iGamingTV Daily Brief
iGaming Daily Brief — 30 October 2026
iGamingTV News Desk · 30 October 2026
The most important iGaming stories from the last 24 hours, summarized by iGamingTV.
1. Regulation
Italy targets gambling revenue to help fund national spending plans
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has approved the country’s Budget Law, laying out fiscal goals for her Brothers of Italy administration ahead of the 2027 general election. The government intends to rely on the gambling, energy and finance sectors as revenue sources to fund substantial public spending and help maintain broader economic stability.
Why it matters
This highlights how Italian authorities view gambling as a major source of fiscal revenue. For the sector, becoming a key contributor toward national spending goals may heighten government focus on industry tax intake and ongoing regulatory obligations.
Source: SBC News · Read original at SBC News
Image: Yogonet International 2. M&A
MGM Resorts ends takeover discussions following People Inc bid withdrawal
MGM Resorts International has concluded takeover negotiations with its primary shareholder, People Inc., after the investor rescinded its acquisition proposal. CEO Bill Hornbuckle stated during a third-quarter earnings call that while a special committee and People Inc. reached an agreement on transaction pricing, the shareholder could not successfully form an investment syndicate.
Why it matters
The collapsed transaction concludes speculation over a potential change of ownership for MGM Resorts International. For stakeholders, the failed bid demonstrates the significant operational challenge of securing and assembling sufficient syndicate backing for large-scale gaming acquisitions.
Source: Yogonet International · Read original at Yogonet International
Image: Yogonet International 3. Business
Churchill Downs reports record revenue and net income in third quarter
Churchill Downs Incorporated posted all-time quarterly highs for the third quarter, reporting net revenue of $696 million, representing a 2% year-over-year rise of $13 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached $264 million, while net income climbed by $42 million to $80 million. The company additionally confirmed it plans to relocate its historical racing machines.
Why it matters
The financial results demonstrate ongoing earnings momentum across the operator's business operations. Furthermore, the company's decision to shift historical racing machines indicates continuing adjustments to its property portfolio to optimise performance alongside record revenue and EBITDA levels.
Source: Yogonet International · Read original at Yogonet International
4. Providers
UK Budget raises Machine Games Duty on Category B terminals
Venues including casinos, bingo halls and betting shops will see their Category B gaming machines subject to the higher 25% Machine Games Duty rate from April 2027 following a threshold reduction in the UK Budget. Meanwhile, British authorities have launched a consultation regarding transferring duty liability to machine suppliers from April 2028.
Why it matters
This change increases the tax burden on land-based gambling premises operating Category B devices. Furthermore, the proposed consultation on shifting duty onto equipment suppliers could significantly alter commercial relationships and financial liabilities across the UK supply chain.
Source: CasinoBeats · Read original at CasinoBeats
Image: Yogonet International 5. Regulation
Brazil fixed-odds betting ban measure faces congressional delays ahead of December target
Brazil is targeting a December 20 approval for a provisional measure to ban fixed-odds betting, but the proposal may encounter legislative delays. Provisional Measure 1.394/2026 has not yet started formal committee proceedings in Congress. While committee members have been nominated, the official website for Congress shows that the measure is still waiting for the committee to be established.
Why it matters
Legislative delays could create uncertainty for the gaming sector in Brazil. If the measure stalls past the targeted December deadline, operators and stakeholders face prolonged ambiguity regarding the future legality of fixed-odds betting.
Source: Yogonet International · Read original at Yogonet International
6. Regulation
ASA warns UK betting affiliate Optival over paid search ad
The UK Advertising Standards Authority issued a reprimand to betting affiliate website bestbookiesandbettingsites.co.uk, operating under the trading name Optival. The action followed a complaint regarding a paid search advertisement appearing after a consumer searched for self exclusion bookies. According to the regulator, the promotional ad directed users toward operators that were not part of self-exclusion schemes.
Why it matters
This enforcement action shows that regulators are actively scrutinising affiliate marketing practices around vulnerable search terms. For affiliates and their partner operators, paid advertising targeted at self-excluded consumers poses immediate compliance risks and potential reputational damage.
Source: SBC News · Read original at SBC News
7. Business
BETBY reports strong Q3 2026 growth driven by World Cup and esports
Sportsbook supplier BETBY experienced a 33.4% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue during Q3 2026. The provider also saw active players surge by 82.7% and total bets rise by 31.9%. BETBY credited the performance to the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well as its proprietary esports feed, BETBY Games.
Why it matters
These figures highlight how major sporting tournaments combined with proprietary esports content can boost betting engagement, demonstrating strong performance metrics across revenue, wagering volume, and active user acquisition for the sportsbook provider.
Source: SBC News · Read original at SBC News
8. Compliance
Paf joins Finnish Gaming Association ahead of 2027 market opening
Operator Paf has become a member of the Finnish Gaming Association prior to the market opening scheduled for 2027. Joining the association serves as a public pledge toward industry advocacy for responsible gambling standards, which comes as Finland works to dismantle its online gambling monopoly.
Why it matters
For operators, joining national associations in transitional markets can ensure greater involvement in regulatory talks, helping shape responsible gambling standards before competitive licensing launches in 2027.
Source: European Gaming Media · Read original at European Gaming Media
iGamingTV summarizes publicly available industry reporting. Original reporting belongs to the linked publishers.