The past week has been all about consumer protection. Lawmakers and courts across three continents are moving to shield minors, problem gamblers, and targeted athletes from the sharper edges of betting and gambling.
Story of the Week
Asia: India Supreme Court — Skill Games Doctrine Under Siege
The Supreme Court of India’s decision to uphold the online money gaming bans in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka comes as a victory for two of India’s stricter states. And it delivers a strike at the age-old distinction of “skill versus chance”, an argument the Indian iGaming industry has spent years constructing. With several other Indian states watching the outcome closely, the ruling creates a template for restrictive legislation that may prove difficult to challenge from the ground up.
Americas
New Jersey – A legislative committee has advanced a bill to ban online micro-betting by licensed sportsbooks, specifically targeting in-play wager formats. The bill comes in response to concerns among legislators about bet types designed to maximize betting frequency, and signals that New Jersey is prepared to act on product-level restrictions.
New York – Assembly Bill A10329 has been sent to Governor Kathy Hochul after clearing both chambers, and if signed, it would make New York the first US state to mandate monthly electronic betting statements for online sportsbook customers. The requirement is a step in the right direction for responsible gambling measures, as regular reviews of collected bets are something that behavioral research consistently identifies as having a moderating influence.
Louisiana – Senate Bill 325 has passed both chambers unanimously and now awaits Governor Jeff Landry’s signature. The bill would permit sportsbooks to ban customers who harass or threaten athletes, coaches, or officials. This bill is a direct response to a documented rise in abuse linked to losing wagers, and it places Louisiana among the first states to address operator duty of care from the perspective of third-party harm.
Panama – The country has enacted legislation to prevent and control problem gambling, extending its reach across online, land-based, and other regulated betting products. Following the National Assembly’s approval of Bill 403, Panama now has a statutory framework for harm minimization.
Brazil – A bill advancing through the Brazilian legislature would prohibit operators from directing advertising at minors and restrict campaigns using language, imagery, or public figures with particular appeal to young audiences. The proposal follows Brazil’s broader effort to regulate its newly legalized sports betting market, and mirrors advertising restrictions already in force across much of Europe.
Europe
Italy – The communications regulator AGCOM has opened a review to establish where the line falls between neutral gambling information and promotional content that breaches the country’s Dignity Decree. The scope covers websites, social media, video platforms, and sports media, reflecting how comprehensively the Decree’s restrictions have struggled to keep pace with the fragmented digital landscape. The outcome will have direct consequences for how operators, affiliates, and broadcasters structure gambling-adjacent content.
Asia-Pacific
Thailand – The Technology Crime Suppression Division is targeting 309 gambling websites during May and June 2026 as part of an enforcement campaign to combat underage gambling.
China and Sri Lanka – Joint law enforcement activity between Chinese and Sri Lankan authorities has intensified against cross-border online gambling networks and telecom fraud operations, following a documented rise in foreign-linked criminal groups using Sri Lanka as an operational base. The cooperation underscores China’s sustained use of bilateral security arrangements to extend its enforcement reach beyond domestic jurisdiction.
