Ethiopia Reaffirms Sports Betting Ban Amid Regulatory Uncertainty
The Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS) has issued a stern public notice, confirming the country's comprehensive sports betting ban remains in full effect. This clarification comes seven months after regulators revoked all operating licences, addressing confusion that illegal operators have been exploiting. The Ethiopian betting ban creates a high-risk environment for consumers.
The regulator stated, "there is no sports betting organisation operating in Ethiopia with a legal licence," and urged citizens to avoid depositing money with illegal services. The ELS warned that consumers engaging with these unlicensed entities face significant risks to their personal and financial data, with little recourse for recovering losses. This crackdown began in November 2025 following the arrest of 24 individuals for allegedly concealing over ETB100 billion ($620.5 million) in government revenue.
Interestingly, all 24 suspects were reportedly released by late January 2026, and authorities have not clarified the status of their cases. Despite legal challenges, such as a court overturning the suspension of Hulu Sport on procedural grounds (a decision now under appeal), no operator currently holds a valid licence. Government officials have hinted at a potential regulatory rethink, but for now, the market remains officially closed.
FDJ's H1 2026 Performance Hit by Taxes and Lottery Underperformance
FDJ United has reported a challenging first half of 2026, with revenue dropping 4.5% to €1.78 billion and Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) dipping 1.3% to €4.31 billion. CEO Stéphane Pallez attributed the decline to increased taxation in key markets like France, Romania, the UK, and the Netherlands, which had an impact of approximately €52 million. The company's FDJ H1 results reflect these external pressures.
The lottery sector was a significant factor, with its GGR falling 2.1% due to fewer large Euromillions jackpots compared to 2025 and lower retail traffic from heatwaves. Retail sports betting also saw a slight decline. Despite these setbacks, FDJ's online betting and gaming unit performed "in line with expectations," showing GGR growth of 6.6% when excluding the difficult UK and Dutch markets. The company is now adjusting its full-year guidance, anticipating stable GGR across its units.
Brazil Betting Data Reveals Dominance of Micro-Transactions
A recent study by Paag highlights key trends in the Brazil betting market for Q2 2026. The report shows that low-value wagers drive activity, with 74% of all transactions being for BRL50 ($10) or less. These small bets accounted for 23% of the total financial value handled.
This data underscores that frequent, low-stakes betting is the norm. In contrast, bets over BRL50 ($10) made up 77% of the total financial value despite representing a smaller portion of transactions. The analysis provides a clear picture of user behavior, crucial for operators in the newly regulated market.
“Analysing this data is crucial for understanding not only the sector’s trajectory but also where improvements can be made – regarding both actual operations and bettor safety and protection. Today, the data establishes market predictability from an operational standpoint, revealing clear patterns dominated by micro-transactions.” - João Fraga, CEO of Paag.
Brazilian Bettor Habits in Q2 2026
| Wager Value (BRL) | Share of Transactions | Share of Financial Value |
|---|---|---|
| Up to R$20 ($4) | ~45% | 8% |
| R$20 - R$50 ($4 - $10) | ~29% | 15% |
| Over R$50 ($10) | ~26% | 77% |
The study also found that user activity peaks mid-month, with evenings being the most popular time for betting. Users aged 25 to 49 account for approximately 80% of the total financial volume.
Norsk Tipping Study Validates Proactive Player Intervention
In Norway, a new Norsk Tipping study confirms the effectiveness of personalized intervention calls as a key part of its responsible gambling measures. The research, based on data from 4,752 customers contacted between 2022 and 2024, showed measurable reductions in gambling behavior after players received a call.
The study found consistent declines in days gambled, net losses, and total wagers. The effect was most pronounced among players flagged by the operator's early warning tools, like Spillepuls. Following the calls, 43.7% of players chose to lower their loss limits and 12.6% opted for self-exclusion, demonstrating that proactive outreach is a powerful tool for harm reduction.
UK Gambling Commission Continues Crackdown on Illegal Operations
Enforcement against illegal gambling UK continues as two individuals were arrested in Bristol following a raid on a suspected illegal casino. The coordinated operation involved local police, the Gambling Commission, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit. The 36-year-old man and 40-year-old woman were released on bail while the investigation is ongoing.
This action aligns with the Gambling Commission's stated focus on tackling illegal land-based gambling. The Commission recently received an additional £26 million in government funding to enhance its enforcement efforts, signaling a sustained push to curb unlicensed activity across the country.
