Global Gambling Regulation: Argentina Blocks Polymarket

Argentina Orders Nationwide Block on Polymarket

In a significant development for global gambling regulation, an Argentinian court has mandated a complete block on the cryptocurrency prediction market, Polymarket. The ruling also compels Google and Apple to remove the platform's app from their Argentinian stores. The action follows an investigation by the Buenos Aires Specialised Gambling Prosecutor’s Office, which deemed Polymarket a “covert online betting system” operating without proper authorization.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the Buenos Aires City Lottery. It found that Polymarket allowed users to create accounts without any identity or age verification, a major regulatory breach. The platform holds no licenses registered with the Association of State Lotteries of Argentina, leading to the court's intervention.

This is not an isolated incident for Polymarket, which has faced scrutiny across borders. The platform was recently penalized by the Dutch regulator (KSA) for unlicensed operations and declared unauthorized in Portugal, where political betting is prohibited. This pattern of enforcement highlights increasing international pressure on unlicensed crypto-based gambling platforms.

UK Faces Alarming Rise in Gambling Debt

Data from GamCare and debt provider PayPlan reveals a growing crisis in the UK. PayPlan reported a record 21,000 contacts in January 2026, a 22% year-on-year increase, with a strong link noted between debt and gambling harm. This comes as political figures like MP Dawn Butler push for stricter retail licensing rules.

GamCare’s Money Guidance Service saw user numbers double in 2025, supporting 1,954 individuals with gambling losses. The total reported debt surged by 153% to over £7.2 million, with the average debt per person climbing to £21,269. The trend has continued into 2026, with a record 233 people referred to the service in January alone.

“We’re seeing first-hand how gambling-related harm is increasingly linked to debt. The rise in referrals from GamCare reflects the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn after suffering losses.” - Emma Gibbons, Vulnerability Lead at PayPlan

Regulatory Frameworks Evolve in Europe and Brazil

Gibraltar Advances New Gambling Bill

Gibraltar has taken the first step toward replacing its Gambling Act of 2025. The new Gibraltar Gambling Bill passed its first reading and aims to create a more sustainable and accountable igaming sector. Key proposals include expanding licensing categories to cover B2B activities like marketing and requiring senior executives to hold personal licenses.

The bill also grants more robust powers to the Gibraltar Gambling Commission (GGC) for risk-based enforcement and penalties. The legislation, in development since 2022, was partly influenced by Gibraltar's placement on the FATF's Moneyval grey list, from which it was removed in February 2024.

Germany's Black Market Valued at €547m

Germany's national regulator, the GGL, published a comprehensive study on the country's illegal online gambling market. The report estimates that gross gaming revenue (GGR) from unlicensed activity reached €547 million in 2024. This suggests a channelisation rate of just over 77%, meaning nearly a quarter of the market operates outside the regulated framework.

The study, based on a survey of 2,000 online gamblers, found that players on unlicensed sites reported higher average monthly stakes (€1,425) and losses (€475) than those using only licensed platforms. The report's findings will inform the GGL's ongoing review of Germany's Interstate Gambling Treaty.

Brazil Proposes Ban on Gambling Incentives

In Brazil, Senator Eduardo Girão has introduced Bill 1018/2026, which seeks to ban all gambling incentives based on player behavior. The proposed amendments to the Brazil Bets Law would prohibit cashback offers, VIP promotions, loyalty programs, and gamified challenges. The bill is positioned as a consumer protection measure to reduce excessive engagement.

Currently, the Brazil Bets framework already prohibits sign-up bonuses, a restriction imposed by the Ministry of Finance. Industry bodies have expressed concern that further limits could weaken the regulated market and push players toward unlicensed operators.

New Online Slot Releases for March 2026

Amidst the regulatory updates, game developers continue to release new titles. Push Gaming announced two new games, including a sequel, while Play’n GO launched several new adventures. Here is a summary of the latest and upcoming online slots announced this month.