SOFTSWISS Report Highlights Regulatory Shifts Across Five Continents in H1 2026

Software provider SOFTSWISS has released an analysis of iGaming regulatory developments spanning the first half of 2026, covering Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Middle East, Europe, and Oceania. The report examines changes from 1 January to 30 June, with a forward look at ongoing legislative work expected in H2.

Africa – Kenya

Kenya’s Gambling Regulatory Authority began enforcing the Gambling Control Act 2025, issuing subsidiary regulations on licensing and operations by 30 June 2026. Online platforms must deploy geolocation technology and a secure API for real-time regulatory monitoring, integrate with the central monitoring system and national gambling register, and—unless exempted—store player data on servers located within Kenya. Operators licensed locally to serve foreign markets face a minimum paid-up capital of 100m Kenyan shillings and a security bond of 200m shillings, and must block access from within Kenya. “Taken together, the rules combine centralised supervision, real-time monitoring, and locally enforceable technical requirements,” SOFTSWISS noted.

Americas – Colombia

Colombia introduced a 16% national consumption tax on online gambling and betting for 2026 via Decree 0240 of 12 March. The tax is triggered when a user deposits funds, though the declared tax base remains GGR (total bets minus prizes) reported to DIAN by Coljuegos-regulated operators. Enforcement obligations now extend beyond operators to payment, platform, software, content, and media providers, who must cease services to unlicensed gambling businesses. SOFTSWISS commented: “For suppliers and payment companies, Colombia illustrates a broader first-half-year pattern – regulatory responsibility is increasingly being extended to the businesses that enable gambling operations.”

Asia and the Middle East – India

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 and its 2026 rules took effect 1 May 2026, establishing a uniform national regime that prohibits offering, operating, facilitating, advertising, and participating in online money games. A new Online Gaming Authority of India has been formed, and payment systems must avoid facilitating transactions for prohibited games. Esports must be registered, while online social games require registration only if mandated by the central government. Digital certificates of registration are valid for up to ten years. “Online money games cannot lawfully be offered to users in India under the framework,” SOFTSWISS stated.

Europe – Sweden

The EU’s Anti-Money Laundering Regulation 2024/1624 will apply from 10 July 2027, replacing directive-based rules. Sweden implemented new credit-financed gambling restrictions on 1 May 2026, barring licensees and betting agents from accepting credit-funded gambling and requiring measures to prevent borrowed funds from being used. In April, the Swedish Gambling Authority adopted SIFS 2026:3, governing how licensees connect to the Spelpaus self-exclusion register via a specified API, effective 1 August. SOFTSWISS noted: “Together, the measures indicate that Swedish supervision is moving beyond rules about what operators may offer towards closer control of how gambling is financed and who is permitted to participate.”

Oceania – New Zealand

New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 received assent on 28 April and came into force 1 May, with supporting regulations effective 3 July. The framework allows up to 15 brand-specific licences, with a cap of three per company. Licences are valid for three years, renewable once for up to five years. Mandatory limits on gambling time, deposits, and spending are required, alongside time-outs, pop-up alerts, self-exclusion, and identity verification. Credit, certain payment methods, loyalty programmes, inducements, autoplay, progressive jackpots, and other game features are restricted. Unlicensed advertising is banned, and operators without an application must cease offering online casino services from 1 December, though those with pending applications may continue without advertising. “The limited number of licences means the competitive allocation process will determine which brands can participate in the country’s regulated market,” SOFTSWISS concluded.