Gambling Interpol Proposed, UK Tax Threats, Malta’s New Levy, and Belgium’s Protection Bill

Weekend conversation corner - 31 October

Welcome to the Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner! Join your hosts, Oliver and Charlotte, for Episode 31 as we break down the flurry of events into a concise summary of the week’s significant developments.

This week, we analyse the serious warning from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) regarding proposed gambling tax hikes in the UK, which they caution could wipe £3.1bn off the UK economy, potentially leading to job losses and driving customers toward the black market. We also cover new regulatory shifts across Europe: Malta is considering implementing a new indirect tax on gaming as part of its 2026 budget presentation, and the Belgian gaming regulator has endorsed a legislative bill to enhance player protection, including a weekly deposit cap of €200 and a ban on gambling with credit. Additionally, the British Gambling Commission has outlined its research priorities under the new statutory gambling levy system, focusing on six refined themes.

But the biggest story of the week comes from the Netherlands: Michel Groothuizen, chairman of the Dutch regulator (KSA), has proposed establishing a "Gambling Interpol" to coordinate global enforcement and combat sophisticated unlicensed gambling operations. Could this level of global cooperation finally turn the tide against illegal online gambling infiltration? We cut through the noise to deliver a condensed overview of these critical developments and more. Stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on!