27 December 2025
Despite being one of the world’s largest sports and media markets, Japan has again moved to shut the door on legalized sports betting, with lawmakers voting this week to block any pathway toward regulated online wagering.
Turkey reinforced its status as one of the fastest-growing betting hubs in the world after reporting a surge in gambling tax revenue this year. According to recent data, they profited to the tune of 50.2 billion lira ($1.18 billion).
A tax rise partly aimed at the gambling industry in Poland has been vetoed by the country’s President after claiming it would disproportionately affect the financial health of citizens. The Polish government’s Public Health Act and Personal Income Tax Act amendment would have also implemented a sugar tax.
The fallout from the UK’s gambling tax hike is beginning to materialize, with LiveScore Bet confirming it will withdraw from Bulgaria by the end of 2025. The company explicitly linked the decision to higher costs imposed under the government’s November budget.
Pennsylvania’s gambling market set a new monthly record in November, led by online casino growth and a record sports betting handle.
The Arizona Department of Gaming has decided to pull the plug on Underdog’s Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) license, a policy leader for the Arizona governor’s office has confirmed. The company had been betting big on the market, and was offering sports event contracts through its partnership with crypto.com in two dozen states.
Uganda’s gaming regulator attended GRAF 2025 in South Africa, highlighting regulatory reform, digital compliance, and cross-border cooperation.
The Ethiopian government has shut down the entire betting industry after it found repeated violations of licensing requirements, unlawful financial transactions, and conduct deemed to pose risks to national security. The news was confirmed on Monday 15 December by the Ethiopian Lottery Service (ELS).
A tax measure voted into law by senators that invited a firestorm of criticism from the betting industry in Brazil has been pushed back. Critics called it a “weakening of regulators”. The 15% deposit tax, which was to be introduced less than 12 months after the launch of Brazil’s regulated market, would have been applied to all deposits.
Ukraine has blocked more than 2,500 illegal gambling websites as prosecutors and law enforcement step up a nationwide crackdown on unlicensed operators.
