Regulatory developments across European gambling markets in July 2026 highlight shifting compliance landscapes. New licensing procedures in Ireland and revised tax outcomes in the Netherlands define current industry adjustments.
Revenue Shortfalls and Market Shifts in the Netherlands
The Dutch government introduced a higher gambling tax alongside mandatory deposit limits, expecting €108M in additional revenue for 2025 and €216M for 2026. Actual collections reached approximately €2M in 2025, with projections for 2026 standing at €57M. Financial analysis covering roughly 85 percent of the licensed online segment shows uneven impacts across operators. Unibet recorded significant declines, while the Dutch Lottery expanded its market position through a more stable player base.The combined effect of increased taxation and deposit caps accelerated player migration toward unlicensed platforms. The land-based sector experienced an 11 percent drop in venue attendance, prompting several operators to announce location closures. Industry assessments indicate the tax adjustment did not achieve its original budget targets or strengthen the regulated market share.
Prediction Markets and Irish Licensing Updates
Separate analysis of prediction markets during the 2026 FIFA World Cup showed concentrated activity on France, Spain, and Portugal as tournament favorites. The highest volume of losing positions occurred on matches involving the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States, and Scotland. Draw outcomes generated the largest losses for market participants, a pattern that typically benefits traditional bookmakers. Meanwhile, Ireland implemented a new gambling licensing framework, with approximately 90 percent of online sports betting operators now holding valid licenses, while the online casino segment remains largely outside the regulated system.Data referenced in this report originates from iGaming Business.