Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has formally asked Google and Apple to explain why unauthorised betting apps are available in their app stores. The ministry requested details on app-distribution policies, regulatory authorisation checks, age controls and a list of gaming-related apps available in Brazil; it said the notices do not impose immediate sanctions.
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Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies sent Apple a letter on 16 April asking it to make regulated betting apps available in its stores. Federal deputy Julio Lopes signed the request, arguing that access to regulated apps could help counter illegal betting and fraud; the Justice Ministry had sought explanations from Apple and Google the previous week over illegal betting apps on their platforms.
Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security notified Google and Apple on 17 April to explain why unauthorised betting apps accessible to minors remain in their stores. The companies have five working days to respond and provide information on app reviews, age checks and betting apps available in Brazil. The ministry said a lack of response or evidence of irregularities could lead to specific proceedings.
Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection issued cease-and-desist orders to nine prediction-market operators this week. The orders require platforms to halt sports event contracts and other alleged unlicensed online gambling and permit customer withdrawals. Investigators also issued nearly 30 subpoenas; recipients are not necessarily under investigation.
A court in Brazil’s Federal District ordered international game companies to pay R$298 million over loot boxes, according to the report. The decision also requires measures including age checks, clearer odds information and accessible refund mechanisms; appeals remain possible. The Entertainment Software Association said the industry already uses safeguards and is developing additional protections.
The EU Court of Justice ruled on 16 July that hosting video services fall within the relevant directive, including when videos carry gambling advertising. It said hosting providers cannot rely on limited liability where a video platform shares advertising revenue under a commercial partnership and examines or controls the channel or its content; the ruling was added to a procedure list sent to Italy’s Senate.
The EU Court of Justice ruled on 16 July that video hosting services are covered by the relevant EU directive even when videos contain advertising for gambling involving a monetary stake. The court said limited liability protections for hosting providers do not apply to a video platform operator with a commercial partnership that shares advertising revenue and involves examination and control of the channel, its main themes, metadata or most-viewed videos.