The Isle of Man government said it plans to increase one-to-one engagement with iGaming licensees as the sector faces regulatory and financial changes in 2026. Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said the government would begin its renewed engagement at the ICE trade show in Barcelona from 19 to 21 January.
More direct contact could affect how the Isle of Man governs iGaming licences during planned industry changes.
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Rank Group and Entain shares each rose about 5% in morning trading on 21 October after reports suggested the UK Treasury was considering a smaller Machine Games Duty increase than previously feared. The reported rate was 25%; the change had not been confirmed, and the Budget was due on 28 October.
Reportedly, the International Association of Gaming Regulators is holding its annual conference in Lima from 19 to 22 October 2026 with Peru's MINCETUR. Sessions cover cross-border self-exclusion standards, illegal gambling and the role of digital intermediaries, with regulators and industry bodies including the WGBA taking part.
The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) is holding its annual conference in Lima from 19 to 22 October, with harmonising player self-exclusion rules, tackling illegal gambling and developing data-based regulation among the themes, according to the report. The event is organised with Peru's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) under the title "Steady Hands, Shifting Ground: Advancing Regulation in a Connected World". Participants include international regulators, responsible-gambling experts and industry organisations, among them the World Gaming and Betting Association (WGBA).
New Zealand's Problem Gambling Foundation has called for a ban on gambling advertising ahead of the country's online casino market launch, its advocacy director Andree Froude told RNZ. Froude said current advertising laws are not fit for purpose and questioned why applicants with past non-compliance should receive licences. The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed 11 applicants paid a collective NZ$15m for all 15 online casino licences, with unlicensed offshore operators told to cease by 1 December.
New Zealand's Problem Gambling Foundation has called for gambling advertising to be prohibited, ahead of the launch of the country's online casino market. Andree Froude, the foundation's advocacy director, made the call in an interview with RNZ's Morning Report show. She said current advertising laws are not fit for purpose and need tighter restriction and stricter enforcement.
Entain CEO Stella David warned the UK Treasury about tax increases. Entain’s Q3 NGR rose 2%, while online NGR in the UK and Ireland increased 14% in the first full quarter with a 40% remote gaming duty.
Reportedly, Betting & Gaming Council members have asked UK Chancellor John Healey to reject a proposed increase in Machine Games Duty on category B machines from 20% to 40%. The Treasury is considering the MGD change for the autumn budget, while the letter also seeks a further delay to the General Betting Duty rise from 15% to 25%, scheduled for April 2027.