In 2025, global gambling laws are witnessing significant shifts as governments address the burgeoning digital platforms and their socio-economic impact. In 2024, Americans set a new record by wagering over $148 billion on sports, and other countries follow closely. These staggering figures necessitate a legislative response, prompting major changes in gambling laws this year and beyond.
**United Kingdom’s Player Protection Measures**
The UK prioritizes player safety, leading to the significant reform of merging Remote Betting Duty and Remote Gaming Duty policies. Increased financial regulation impacts traditional sectors like horse racing. The UK Gambling Commission lowers the financial risk threshold triggering affordability checks to £150 from £500 monthly and requires operators to obtain explicit user consent for promotional messages. This initiative may set a standard for regions with prevalent gambling issues.
**Canada’s Regulated Free Market**
Canada is refining its iGaming market, with Ontario as a model of regulated online gambling. Platforms like ComeOn casino provide a safe environment with slots and table games while implementing responsible gaming measures. This modern approach balances quality betting experiences with user safety, serving as a blueprint for sustainable industry growth worldwide.
**United States’ Legal Challenges**
US gambling laws struggle to keep pace with digital advancements. States are imposing stricter advertising and spending limits, while lawsuits challenge promotion legality, impacting platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Prediction markets and sweepstakes-based platforms face scrutiny, illustrated by Kalshi’s legal victories redefining online wagering legality.
**Croatia’s Legislation Overhaul**
Croatia tackles gambling addiction with a new law effective January 2026, aiming to organize a loosely governed sector. Key features include a mandatory national player registry, a shared self-exclusion platform among licensed operators, and bans on self-service betting kiosks in non-gambling venues. Progressive tax rates and increased annual licensing fees aim to curb operator numbers, and 11% of gambling income funds addiction programs. These measures could reduce gambling venues by 10-15% while generating €50-70 million in new tax revenue.
**Brazil’s Regulatory Measures**
In 2024, Brazil’s gambling market boomed with 25 million new users, revealing regulatory gaps. In 2025, Brazil introduced comprehensive laws to license operators, tax gambling winnings, ban certain payment methods, and penalize unlicensed platforms. The objectives are consumer protection and incorporating a large gray market into the legal framework, with anticipated significant tax revenue.
**Africa’s Policy Shifts**
Africa is updating gambling laws, with countries like Nigeria imposing a 5% winnings tax and a 15% non-resident tax, Kenya increasing the betting stakes excise tax to 15%, Morocco implementing a 30% tax on foreign gambling wins, and Zimbabwe introducing a 10% gross sports betting winnings tax. These changes reflect the continent’s growing awareness of online gambling’s economic potential.
**Emerging Legal Issues**
Technology deeply influences regulatory frameworks, with the rise of cryptocurrencies in online casinos raising money laundering concerns. Some countries mandate regulated stablecoins and smart contract audits before licensing platforms. The shift toward decentralized gambling prompts discussions on regulation through code, where compliance is managed via automated smart contracts, reducing the need for human inspectors and enhancing legal adherence.
In 2025, the gambling industry is rapidly evolving, emphasizing the need for proactive reforms. Users should stay informed about these changes as jurisdictions enforce stricter, smarter rules. Early adaptation ensures a competitive edge.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com
