Regulators and New Tax Measures Shape the iGaming Agenda in September

The iGaming sector faces September 2026 with tax proposals in the U.S. Congress, concerns over sports integrity in 35 states, and a UK online casino market surpassing £17.5 billion in gross revenue according to official figures. DraftKings, for its part, launches new responsible gaming tools ahead of the NFL season, reflecting operators' responses to regulatory and market challenges on both continents.

The U.S. Congress Advances with Deduction of Gambling Losses

The U.S. House of Representatives approved in committee a clause to restore the 100% deduction for gambling losses on tax returns. This measure, driven by Congresswoman Dina Titus, could take effect retroactively from January 1, 2026, if approved before the end of the year. Operators and analysts believe this restoration would reduce the tax burden for players and make the legal market more attractive compared to the unregulated segment in several states.

Sports Leagues Call for Stricter Penalties for Threats from Betting

Major U.S. championships — NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS — along with their player associations, have requested that state regulators implement stricter penalties against individuals who threaten players, referees, and others involved in games. The request was directed to betting regulators in 35 states, urging a coordinated response due to the magnitude of the problem stemming from the rise of digital sports betting channels.

"Threats to the integrity and safety of our players require firmer regulatory responses in every jurisdiction," stated the joint declaration of the leagues to state regulators.

Online Casinos Sustain Growth of Regulated Gambling in the UK

According to data from Next.io, the gross revenue of online casinos in the UK grew by 14.8% to reach £5.7 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026. This increase occurred despite a 3% drop in the number of active accounts at the end of the period. The growth recorded in online casinos offset declines or stagnation in other segments, contributing to the total gross income surpassing £17.5 billion. Operators and regulators will continue monitoring the balance between revenue and user protection, especially in light of new regulatory reviews.

DraftKings Strengthens Responsible Gaming Measures for the New NFL Season

DraftKings announced the addition of new features to promote responsible gaming ahead of the opening of the NFL season in 2026. Among the new measures are flexible self-exclusion periods and a gamified educational mechanism aimed specifically at American football fans. The provider aims to reinforce regulatory compliance while limiting risks for younger users and high-activity environments, adhering to best practices demanded by sector regulators.

Contrasts in Growth: America vs Europe in Sports Betting

Recent data cited by Gambling Insider highlight the stagnation of growth in sports betting houses in the U.S., in contrast with the progression maintained by the European market. The NFL's expansion to nine international games in 2026 opens opportunities outside the U.S., while the European model shows alternatives to sustain development after maturity cycles in local sports. The comparison has become relevant among investors and operators due to the disparate evolution of both markets.

Outlook for Operators and Regulators

September 2026 reaffirms the convergence of tax regulation, sports integrity, and user protection as strategic axes of the iGaming sector in major Western markets. Monitoring the tax deduction in the U.S., regulators' responses to league demands, and the dynamism of online casinos in the UK offer crucial indicators to adjust business models and compliance policies in the short and medium term.