October was one of those months when iGaming couldn’t decide whether to celebrate or panic. Across Europe, revenues climbed, new players joined, and fresh investment flowed in – and so did the tax reform proposals, compliance warnings, and new regulatory obligations.
As operators counted profits and governments counted ways to tax them, the iGaming landscape continued to evolve. Crypto became both a frontier and a fault line, with the UK Gambling Commission calling for “urgent caution” over digital payments. Meanwhile, countries like Curaçao and the Netherlands focused on structural reforms to rebuild credibility and open the door for innovation. October may not have brought major scandals or CEO shake-ups, but it delivered something equally dramatic – the slow, steady tightening of the regulatory net.
Welcome back to iGaming Gossips, where the gaming world never sleeps!
Remember – we don’t gossip – we just listen carefully and forward responsibly.
Malta raises the stakes
Malta’s gaming sector, long celebrated for driving national revenue, is preparing for a major indirect gaming tax reform. Following record-high returns, the government announced plans to introduce a new fiscal structure designed to capture a fairer share of the booming profits. Officials insist the change will not stifle the island’s competitive edge, but operators are already running the numbers – and some don’t like the results.
The new system aims to align Malta with wider European taxation standards while preserving its global attractiveness. For a country whose name is synonymous with online gaming, this marks a significant shift in tone: the era of ultra-light regulation is being replaced by one of strategic responsibility. Whether the island can strike the right balance between innovation and compliance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – Malta is not shying away from reform.
The UK’s crypto debate reshapes compliance
In London, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) expressed a strong warning concerning the growing use of cryptocurrencies within the gambling ecosystem. Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes cautioned that the “rapid adoption” of digital assets could create blind spots in consumer protection and AML enforcement. For an industry already under constant regulatory scrutiny, crypto’s arrival feels both exciting and unsettling.
Operators experimenting with Bitcoin and stablecoin payments are now facing mounting pressure to ensure transparency in every transaction. The UKGC has made it clear that it will not tolerate unverified wallets or untraceable player funds. As the Commission refines its stance, 2026 may see the first comprehensive crypto-specific compliance framework for iGaming – a move that could reshape the British gambling landscape entirely.
The Netherlands pushes toward smarter regulation
The Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) revealed its intention to introduce a new category of gambling licence, one that could open doors to more adaptive and innovative operators. The plan is part of the Netherlands’ ongoing effort to refine its post-legalization framework, ensuring sustainable market growth while tightening control over advertising, addiction prevention, and AML compliance.
Industry insiders suggest that the new licence could target emerging verticals, such as skill-based gaming or hybrid betting formats, bridging the gap between traditional operators and new-age entertainment platforms. For now, the KSA is keeping the finer details under wraps, but one thing is clear: the Dutch regulator is focused on evolving with the industry, not chasing behind it.
Belgium’s expanding market tests its boundaries
Belgium’s Gambling Commission released its annual report, revealing a dual trend of rising player participation and escalating regulatory penalties. The market continues to grow, supported by a steady appetite for sports betting and online slots, yet the report highlighted persistent issues with advertising and player protection violations.
The Commission’s tone was unmistakably firm: growth cannot come at the expense of compliance. Several operators faced sanctions for misleading promotions and incomplete self-exclusion measures, underscoring that enforcement is not symbolic – it’s systemic. With the government hinting at further advertising restrictions, Belgium’s market might soon become one of the toughest in Europe for non-compliant operators.
Curaçao’s reinvention gains international traction
After years of criticism, Curaçao’s Gaming Authority is following through on its promise to rebuild the island’s regulatory credibility. Under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK), officials are tightening licensing procedures, improving due diligence, and enhancing international cooperation. October’s updates showcased a clear shift toward integrity, transparency, and accountability – the three pillars that have been missing from Curaçao’s narrative for too long.
The reforms are attracting cautious optimism from industry stakeholders. Operators that once used Curaçao licences for their flexibility now face more rigorous requirements, but the trade-off could be worth it. By transforming its reputation from a “soft licence” jurisdiction into a modern regulatory hub, Curaçao is betting on long-term sustainability over short-term convenience.
France builds strength on sports and structure
France’s gambling market continued its upward trajectory through the first half of 2025, driven primarily by sports betting and online engagement. The latest report showed solid performance across both retail and digital platforms, bolstered by major football events and a growing preference for in-play wagering.
Operators are enjoying the benefits of renewed public interest, but the surge also puts pressure on ARJEL and other regulatory bodies to monitor integrity risks, particularly around match-fixing and advertising transparency. Still, France’s mix of strong consumer demand and firm oversight makes it one of Europe’s healthiest — and most resilient — regulated markets heading into 2026.
Sweden refines its model for responsible gaming
Sweden’s Spelinspektionen updated its AML risk assessment framework, pushing operators toward greater data-driven monitoring and customer verification. The new rules emphasize not just compliance on paper, but proactive prevention – identifying patterns of risk before violations occur.
For Swedish operators, the update means heavier administrative loads but also clearer guidance on expectations. In a region known for high standards and low tolerance for non-compliance, the move cements Sweden’s reputation as Europe’s strictest referee in responsible gambling.
Thinking Out Loud…
October reminded everyone that the iGaming industry’s rapid evolution comes with a regulatory price tag. Malta is tightening its fiscal grip, the UK is drawing lines around crypto, and smaller jurisdictions like Curaçao are reinventing themselves for credibility. Across Europe, regulators are learning to move as fast as the industry they oversee.
The gossip this month was all about who’s adapting fast enough to survive the new rulebook.
As 2025 winds down, one truth remains: the iGaming industry is growing up, as always – under stricter eyes, heavier taxes, and sharper rules.
The views expressed in this article represent the author’s personal observations and interpretations of recent events. They are not intended to influence or impose any particular perspective. Readers are encouraged to assess the information independently and form their own opinions.
