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Macau Regulator and Casino Operators Unite Against Phone Betting
Macau's DICJ is stepping up cooperation with all six casino concessionaires to combat illegal phone betting, citing technological challenges and reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy through enhanced surveillance, training, and joint enforcement with police.

New Zealand Opens EOI Phase for Online Casino Licences with Stringent Background Checks
New Zealand has launched the EOI phase for online casino licences, requiring extensive background checks and a minimum capital of NZ$7.5m. Up to 15 licences will be issued, with strict enforcement powers including NZ$5m fines for illegal advertising.

HKJC Proposes Cross-Border Racing Tourism Circuit in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan Submission
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has submitted proposals for Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), advocating for a cross-border racing tourism circuit linking its three racecourses, expansion of equine industry expertise into mainland China, and transforming Hong Kong into a philanthropic hub, with the government aiming to publish the final blueprint by the third quarter of 2025.

MGA Flags ‘Pattern’ of Impersonation as Three Unlicensed Sites Mislead Consumers
The Malta Gaming Authority identified three websites impersonating licensed operators and warned consumers to verify licensing status via its official register, highlighting a pattern of misleading claims. The regulator also provided context of ongoing enforcement, including 42 fraudulent URLs found in 2025, as European debates on illegal gambling heat up.

Entain cuts 500 roles and seeks new UK marketing chief as tax hike looms
Entain is cutting 500 jobs and searching for a new UK marketing chief, responding to an estimated £200 million annual cost from proposed UK online betting tax hikes while also selling a 20% stake in its CEE business for €425 million to reduce debt.

SkyCity's Auckland Property Deal Reaches Unconditional Status
SkyCity Entertainment Group's NZ$74.5m sale of its Auckland commercial property portfolio to Mainland Capital and Russell Property Group has become unconditional, with settlement set for September 2026, as the company advances its debt-reduction and governance reforms.

Entre Ríos gambling authority IAFAS records June net profit as revenue climbs
Argentina's Entre Ríos gambling regulator IAFAS posted a net profit of ARS5.12bn in June, driven by higher gaming revenue and cost controls, while continuing operational efficiency and responsible gambling initiatives.

Loteria Română CEO on leading a 119-year-old institution as a public trust mission
Loteria Română CEO Ionut-Valeriu Andrei discusses the operator's societal role, financial contributions to Romanian culture and sport, the complementarity of retail and digital channels, and key challenges facing European lotteries, ahead of his appearance at SBC Summit Lisbon.

Betsson records revenue growth but sees profits slide in first half of 2026
Betsson reported record H1 revenue of €595.5m but saw EBITDA fall 33% amid lower B2B income and higher costs, while the World Cup boosted Latin American and B2C performance.

Macau Q2 GGR Slips 7.4% as Baccarat Continues to Lead Casino Earnings
Macau's Q2 2026 GGR slipped 7.4% quarter-on-quarter to MOP 61.2bn, with baccarat accounting for nearly 58% of games-of-fortune revenue. Slot machines and football betting posted gains, while basketball and lottery declined.
2026-07-17Macau
CJEU Rules Google Liable for Gambling Content on YouTube in Landmark Italian Case
The EU's top court ruled that Google can be held liable for YouTube videos promoting gambling when uploaded by commercial partners, overturning the company's claim of immunity under intermediary safe-harbor rules. The decision, arising from an Italian fine, requires platforms to answer for content on channels they have vetted and partnered with.

New Zealand kicks off licensing race with EOI call for 15 online casino permits
New Zealand has opened expressions of interest for 15 online casino licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with a NZ$19,000 application fee and a NZ$7.5m capital requirement. The process includes an auction in September, with full licensing from October and enforcement against unlicensed operators starting December 2026.