Vicky Foxcroft Takes Helm as New UK Gambling Minister
In a significant governmental shift, Vicky Foxcroft MP has been appointed as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with oversight for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This appointment makes her the new Vicky Foxcroft Gambling Minister, replacing Baroness Twycross who held the role since 2024. Foxcroft, an MP since 2015, has a documented history of advocating for stringent gambling controls.
Her previous actions include supporting a 2025 motion on ‘High street gambling reform’ that raised concerns about the spread of gambling premises. She has also been vocal about what she termed the ‘epidemic of problem gambling’, calling for a ban on credit card betting in 2018. Foxcroft also supported the 1% statutory levy on GGY, which was implemented in November 2024 as part of the Gambling Act review white paper.
Betting and Gaming Council Responds
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) formally welcomed Foxcroft to her new position. The organization noted her past advocacy for an evidence-led approach to regulation that protects vulnerable individuals. The BGC expressed its intent to work constructively with the new minister.
“We also look forward to working with the new Minister to tackle the rapidly growing illegal gambling black market, which puts consumers at risk and contributes nothing to the economy or British sport,” stated Grainne Hurst, CEO of BGC.
Hurst also thanked the outgoing minister, Baroness Twycross, for her constructive engagement with the industry. Twycross was instrumental in implementing the government's gambling white paper and the introduction of financial risk assessments (FRAs).
Major Corporate Moves and Financial Updates
Across the globe, major operators are making strategic moves. From acquisitions aimed at technological advancement to major resort construction, the industry landscape continues to evolve. Financial reports also highlight the growing impact of regulatory changes on operator profitability.
Tabcorp Acquires BetMakers in $283M Tech Overhaul
Australian operator Tabcorp has purchased 100% of BetMakers shares in a deal valued at approximately $283 million. Tabcorp's leadership called the acquisition the “cheapest and most efficient” path for overhauling its legacy technology systems. The company projects annual cost synergies of up to $30 million by the end of the second year post-acquisition.
The decision was framed as a lower-risk alternative to a complex internal transformation. CTO Robert Fraser praised BetMakers’ cloud-native, asset-light platform. Tabcorp also plans to integrate BetMakers' racing data into its Sky Racing media coverage for an enhanced, end-to-end offering for international markets.
| Company | Action | Value / Impact | Strategic Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tabcorp | Acquisition of BetMakers | ~$283 Million | Modernize tech stack efficiently and reduce risk |
| Evoke | Responding to UK tax hikes | £46M increase in gaming duties | Mitigate costs and prepare for acquisition |
| Wynn Resorts | Construction of Al Marjan Island | $48.1M contributed in Q2 | Create a premier beachfront destination |
Evoke H1 Revenue Flat Amid UK Tax Pressure
Evoke reported flat H1 2026 revenue of £887.5 million, as its business faced a £46 million year-on-year increase in gaming duties. This was largely due to the UK's Remote Gaming Duty rate rising from 21% to 40%. The tax impact caused EBITDA to drop 12% to £124.8 million.
The company mitigated some of these costs through more efficient marketing and operational savings. Meanwhile, the proposed all-share takeover of Evoke by Bally’s Intralot remains on track for completion in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027.
Wynn Al Marjan Island Advances with Beachfront Reveal
Construction on the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is progressing, with Wynn Resorts unveiling a new 550-metre beachfront and sheltered lagoon. The project includes engineered offshore reefs to encourage marine habitat formation, which are already showing signs of coral colonization. The resort, described as “Wynn Resorts’ first beachfront destination,” has had its opening date pushed to September 2027.
Global Regulatory and Legal Landscape Shifts
Regulators worldwide are actively shaping the industry, from banning irresponsible advertising to wrestling with the legal classification of new betting products. In Brazil, new regulations appear to be successfully channeling players away from the illegal market.
ASA Bans Midnite Ad Campaign for Social Irresponsibility
The UK's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a series of five advertisements from operator Midnite following 125 complaints. The ads, which ran on TV, video, and radio, depicted people dealing with everyday frustrations before turning to the Midnite app. The ASA ruled the campaign was “socially irresponsible and potentially harmful” for implying that gambling could be a coping mechanism.
Brazil's Regulated Market Gains Ground on Illegal Operators
A new study in Brazil reveals that the illegal betting market's share fell in the first half of 2026. It is now estimated that between 38% and 44% of online bets were placed with illegal operators, down from 41%-51% in a 2025 survey. This trend suggests that government regulations, effective since January 2025, are successfully consolidating the legal market.
CFTC Orders Kalshi to Continue Trading in New York Dispute
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has ordered prediction market Kalshi to continue operating, invoking its emergency authority under the Commodity Exchange Act. This move comes in direct conflict with a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is seeking $36 billion in damages and treats Kalshi as an unlicensed gambling business. The CFTC maintains that it has federal authority over such interstate financial markets.
