SBC Eurasia Editorial Team is happy to present a quick recap of the gambling industry events, news, regulations, and partnerships that happened last week.
In the latest episode of iGaming Accent, host Vakho Mdivani welcomes Dmitry Starostenkov, CEO of EvenBet Gaming, for a deep dive into the evolution of online poker, the challenges of B2B innovation, and the shifting landscape of global iGaming regulation.
The Estonian Parliament, Riigikogu, has approved a reduction in the country’s gambling tax from 6% to 4%, reflecting a deliberate shift in national policy aimed at attracting greater international investment in the online gambling sector. While Finland’s Administrative Committee has presented its report on the government’s proposal to regulate gambling.
Amid the extensive discussion around tax, advertising regulations and financial wellness checks, among other things, it’s been easy to forget how significant an issue loot boxes have been in the wider discussion around consumer protection – particularly of younger demographics. Marek Plota, Founder and head of the legal team at RM Legal and Gaming, an iGaming-focused law firm focusing on the Polish, EU and African markets, breaks down the proposed amendment.
Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), the federal authority for gambling in Germany, has begun discussions to deepen federal coordination on player protection, uphold regulation, and combat illegal gambling. While Spain’s leading gambling association, the Consejo Empresarial del Juego (CeJuego), has called for the dismissal of Pablo Bustinduy, Minister of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs, as well as Mikel Arana Etxezarreta, Director General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ).
Flutter Entertainment Plc has revamped the leadership of its Brazil unit to drive the growth and market share of its portfolio of brands – Betfair, Betnacional and PokerStars. Moreover, VBET named Fábio Tibéria as its new Vice President of South American operations.
Entain’s Chief Financial Officer, Rob Wood, has stepped down from the role after 13 years, with Michael Snape now tasked with guiding the company’s fiscal strategy through what is likely to be a transformative 2026.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has taken significant steps in reforming casino regulations after an impact assessment report accelerated the development of a new gambling framework in the country. While in the Philippine city of Pasig, located on the eastern border of Metro Manila, a new ordinance has been approved that entirely bans the advertising and promotion of gambling.
The gambling sector has become even more deeply involved in the long-standing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia following the destruction of two casinos. While an executive in the online gaming sector, who was previously banned from entering the Isle of Man, is seeking to have the decision overturned.
Google’s longstanding battle with the Department of Justice (DOJ) came to a head last year. The latest document places a set of restrictions on Google, including no longer entering into long-term default search agreements. Additionally, a Google executive has publicly denied that ads are coming to Gemini in 2026, claiming the reports from earlier in the week were “uninformed” and “inaccurate”.
GambleAware’s latest effort to support the new UK statutory levy commissioner has underscored the importance of children’s safety.
According to analysts at Morningstar, shares of Australia’s Aristocrat Leisure Limited remain undervalued. Investors are too focused on temporary weakness in the land-based gaming equipment segment and are failing to account for the company’s long-term reinvestment potential.
Another online gaming brand has hit the Australian market, CrownBet, a joint initiative between B2B tech group BetMakers and CrownResorts-owned Betfair Australia. Additionally, BetMakers has signed a new three-year agreement with PENN Entertainment for the distribution of PENN-branded racing content.
3 Oaks Gaming has strengthened its European expansion through a partnership with Microgame in Italy. While sports betting operator Betico has signed an agreement with Altenar to modernize its platform.
Sportradar has enhanced its football portfolio with the addition of a new product by iGaming supplier Logifuture.
The historic Athens basketball club, Peristeri BC, has announced a partnership with Betsson, selecting the company as its naming partner and main sponsor. From now on, the team will compete under the name Peristeri Betsson BC.
England’s Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom has denied The Guardian’s allegations that he placed bets against his own team. The publication claims that he bet on football matches, including games of the club he has owned since 2009, through his Starlizard betting syndicate.
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