Global Gambling Roundup: Enforcement Drives, Expiring Concessions, and Revenue Pressures
Focus Gaming News summarizes global developments including Greece hiring 40 staff to target a €1.8bn illegal market, Italy facing 2026 concession expiries without reform, and Brazil’s betting ban alarming six LatAm nations over investor confidence. France posted 0.5% H1 growth to €5.66bn via online channels while UK MPs seek a 40% Machine Games Duty rise. Trinidad and Tobago lifted gambling age to 25.
SCCG Take — Policy volatility and enforcement pushes test operator predictability; jurisdictions must weigh revenue goals against sustained legal market growth.
Focus Gaming News has detailed a series of regulatory and market developments across multiple jurisdictions.
Enforcement Actions and Regulatory Timelines
Greece is significantly strengthening its fight against illegal gambling, with the Hellenic Gaming Commission recruiting 40 staff for an expanded Inspection and Enforcement division. This follows new anti-illegal gambling legislation targeting a black market estimated at €1.8bn and €400m in lost annual revenue. The laws impose prison sentences of at least 10 years and fines up to €800,000 for aggravated offences. The commission will use enhanced powers, overhauled regulations, and AI tools. It is already investigating complaints against 18 influencers.
In Italy, concessions covering betting, bingo, AWPs, and VLTs are set to expire after a promised reform decree was shelved. The Associazione Gestori Scommesse Italia demands urgent interim measures and a consultation forum to draft new tender requirements. Retail gambling generates roughly three-quarters of Italy’s €21bn-plus market.
The Trinidad and Tobago Senate approved raising the minimum legal age for gambling from 18 to 25. The change takes effect in early 2027. Online gaming licenses are expected by January 1, 2027.
Market Warnings and Fiscal Debates
Brazil’s Provisional Measure 1.394/2026, which bans fixed-odds betting and online casinos, has drawn warnings from industry figures and legal experts in six countries. They argue the move could undermine investor confidence and regulatory predictability across Latin America while strengthening illegal operators that lack age checks, spending limits, and responsible gambling policies.
In the UK, around 90 Labour MPs led by Alex Ballinger are pressing Chancellor John Healey to raise Machine Games Duty to 40 per cent in the Autumn Budget. The step could generate £275m to £458m annually. Industry groups warn of venue closures and job losses.
France’s gambling market grew by just over 0.5 per cent to €5.66bn in the first half, excluding casinos. Online GGR rose 11 per cent to €1.45bn, with sports betting up 11.6 per cent to €995m and poker up 13.4 per cent to €290m. Retail saw declines, including a 5.8 per cent drop for PMU to €782m.
Reporting: Focus Gaming News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →