Civil society groups under Tax Justice Alliance Uganda proposed a 35% gaming tax rate for Parliament’s consideration of the Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Bill 2023. The government’s proposed bill change would raise the rate from 20% to 30%, while keeping betting tax at 20%; the groups argued for aligning gaming tax with the betting tax structure.
Operators may face a higher gaming tax if Parliament adopts either proposed rate increase.
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New Jersey senators James Beach and Vincent Polistina proposed replacing criminal charges for underage gambling at casinos and simulcasting facilities with civil penalties. The bill sets fines of up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,000 for a third or later violation; it also covers licensees, employees and adults who knowingly allow underage gambling. The pre-filed measure must pass through the legislative process before it can reach the governor.
LOTBA met civil society organisations from Buenos Aires’ strategic planning council to discuss responsible gambling and measures against illegal gambling. LOTBA said it presented digital prevention work aimed at children and adolescents, alongside its approach to illegal gambling controls in coordination with the specialised gambling prosecutor’s office.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Reform and Peers for Gambling Reform issued a report proposing tighter gambling advertising restrictions in the UK. Recommendations include a ban on ads before 9 pm across television, radio and digital platforms, limits on sports branding and influencer endorsements, and restrictions on some promotions and online slots marketing.
Iowa’s House State Government Committee introduced House Study Bill 586, alongside Senate Study Bill 3040, to give the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission additional powers against unlicensed gaming. The proposed measures would allow civil enforcement, cease-and-desist orders and requests for injunctive relief; neither bill had advanced at the time of the report.
Brazilian betting companies are reportedly discussing retroactive tax payments with government leaders in Congress in exchange for limiting a proposed increase in the betting tax rate. The proposal would raise the rate from 12% to 24%; some firms are seeking a cap of 15%, while an unidentified industry executive estimated retroactive collections could reach R$12.5bn. The Finance Ministry did not respond to the report’s request for comment.