Brazil Leads Global Surge in New Casino Licensing

Key Takeaways

• Regulatory approvals in Brazil and Macau underscore accelerated market entry for new operators in emerging and established Asian and Latin American jurisdictions.
• Enhanced responsible gambling measures across Europe and Australia emphasize player protection innovations, boosting compliance for incoming brands.
• Strategic partnerships in Ontario and the UK facilitate technology integrations, enabling seamless launches for first-time entrants in regulated markets.

Brazil Accelerates Online Casino Licensing Under New Framework

The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA) has issued approvals to an additional 12 operators for online casino and sports betting licenses, bringing the total to 90 active brands since the January 2025 rollout of Law 14.790. This milestone, announced on November 20, follows rigorous evaluations of financial stability, anti-money laundering protocols, and responsible gambling commitments. Notable new entrants include Betano, owned by Kaizen Gaming—a Greek-based firm with European roots—and Bet365, the UK-headquartered giant expanding its global footprint.

This expansion addresses Brazil's vast potential, with a population exceeding 200 million and football-driven betting interest comprising 86% of activity. In a competitive landscape dominated by early adopters like Betfair, these approvals enforce a BRL 30 million non-refundable fee and 12% GGR tax, ensuring fiscal contributions projected at $10 billion by 2029. Launches are slated for Q1 2026, pending final technical compliance. For players, this means enhanced options with mandatory self-exclusion tools; regulators gain oversight via centralized monitoring; stakeholders benefit from diversified revenue streams amid economic recovery.

Source: Casino Market

Ontario iGaming Market Welcomes New Operator Partnerships

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) greenlit three new iGaming operators on November 17, including a partnership between Fresh Deck Poker—a UK-based software innovator—and Bet MGM's international arm, marking the platform's Canadian debut. This B2B collaboration integrates RNG-certified poker and slots that comply with the April 2022 regulatory sandbox. Ownership traces to Entain Plc, with prior Malta Gaming Authority licensing ensuring robust KYC and AML standards.

Ontario's controlled market, now boasting 50+ sites since launch, contrasts with fragmented provincial landscapes by centralizing through iGaming Ontario. Competitive dynamics favor tech-savvy entrants amid 15% YoY growth. Rollouts commencein December 2025, featuring geo-fenced access and deposit limits. Players gain diverse, secure options; AGCO bolsters oversight with real-time auditing; stakeholders leverage data-driven expansions, projecting $2 billion GGR by 2026.

Source: iGaming Business

UK Gambling Commission Rolls Out Enhanced RG Standards

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) enforced updated License Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) on November 19, mandating AI-driven behavioral tracking and unified self-exclusion across casino products for all 120+ licensed operators. This builds on January 2025 stake limits, targeting new market entrants with mandatory affordability checks. Key implementer: Evolution AB, partnering with harm prevention group GamCare for tool certification.

In the mature UK arena—valued at £7.5 billion—these rules address rising online participation (30% of adults), outpacing peers like Spain's DGOJ. No new licenses issued this week, but compliance aids pending applications from Asian firms. Phased rollout completes by Q2 2026. Players benefit from proactive interventions reducing harm by 20%; regulators achieve granular enforcement; operators like Entain integrate seamlessly, fostering sustainable growth.

Source: SBC News

Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register Gains Traction

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) expanded the Bet Stop national self-exclusion database on November 22, integrating it with new casino platforms under the Interactive Gambling Act amendments. South Australia's campaign launch certified five operators, including Crown Resorts' online arm—majority-owned by Blackstone Group—for mandatory 24/7 access and three-year exclusions. This follows the 2024 reforms harmonizing state rules.

Australia's $5.8 billion market, led by New South Wales and Victoria, sees online casino growth of 12% amid the tourism recovery. Competitive pressures from offshore sites diminish with enforcement. Implementations begin in January 2026, with quarterly audits. Players access unified protection across jurisdictions; ACMA streamlines compliance; stakeholders mitigate risks, supporting projected 10% expansion.

Source: Gambling Insider