Pressure is rising as regulation, enforcement, and market shifts collide.

Tax debates are resurfacing on both sides of the Atlantic while lawmakers push new gambling frameworks and ballot initiatives across the US. At the same time, authorities are stepping up action against illegal betting ahead of major global events, as growth momentum accelerates in Asia and emerging prediction markets.

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

Tax Issues

• Trump Considers Changing Federal Taxes on Gambling Winnings
  
  President Donald Trump said he would consider eliminating the federal tax on gambling winnings, raising the possibility of a significant change to how bettors are taxed in the United States, reviving optimism after the FAIR BET Act's setback.

• UK betting firm Evoke withholds 2026 forecast amid strategic review and tax pressures
  
  Evoke, owner of William Hill, reported a 3% Q4 revenue drop and declined to provide 2026 guidance as it explores a potential sale, citing UK tax hikes on gambling impacting profitability in Europe.

Legislative Hikes

• Missouri lawmakers advance video lottery bill with 2-year phase-out for unregulated slots
  
  The House committee approved HB 2989, giving convenience store slot operators two years to remove machines while establishing a state-run video lottery system to generate education revenue in North America.

• Alabama senator renews push for statewide gambling vote in 2026
  
  Sen. Merika Coleman plans a constitutional amendment to let voters decide on lottery, sports betting, and casinos, aiming to bypass legislative gridlock in the US Southeast.

Enforcement and Compliance

• Global law enforcement fortifies defense against illegal betting for World Cup 2026
  
  Intensive efforts by Spanish National Police and integrity officials aim to mitigate illegal gambling risks during the World Cup, focusing on match-fixing threats worldwide.

• San Francisco uncovers nine secret drug and gambling dens disguised as convenience stores
  
  Officers seized slot machines, cash, methamphetamine, firearms, and stolen merchandise from Tenderloin locations, highlighting urban enforcement against illicit operations in the US West.

Emerging Markets

• Macau gaming revenue surges 24% in January amid economic recovery
  
  Gross gaming revenue hit $2.8 billion, up 24% year-over-year, fueling positive outlooks for 2026 in Asia's key gambling hub.

• From Holding to Hedging: The 'Crypto Casino' Trade Is Taking Over
  
  Traders are flocking to platforms for betting on market volatility, with companies like Coinbase pivoting to capture growth in global speculative markets.

• Crypto.com Announces Standalone Prediction Market, Includes Margin Trading
  
  The platform offers the first margin trading in prediction markets, experiencing 40x weekly growth, signaling expansion in worldwide event-contract sectors.

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