Regulatory authorities in Kenya, the United Kingdom, France and Brazil have issued new gambling licensing decisions and enforcement actions this month. These measures include court suspensions, financial settlements and restricted market access for operators.
Regulatory Decisions and Market Access
The Kenyan High Court suspended the Gambling Control (Licensing) Regulations 2026 pending judicial review. The ruling cites capital requirements that exceeded the scope of public consultation, pausing new licensing until at least the September hearing. In the United Kingdom, the UK Gambling Commission confirmed a £4.75m settlement with Evolution after weighing license suspension. The supplier’s games reached UK players through six unlicensed platforms operating with weak anti-money laundering controls. The supplier faced potential penalties regarding game distribution locations rather than development practices.French regulators directed internet service providers to block Polymarket, and the platform subsequently restricted access for Irish users following GRAI intervention. European authorities continue limiting unlicensed prediction markets, while Gibraltar maintains open market access.
Brazilian Federal Police froze $190m (BRL 951m) in an illegal betting money laundering investigation. The Finance Ministry opened betting license reviews to public access, increasing compliance requirements for operators serving Brazilian players without domestic authorization.