Timișoara Council voted unanimously to stop issuing new authorisations for gambling halls in the Romanian city, Mayor Dominic Fritz said. Existing venues may operate until their ONJN licences expire, with all licences due to end by 2027; lottery services will be the only permitted gambling activity thereafter.
The decision phases out existing land-based gambling venues and prevents new approvals in Timișoara.
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UK Gambling Commission acting chief executive Sarah Gardner called on Allwyn UK to increase National Lottery returns for good causes while maintaining player protections, according to a report of her conference remarks. Allwyn generated £1.8bn for good causes in 2025/26, while sales fell 12.5% year on year in the first quarter of 2026/27. Gardner said the technology upgrade created opportunities to improve safeguards, despite transition problems.
The UK government has proposed extending restrictions on bookmakers to cover bets on Powerball UK, reportedly opening a consultation that runs until 4 November 2026. The proposal would amend the Gambling Act’s Section 95 framework, which currently permits bets on foreign lottery results but excludes National Lottery products, to avoid customer confusion.
It was reported that Evoplay agreed to distribute games through IZIGROUP on 14 August 2026. The rollout covers the operator’s three sites, including lottery.mt.
Allwyn UK will begin selling £4 Powerball tickets through the National Lottery's retail network, website and app from 21 July, subject to final regulatory approval. The draw would be available outside the United States for the first time.
It was reported that ONJN chairman Vlad-Cristian Soare announced further initiatives against illegal gambling websites and digital platforms. He warned about unlicensed operators advertising through major search and social media services.