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1. Regulators are targeting the financial and digital side of illegal gambling
Indonesia reported blocking 3.7 million gambling websites and suspending more than 38,000 bank accounts connected to suspected gambling operations. Turkey also reported tens of thousands of blocked websites, apps, and social media accounts, including more than 84,000 illegal gambling sites and 11,000 advertising or redirecting resources.
Armenia is taking a similar approach. The country plans to create a dedicated online resource for adding websites to its gambling-blocking list, allowing authorities to update the list more quickly. Internet providers will then be required to restrict access to the listed platforms, and only websites approved on the licensing “white list” will be allowed to operate legally. Legal Pilot can help operators monitor blocked-site registries and track regulatory updates across relevant markets.
2. Licensing costs and compliance requirements are rising
Great Britain announced a 25% increase in most Gambling Commission license and application fees from 1 October2026. The increase will affect operating licenses, personal licenses, applications, variations, and other regulatory fees.
This adds to the cost of operating in established markets and makes accurate financial planning more important for both new applicants and existing licensees.
3. New regulated markets are opening
New Zealand officially began the transition to a regulated commercial online gambling market. The first stage of the licensing process opened on 17 July and required applicants to disclose their management structure, financial position, and source of capital. Up to 15 online casino licenses are expected to be available.
This creates a new market-entry opportunity, but the application process is designed for operators with strong governance, sufficient capital, and well-prepared compliance documentation.
4. Advertising and player affordability controls are tightening
Australia introduced a bill proposing stricter gambling advertising rules, restrictions on certain online gambling products, and additional measures against illegal operators.
In the Netherlands, the Gaming Authority updated its guidance on affordability assessments after inspections found continuing weaknesses in how operators assessed players seeking higher deposit limits. The guidance clarifies how operators must evaluate whether customers can afford increased spending.
Google also tightened its gambling advertising policy. From14 September, manager accounts with repeated policy violations may lose existing certifications and be prevented from applying for new ones.
5. Prediction markets are becoming a regulatory battleground
Gibraltar introduced a dedicated regulatory framework for prediction markets, creating a separate authorization category and allowing compliant operators to operate under tailored rules.
This reflects two opposing approaches: some authorities seek to restrict prediction markets, while others create specific frameworks to regulate them.
6. The legal status of past and emerging products is being clarified
The Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled that transactions between customers and online gambling operators before the country’s 2021 re-regulation cannot automatically be declared void. This provides greater legal certainty for operators that were active before the current licensing framework.
In Great Britain, the Prize Competition Council launched as a trade association for the prize competition sector. Its goals include promoting responsible standards, strengthening player protection, and supporting long-term development.
7. Regulators are taking different approaches to market structure
North Macedonia approved a major overhaul of its gambling law that strengthens state control over existing licenses rather than moving toward broader market liberalization.
Kenya’s High Court suspended the country’s new gambling licensing framework, creating uncertainty for operators and regulators while the legal challenge continues.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, postponed the implementation of its planned gambling regulator, delaying the development of a formal licensing framework.
8. Market growth is happening alongside a large illegal sector
The global iGaming market was estimated at approximately$110.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach nearly $249 billion by 2030. At the same time, the illegal gambling market in the EU was estimated at €91.6 billion, with potential tax losses of around €23 billion.
This gap explains why regulators are increasing enforcement while continuing to develop new licensing systems and market - entry opportunities.
Conclusion
July 2026 confirmed that iGaming regulation is becoming more structured, more expensive, and more closely connected to payments, advertising, technology, and player affordability. Still, new opportunities are emerging in markets such as New Zealand and in specialized areas such as prediction markets.
Legal Pilot helps iGaming businesses navigate licensing, company formation, compliance, payment structures, and market entry. Prepare your business for the next regulatory shift with Legal Pilot.