Tax pressure is tightening, expansion is stalling, and regulators are sharpening their tools.

This week’s Regulation Roundup explores how tax reform, legislative hesitation, and stricter enforcement are shaping operator strategy as the industry looks ahead to 2026.

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

Tax Issues

• US gambling legislation recap highlights new taxes and stalled expansions in 2025
  
  Federal and state-level tax hikes dominated the year, with intensified scrutiny on betting scandals influencing fiscal policies across North America.

• Chicago's new sports betting tax sparks statewide standoff in Illinois
  
  The city's tax initiative draws legal battles with operators and state lawmakers, potentially altering revenue distribution in the US Midwest.

• Senator Lankford opposes fix to new gambling loss deduction cap
  
  Critics highlight "phantom income" risks from the 90% limit, complicating tax relief efforts for bettors worldwide amid similar global reforms.

• Impending 2026 tax changes prompt industry adjustments globally
  
  Bills aim for retroactive amendments to address deduction limits, influencing operator strategies in mature and developing markets.

Legislative Hikes

• Federal scrutiny intensifies on US gambling reforms post-2025 scandals
  
  Revived bills target expansion barriers, echoing international calls for updated frameworks in regulated jurisdictions.

• Wisconsin eyes online sports betting vote amid problem gambling concerns
  
  Assembly Speaker Vos anticipates a bill vote, balancing revenue potential with harm prevention in North American legislatures.

• Analyst predicts no new US states will legalize iGaming or sports betting in 2026
  
  With 39 states already permitting wagering, stagnation signals shifts toward international market focuses.

Enforcement and Compliance

• 2026 predictions forecast bumper M&A and Brazil's growth in regulation
  
  Compliance evolves with new opportunities, reflecting international trends in enforcement.

• Yaspa's intelligent payments enhance player protection via open banking and AI
  
  New tools combat overexposure, supporting safer gambling practices in global compliance efforts.

• Key hearings set on prediction markets and sweepstakes in gambling industry watchlist
  
  Statehouses and courtrooms focus on iGaming politics and regulatory gaps worldwide.

• Iowa regulators seek cease-and-desist powers against unlicensed platforms
  
  Bill pushes for stronger enforcement on offshore operators, aligning with global crackdown initiatives.

Emerging Markets

• iGB provides latest global gambling news and analysis for 2026
  
  In-depth coverage spans emerging trends and data dashboards for international iGaming developments.

• Gambling Insider offers independent worldwide news and reviews
  
  Trusted insights into market expansions and regulatory shifts across continents.

• Red Rake Gaming partners with QTech for emerging market push
  
  Collaboration targets global growth through aggregators in high-potential regions.

• Online gambling market projected to reach $186.58B by 2029
  
  CAGR of 12.3% from 2025 highlights opportunities in developing economies worldwide.

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