New gambling regulations are being implemented across Italy, Europe, and the United States to address funding and market legality. These legislative updates include a proposed tax on football betting in Italy, a multi-national agreement to combat unlicensed operators, and a state ban on sweepstakes casinos in Indiana.
Italian Football Betting Levy Proposal
Senator Paolo Marcheschi introduced Bill 1902, proposing a 2% tax on all football bets placed within Italy. The revenue, estimated at €230m annually, would be directed to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Funds are designated for youth development, social initiatives, women's football, and grassroots programs.
The bill defines this levy as a mechanism for a self-sustaining ecosystem rather than state aid, with implementation rules to be set by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Former FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has publicly supported the proposal.
European Regulators Target Illegal Markets
In November 2025, seven European gambling regulators established an agreement to share data and combat unlicensed operators. Reports indicate that unlicensed entities generated €80.6bn in revenue in 2024, dominating the illegal online gambling sector. The coalition focuses on information exchange, urging digital platforms to improve control mechanisms, and sharing enforcement best practices.
Regulators from the UK and Portugal have already escalated complaints against non-compliant operators. However, challenges remain as some companies utilize mirror sites and cryptocurrency to bypass blocks.
Indiana Bans Online Sweepstakes Casinos
Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1052 into law, prohibiting online sweepstakes casinos that utilize dual-currency systems. The legislation, co-sponsored by Representatives Manning, Mayfield, and Moed, allows for fines up to $100,000 for violating operators. This move aligns Indiana with similar bans in Tennessee and Oklahoma.
The law intends to regulate the online gambling sector and mitigate potential consumer harm. Additionally, Scotland is currently seeking applications for gambling levy funding to support grassroots organizations.
Previously, Chicago rejected a proposal to ban sweepstakes machines, highlighting the varying approaches to gambling regulation across different jurisdictions.