Brazil Online Betting Market Estimates Diverge – Data Gap Raises Regulatory and Enforcement Concerns

Key Takeaways

Lawmakers Question Contradictory Estimates of Illegal Betting Activity

Brazil’s online betting market is facing renewed scrutiny after lawmakers and regulators acknowledged major inconsistencies in estimates of illegal gambling activity. During discussions held on Tuesday, Deputy Julio Lopes, coordinator of the External Commission on Acts of Piracy and the Legal Brazil Agenda, pointed to a sharp divergence between figures linked to the government and those presented by industry bodies.

According to projections cited by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, up to 70% of bets are currently placed within the regulated market. However, sector representatives argue that illegal operators may still account for roughly half of all betting activity. Lopes described the gap between these assessments as substantial, stating that the difference represents billions of reais and questioning how such uncertainty persists in what he referred to as a structured market.

He called for closer coordination between public authorities and industry stakeholders to produce data that more accurately reflects market realities. The lack of aligned figures has become a central concern in ongoing regulatory discussions.

Revenue Data Highlights Financial Stakes for Public Policy

Financial estimates presented during the discussions illustrate the scale of the regulated and unregulated segments. Letícia Ferraz, executive director of the Laboratory for Human Rights and New Technologies, stated that the regulated betting market generated R$ 37 billion in revenue in 2025. Tax contributions linked to public policies amounted to R$ 9.9 billion in the same period.

In contrast, Ferraz estimated that illegal operations handle between R$ 26 billion and R$ 40 billion annually. Based on these figures, she said that Brazil may be losing between R$ 7 billion and R$ 10 billion each year in potential public revenue that could otherwise support public policies.

These estimates underscore why accurate measurement of the illegal market segment is relevant not only for operators but also for fiscal planning and regulatory enforcement.

Regulators Acknowledge Lack of Officially Validated Indicators

Despite the circulation of multiple estimates, regulators confirmed that none of the current figures are officially endorsed. Leandro Lucchesi, general coordinator of Regulation at the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, stated that the indicators referenced in public discussions are based on private studies.

He clarified that the SPA does not formally endorse any of the estimates currently in circulation. To address this gap, the agency is establishing a technical cooperation agreement with the Institute for Applied Economic Research. According to Lucchesi, the goal is to develop official indicators covering the betting market, including the scale of illegal activity. The work plan for these indicators is expected to be finalized in 2026.

The absence of validated data complicates policy decisions, enforcement strategies, and assessments of market effectiveness.

Payment Systems and Enforcement Challenges Under Scrutiny

Enforcement challenges extend beyond data collection. Ana Bárbara Teixeira, a member of the Advisory Board of the International Gaming Association, stated that illegal betting platforms continue to access Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system. This raises concerns about the ability of authorities to restrict financial flows to unlicensed operators.

Teixeira also suggested that licensed operators should have access to the Central Bank’s fraud registry to strengthen anti money laundering controls. Monitoring financial transactions has been identified as a key element in limiting the reach of illegal platforms.

Technical limitations were also addressed by Gianluca Fiorentini, inspection manager at the National Telecommunications Agency. He explained that Anatel acts only upon instructions from the SPA and does not have independent authority to remove online content. This framework places primary responsibility for enforcement actions on the betting regulator.

Industry Warns Against Regulatory Measures That Could Shift Users

Industry representatives cautioned that certain policy decisions could influence user behavior. Witoldo Hendrich Júnior, president of the Brazilian Association of Games and Lotteries, warned that increasing taxes or tightening advertising rules may drive users toward unregulated platforms and discourage investment.

Ferraz, meanwhile, proposed a combination of measures to address illegal betting. These include maintaining fair taxation to ensure competitiveness, approving a specific legal framework targeting illegal operators, strengthening financial monitoring by authorities such as the Central Bank and the Council for the Control of Financial Activities, and introducing a seal to distinguish licensed operators from unlicensed ones.

The discussion reflects a broader debate over how to balance market attractiveness, consumer protection, and effective enforcement.

Our Assessment

The current divergence between government-linked projections and industry estimates highlights a structural data gap in Brazil’s online betting market. While the regulated sector reports substantial revenue and tax contributions, estimates of illegal activity vary widely and lack official validation. Authorities are working to establish formal indicators by 2026, but enforcement challenges related to payment systems and institutional competencies remain central issues. For operators and users, the outcome of this regulatory alignment process will shape how effectively the legal market can compete with unlicensed platforms and how public revenue is measured and protected.

Wazdan Expands in Switzerland Through Casino Interlaken Deal – Slot Portfolio Added to StarVegas.ch

Key Takeaways

Wazdan Integrates Slot Portfolio Into StarVegas.ch

Wazdan has expanded its footprint in Switzerland through a new agreement with Casino Interlaken. Under the deal, the developer’s slot portfolio is now available on StarVegas.ch, the online platform operated by the Swiss land based casino.

The integration gives players in Switzerland access to a range of Wazdan titles, including entries from the Coins and Hot Slot series. According to the companies, these games are designed to support player retention for licensed operators across European markets. With the addition of this content, StarVegas.ch increases the total number of games offered on its platform.

For users who compare licensed operators and game libraries, the agreement means that StarVegas.ch now features content from another established international supplier. The integration covers both desktop access and mobile applications, which are widely used in Switzerland.

In-Game Mechanics Introduced to the Swiss Platform

Alongside its core slot titles, Wazdan is introducing a set of proprietary in-game mechanics to selected titles on StarVegas.ch. These mechanics include Hold the Jackpot, Cash Infinity, Collect to Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, and Cash Out.

These features are integrated directly into the gameplay of specific slots and form part of Wazdan’s product structure. By rolling out these mechanics in Switzerland, the developer aligns its local offering with the tools it provides to licensed operators in other European markets.

For players, this means that certain games on StarVegas.ch will include additional gameplay options embedded within the slot design. The mechanics are not standalone products but are built into selected titles within the portfolio.

StarVegas.ch Expands Its Game Library

StarVegas.ch was launched in 2020 by Casino Interlaken. The platform operates as a licensed Swiss online casino and offers slot titles from international providers. As one of the early licensed online casinos in the Swiss market, it has positioned itself with a portfolio sourced from multiple content suppliers.

With the addition of Wazdan’s content, the operator further broadens its selection of slot games. The agreement reflects an ongoing strategy to expand the available portfolio and introduce new titles to Swiss players.

Casino Interlaken, which operates the land based casino in the Alps region, extends its brand into the online segment through StarVegas. According to company statements, the online platform is positioned as a technologically advanced and trusted extension of its land based operations.

For users evaluating Swiss licensed platforms, the development affects the range of available games rather than payment methods or regulatory conditions. The announcement does not include changes to licensing status, market access, or compliance rules, but focuses on content expansion.

Focus on Retention and Licensed European Markets

Wazdan states that its slot titles are designed to support retention for licensed operators across European markets. The Swiss agreement follows this approach by placing the developer’s products within a regulated national framework.

The partnership underlines how content providers and licensed operators collaborate to expand game portfolios within existing regulatory structures. In this case, the agreement does not create a new market entry for either party, but strengthens Wazdan’s presence in Switzerland through an established operator.

For international readers who monitor where specific slot portfolios are available, the deal clarifies that Wazdan’s titles can now be accessed through StarVegas.ch within Switzerland’s licensed online environment.

Mobile Access and Platform Availability

Players can access the newly added portfolio via the StarVegas.ch website as well as through its mobile applications. The operator states that its apps are widely used in Switzerland, indicating that the rollout covers multiple access points.

From a user perspective, this means that the Wazdan titles and associated in-game mechanics are not limited to desktop play. Instead, they are integrated across the operator’s digital channels.

The announcement does not detail the number of titles added or specify exclusivity arrangements. It confirms that the agreement increases the overall number of available games on the platform.

Our Assessment

The agreement between Wazdan and Casino Interlaken results in the addition of Wazdan’s slot portfolio to StarVegas.ch, a licensed Swiss online casino launched in 2020. The deal expands the operator’s game library and introduces selected in-game mechanics to Swiss players. The development strengthens Wazdan’s presence in the Swiss market within an existing licensed framework and affects the range of available slot content rather than regulatory or payment structures.

SBC Summit Americas to Launch Prediction Markets Forum in 2026 – Dedicated Stage to Address Rapidly Growing US Vertical

Key Takeaways

SBC Summit Americas Introduces Dedicated Prediction Markets Forum

SBC Summit Americas will expand its 2026 agenda with the launch of a dedicated Prediction Markets Forum. The new forum is designed to address what organizers describe as one of the fastest growing and most debated verticals in the United States.

The session will take place on Thursday, June 11, and will form part of the event’s Breakout Stage programming. By allocating a specific forum to prediction markets, the summit signals that the topic has reached a level of relevance that warrants focused discussion among industry stakeholders.

For attendees, including operators and service providers active in betting and gaming markets, the addition means that prediction markets will move from being a peripheral topic to a structured part of the conference agenda.

Focus on the Rise of Prediction Markets in the United States

According to the event announcement, the forum will explore the rise of prediction markets in the US. The segment is described as both fast growing and widely debated, highlighting its increasing visibility within the broader gambling and wagering ecosystem.

The forum will examine developments in this vertical and provide a platform for discussion about its expansion. While specific agenda items have not been detailed, the focus will center on how prediction markets are evolving and how they are positioned within the current industry landscape.

For users of crypto betting platforms and online wagering services, prediction markets represent a category that is increasingly referenced in industry discussions. The decision by SBC Summit Americas to dedicate a forum to the topic reflects its growing footprint in professional and regulatory conversations.

Industry Stakeholders to Participate in Breakout Stage Session

The Prediction Markets Forum will bring together operators, legal experts, and industry analysts. This combination of participants indicates that the session will address operational, analytical, and legal dimensions of the sector.

Operators are directly involved in offering and managing wagering products. Legal experts provide interpretation of regulatory frameworks and compliance considerations. Industry analysts contribute market analysis and data driven perspectives. By convening these groups in a single forum, the summit creates a structured environment for cross sector dialogue.

For international readers who compare crypto betting and iGaming platforms, the involvement of legal and analytical specialists may be particularly relevant. Changes in how prediction markets are structured or discussed at industry level can influence product design, compliance requirements, and market access conditions.

Part of the Breakout Stage on June 11

The forum will be held on Thursday, June 11, as part of the Breakout Stage. Within large scale industry events, breakout sessions typically focus on specialized themes and allow for more concentrated discussion than main stage presentations.

Positioning the Prediction Markets Forum within this format suggests an intent to facilitate in depth exchanges among participants. The scheduling also indicates that prediction markets will be a defined component of the 2026 program rather than an ad hoc discussion.

For attendees planning their participation, the fixed date and stage placement provide clarity on when and where the topic will be addressed. For those following developments remotely, the inclusion in the official program underscores the formal recognition of prediction markets within the summit framework.

Why the Topic Matters for Betting and Crypto Users

Prediction markets are described by the summit organizers as both fast growing and widely debated in the US. This characterization alone signals that the vertical is attracting sustained attention from multiple sides of the industry.

For users who engage with crypto based betting platforms, sportsbooks, or other online wagering services, industry level discussions often precede changes in product offerings or compliance structures. When operators, legal experts, and analysts publicly examine a specific segment, it typically reflects tangible market activity within that space.

Although the summit announcement does not detail specific regulatory or commercial outcomes, the formalization of a dedicated forum places prediction markets alongside other established segments of the gambling and wagering ecosystem. For international observers, this development highlights the increasing institutional focus on the vertical within the US context.

Our Assessment

SBC Summit Americas will introduce a Prediction Markets Forum on June 11, 2026, as part of its Breakout Stage. The session will convene operators, legal experts, and industry analysts to examine the rise of prediction markets in the United States. By assigning a dedicated forum to this segment, the summit formally recognizes prediction markets as a significant and debated vertical within the broader industry agenda for 2026.

Isle of Man Proposes Fines for Gambling Executives – AML Accountability Could Extend to Directors and Compliance Officers

Key Takeaways

Consultation on Personal Liability for AML Failures

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has opened a public consultation on legislative changes that would expand enforcement powers beyond licensed gambling operators to include senior individuals within those businesses.

Under the proposed Gambling Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, the regulator would be able to impose civil financial penalties directly on directors, compliance officers, and other key personnel. Sanctions would apply where regulatory breaches occur with their consent, connivance, or negligence.

The proposal represents a structural change in how accountability is defined. Currently, enforcement action typically targets the licensed entity. The amendment would introduce what the Commission describes as a dual layer of accountability, allowing regulators to take action against both the operator and the individuals responsible for designing and implementing compliance systems.

The consultation period will remain open until May 25. During this time, stakeholders can review and comment on the draft framework before any legislative steps are finalized.

Focus on Anti Money Laundering and Financial Crime Risks

The proposed reform is linked to ongoing assessments of financial crime exposure in the jurisdiction. Since 2020, authorities have classified the Isle of Man’s overall exposure to money laundering and terrorist financing risks as medium high.

Within that broader assessment, the gambling sector has been identified as particularly vulnerable. Online gambling businesses often operate across multiple jurisdictions, handle significant transaction volumes, and in some cases process virtual currency payments. These characteristics can increase complexity in customer due diligence, source of funds verification, and transaction monitoring.

By extending potential sanctions to individuals, the regulator aims to reinforce responsibility at senior management level. The proposed framework specifically targets those who play a direct role in compliance oversight, including Money Laundering Reporting Officers and Compliance Officers.

Recent Enforcement Action Against Shelgeyr Limited

The consultation follows a recent enforcement case that highlighted deficiencies in anti money laundering controls.

Last month, the Commission fined Shelgeyr Limited 200,000 pounds after an inspection identified multiple compliance failures. According to the regulator, the operator did not meet required standards in customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, and ongoing monitoring.

The inspection found that certain customer accounts remained active or were reopened without sufficient documentation. The company also failed to adequately verify the source of customer funds in some cases.

Further shortcomings included weaknesses in screening processes for politically exposed persons and gaps in record keeping that limited auditability. The regulator also identified inadequate risk assessments relating to geographical exposure and virtual currency related risks.

Governance issues were noted as well. The Commission stated that compliance staff, including the Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer, lacked sufficient expertise and authority. In addition, training programs had not been updated for more than a year.

While the fine was imposed on the operator itself, the newly proposed legislative changes would create a mechanism to pursue individuals in comparable cases if breaches were linked to their consent, connivance, or negligence.

Implications for Licensed Operators and Key Personnel

If adopted, the amendment would formalize personal accountability within the Isle of Man’s gambling regulatory framework. Directors and senior compliance staff would face potential civil penalties alongside corporate sanctions.

For operators licensed in the jurisdiction, this development places additional emphasis on internal governance structures. Clear reporting lines, documented risk assessments, up to date training, and demonstrable authority for compliance functions would become central factors in limiting personal exposure.

The proposal also signals closer scrutiny of how compliance systems are designed and maintained. Responsibility would not be limited to operational errors but could extend to structural weaknesses in oversight or inadequate resourcing of compliance roles.

For international gambling businesses using the Isle of Man as a licensing base, the consultation indicates a regulatory environment that is tightening its enforcement framework in response to identified financial crime risks.

Our Assessment

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission is considering a legislative change that would allow civil fines against senior gambling executives for anti money laundering failures linked to their consent, connivance, or negligence. The proposal follows a recent 200,000 pound fine against Shelgeyr Limited for compliance deficiencies and comes as the jurisdiction continues to classify its exposure to financial crime risks as medium high. If implemented, the amendment would extend enforcement beyond operators to include directors and compliance officers, establishing a dual layer of accountability within the gambling sector.

New York Assembly Passes Bill Requiring Monthly Betting Statements – Online Sportsbooks Would Need to Provide Automatic Wagering Summaries

Key Takeaways

Assembly Gives Final Approval to Monthly Statement Requirement

The New York Assembly has passed Assembly Bill A10329, a measure that would require licensed online sportsbooks in the state to provide customers with automatic monthly statements detailing their wagering activity. The bill received final approval in the Assembly on Tuesday, according to reporting by SBC Americas.

The legislation focuses specifically on customer reporting obligations. If implemented, online sportsbooks licensed in New York would need to issue regular statements outlining each customer’s betting activity over the course of a month. The text provided does not specify the exact format or delivery method of these statements, but the requirement centers on providing a structured overview of wagers placed.

For users of licensed sportsbooks, this would formalize a recurring reporting process tied directly to their accounts and betting history. The measure does not introduce new licensing conditions in the provided material, but it does create an additional compliance obligation for operators active in the state.

Unanimous Committee Support Before Floor Passage

Before receiving final approval in the Assembly, the bill was reviewed by the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee. On March 11, the committee advanced Assembly Bill A10329 with a favorable report following an 11-0 vote.

The unanimous committee vote indicates that no members of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee voted against advancing the proposal at that stage. Committee approval marked a necessary procedural step before the bill moved forward to receive final consideration by the full Assembly.

The timeline outlined in the source material shows that the committee vote occurred roughly two weeks prior to the final approval by the Assembly. The reporting does not detail debate on the Assembly floor or whether amendments were made prior to passage.

Scope of the Requirement for Licensed Online Sportsbooks

The bill applies specifically to the state’s licensed online sportsbooks. These operators would be required to provide monthly statements to their customers outlining wagering activity. The source material does not describe exemptions, thresholds, or variations based on account size or betting volume.

The focus on licensed operators indicates that the requirement would form part of the regulatory framework governing legal online sports betting in New York. By mandating automatic monthly statements, the bill would standardize how betting activity is communicated to customers across all licensed platforms in the state.

For users who compare different sportsbooks, including those that offer crypto payment options in other jurisdictions, regulatory reporting requirements such as this one can influence how operators structure account dashboards, transaction histories, and compliance processes. In this case, the measure is limited to the obligation to provide a monthly summary of wagering activity.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

The available information confirms that the New York Assembly has given final approval to the bill. The text provided does not specify subsequent procedural steps, such as action in the State Senate or executive consideration.

Within the Assembly, however, the process described includes both committee review and a full vote. The Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee first advanced the bill unanimously, after which the full Assembly granted final approval.

No implementation date, enforcement mechanism, or penalty structure is detailed in the provided material. As a result, the precise timeline for when licensed online sportsbooks would need to begin issuing monthly statements is not specified in the source.

Our Assessment

Based on the available information, Assembly Bill A10329 introduces a clear reporting obligation for New York’s licensed online sportsbooks by requiring monthly statements of wagering activity for customers. The bill advanced unanimously in committee and has now received final approval in the Assembly. The measure centers on standardized customer reporting and would apply to operators holding a state license to offer online sports betting services. Further procedural steps beyond Assembly approval are not detailed in the provided material.

bet365 Releases Online Casino Rankings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania – Report Highlights Game Performance in Licensed Markets

Key Takeaways

bet365 Publishes Gaming Insights and Performance Report

British operator bet365 has published its latest Gaming Insights and Performance report, providing an overview of how online casino titles are performing across licensed markets. The report includes specific rankings for online casino games in the U.S. states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

According to the information released, the report highlights key performance metrics for iGaming suppliers. These metrics focus on how gaming titles resonate with players in regulated environments. By presenting rankings and performance indicators, bet365 offers insight into which online casino products are gaining traction within its platform.

The publication of the report comes as bet365 continues to expand its footprint in the United States. The company operates as both a sports betting and online casino provider and is increasing its presence in regulated U.S. jurisdictions.

Focus on New Jersey and Pennsylvania Online Casino Markets

The latest edition of the Gaming Insights and Performance report places particular emphasis on New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Both states are licensed U.S. markets where online casino gaming is permitted.

Within these jurisdictions, bet365 provides rankings of online casino titles based on performance data gathered from its operations. The report identifies which games are resonating most strongly with players in each state.

For users who compare platforms and game portfolios, state level rankings can offer an indication of local player preferences. Differences in rankings between New Jersey and Pennsylvania may reflect varying player behavior across markets, although the report itself focuses on presenting performance data rather than analysis.

Performance Metrics for iGaming Suppliers

In addition to listing game rankings, the report highlights key performance metrics for iGaming suppliers active in licensed global markets. These metrics relate to how supplier titles perform within bet365’s online casino offering.

By structuring the report around supplier level data and title specific rankings, bet365 provides visibility into which content providers are generating engagement on its platform. This information may be relevant for industry stakeholders monitoring supplier performance in regulated environments.

The report format indicates that bet365 is using its operational data to produce structured insights. While the company is known as a European operator, the inclusion of U.S. state specific data reflects its growing involvement in the American online gambling sector.

Expansion of bet365 in the United States

The release of the Gaming Insights and Performance report coincides with bet365’s broader expansion strategy in the U.S. market. The company is positioning itself as both a sports betting and online casino operator within licensed states.

By publishing market specific rankings and supplier performance indicators, bet365 is signaling an increased focus on transparency around product performance. For comparison platform users, such reports can provide an additional data point when evaluating operators, game availability, and supplier presence across regulated jurisdictions.

The report does not introduce new regulatory measures or changes in licensing conditions. Instead, it concentrates on performance outcomes within existing licensed frameworks.

Relevance for International Comparison Platform Users

For international users who assess crypto betting platforms, sportsbooks, or online casinos, operator published performance data can serve as contextual information. While the report relates specifically to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, it illustrates how a major operator evaluates and ranks content within regulated markets.

Game rankings and supplier performance metrics can influence how operators adjust their portfolios. For users, understanding which titles are performing strongly in established markets may help identify broader content trends across platforms.

However, the report itself focuses strictly on presenting data derived from bet365’s operations. It does not announce new partnerships, product launches, or changes to payment options. Its primary function is to document performance and highlight which online casino games are resonating with players in the specified states.

Our Assessment

bet365 has released a Gaming Insights and Performance report that includes online casino game rankings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, along with key performance metrics for iGaming suppliers in licensed markets. The publication reflects the company’s ongoing expansion in the United States and provides structured data on game performance within regulated jurisdictions. For users monitoring operator activity and market dynamics, the report offers factual insight into how titles are performing on bet365’s platform in two established U.S. online casino markets.

Remote Gambling Firms in Estonia Voluntarily Pay €1.4 Million After Tax Error – Government Seeks to Recover Lost 2026 Revenue

Key Takeaways

Legislative Error Temporarily Removed Remote Gambling Tax

In December 2025, amendments to Estonia’s Gambling Tax Act inadvertently excluded games of chance from the taxable base. As a result, remote gambling activities, including online casino games, were not taxed at the beginning of 2026.

Member of Parliament Aivar Kokk confirmed that games of chance and remote gambling were left out of this year’s taxation framework. This meant that, for January and February 2026, remote gambling operators were effectively not subject to the intended tax rules.

The omission was described as a legislative error. Estonia’s parliament moved to correct the issue through a technical amendment. The revised framework reinstated a 5.5% tax on remote gambling. According to the Riigikogu Finance Committee, the change took effect on March 1, 2026, aligning with existing monthly reporting practices.

For operators and users, this meant that remote gambling services continued to function during the period, but the tax treatment behind those services changed temporarily due to the legislative gap.

€1.4 Million Paid Voluntarily in February and March

Following the discovery of the error, remote gambling operators began making voluntary payments to the Ministry of Finance. These payments were intended to compensate for revenue the government would have collected if the Gambling Tax Act had applied as originally planned.

According to Finance Ministry spokesperson Siiri Suutre, operators paid approximately €815,000 in February. A further €595,000 had been recorded in March at the time of reporting. The March total is not final, and additional payments are expected.

In total, voluntary contributions have exceeded €1.4 million so far. The initiative was proposed by the Estonian Association of Gambling Operators. However, only a portion of the country’s 41 licensed remote gambling operators have participated.

Evelyn Liivamägi of the Finance Ministry stated that not all companies may ultimately follow through on their commitments. She noted that commitments do not always translate into actual payments, indicating that the final amount recovered through voluntary contributions remains uncertain.

Government Estimates €3.5 Million in Unpaid Tax for Early 2026

The Ministry of Finance estimates that tax liabilities for January and February 2026 would have totaled around €3.5 million. This figure is slightly below an earlier projection of €4 million.

Annual revenue from remote gambling had been forecast at up to €27 million. The temporary exclusion of remote gambling from taxation therefore created a short term revenue gap for the state.

Officials have stated that the final impact on state revenue will only be confirmed after annual tax returns are completed. This means that while voluntary payments have reduced the immediate shortfall, the definitive fiscal outcome will depend on full year reporting.

For operators, the reinstated 5.5% tax from March onward restores the original tax structure. For users of remote gambling services, including online casino platforms, the change primarily affects the regulatory and fiscal environment in which operators function rather than the immediate availability of services.

Participation Among Licensed Operators Remains Partial

Estonia currently has 41 licensed remote gambling operators. According to the information available, only some of these companies have taken part in the voluntary payment scheme.

The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators initiated the proposal for voluntary contributions. The Ministry of Finance has acknowledged the payments received but has also expressed caution about whether all pledged amounts will materialize.

This partial participation means that the total amount recovered may not match the estimated €3.5 million in unpaid tax for the first two months of the year. The difference between the voluntary payments and the estimated liability highlights the financial scale of the legislative oversight.

Our Assessment

The temporary removal of remote gambling from Estonia’s taxable base in early 2026 resulted from a legislative amendment error. Parliament has since reinstated a 5.5% tax effective March 1, 2026. Remote gambling operators have voluntarily paid more than €1.4 million to offset part of the estimated €3.5 million in unpaid tax for January and February. Not all licensed operators have participated, and the final fiscal impact will only be determined after annual tax returns are completed.

Pagcor Approves GLI as First iGaming Testing Laboratory in the Philippines – New Accreditation Required for B2B Suppliers

Key Takeaways

Pagcor Names GLI as First Independent iGaming Testing Laboratory

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, known as Pagcor, has approved Gaming Laboratories International LLC as the first independent testing laboratory for iGaming in the Philippines. The decision formally authorizes GLI to test and certify interactive gaming systems operating in the country.

According to GLI, the accreditation allows the company to review iGaming platforms under a defined regulatory framework. The approval comes as Pagcor increases oversight of the country’s growing online gaming segment.

With this move, Pagcor introduces a structured testing requirement for technology providers that supply systems and services to licensed operators. GLI is the first laboratory to receive this designation under the updated framework.

New Accreditation Requirement for B2B Suppliers

Under the new rules set by Pagcor, all business to business suppliers involved in iGaming in the Philippines must obtain accreditation. This applies to companies that provide platforms, software, and related technical services to operators.

Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Alejandro Tengco stated that regulated gaming markets help ensure a safer and more sustainable industry. He added that Pagcor now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited in order to comply with rigorous requirements designed to protect players.

For suppliers, this means that technical systems must undergo formal evaluation before they can be deployed or continue operating within the regulated environment. For operators and users, the framework introduces an additional compliance layer tied directly to system testing and certification.

GLI-19 Standard to Be Applied in Platform Testing

GLI confirmed that it will apply its GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems when assessing submissions in the Philippines. The company noted that this standard is already used in several jurisdictions.

GLI-19 covers requirements for interactive gaming systems, forming the technical basis for evaluating platform functionality and compliance. By applying this established standard, GLI aligns testing in the Philippines with a framework it uses elsewhere.

For B2B suppliers, this means that system architecture, security features, and operational processes will be reviewed according to the GLI-19 criteria before certification is granted. Accreditation therefore becomes directly linked to meeting documented technical benchmarks.

Statements From Pagcor and GLI Leadership

In commenting on the approval, Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco emphasized the role of regulation in strengthening market integrity. He stated that regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all participants.

Tengco further underlined that the accreditation requirement is intended to ensure compliance with strict standards aimed at protecting iGaming players.

GLI President and CEO James Maida thanked Pagcor for what he described as the trust it continues to place in the company. The statement reflects an ongoing working relationship between the regulator and the testing laboratory.

What the Decision Means for Operators and Users

The approval of GLI as an independent testing laboratory establishes a defined compliance pathway for iGaming suppliers in the Philippines. Operators relying on third party platforms or system providers will need to ensure that those suppliers obtain the required accreditation.

For users of online gaming services, the introduction of mandatory testing and certification signals that system integrity and regulatory compliance are being formally reviewed under a standardized process. The requirement applies at the supplier level rather than directly to individual players, but it shapes the technical environment in which platforms operate.

As Pagcor tightens oversight of online gaming, the accreditation framework creates a structured process for evaluating interactive systems before they are offered within the regulated market.

Our Assessment

Pagcor’s approval of Gaming Laboratories International LLC as the first independent iGaming testing laboratory introduces a mandatory accreditation requirement for B2B suppliers in the Philippines. All suppliers must now comply with stricter regulatory and technical standards, with GLI applying its GLI-19 framework during evaluations. The measure formalizes system testing and certification as part of Pagcor’s oversight of the online gaming sector and links supplier accreditation directly to player protection requirements.