iDEA Weekly Roundup: Gambling Loss Deduction Advances, UK Casino GGY Surges, NFL Season Brings RG Updates

Several developments across North America and Europe are shaping the iGaming landscape this week. The U.S. House committee advanced a provision to restore 100% tax deductions for gambling losses, potentially retroactive for 2026. Simultaneously, online casino continued to drive UK gambling growth despite a slip in active accounts, while key U.S. sports leagues jointly called on regulators to address rising abuse towards players. DraftKings released new responsible gambling (RG) tools targeting NFL fans, and data highlights diverging sportsbook market trends between the U.S. and Europe.

Fix for Gambling Loss Deduction Moves Forward in Congress

A legislative provision to reinstate the full tax deduction for gambling losses has advanced out of a House committee. Congresswoman Dina Titus, representing Nevada, confirmed that if this adjustment is approved before the end of 2026, it would be effective retroactively from the start of the year. This marks a potential reversal of changes that had limited such deductions, with operators and professional gamblers closely watching the outcome. If adopted, U.S. players and operators should expect guidance on the retroactive claims process early in 2027.

Online Casino Fuels UK Gambling Growth as GGY Climbs Above £17.5bn

According to Next.io, the UK’s latest fiscal-year figures (ending 31 March 2026) show a 14.8% increase in online casino gross gaming yield (GGY), reaching £5.7 billion. This contributed significantly to pushing overall UK gambling GGY past £17.5 billion for the year. Notably, this growth came alongside a 3% drop in the number of active accounts at year-end, underlining a sector marked by increasing per-player yield rather than user base expansion.

The data signals a resilient online casino market despite regulatory headwinds and a changing player mix. For vendors and operators, a robust casino product pipeline and targeted player engagement remain critical. Parallel developments in other sectors, such as regulation and payments, may impact these trends in the coming quarters.

U.S. Sports Leagues Call for Stricter Action on Threats from Bettors

Major U.S. sports leagues—the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS)—together with their player associations, have contacted gambling regulators in 35 states. The joint appeal urges authorities to intensify penalties and enforcement against individuals who harass players, coaches, officials, and related personnel in connection with betting outcomes.

This initiative reflects rising concern from both leagues and players about the social impact of regulated sports betting. The call seeks coordinated regulatory responses to deter abuse and strengthen protections across state-licensed platforms.

DraftKings Rolls Out Enhanced Responsible Gambling Tools for NFL Season

Ahead of the new NFL season, DraftKings has expanded its responsible gambling suite. The company’s latest tools include:

• Flexible cool-off periods designed for seasonal players
• An interactive education feature, gamifying RG messaging for football fans

The approach aims to integrate RG more directly into product experiences during peak betting windows. The rollout coincides with broader industry efforts to mitigate gambling harm, especially among new and returning bettors drawn in by NFL activity.

"DraftKings continues to invest in tools and messaging that put player safety first," a DraftKings spokesperson told Gambling.com about the launch.

Contrasting U.S. and European Sportsbook Market Growth

Gambling Insider highlights a divergence in sportsbook markets: U.S. operators have seen growth rates slow as the NFL expands its international presence, including a record nine games outside the United States in 2026. In contrast, several markets in Europe continue to display upward development, reflecting different regulatory and customer maturity stages.

The data suggest that while the U.S. may be entering a phase of market consolidation, European sectors present ongoing opportunities for both local and transatlantic B2B suppliers. Decisions regarding product allocation, regulatory compliance, and technological adoption will influence competitive dynamics on both continents.

Industry Implications

The week’s updates show technology vendors, operators, and regulators all responding in real time to evolving policy, market, and social challenges. The restored tax deduction, if finalized, would directly impact U.S. player returns and operator reporting. Meanwhile, the sustained growth in UK casino GGY, despite declining active accounts, may prompt a re-examination of product offerings elsewhere. As RG deployments become more tailored and leagues press for regulatory intervention, technology and compliance strategies remain central to addressing market complexity. For more background and context, see news and b2b.