- Italy may lift its sports betting sponsorship ban ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- South Korea inches toward legal esports betting through a proposed “Esports Toto” system.
- UK lawmakers have reopened an inquiry into gambling laws and regulatory oversight.
ROME – Three global gambling stories are gaining steam this week with Italy poised to bring back betting sponsors in time for the Winter Olympics. South Korea is making serious moves to legalize esports wagering while in the UK, Parliament has revived a review of gambling laws.
Italy Eyes Betting Sponsors Ahead of 2026 Olympics
Italy may soon reverse course on its nationwide ban on sports betting sponsorships. A new government decree, introduced this week, proposes limited reauthorization of legal online sportsbook deals for clubs and leagues ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
The move would amend the 2018 Dignity Decree and generate up to $175 million in revenue annually. A proposed 1% tax on sponsorships would fund stadium upgrades and gambling harm campaigns.
A final vote is expected this fall, with top-tier clubs already lobbying for rapid implementation.
Esports Betting Inches Closer to Legalization in South Korea
South Korea could make esports betting legal for the first time in 2026.
The Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has formally proposed an “Esports Toto” platform to lawmakers, as the nation’s $9B gambling market continues to climb. The pitch follows earlier talks between Sports Toto officials and LCK organizers, and coincides with Riot Games allowing betting sponsors for teams in League of Legends and Valorant.
While still under review, the plan could reshape Korea’s gaming economy and bring gambling regulation into the digital era.
UK Lawmakers Relaunch Broad Gambling Reform Inquiry
British MPs have reopened a wide-ranging inquiry into gambling regulation amid growing criticism of the Gambling Commission and stalled white paper reforms. Chaired by Iain Duncan Smith, the All-Party Parliamentary Group is re-evaluating whether current laws, especially the 2005 Gambling Act, adequately protect consumers in the digital age.
The inquiry will assess ad bans, affordability checks, and the proposed gambling ombudsman, with public hearings underway. Operators and charities are expected to submit evidence as Parliament reconsiders the legal U.K. sports betting future.
