An IFHA report argues that excessive restrictions on legal gambling in Asia could push consumers towards illegal betting markets and increase gambling harm. Its author, Martin Purbrick, says regulators should distinguish between betting products with different risk profiles.
Regulators and operators face policy choices that could affect the balance between legal betting access and gambling harm.
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The Canadian Lottery Coalition has called for stronger restrictions on prediction markets. The appeal follows financial regulators’ statement on 27 August that sports event contracts should not qualify as securities.
Reportedly, Brazil’s 2026 presidential contenders have outlined differing approaches to online betting. Romeu Zema and Renan Santos support prohibition, while Ronaldo Caiado proposes closer financial monitoring and advertising restrictions. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is considering restrictions, and Flávio Bolsonaro proposes preventing the use of social benefit payments for betting.
Ireland's government is introducing new anti-money laundering measures for gambling as part of its first national strategy, reportedly announced on 18 August. The rules require operators to return withdrawals to the deposit account and impose enhanced checks on cryptocurrency funds and transfers. The strategy also calls for closer oversight of machine-based casino clubs and stronger intelligence sharing among public bodies.
It was reported that Dario Durigan reiterated support for tobacco-style controls on betting. He advocated greater transaction data sharing, advertising restrictions and higher taxation to discourage excessive consumption.
Brazil's federal government plans to tighten sports betting advertising controls as part of its debt-relief programme, Finance Ministry executive secretary Dário Durigan said. The government is considering administrative measures and may use a provisional measure if it needs additional powers. People enrolled in Desenrola Adimplentes will be blocked from registering with betting platforms in Brazil for six months, the report said.