Regulatory Trends Around the Globe
Global iGaming regulation is converging toward strict AML enforcement, mandatory KYC at onboarding and continuous lifecycle monitoring, while market growth is being driven by legalization, mobile adoption and digital payments.
At a structural level, growth is closely tied to regulatory clarity: jurisdictions that legalize and regulate online gambling consistently see increased tax revenue, user adoption and market formalization.
Europe
Europe remains the most mature regulatory environment globally, with clear licensing frameworks, strong AML enforcement and high online channel penetration. At a high level, European markets fall into three regulatory models: open licensing regimes, restrictive or partially liberalized systems, and monopoly-driven markets.
The region accounts for a significant share of global iGaming revenue and continues to grow steadily. The total legal European iGaming market is expected to hit around €68 billion by 2029 – roughly 39% of the total gambling industry – and continues to gain market share year-on-year. Of this, online casinos represent about 45% of total revenues, with sports betting a further 29% and lotteries another 15%. Illegal gambling remains a major concern, with more than €90 billion in annual activity, causing tax losses of more than €20 billion a year.
Despite this scale, Europe does not have a unified gambling law. Instead, regulation is determined at the national level, creating a patchwork of legal frameworks. While EU-wide directives such as GDPR and AMLD set baseline requirements for data protection and anti-money laundering, licensing, taxation, and product availability differ significantly between countries. This results in a complex compliance landscape for operators seeking to scale across multiple jurisdictions.
Key markets
United Kingdom: Mature, high-value market shifting toward compliance-heavy, lower-risk growth
The UK is one of the world’s most developed iGaming markets, generating approximately $10 billion in online gambling revenue in 2025, with continued steady growth expected. Online gambling and sports betting are fully legal under a mature licensing regime. The market is overseen by the UK Gambling Commission and governed by the Gambling Act, and there are a variety of AML regulations requiring customer due diligence and transaction monitoring. Since 2024, reforms have required “affordability checks” (financial risk assessments) and introduced stricter controls on online operators, including tax increases and enhanced enforcement measures targeting high-risk play.
The market is characterized by high channelization (over 50% of gambling revenue online) and increasing regulatory intervention focused on harm reduction. As an example, front-of-shirt sponsorship will be banned in England’s Premier League as of the 2026-2027 season. All gamblers are required to confirm their identity and age before playing.
Growth remains strong, with online gambling expanding at double-digit rates in some segments. This expansion is driven by mobile adoption, digitalization, and increasing consumer demand for online entertainment, with mobile devices alone accounting for over half of online gambling revenue.
Germany: Highly regulated market with controlled growth and strong state oversight
Online gambling is legal under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), but remains one of the most tightly controlled markets globally. Strict requirements enforced by the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) include identity verification prior to play, deposit caps and centralized player monitoring.
Germany reflects a broader European trend where regulation is prioritizing player protection and AML enforcement over rapid growth.
France: Partially regulated market with growth tied to potential future legalization of online casino gaming
Online sports betting and poker are legal and regulated by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), while online casinos remain prohibited. A bill was introduced in 2023 to legalize online casinos, but as of mid-2026 has not been sent for a final vote. This lack of progress has reduced overall market expansion, and overall legal online gaming revenues hit €2.6 billion in 2025. This figure is now exceeded by illegal, unregulated online gambling, which continues to grow rapidly in France.
Regulation in France focuses heavily on AML compliance and enforcement against unlicensed operators, as well as strict age enforcement.
Italy: Large, mature market balancing growth with strict compliance and advertising limits
Online gambling has been fully legal and regulated by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) since 2011, under a national licensing system with robust AML obligations, reflecting concerns around organized crime. Italy is an established iGaming market with revenues of €3.3 billion, and has been growing at more than 15% per year since 2020. During this time, enforcement intensity has increased, alongside continued restrictions on advertising, and limitations on numbers of operations.
Italy also recently enhanced its KYC regulations, and now requires immediate, upfront, identity verification. Accounts activate only after gaming regulator ADM validates identity details against an identity document.
Italy remains one of Europe’s largest gambling markets, benefiting from strong digital adoption and contributing to regional growth trends.
Spain: Moderate growth under tightening consumer protection rules
Online sports betting, poker, and casino games are all legal and well-regulated at both the federal and regional levels, with strong AML and KYC requirements defined by the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
Spain continues to intensify consumer protection measures and marketing restrictions. Gambling operators and activities are subject to long-established regulations, including AML regulations requiring operators to apply customer due diligence measures for prizes equal or greater than €2,500.
While still smaller than many European markets at around €2bn per year, the Spanish market continues to grow steadily – hitting 17% in Q3 of 2025.
Nordics: High-trust, digital-first, with evolving regulatory models
The Nordic region combines advanced digital infrastructure with strong regulatory oversight, making it one of the most mature iGaming environments globally. Sweden and Denmark operate fully licensed, competitive markets with high channelization, strict rules on responsible gambling, advertising, and AML, and widespread use of digital ID systems (e.g., BankID) to streamline KYC and onboarding. These tools enable near-instant verification, strong fraud prevention, and high online participation rates.
Finland and Norway, by contrast, have historically maintained state monopoly models (Veikkaus and Norsk Tipping/Norsk Rikstoto), limiting private operator access. However, Finland is actively transitioning to a licensing regime by 2026-2027, aiming to capture offshore activity and increase tax revenue while strengthening consumer protections. Norway remains more restrictive but is increasing enforcement against unlicensed operators, including payment blocking and marketing restrictions.
Across the region, a key trend is tightening compliance alongside market maturity, including stricter bonus rules, deposit limits, and centralized self-exclusion systems. The Nordics demonstrate how digital identity infrastructure and regulatory clarity drive high channelization, strong consumer protection, and sustained online growth.
Secondary Markets
Both within and outside the EU, there are significant variations in the scale of iGaming adoption, as well as the level of regulatory oversight. Specific examples of these include:
Ireland: Major recent regulatory changes
Ireland’s gambling market is entering its biggest regulatory shift in decades, with remote betting operators and intermediaries moving to Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) licensing from July 1, 2026. Under the new framework, operators must verify both proof of identity and proof of address before players can deposit or play, making onboarding a critical compliance and conversion point. An Irish driving license can satisfy both requirements in one step because it includes an approved address, while passport users must provide two separate proof-of-address documents issued within the last six months.
For operators, the challenge is building verification flows that meet the new rules without creating unnecessary friction for legitimate players. Rigid workflows, manual reviews, and unclear document requests can increase abandonment, especially during peak betting periods. Jumio’s position is that dynamic identity verification, automated document capture, liveness detection, risk signals, and ongoing watchlist screening can help operators prepare for GRAI requirements while reducing fraud, improving onboarding, and protecting the player experience.
iGaming revenues in Ireland are approximately €1.2 billion, just under half of the country’s total gambling market.
Malta: Established EU hub with comprehensive licensing
Despite its size Malta is a leading global iGaming hub, with the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) offering licenses for operators and suppliers across casino, betting, and poker. The framework includes strict requirements around AML/CFT, player protection, technical compliance, and reporting. Its EU membership, regulatory experience, and favorable tax structure make it a common base for international operators. However, an MGA license does not replace the need for local licenses in other EU countries. Recent trends show increased focus on source of funds, responsible gambling, and cross-border compliance, aligning Malta with stricter EU standards.
Turkey: Large potential, but a persistent gray market
Turkey remains one of Europe’s largest untapped online iGaming opportunities, but almost all online gambling activity takes place outside the regulated framework. The government continues to prohibit most private online gambling while actively blocking unlicensed operators and payment channels. Despite strong consumer demand, market entry remains highly restricted, making Turkey a high-potential jurisdiction that also carries significant regulatory and compliance risk for operators.
Ukraine: Emerging, with significant potential
Ukraine has become one of Europe’s most closely watched emerging regulated gambling markets. Since replacing the former regulator with the new PlayCity agency, the government has accelerated reforms aimed at increasing transparency, strengthening enforcement and digitizing oversight. Licensing has resumed, illegal operators are being targeted more aggressively, and a new state online monitoring system is being rolled out to provide regulators with real-time visibility into licensed gambling activity. Ukraine is also developing legislative updates covering taxation, gambling regulation and lotteries, alongside stronger responsible gambling measures.
Outside these markets, there are also several countries whose iGaming industries share similar characteristics, as outlined below:
Romania, Bulgaria, Czechia: Growing and regulated
Romania, Bulgaria and Czechia continue to attract operator interest as regulatory frameworks mature. Romania has implemented a series of reforms covering taxation, licensing and responsible gambling, reflecting a more interventionist regulatory approach. Bulgaria has strengthened licensing oversight and enforcement following broader reforms in recent years, creating a more structured market for licensed operators.
Czechia remains one of Central Europe’s more stable regulated jurisdictions, with clear licensing requirements and continued refinement of its gambling legislation to accommodate evolving online products while maintaining strong AML and responsible gambling standards. The common trend across these markets is regulatory modernization rather than wholesale liberalization.
Greece, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium: Mature and highly regulated
These EU markets have largely moved beyond rapid expansion and are now focused on strengthening consumer protection and improving regulatory oversight. The Netherlands continues to tighten its online gambling framework through stricter affordability measures, advertising restrictions and increased enforcement against unlicensed operators, while regulators also monitor channelization to ensure players remain within the licensed market. Belgium has also introduced some of Europe’s toughest advertising restrictions and continues to reinforce responsible gambling requirements.
Greece and Portugal maintain well-established licensing systems, with regulators placing increasing emphasis on AML compliance, player protection and ongoing operator supervision rather than expanding market access. Across all four countries, compliance expectations continue to rise as regulators prioritize sustainable, well-governed markets over growth alone.
Serbia, Montenegro, Georgia, Albania, Switzerland: Distinct, country-specific regulations
These jurisdictions each maintain distinct regulatory regimes outside the EU framework. Switzerland operates one of Europe’s most tightly controlled licensing systems, with strong consumer protection and restrictions on unlicensed operators. Serbia, Montenegro and Albania continue developing increasingly structured regulatory environments supported by licensing, taxation and responsible gambling requirements.
Georgia has become considerably more restrictive in recent years, introducing tighter advertising controls, age restrictions and responsible gambling measures while remaining an important regional market. Together, these countries demonstrate that robust regulation increasingly extends beyond EU member states.
North America
North America is one of the fastest-growing regions, driven by ongoing legalization and rapid digital adoption, particularly in the U.S.
United States: High-growth, state-driven expansion with increasing regulatory standardization
The U.S. iGaming market is large, fast-growing, and highly fragmented. Total iGaming revenue is expected to exceed $32 billion in 2026, and iGaming is growing significantly faster than land-based segments (over 20% year-on-year growth in early 2026).
There is no single federal gambling license; regulation is handled state by state, creating a complex compliance environment for operators. As of April 2026, 39 states plus Washington, D.C. have legalized some form of sports betting, though only 30 states offer online or mobile sports betting.
As of 2026, nine U.S. states have regulated online poker. This means they have passed laws and created regulatory frameworks that allow operators to apply for licenses and offer legal online poker to residents.
These states can be divided into two main groups: those with active licensed online poker sites and those where online poker is regulated but no licensed operators are currently live.
The first group includes six states: Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and, more recently, West Virginia.
The second, smaller group includes Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Although online poker regulation is in place in these states, no operators have applied for or received licenses to launch regulated online poker sites there.
From a compliance perspective, the main challenge is regulatory inconsistency. Each state sets its own licensing model, tax rate, eligible products, operator caps, advertising rules, responsible-gambling obligations, KYC/AML standards (governed by the Bank Secrecy Act and enforced by FinCEN), and geolocation requirements. Mature markets like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan support online casino, sports betting, and poker, while many states permit only sports betting or retail casino gaming. Others, including California, Texas, and Utah, still prohibit most online gambling. As the market grows, regulators are increasing scrutiny around responsible gambling, youth protection, college sports betting, advertising, micro-betting, sweepstakes casinos, and unregulated offshore operators.
United States tribal iGaming: Sovereign-led expansion shaped by the IGRA and compacts
Tribal gaming is a major part of the U.S. market, with tribal gross gaming revenue reaching a record $43.9 billion in 2024. Unlike commercial gaming, tribal gaming is governed primarily by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 and shaped through tribal-state compacts for Class III gaming, including casino-style gaming and sports wagering.
That creates a different path for online expansion. Tribal iGaming is not only a question of state legalization, but also tribal sovereignty, compact negotiations, federal review, and the location of the infrastructure accepting the wager. The Department of the Interior’s 2024 compact rule clarified that compacts may include statewide remote wagering or internet gaming when state law and the compact treat the wager as taking place on tribal lands where the accepting server is located.
The tribal iGaming opportunity is significant, but uneven. In some states, tribes may become the central or exclusive channel for online betting. In others, including California, tribal governments remain decisive stakeholders in whether online sports betting or iGaming advances at all. For operators and vendors, this adds another layer of compliance complexity, including compact-specific rules, tribal regulatory authority, state law, federal IGRA constraints, licensing, geolocation, age verification, KYC/AML, responsible gambling, data hosting, and cybersecurity requirements.
The key takeaway is that tribal iGaming cannot be treated as a simple extension of commercial state licensing. It requires careful attention to compact language, partner structure, server location, and the interaction between state, federal, and tribal law.
Canada: Transition toward open, competitive regulated markets
Canada’s iGaming market is growing rapidly, driven by regulatory change and strong consumer demand. Online gambling revenue is estimated at CAD 5.5 billion, with double-digit annual growth. Ontario’s regulated market launch in 2022 has been the primary catalyst, generating about CAD 4 billion of revenue. Alberta became the second province to launch a regulated online gambling market in July 2026. Mobile usage, high participation rates, and continued product innovation are further accelerating expansion.
Regulation remains fragmented, with provinces controlling gambling under federal law. Ontario and Alberta are the only fully open markets for private operators, while most provinces still run monopoly systems. Compliance requirements are also tightening, particularly around responsible gambling, advertising, and AML controls, making Canada a high-growth but increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Mexico: Outdated framework, reform and modernization pending
Mexico has a regulated but outdated framework. Online gambling is permitted, but rules are closely tied to land-based casino permits and overseen by SEGOB. The current law contains limited provisions for internet betting, creating uncertainty for digital operators. Mexico has more than 350 licensed land-based casinos and more than 30 digital operators using .mx domains. Reform is under discussion, with regulators focused on modernization, AML, transparency, and tighter control of online betting.
Explore Key Trends, Technology and Threats for Online Gambling Operators
Central and South America
Central and South America are rapidly emerging as some of the fastest-growing iGaming regions globally, driven by regulatory liberalization, mobile adoption, and increasing digital payment penetration. The market generated approximately $7.25 billion in online gambling revenue in 2025 and is forecast to reach over $10 billion by 2030, reflecting the accelerating shift from unregulated to regulated markets. Growth is being led by major economies such as Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, with Brazil alone expected to account for a significant share of regional revenue following its 2025 regulatory launch.
The region remains highly fragmented from a compliance perspective, with each country developing its own licensing regimes, tax structures, and player protection frameworks. A clear trend is emerging toward market formalization and stricter oversight – particularly around AML, responsible gambling, and advertising – as governments seek to capture tax revenue while managing social risks
Argentina: Fragmented provincial system, with complex compliance framework
Argentina is regulated mainly at the provincial level, creating a fragmented compliance environment. Most provinces have authorized online gambling in some form, with rules varying across sports betting, online casino, poker, and lotteries. Operators must navigate local licensing, tax, advertising, KYC, and responsible-gambling requirements rather than one national regime. Recent policy debate has focused on creating stronger federal baselines for advertising limits, youth protection, and player safeguards while preserving provincial authority.
Brazil: Newly regulated, high-growth, tightly scrutinized
Brazil is Latin America’s biggest iGaming opportunity, with its regulated online betting market launching in January 2025 under Law 14,790/2023. Online sports betting and online casino-style games are legal only for operators licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets. Compliance requirements focus on licensing, fraud prevention, AML, advertising controls, and player protection. The market remains politically sensitive: Brazil has blocked thousands of irregular betting sites, and public concern around addiction and household debt continues to drive regulatory scrutiny. Brazil is now one of the fastest-growing iGaming markets globally, generating approximately $7 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, its first year of full regulation.
Chile: Emerging regulation, transitioning to legal framework
The Chilean market is in transition, as land-based casinos and lotteries are regulated, but online gambling has historically lacked a comprehensive legal framework. In 2025, the Senate advanced legislation to regulate online betting and casino games, aiming to formalize the sector, tax activity, strengthen oversight, and create tools to prosecute unlicensed operators. Compliance priorities include VAT, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, advertising standards, and controls against illegal operators. Until the bill is fully implemented, Chile remains a promising but legally evolving market.
Colombia: Mature regulated market and a regional leader
Colombia is one of Latin America’s most mature regulated iGaming markets and was the first country in the region to comprehensively regulate online gambling. Coljuegos oversees licensing for online casino, sports betting, and related verticals, with more than 16 authorized platforms reported as of late 2024. The market is attractive because it combines clear licensing with local demand and digital payment adoption. Compliance obligations include licensing, royalties/taxes, AML, responsible gambling, technical standards, and enforcement against unauthorized raffles and unlicensed operators.
Panama: Established licensing hub, with an offshore-friendly environment
Panama is a well-established licensing jurisdiction for online gambling, overseen by the Gaming Control Board, or JCJ. Licenses can cover online casinos, sports betting, poker, lotteries, and approved sweepstakes. The jurisdiction is often positioned between Curaçao and Malta: more structured than low-cost offshore regimes, but generally faster and less expensive than top-tier EU licensing. Compliance focuses on licensing, corporate structure, responsible gaming, AML, technical controls, and player protection. Panama is also attractive because offshore revenue may receive favorable tax treatment.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific iGaming market is characterized by high demand but limited regulation, making it one of the most complex online gambling environments globally. While the region is projected to exceed $70 billion in online gambling revenue by 2030, a significant portion of this activity still occurs through offshore or unregulated operators due to domestic restrictions.
Growth is driven by mobile-first adoption, digital payments, and large populations, but regulatory progress remains uneven. Only a handful of jurisdictions have clear licensing frameworks, while most countries prohibit or tightly restrict iGaming. As a result, a key regional trend is gradual legalization paired with increasing enforcement, with governments focusing on AML, consumer protection, and channeling offshore activity into regulated markets.
Australia: Regulated betting with no online casino
Australia permits online sports and race betting, but online casino games are prohibited under the Interactive Gambling Act. Licensed operators must comply with strict AML/CTF obligations, identity verification, and responsible gambling rules, including limits on inducements and advertising. Enforcement against unlicensed offshore casinos has increased, reflecting a tightening compliance environment.
New Zealand: Offshore access, licensing reform planned
New Zealand has passed the first regulation of its iGaming market via the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. Once fully enforced in December 2026, this will limit iGaming to 15 licensed operators, with any unlicensed operators being prohibited from operating in the country after that date. Licenses require strict adherence to age verification, KYC and AML capabilities.
Prior to the introduction of regulation, the iGaming market was valued at more than NZ$1.3 billion.
China, Macau & Hong Kong: iGaming prohibited, with strict enforcement
iGaming is illegal across mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong. While Macau and Hong Kong allow limited land-based or retail betting, online gambling is banned. Enforcement is strict, with a strong focus on blocking offshore operators, preventing illegal payments, and maintaining tight AML and capital control measures.
Japan: iGaming prohibited, enforcement-focused
Japan prohibits online gambling, despite legalizing land-based integrated resorts containing traditional casinos. Authorities actively target offshore operators and affiliate marketing channels. Compliance risk is high, with strict laws around promotion, payments, and player access. The market has demand but remains closed from a regulated iGaming perspective.
South Korea: Prohibited domestic iGaming market
South Korea bans online gambling for residents, with strict enforcement against offshore sites. Authorities actively block illegal platforms and impose penalties on operators and players. The regulatory focus is on enforcement, AML, and maintaining state control over limited legal betting products such as lotteries and sports pools.
Philippines: Licensed market, shifting regulatory stance
The Philippines offers one of the few regulated iGaming environments in the region through PAGCOR. Both domestic online gambling and (historically) offshore-facing operators have been licensed. However, regulators have tightened controls significantly, particularly on offshore operators, increasing scrutiny around AML, licensing compliance, and player protection.
Thailand: Illegal iGaming, potential future regulation
Online gambling is currently illegal in Thailand, though widely accessed via offshore operators. The government is exploring legalization, including potential licensing frameworks tied to integrated resorts. Any future iGaming market is expected to include strict compliance measures around AML, taxation, and consumer protection.
Responsible Gaming Trends Around the World
Africa
Africa’s iGaming market is emerging as a high-growth, mobile-first region, driven by increasing internet penetration, widespread smartphone use, and strong demand for sports betting. The market is projected to grow steadily, with countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya leading in online betting activity.
Some markets, such as South Africa, have relatively structured regulatory systems (though online casinos remain restricted), while others operate with looser oversight or evolving legislation. A key trend is governments tightening control to capture tax revenue and address social risks, leading to higher licensing fees, stricter AML/KYC requirements, and increased enforcement against unlicensed operators. Sports betting dominates the sector, while online casino adoption is growing more slowly due to regulatory constraints. Overall, Africa represents a rapidly expanding but complex compliance landscape for iGaming operators.
