UK

A threatened doubling of machine games duty has prompted warnings of widespread closures. But disagreements over bookmakers and arcades could weaken the industry’s response.

Two companies operating Bet365 in Sweden have lost their appeals against warnings and combined penalties of SEK44 million for player protection failures.

France’s online sports betting market generated €11.5bn in stakes in 2025, but new ANJ analysis raises questions about the players driving certain betting markets.

Maarten Haijer has been appointed director general of the World Gaming and Betting Alliance, a new industry body aiming to influence gambling policy worldwide.

Sarah Gardner has warned that the National Lottery’s comparatively low gambling risk does not remove the need for strong player protections, with public trust central to its future.

Betano has been named an official sponsor of Euro 2028, bringing Kaizen Gaming’s expanding football sponsorship strategy to the tournament hosted across the UK and Ireland.

The Prize Competition Council has appointed former FDJ United executive Tom Banks as its first executive director, as the UK trade body grows from eight founding members to 65.

Betfred’s online business now accounts for 45% of group turnover, narrowing the gap with its shops as the bookmaker faces rising costs and gambling tax changes.

Two men who ran an illegal poker venue in Cardiff have received suspended prison sentences after an investigation uncovered substantial payments and players left indebted to the organisers.

The FCA has confirmed engagement with prediction market operators as Kalshi and Polymarket explore Britain, but existing gambling rules and a retail trading ban remain significant barriers.