Regulatory pressure is mounting across every major market.

Lawmakers across major markets are revisiting duty structures, tightening AML rules, and accelerating enforcement from the U.S. pushbacks on loss-deduction caps to UK hikes expected to pressure operators. Emerging markets are moving in the opposite direction, modernising frameworks in Latin America, Africa, and Asia as they court regulated growth.

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

Tax Issues

• AICPA endorses bills for simplified gambling loss tax treatment
  
  The organization supports legislation to restore full deductibility of losses, urging Congress to act before the 90% cap takes effect in 2026 to avoid unfair taxation on winnings.

• Nevada lawmakers push to reverse gaming tax hike from One Big Beautiful Bill Act
  
  Ever since the bill's passage, federal representatives have been advocating to undo the provision limiting gambling loss deductions to 90% starting in 2026, aiming to prevent financial strain on the industry and bettors.

• UK Chancellor's budget signals thousands of job losses from gambling duty increases
  
  The Autumn Budget's hikes on remote gaming and betting duties are projected to impact operators heavily, potentially leading to widespread closures and restructuring without protections for land-based sectors.

Legislative Hikes

• Curacao Parliament enacts National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) for enhanced regulation
  
  Approved on December 17, the new law ushers in a modernized licensing framework, transitioning all existing operators to provisional licenses for six months to align with global standards.

• Brazil Senate committee approves 15–18% tax hike on betting operators
  
  The Economic Affairs Committee greenlit PL 5,473/2025 in early December, introducing phased increases to bolster government revenue while navigating operator concerns in the maturing South American market.

• UK watchdog confirms remote gaming duty surge to 40% amid budget reforms
  
  Effective April 2026, the increases target online sectors for harm reduction, with abolition of bingo duty sparking stock fluctuations and industry adaptation strategies in December.

• Sweden's iGaming association rebuffs ATG's call for higher online casino taxes
  
  BOS labeled the proposal as detrimental to the regulated market, urging lawmakers to reject hikes that could drive players to unlicensed platforms amid ongoing fiscal debates.

Enforcement and Compliance

• FinCEN strengthens anti-money laundering rules for casinos with private monitoring
  
  Regulators emphasize Title 31 compliance, including enhanced customer due diligence and recordkeeping, to combat illicit finance in global operations.

• American Gaming Association updates AML guide for industry best practices
  
  The revised protocols focus on KYC and suspicious activity reporting, helping operators navigate rising enforcement in a dynamic regulatory environment.

• US Justice Department called to aid states against illegal offshore gaming
  
  A coalition of attorneys general seeks federal coordination for enforcement tools and actions to shut down unregulated platforms exploiting gaps.

Emerging Markets

• South African regulators ramp up enforcement against illegal gambling operations
  
  The Eastern Cape Gambling Board initiated its 2025 crackdown, blacklisting sites and coordinating with national authorities to protect consumers in Africa's expanding market.

• Malaysia eyes review of core gambling laws amid Asia's digital shift
  
  Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement signals potential updates to licensing and taxation, aiming to curb black markets while fostering regulated growth.

• Brazil and Peru lead Latin America's iGaming regulatory advancements
  
  With Brazil's market launch and Peru's 2024 regime, operators call for stable frameworks to sustain the region's projected $7.86 billion valuation by 2027.

• UAE bolsters financial controls as casino sector emerges in Middle East
  
  New measures enhance oversight for tourism-driven gambling, influencing regional economies and politics amid bans in neighboring countries.

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