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Regulation Finance

Japan Ministry of Finance Proposes Raising Casino Tax Rate to Up to 40%

Japan's Ministry of Finance has proposed increasing the tax rate on casino revenues from the current 30% to as high as 40% as part of a new tax framework for integrated resorts (IRs). These integrated resorts are multi-facility entertainment complexes that include casinos, hotels, and convention centers. The proposal is aimed at enhancing government revenue streams amid Japan's ongoing expansion and licensing of casino facilities. The tax hike intends to secure more tax income from the growing gambling market tied to the country’s IR strategy. The Ministry of Finance has submitted the proposed changes for public consultation, and it is expected that further deliberations will take place before any final decision is made. This development reflects Japan’s approach to balancing regulatory oversight with the economic benefits of licensed gambling and integrated resort operations.

Aegis Insights • Apr 01, 2026 • 1 min read
Regulation

Greece Advances Major Reform to Combat Illegal Gambling

The Greek government has announced a major reform targeting illegal gambling across the country, aiming to overhaul the regulatory landscape of the sector. The proposed changes emphasize the introduction of new regulatory frameworks designed to curb unlicensed gambling activities and enhance enforcement capabilities. This reform marks a key step in modernizing Greece’s gaming industry, aligning regulations with contemporary challenges and technologies. Authorities expect the measures to improve compliance, reduce illegal market activity, and potentially boost state revenues from legalized gambling operations. The government’s plan reflects a broader regional trend toward tightening control over gambling activities and addressing associated social and economic risks.

Aegis Insights • Feb 27, 2026 • 1 min read
Regulation Technology

Thailand's Ministry of Finance Proposes New Lottery Law to Enhance Transparency and Player Representation

Thailand's Ministry of Finance has submitted a proposed amendment to the lottery legislation to the Senate, aiming to improve transparency and fairness in lottery operations. The draft amendment includes provisions to establish a committee comprising lottery players to represent their interests and monitor lottery management practices. This new body would serve as a formal channel for lottery buyers to voice concerns and promote accountability. Furthermore, the amendment proposes adopting electronic auction systems for lottery distribution to ensure a fairer and more transparent bidding process. The Ministry plans this reform in response to public dissatisfaction with the current lottery system, emphasizing the need for stronger regulatory oversight and modernization through technology. The Senate will now review the draft, marking a significant step toward enhancing consumer protection in Thailand's lottery market.

Aegis Insights • Jun 21, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Technology Finance

Russia’s Ministry of Finance Proposes Mandatory Use of Mir Payment System for Gambling Operators

The Ministry of Finance of Russia has put forward a proposal requiring gambling operators to use the Mir national payment system for payment settlements. This move is designed to enhance state control over financial flows within the gambling industry, aiming to increase transparency and secure better taxation compliance. Under the proposed regulation, all gambling businesses would be mandated to connect their payment channels to the Mir system, a step seen as aligning the sector with the broader government strategy to monitor and regulate gambling-related monetary transactions. By standardizing the use of Mir for gambling payments, authorities expect to curtail unauthorized payment methods and ensure operators adhere to fiscal and regulatory obligations. This proposal reflects the Russian government’s ongoing efforts to tighten regulatory oversight in the gambling market, which has faced challenges relating to payment monitoring and tax collection. If implemented, the regulation would mark a significant step in consolidating control over gambling finance by leveraging the nationally managed Mir payment infrastructure.

Aegis Insights • Jun 20, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Finance

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Health to Create Special Fund for Gambling Addiction Treatment

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health has announced plans to implement measures targeting gambling addiction, with a core development being the establishment of a special fund dedicated to financing treatment for affected individuals. This fund will be financed through mandatory contributions from gambling operators licensed in Bulgaria, aimed at supporting social and health interventions related to gambling dependency. The initiative is part of a broader strategy following a detailed analysis on the societal impact of gambling within the country. By introducing this treatment fund, the Ministry highlights the importance of structured support and treatment for gambling addiction as a public health priority. The move reflects increasing regulatory attention on gambling activities and their consequences in Bulgaria, aiming to mitigate harm and provide financial resources to ensure effective treatment coverage.

Aegis Insights • Jun 17, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Finance

Taiwan Plans to Consolidate Lottery Management Under Sports Administration by 2027

The Taiwanese government has announced a plan to centralize lottery management under the Sports Administration by January 1, 2027, aiming to unify the administration of different lottery types. Currently, the lottery system in Taiwan is managed by multiple entities, including the Ministry of Finance through Taiwan Lottery Co. and the Taiwan Sports Lottery Committee. This dispersion has led to challenges in benefit distribution and operational transparency. The consolidation under the Sports Administration seeks to streamline lottery operations, improve transparency, and ensure that benefits from the lottery system are better managed and more fairly distributed. The government expects that this reform will promote a more efficient and cohesive lottery management framework tailored to meet regulatory and operational needs. This initiative highlights Taiwan’s intent to strengthen control and oversight over lottery activities within its jurisdiction.

Aegis Insights • Jun 08, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Finance

Bulgaria's Ministry of Health Establishes Fund to Treat Gambling Addiction

Bulgaria's Ministry of Health has announced new measures aimed at combating gambling addiction by creating a dedicated treatment fund. This fund will be financed through a mandatory 1% allocation of the annual revenue derived from the tax on casinos. The initiative is designed to facilitate the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from gambling dependency. By linking the funding source directly to casino earnings, the government aims to establish a sustainable mechanism for addressing the public health challenges related to gambling. The measure reflects Bulgaria’s commitment to mitigating the social impact of gambling within the country.

Aegis Insights • Apr 22, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Compliance

Vietnam Blocks Tens of Thousands of E-Wallet Accounts Over Legal Violations

Vietnamese authorities have recently blocked tens of thousands of electronic wallet accounts that exhibited signs of legal violations. This move is part of an intensified effort led by the Ministry of Public Security to clamp down on illicit activities, including illegal gambling and money laundering, conducted through e-wallet platforms across the country. Cooperation between the government and financial institutions has increased, with service providers urged to enhance monitoring systems to detect suspicious transactions. The crackdown is aligned with Vietnam’s broader regulatory push to ensure e-payment systems operate within the legal framework, safeguarding the financial system against exploitation for unlawful purposes. Authorities remain vigilant and continue to apply stringent compliance measures to prevent misuse of digital financial services.

Aegis Insights • Apr 15, 2024 • 1 min read
Regulation Finance

Hiroshima Selected as Preferred Host for Japan’s Integrated Resort Casino Complex

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced on March 16, 2024, that Hiroshima Prefecture has been selected as the preferred local government to host a major Integrated Resort (IR) casino complex under Japan’s national IR development plan. This decision launches the next phase of negotiations between the Hiroshima Prefectural Government, the national government, and private sector stakeholders focusing on detailed business model development and urban planning for the complex. The proposed Integrated Resort in Hiroshima will feature casinos, hotels, and other entertainment venues intended to stimulate local economic activity and boost tourism. The targeted opening year is around 2029, aligning with Japan’s strategy to develop up to three IRs under the Integrated Resort Implementation Law. Hiroshima’s application was favored due to its strong regional appeal, economic impact potential, and readiness to meet regulatory requirements. This development marks a significant milestone in Japan’s gaming and tourism sectors as the country continues to implement its IR policy to attract international visitors. Hiroshima now moves forward with crafting a comprehensive urban plan and business strategy that will underpin the resort’s construction and operation while aligning with local government priorities and national regulations.

Aegis Insights • Mar 16, 2024 • 1 min read