European Gambling Policy Shifts Highlighted in Weekly Industry Overview

Focus Gaming News has detailed several regulatory and commercial developments across European markets in its latest weekend review. The coverage spans proposed tax changes, advertising curbs, license extensions, and explicit warnings on the viability of retail operations.

Proposed Tax Models and Spending Controls in Bulgaria and the UK

The Bulgarian government outlined reforms featuring higher minimum tax contributions, real-time reporting requirements to the National Revenue Agency, and near-total advertising bans. Additional elements include new rules for foreign operators, boosted responsible gambling funding, and enhanced oversight. Public consultation on the package runs until October 23.

In the UK, the Conservative Party advanced a plan to bar long-term unemployed benefits recipients from using funds on gambling products, alcohol, or cigarettes. Individuals unemployed for over six months would face a 30 per cent benefits cut and receive a restricted “Back to Work” card. The measure is projected to save £538m annually but drew criticism from Labour as unworkable and from anti-poverty groups over risks of added hardship. Similar restrictions operate in Brazil and Singapore and are scheduled for Armenia.

Revenue Plans, License Renewals, and Retail Outlook in Italy, the Netherlands, and Malta

Italy is weighing options to lift gambling-derived income for the 2027 budget, including extending retail concessions to 2029 to generate €400m-€500m. Past tender delays have already cost the state €1.5bn. Further ideas under review by the Ministry of Economy and Finance at the direction of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni encompass a €1bn scratch-card tender and an extra Lotto draw yielding €50m yearly. Final proposals will feature in the Budget Law due in October 2026.

The Dutch Kansspelautoriteit renewed eight online licenses held by operators including TOTO, Bet365, and GG Poker, extending them to 2031 ahead of the regulated market’s fifth anniversary. The process applied stricter compliance checks, required corrective plans for prior breaches, and mandated submission of market exit strategies. State monopoly licenses for Lotto BV were also renewed despite ongoing appeals; no new operators have gained approval.

A retrospective on Malta’s 2018 Gaming Act credits the legislation with creating distinct B2C and B2B licenses and positioning the jurisdiction as home to over 500 companies. Operators such as Play’n GO and Altenar cite the MGA framework for discipline and trust. Forward priorities for 2026 include crypto-asset rules, player safeguards, and sports betting integrity.

Betfred founder Fred Done stated: “By 2030 we will have no betting shops; the high street will be dead.” He linked a proposed rise in Machine Game Duty from 20 per cent to 40 per cent to the potential closure of 495 Betfred locations, 2,575 job losses, and £67m in foregone tax revenue. The government is expected to finalise gambling tax decisions in the Autumn Budget on October 28.

These items reflect varied national approaches to balancing state income against operator sustainability and public protections.

Reporting: Focus Gaming News

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