Player Protection and Regulatory Frameworks Evolve
The latest Gambling Regulation News highlights significant strides in player protection across Europe. Jurisdictions are implementing new tools and funding mechanisms to create safer gambling environments, reflecting a global trend towards more robust consumer safeguards.
Portugal Launches Centralised Self-Exclusion System
Portugal’s Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) has introduced a new centralised online self-exclusion platform, effective from April 8, 2026. The portal aims to streamline the process for individuals to suspend their access to all licensed online gaming and betting sites in the country. This move consolidates previously fragmented systems into a single, mobile-friendly interface to improve player protection.
The system allows both individuals and third parties to request exclusion, applying the ban across all operators to prevent users from simply switching sites. This initiative comes as Portugal's digital gaming revenue continues to grow, with Q3 2025 reaching a near-record €297.1 million. Centralised self-exclusion is a growing international standard, with similar systems recently launched in Brazil and Russia, and established programs like Gamstop in the UK and OASIS in Germany reporting increased user registrations.
UK Allocates £12M Statutory Levy for Harm Reduction
In the United Kingdom, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has committed £12 million in funding for local councils to reduce gambling-related harms for the 2026-2027 period. This funding is guaranteed by the new Statutory Levy on gambling licences, a system now managed by the NHS. A further £12 million has been reserved for the following year.
Funding is allocated based on a formula that considers both population size and an area's Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) score, providing more support to areas with higher risks of harm. Major recipients include Birmingham (£332,000) and Kent (£326,000). This initiative follows OHID's recent allocation of £25 million to third-sector organizations, with GamCare and YGAM named as the largest recipients.
Greece and Canada Bolster Safer Gambling Focus
Greece is also turning its attention to digital safeguards, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stating that online gaming and gambling are the “next issue to look at” following a proposed social media ban for under-15s. The government aims to better enforce the existing rule prohibiting gambling for those under 21, especially as the unregulated market grows. This comes as officials work to combat a large black market, which involved nearly 800,000 citizens in 2024.
Meanwhile, the upcoming SBC Summit Canada 2026 will feature a dedicated Player Protection Symposium from May 19-21 in Toronto. The event will bring together experts to discuss strengthening internal compliance, the risks of new game mechanics, and tackling grey-market activity. Panels will feature speakers from OLG, Betsson, and the Responsible Gambling Council, underscoring the Canadian market's commitment to responsible gaming.
Legal and Political Battles Heat Up in Key Markets
High-stakes legal disputes and political debates are shaping the iGaming landscape. From Brazil's potential betting ban to corporate lawsuits in the US, the industry is navigating a complex and often contentious environment.
Brazil Debates Betting Ban as Industry Defends Regulation
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has reiterated his desire to ban betting, citing concerns over family debt and alleging political influence by operators. However, the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) has warned that a ban would push players to the unprotected black market. The IBJR countered the president's claims with data showing that gambling accounts for only 0.2% to 0.5% of family consumption, while credit cards are the main source of indebtedness.
The institute emphasized that the regulated market, launched in January 2025, has strong protections, including a ban on credit card and crypto payments, and contributed BRL9.95 billion in taxes in 2025. The IBJR urges strengthening the formal market as the best way to protect consumers and secure vital public revenue.
Evolution Escalates Defamation Lawsuit to Include Playtech
In a significant corporate development, Evolution AB has filed a request in New Jersey to amend an ongoing defamation lawsuit to include competitor Playtech Plc as a defendant. Evolution alleges that Playtech orchestrated and funded a smear campaign via intelligence firm Black Cube to damage its reputation and obstruct its entry into the North American market. The original report, which prompted regulatory scrutiny, was later described by the court as “objectively baseless.”
Playtech has dismissed the move as “baseless and without merit,” stating it welcomes scrutiny and that the investigation was a lawful response to credible concerns about Evolution's activities. The prolonged legal battle continues to impact investor sentiment.
“From a share value perspective, both sides appear to have little to gain from letting this escalate... Content from major suppliers, including both Evolution and Playtech, often appears through third-party aggregators. That doesn’t prove direct involvement; it reflects the increasingly fragmented nature of distribution.” - Ben Robinson, Corfai Capital
Nederlandse Loterij Sues Novatech Over Illegal Operations
In the Netherlands, national lottery provider Nederlandse Loterij is taking legal action against Novatech, the operator of Qbet, which it labels “the largest illegal gambling site” in the country. This follows a record €25 million fine issued to Novatech by the Dutch regulator, KSA, for offering illegal gambling. Arjan Blok, CEO of Nederlandse Loterij, stated the action aims to protect the 200,000 Dutch people estimated to be gambling on illegal sites.
Market and Financial Updates
Swedish operator Betsson has issued a profit warning for Q1 2026, citing margin pressures from increased taxation in core markets. The company anticipates a 47% drop in EBIT despite steady performance in some regions.
The table below breaks down the preliminary revenue figures:
| Region/Segment | Q1 2026 Revenue | Q1 2025 Revenue | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latin America | €93m | €75m | Up |
| Western Europe | €61m | €56m | Up |
| CEECA | €96m | €122m | Down |
| Nordics | €31m | €38m | Down |
| Total Group | €285m | €294m | -3% |
Despite the downturn, CEO Pontus Lindwall remains optimistic about long-term growth in both B2B and B2C segments. The company will release its full Q1 report on April 24.
