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Two UK operators have been forced offline, and courts are raising the evidentiary bar for player-fraud cases. That alone made this a consequential week for compliance teams across Europe. Beyond enforcement, the commercial side of the industry kept moving just as quickly. Suppliers posted stronger margins, and operators simplified their brands.
This week in the online gambling industry:
- UKGC suspends BresBet and Bet St George while it investigates suspected AML and social responsibility failures.
- BetMakers reports a 205% rise in EBITDA as the Tabcorp takeover moves closer.
- Kambi folds Tzeract, Shape Games and Abios into one brand as part of an AI-led refresh.
- Russia launches a nationwide gambling self-exclusion system through its state services portal.
- Ukraine adopts its first national gambling-harm strategy, with measures running through 2035.
😄 Missed last week’s developments? Catch up with the August 22–28 iGaming Recap!
Here’s the full rundown:
Regulatory & Legal Updates
France Raises the Bar for Operators Handling Player Fraud, iGB
France’s gambling regulator ANJ has issued new practical guidance on how licensed operators should investigate and respond to player fraud. The framework covers six areas, including identity and payment fraud, chargebacks, cheating, money-dumping and sports manipulation, while clarifying when operators can close accounts, cancel bets or withhold funds.
Operators are being told that suspicion alone is not enough. ANJ pointed to evidence such as IP addresses, device logs and connection times that French courts have previously accepted when reviewing fraud cases. Operators are also being urged to reassess their KYC procedures, fraud controls and technical safeguards.
Hungary Considers Overhaul of Gambling Regulator SZTFH, European Gaming
Hungary has ordered a review that could ultimately lead to the abolition of gambling regulator SZTFH and the transfer of its duties to government-controlled bodies. The justice minister has until September 30 to report on whether the authority can be wound up and how its responsibilities could be reassigned.
No closure has been approved yet, and the government resolution gives no reason for launching the review. SZTFH currently oversees online casinos and sports betting, maintains Hungary’s player-protection register and blocks unlicensed gambling sites. The regulator has defended its independence and said it will cooperate with the review.
UKGC Halts BresBet and Bet St George Operations Pending Reviews, Yogonet
The UK Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licences of BresBet and Bet St George over suspected social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures. The suspensions took effect on August 28 and will remain in place while the regulator reviews whether the operators are meeting their licensing obligations.
The UKGC has not disclosed what triggered its enquiries, and the suspensions do not represent a final finding of wrongdoing. Both operators share the same Sheffield address and have the same director. Customers can still access their accounts and withdraw funds while the reviews continue.
Financial Performance & Business Moves
Veikkaus Returns to Growth Ahead of €1B Licence Cost, SBC News
Veikkaus returned to growth in H1 2026 as Finland prepares to open its licensed betting and online casino market in July 2027. Sales revenue rose to €471.3 million from €466.4 million, while net profit increased 2% to €234.2 million. Digital channels generated 64.5% of GGR, with betting and iCasino GGR climbing to €151.6 million.
The stronger performance comes ahead of a major cost for the state-owned operator. Veikkaus is expected to pay around €1 billion over 10 years for the exclusive licence covering lotteries, slot machines, scratchcards and physical table games. A significant portion of that fee is expected to be paid by the end of 2026.
Mozzartbet to Close Malta-Licensed .com Business in October, iGamingToday
Mozzartbet will shut down its Malta Gaming Authority-licensed Mozzart.com platform on October 1, ending seven years of operation under the .com brand. Its associated affiliate program will also close, with commissions calculated on activity through September 30 before affiliate links are deactivated.
The company said the decision reflects a shift toward markets where it holds local licences. Operations in countries including Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kenya, Nigeria and North Macedonia will continue unchanged, with the closure applying only to Mozzart.com and its MGA licence.
BetMakers EBITDA Triples Ahead of Tabcorp Takeover, SBC News
BetMakers posted a sharp improvement in FY26, with adjusted EBITDA rising 205% from AU$4.6 million to AU$14.1 million. Revenue increased 8.8% to AU$92.6 million, while its net loss after tax narrowed from AU$25.3 million to AU$5.2 million as cost controls and technology-led growth improved profitability.
Its global betting services division was a standout performer, with revenue up 25.5% to AU$43.3 million. The results arrive as BetMakers prepares for Tabcorp’s AU$267 million takeover, which is expected to close toward the end of the next financial year.
Technology & Innovation in Gambling
Digital ID Could Cut Onboarding Friction for Gambling Operators, Gambling Insider
Digital identity technology could help gambling operators verify customers faster while reducing how much personal information users need to share. A Jumio survey of 8,003 adults found 75% were willing to verify their age online, while 65% would prefer to complete verification once and reuse it across platforms. Another 67% favored sharing proof of eligibility rather than full personal details.
For operators, reusable digital IDs could ease onboarding while still supporting age checks, KYC, fraud prevention and AML controls. The appeal comes with privacy concerns, however, particularly around systems that allow issuers or governments to track when and where digital credentials are used.
Kambi Unifies Acquired Brands Under AI-Focused Identity, NEXT
Kambi has brought Tzeract, Shape Games and Abios under the Kambi brand, consolidating its AI trading, front-end and esports capabilities into one corporate identity. The refresh centers on artificial intelligence, network data and more dynamic betting products as the supplier looks to present a more unified offering to operators.
The company now works with more than 70 partners across over 100 regulated markets and processes around €17 billion in annual betting turnover. Its Bet Builder accounted for 22% of all live bets during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, up from 3% during the 2022 tournament. Kambi’s H1 revenue also rose 9.1% year over year to €89.4 million.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
Russia Rolls Out Nationwide Gambling Self-Exclusion System, iGamingToday
Russia has introduced a voluntary self-exclusion system that allows people to block themselves from gambling through the Gosuslugi state services portal or multifunctional government centers. The measure took effect September 1 and covers bookmakers, casinos, slot halls and totalizators.
Users choose how long the restriction will last, with a minimum period of 12 months and no option to cancel it early. Once registered, they cannot place bets or receive gambling advertising, while licensed operators must check the national exclusion list before accepting play.
Ukraine Adopts National Gambling Harm Strategy Through 2035, iGamingToday
Ukraine has approved its first nationwide strategy for addressing gambling addiction, shifting the issue beyond gambling regulation and into health care, education, social services and law enforcement. Adopted on August 28, the plan will run through 2035 and involve around 40 government institutions.
Measures include gambling-risk education in schools, earlier screening for addiction and expanded treatment and rehabilitation services. Special programs are planned for military personnel and veterans, while authorities will also intensify efforts against illegal gambling sites, unauthorized advertising and gambling-related crime.
- Brazilian lawmakers push for a full online gambling ban, Bet It Drives on LinkedIn
- Lottomatica to absorb CIRSA in an all-share merger, European Gaming Media on X
- Sports bets are sports bets — regardless of what you call them, Andrew Kossuth on LinkedIn
- FanDuel rolls out new sportsbook features in time for NFL season, Yogonet Gaming News on X
Stories from iGaming Forums
- Polymarket gets $300M investment from Trump Jr.’s group, Bitcointalk
- Lonestar casino wait times are horrendous, r/onlinegambling
- Kalshi has permanently blocked a user for the first time, Bitcointalk
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