesia Arrests 5 Foreigners Over Online Gambling
Indonesia’s Immigration Office has arrested five Chinese and Vietnamese nationals suspected of operating an international online gambling network in Tangerang. Authorities seized 28 electronic devices and are investigating alleged gambling activities targeting Vietnam, while seven other foreign nationals are under surveillance as officials assess potential immigration violations and further connections.

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Industry News — 15 Sep 2026

✨ PAGCOR Calls for AI-Ready Gaming Regulation
PAGCOR has called for gaming regulations to evolve alongside advances in artificial intelligence, highlighting both its potential to improve fraud detection and compliance and its ability to enable more sophisticated financial crime. The regulator said oversight must remain responsive to technological developments while protecting market integrity and consumers.

✨ Thailand Considers Gold Tax to Fight Money Laundering
Thailand is considering a 0.01% tax on gold transactions to strengthen financial transparency and combat money laundering linked to organised crime and illegal gambling. The proposal, supported by the Bank of Thailand, would generate additional transaction records alongside expanded information sharing and reporting requirements for large gold withdrawals.

✨ Buenos Aires Revives Online Gambling Reform
Buenos Aires Province lawmakers will review 27 pending online gambling measures on September 16, covering youth protection, advertising restrictions, access controls, gambling harm prevention and online casino regulation. The committee may seek to consolidate overlapping proposals, marking a potential step toward a more coherent provincial framework.

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Industry News — 16 Sep 2026

✨ PAGCOR Awaits Decision on Regulatory Split
PAGCOR expects a decision soon on its proposal to separate its gaming regulatory functions from its commercial casino operations. The proposal is under review by the GCG and could be submitted to the President for approval, with an Executive Order required to implement the restructuring.

✨ LATAM Operators Seek Better Gamification Control
iGaming operators across Latin America are increasingly using gamification tools such as tournaments, jackpots, races and leaderboards to improve player engagement. As campaigns multiply, platform-level orchestration is becoming more important, helping operators coordinate promotions, target player segments and align engagement mechanics across the wider customer journey.

✨ Lula Signals New Decision on Brazil Betting
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has renewed criticism of online betting, citing gambling addiction and related social concerns. Speaking on September 14, Lula said the government is preparing further action and will soon announce its next steps, although specific measures or restrictions have not yet been disclosed.

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Industry News — 17 Sep 2026

✨ Google Expands Gambling Ad Certification Rules
Google has expanded gambling advertising certification requirements across all markets and categories covered by its Gambling and Games Policy. Effective September 14, the rules introduce stricter checks for advertisers, Manager Accounts and domain ownership, increasing compliance requirements for operators, affiliates and agencies.

✨ Philippine Casinos Seek Unified Customer Data
Philippine casino executives have highlighted the need to integrate online and land-based customer data as operators expand into digital gaming. A unified customer view could support personalised marketing and cross-channel engagement, while smart-table technology can provide additional player and transaction data for integrated resort operators.

✨ Vietnam iGaming Search Demand Falls 26.2%
Vietnam’s iGaming search demand fell 26.2% week-on-week from September 7–13, according to the Blask Index, coinciding with police recommending prosecution for 74 suspects in the XoilacTV case. The network allegedly combined unauthorised football streaming with gambling advertising and generated over VND133 billion.

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Industry News — 18 Sep 2026

✨ Google Investigates Fake Casino Apps on Play Store
Google is investigating reports of potentially deceptive casino and reward apps on its Play Store Early Access programme after Bitdefender identified thousands of suspicious titles. Some allegedly promise cash, cryptocurrency or casino rewards, while using misleading advertising, celebrity deepfakes and unauthorised trademarks to attract users.

✨ Philippines Warns Payment Firms Over Illegal Casinos
Philippine regulators are increasing scrutiny of payment providers linked to illegal online casinos, with repeated failures potentially leading to licence revocation. The BSP found disguised gambling transactions through legitimate-looking merchants and has closed more than 8,000 accounts, while proposing stricter merchant verification and monitoring requirements.

✨ Instagram Recommends Unlicensed Betting Sites in Brazil
A PUC-Rio study found that 84% of betting operators frequently recommended by Instagram to Brazilian users were allegedly unauthorised in Brazil. Researchers said the platform’s recommendation system can amplify betting content, highlighting potential gaps in monitoring organic gambling promotions and licence verification.

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Industry News — 21 Sep 2026

✨ Prediction Market Search Interest Rises in Restricted Markets
A CasinoReviews.net study found strong search interest in Kalshi and Polymarket across several jurisdictions restricting prediction markets. Analysing 12 months of Google Trends data across 51 countries, the research found election periods generated major search spikes, while regulatory restrictions did not necessarily eliminate consumer interest.

✨ Brazil Clubs Warn of Betting Restrictions Impact
Brazilian football clubs and federations have warned that severe restrictions on regulated sports betting could affect sponsorship revenue, investment and existing commercial agreements. In a joint manifesto, major clubs called for stronger consumer protections while arguing that maintaining a regulated framework supports football finances and oversight.

✨ PAGCOR Calls for Evolving Gaming Regulation
PAGCOR Chairman Alejandro Tengco has called for the Philippines’ gaming regulations to evolve alongside industry and technology changes. He also confirmed that PAGCOR’s proposal to separate its regulatory and commercial functions remains under GCG review, with potential presidential approval and an Executive Order to follow.

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Industry News — 22 Sep 2026

✨ Malta Launches AI Gaming Charter
The Malta Gaming Authority and Malta Digital Innovation Authority have launched a voluntary AI Gaming Charter to guide responsible AI use across Malta’s gaming sector. The framework covers player protection, fraud prevention, customer engagement and compliance, while aligning sector guidance with the EU AI Act.

✨ Myanmar Urges Action Against Online Scams and Gambling
Myanmar authorities have called for greater public cooperation in reporting online scams and illegal gambling networks, citing growing cross-border criminal activity. The latest operation in northern Shan State resulted in 13 arrests and the seizure of equipment allegedly linked to online scams and illegal gambling.

✨ Philippines Gaming Sector Faces Digital Pressure
The Philippine gaming sector faces revenue pressure, technological change and tighter regulation, with Q2 GGR falling 20% to PHP88 billion. PAGCOR is updating oversight of electronic gaming, considering regulatory and commercial separation, strengthening licence verification and expanding responsible gambling measures as online activity grows.