Global Gambling Regulation Update: Inpay, UK & More News

Danish Regulator Halts Inpay's iGaming Onboarding Over AML Failings

Denmark’s financial regulator, Finanstilsynet, has issued an injunction against the Danish fintech company Inpay for what it termed “serious violations” of the Money Laundering Act. This action temporarily prevents Inpay from taking on new business customers from the online gaming sector. The ruling follows a money laundering inspection conducted in March 2026.

The regulator identified several key deficiencies. These include insufficient customer due diligence procedures, a failure to properly assess business relationships with high-risk iGaming clients, and inadequate monitoring of outgoing transactions. Finanstilsynet stated these issues were present across a “majority” of Inpay's customer portfolio, creating a significant risk of supporting illegal activities.

Inpay acknowledged the decision, stating it had already proactively stopped onboarding new online gaming customers on July 27. The company confirmed that its existing business customers, both within and outside of iGaming, are not affected by this temporary measure.

Leadership and Policy Debates Shake UK Gambling Sector

The UK's gambling industry is navigating both internal leadership changes and external political pressure. These developments signal a potentially challenging environment for operators, particularly in the retail sector.

Allwyn UK CEO Andria Vidler Steps Down

Andria Vidler has announced she is stepping down as the CEO of Allwyn UK, effective September 7. Having taken the role in October 2023, Vidler was instrumental in overseeing the transition of the UK National Lottery operations to Allwyn. She will remain in an advisory role until the end of October to ensure a smooth handover.

Industry veteran Phil Walker will take over as interim CEO. Walker has extensive experience, including senior roles at William Hill, and is seen as a steady hand to guide the company while it searches for a permanent replacement. Allwyn UK's priorities remain focused on modernizing the National Lottery and promoting player safety.

PM Andy Burnham's Comments Spark Industry Backlash

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has caused a stir by grouping betting shops with vape shops and “dodgy businesses” in his critique of Britain's high streets. His government plans to remove the “aim to permit” principle from the Gambling Act 2005, giving local authorities more power to reject applications for gambling premises.

Industry leaders have reacted strongly to the language used. Greg Knight, CEO of JenningsBet, called the comparison an insult, highlighting that the sector employs 40,000 people and contributes billions in taxes. Data shows the retail betting sector has been shrinking, with fewer than 5,900 shops today compared to nearly 9,000 in 2015.

“What we have fundamentally misunderstood is how to fight back. The goalposts have moved... these narratives get immediately challenged. Because at the moment, a guy at the SMF says stuff and there is no real pushback.” - Patrick Jay, industry consultant, on the sector losing the public narrative.

Global Regulatory Shifts: New Frameworks and Political Debates

A fresh gambling regulation update shows countries from Europe to Africa are actively reshaping their legal landscapes for online gaming and affiliate marketing, while political rhetoric intensifies in South America.

Bulgaria Enforces New Affiliate Licensing Framework

Bulgaria's new licensing system for gambling affiliates is now officially in force. Affiliates whose income is tied to player activity must now secure a five-year license from the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The deadline for existing affiliates to apply was August 15.

The regulation carries a fixed annual fee of €6,000 and a variable levy of 10% of performance-based commission. Unlicensed activity can result in fines ranging from €5,000 to €20,000 and the blocking of associated websites and social media channels. Foreign affiliates must appoint a local representative.

Mozambique Establishes Online Gambling Concession System

The government of Mozambique has approved a dedicated legal framework for online games of chance. This creates a new concession system separate from the one governing its land-based casinos. The move is partly a response to declining tax revenue from physical casinos, which fell to 54% of the government's target in 2025.

The new framework aims to combat illegal gambling and provide greater transparency. However, key details regarding the licensing process, costs, and technical standards have not yet been made public. This leaves the practical implementation of the regime unclear for prospective operators.

Political Calls for Gambling Ban in Brazil

In Brazil, political pressure against the gambling industry is mounting. Tarcísio de Freitas, the governor of São Paulo, has called for a ban on betting, stating, “Either Brazil ends betting, or betting ends Brazil.” He framed gambling addiction as a public health problem comparable to the fight against smoking.

US Market Snapshot: Pennsylvania's Strong July Revenue

Pennsylvania’s gaming market continues to show robust growth. The state generated $591 million in revenue in July, a 6% increase year-over-year. This strong performance highlights the continued success of the state's iGaming and retail sectors.

Online casino revenue was a major contributor, reaching $249 million. The state collected a total of $256.88 million in gaming tax revenue during the month.