Tax pressure rises, reform stalls, and regulators tighten the screws worldwide.

This week saw mounting tax pressure, delayed reforms, and sharper regulatory guidance across major markets, creating uncertainty for operators while enforcement standards continue to harden. At the same time, emerging markets and new betting models are cautiously advancing under closer scrutiny.

Let’s dive into this week’s Regulation Roundup!

Tax Issues

• US casinos lobby Congress to repeal 90% gambling loss deduction cap before 2026 implementation
  
  Gaming industry leaders and tax experts urge lawmakers to reverse the One Big Beautiful Bill's provision limiting losses to 90% of winnings, arguing it creates unfair "phantom income" taxation for bettors starting January 1, 2026.

• Illinois escalates sports betting tax to graduated 20-40% rate on adjusted revenue
  
  Effective January 1, 2025, the state's new tiered structure replaces the flat 15% tax, aiming to capture more revenue from high-earning operators in the competitive North American market.

• Swiss Federal Council proposes amendments to high-value gambling prize taxation
  
  A December 5 consultation opened on revising tax rules for large winnings, seeking to modernize fiscal policies while enhancing player protections in Europe's regulated environment.

Legislative Hikes

• Finland’s Parliament rejects amendments to online gambling bill
  
  Finland's Parliament has turned down proposed changes to the online gambling legislation, maintaining the current framework for online gambling regulations in the country.

• Chile: Gambling ads bill returns ahead of Sunday Presidential Election
  
  A gambling advertising bill has been reintroduced in Chile just before the Presidential Election, potentially impacting gambling marketing regulations.

• Ireland’s Labour party takes anti-gambling stance
  
  Ireland's Labour party has adopted an anti-gambling position in its political platform, reflecting growing concerns over gambling regulations in the country.

• Supreme Court Delay Freezes India’s Gaming Sector
  
  India's Supreme Court has postponed a hearing on challenges to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act until late January, causing uncertainty in the online gaming sector.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Gambling Commission clarifies new bonusing rules to commence in January
  
  The UK Gambling Commission has provided guidance on upcoming rules for gambling promotions and bonuses starting in January, aiding operator compliance with new regulations.

• Regulator vows quality over speed to cure troubled German market
  
  The German gambling regulator is prioritizing quality in reforms to address market issues, aiming to improve the overall troubled gambling sector without rushing the process.

• Myanmar Calls on Other States to Repatriate Illegal Gambling Suspects
  
  Myanmar's military government has urged international cooperation to repatriate foreigners detained in a crackdown on scam operations involving online gambling and telecom fraud.

• Analyst Examines Underdog’s Arizona License Loss, Says DraftKings & FanDuel Are Safe
  
  An analyst reviewed the revocation of Underdog's fantasy sports license in Arizona due to its prediction markets deal, concluding major operators are not at similar risk under regulatory scrutiny.

Emerging Markets

• Matchbook Eyes Prediction Market Platform Launch in the UK
  
  Matchbook plans to launch its prediction market platform in the UK as early as January 2026, serving as a test before US expansion amid growing interest in such markets.

• Norway’s Oil Fund Holds Billions in Gambling Stocks
  
  Despite strict regulations blocking online gambling in Norway to protect state operators, the country's oil fund invests billions in international gambling stocks, highlighting policy contradictions.

• Ontario Bets on Casino Growth in Niagara Tourism Overhaul
  
  Ontario's new tourism strategy for Niagara Falls emphasizes casino expansion to boost visitor numbers, integrating gaming with entertainment and hospitality through billion-dollar investments.

• Casino holds Danish gambling upright as betting revenue slumps
  
  Casino operations are supporting the Danish gambling sector amid a slump in betting revenue, indicating regulatory and economic challenges in market stability.

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