Publication date: 01 Apr 2025
March 2025 saw several significant regulatory, technological, and market developments in the gambling industry worldwide. 3S.INFO has compiled all the important news regarding betting and gambling laws, promotional opportunities, and advertising regulations.
Legal online betting and gambling in March 2025
Great news from Brazil, as usual! Authorities have calculated that the gambling market generates approximately $20.4 billion annually, with growth reaching 135% in 2024. Additionally, Sigma Americas will take place in São Paulo from April 4th to 7th. Stop by booth #170 to meet the 3SNET team!
Starting in early April, a new gambling tax will come into effect in the United Kingdom, increasing from 0.1% to 1.1% of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY). This measure aims to raise roughly £100 million ($126 million) to help prevent harm caused by casinos and bookmakers.
Hong Kong is considering expanding its legal betting options to generate additional revenue for the government. Presently, the city operates under a monopoly controlled by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, allowing betting on football and horse racing. However, there may soon be an expansion to include sports betting on basketball. Experts estimate that around 150,000 residents already engage in basketball betting via illegal platforms.
In Ireland, a newly established body called the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) commenced operations on March 5, 2025. GRAI’s responsibilities include regulating licensing procedures, monitoring operators’ compliance, and protecting players.
New Zealand continues to develop its online gambling market. Soon, licenses for fifteen online casinos will be auctioned off, with most expected to go to foreign companies due to their competitive edge in the digital space. Licensed operators will receive permission to advertise their services, distinguishing them from unlicensed entities.
Uzbekistan made strides toward legalizing bookmaking in March 2025. A bill was passed outlining the framework for granting licenses, establishing protections for gamblers, such as restricting access for specific citizen groups and creating a registry for problem gamblers.
- The National Agency of Perspective Projects will manage these efforts, ensuring proper oversight and regulation.
- The license for gambling activities will be valid for 5 years.
- When applying, the operator must have a registered capital of at least UZS 56.25 billion (about 4.4 million dollars).
Croatia plans to implement new regulations for online gambling starting in 2026.
- Obtaining a license for an online casino will increase in price from €265,400 to €398,100, while bookmakers’ licenses will rise from €132,700 to €200,000.
- Taxes will range between 10% and 30%, based on winning amounts.
- Furthermore, advertising for both online casinos and bookmakers will be banned across all social media platforms, apps, and video streaming services.
In Ukraine, a new regulatory authority named PlayCity begins operation on April 1, 2025, replacing the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL). For January 2025, Ukraine collected ₴735.63 million in taxes from the gambling sector—a 74.2% increase compared to the previous year.
With online casinos and betting shops becoming increasingly prevalent globally, staying informed about legislative changes, initiatives, and emerging trends is crucial. To stay updated, subscribe to the 3SNET channel now!
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