In 2025, significant changes in global gambling laws are emerging as governments address the rapid growth of digital platforms and their socio-economic effects.
In 2024, Americans bet over $148 billion on sports, setting a new record. This trend extends globally, prompting legislative and regulatory responses. Here’s a breakdown of gambling law changes for this year and beyond.
**The United Kingdom’s Player Safeguards**
The UK focuses on player safety, consolidating Remote Betting Duty and Remote Gaming Duty policies. Although financially regulating, this may impact traditional sectors like horse racing. The UK Gambling Commission reduced the financial risk threshold for affordability checks to £150 per month and mandated user consent for promotional messages, setting an example for countries with gambling issues.
**Canada’s Free Market with Clear Rules**
Canada enhances its iGaming market with Ontario as a model for regulated online gambling. Platforms like ComeOn casino offer diverse games in a monitored environment. This modern approach balances quality betting experiences and user safety, serving as a blueprint for others.
**The United States’ Legal Battles**
US laws struggle with the digital gambling landscape. More states are capping advertising and spending, while lawsuits in Baltimore and New York challenge promotion legality. Platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are scrutinized, and Kalshi’s legal victories against regulators redefine online wagering laws.
**Croatia’s Law Overhaul**
Croatia tackles addiction with a new gambling law effective January 2026, introducing a national player registry, a shared self-exclusion platform, and bans on betting kiosks outside gambling venues. Progressive tax rates and annual licensing fees aim to reduce operators and fund addiction programs, potentially decreasing gambling venues by 10-15% and generating €50–70 million in tax revenue.
**Brazil’s Brakestone on a Booming Market**
In 2024, Brazil’s market saw 25 million new users in seven months, exposing regulatory gaps. In response, Brazil enacted a law in 2025 to license operators, tax winnings, ban certain payment methods, and penalize unlicensed platforms, aiming to protect consumers and legitimize the gray market.
**Africa’s Regional Shifts**
Africa is revising gambling policies. Nigeria imposed a 5% tax on winnings and a 15% non-resident tax, Kenya raised the excise tax on betting stakes to 15%, Morocco enforced a 30% tax on foreign wins, and Zimbabwe introduced a 10% tax on sports betting winnings, recognizing the fiscal potential of online gambling.
**New Legal Questions**
Technology significantly impacts regulations. Cryptocurrency use raises anti-money laundering concerns, leading some countries to require regulated stablecoins and smart contract audits for platform licensing. This shift towards decentralized gambling promotes higher legality through automated smart contracts.
The global gambling industry faces rapid transformation, and 2025 highlights the need for proactive reforms. Staying informed about these changes is crucial as jurisdictions tighten rules, and early adaptation ensures staying ahead.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com