Regulators are turning up the heat.

Tax fights in the US, advertising restrictions abroad, aggressive enforcement action, and new licensing regimes coming online signal a more assertive global stance on gambling oversight. For operators, the compliance bar is rising fast across both mature and emerging markets.

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

Tax Issues

• US House GOP blocks Rep. Titus’ latest amendment to restore full gambling loss deductions
  
  House Republican leaders prevented the attempt to repeal the 90% cap on gambling losses for 2026 tax filings, leaving bettors facing potential “phantom income” taxation on net losses.

• Arizona eyes one of the steepest sports betting tax hikes in the US
  
  Governor Katie Hobbs’ budget proposal would raise the tax rate to 45% for large operators handling $75 million+ monthly, up from the current 10%, to address state revenue needs.

Legislative Hikes

• Brazil Senate committee approves bill banning online gambling advertising
  
  Lawmakers advanced the measure to restrict promotions, with Deputy Hugo Motta urging caution over potential impacts on the regulated market.

• Virginia iGaming bill advances from subcommittee
  
  The legislation progressed with responsible gambling adjustments and debates over lottery funding and jobs, moving closer to a full vote.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Illinois Gaming Board and AG issue 60+ cease-and-desist letters to illegal sweepstakes and online casino operators
  
  Regulators demanded that unlicensed platforms block Illinois residents or face civil and criminal penalties, marking one of the state’s largest crackdowns.

• Minnesota AG directs illegal gambling sites to exit the state
  
  Letters were sent to 14 operators, citing violations of consumer protection laws and risks to residents from unlicensed platforms.

Emerging Markets

• Ireland’s Gambling Regulatory Authority begins accepting licence applications
  
  The new regulator officially opened for business, enforcing updated rules and marking a major step in the country’s regulated iGaming framework.

• LatAm regulatory snapshot highlights 2026 outlook for Brazil and region
  
  Analysts note evolving frameworks, consolidation pressures, and the need for balanced growth amid advertising and tax debates.

Advertisement - Hub88

A new age of iGaming Integration is here:

• Full supplier catalogue with free bet support & jackpot tools
• End-to-end onboarding in just a few minutes
• An easy and efficient payments platform

Integrate with the leading game aggregation solution at hub88.io

Did we miss something?

• If we missed something, join our discord community to let us know for next time.
• Join our discord community here: https://discord.gg/tanzanite