Betting Taxes and Regulations Tighten Around the World

Italy's newly approved budget law expects to collect 700 million euros from gambling taxes in 2026 and 2027. The online betting market has been subject to a new framework since November 2025, and operators need a separate licence for each brand. Reform of land-based casinos, however, remains on hold, and existing concessions have been extended to the end of 2028.

In the UK, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey announced that the machine games duty will rise to 25%, taking effect in April 2027. A rise to 40% had been discussed earlier, so the lower rate has eased market concerns. However, BGC, citing modelling by EY, warned of around 9,000 job losses and 1,000 venue closures. Entain estimates that the annual cost of its UK and Ireland retail business will increase by 25 million pounds sterling.

In Canada, more than 15 organizations are backing a bill that would introduce a national framework for betting advertising. In CBC's analysis of seven NHL playoff games, about 3,000 betting messages were identified, and 95% of them carried no warning. The bill does not directly impose restrictions. Instead, it envisages developing a framework after consultation. Alberta and Ontario, however, oppose it, arguing that the existing system is sufficient.

In Brazil, re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva continues to defend the ban, calling online betting a 'plague'. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) will examine lawsuits against Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 and could issue an injunction that suspends the ban's effect. The industry is reportedly projecting 240 million dollars in lost revenue and 80 million dollars in lost tax income due to the ban.