United Kingdom

The UK continues to refine its gambling regulations to enhance player protection. In 2025 the government introduced stake limits for online slots—£5 per spin for adults and £2 for players aged 18–24. From 31 October 2025, remote operators must prompt every customer to set a deposit limit before making their first deposit and allow them to adjust it easily. These rules, alongside financial vulnerability checks, reflect a broader push towards responsible gaming.

Brazil

Brazil’s market is one of the world’s most promising. To formalise betting, the government issued a Provisional Measure raising the gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax on fixed-odds betting from 12 % to 18 %, with the increase taking effect in October 2025. From January onwards, only brands authorised by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) may legally operate. Despite higher taxes, Brazil’s market is expected to reach US$6 billion by the end of 2025, attracting international operators eager to tap into its football-loving audience and high mobile penetration.

Italy

Italy initiated a complete online gambling relicensing. New licences will last nine years and cost €7 million each, with a competitive tender overseen by the ADM (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli). The reform aims to ensure technical compliance and accountability among operators. Brands targeting Italian players must budget for the licence fee and align with local guidelines on advertising and player verification.

Lithuania

In 2025 Lithuania began a graduated ban on gambling advertising. All external advertising is banned, and on TV, radio and online only betting ads are permitted under tight time and content limits. Signage is restricted to operator names or marks on premises or websites. A transition period runs until 1 January 2028, when a full ban is scheduled to take effect. These restrictions make affiliate marketing challenging and encourage operators to invest in SEO and direct engagement.

Philippines

The Philippine Senate passed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, imposing a nationwide ban on offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and setting forfeiture penalties for non-compliance. Licensed domestic operators remain legal, and PAGCOR continues to regulate land-based and online gaming for local operators. Companies targeting Filipino players must hold appropriate licences and ensure content complies with local standards.

Crypto-iGaming jurisdictions

Crypto gambling sites are restricted in many regions, including the U.S. and EU, but they remain accessible via VPNs and mirror links. Leading crypto-iGaming operators incorporate their businesses in jurisdictions such as Curaçao, Malta, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, where regulatory frameworks permit crypto gambling. Brands like Stake, Rollbit and Roobet now rival major traditional gambling groups. Players should verify the licensing status and consider regional legality before depositing funds.

Conclusion

Regulatory developments in 2025 highlight a global shift towards stricter oversight and player protection. The UK is enforcing stake limits and deposit prompts, Brazil is raising taxes but opening its market, Italy is launching an expensive relicensing, Lithuania is phasing out gambling ads and the Philippines is cracking down on offshore operators. At the same time, crypto-iGaming firms continue to base themselves in permissive jurisdictions. Operators must adapt marketing, tax planning and compliance procedures for each market; players should stay informed about local laws to gamble safely.