DATA.BET: Shifts in taxation and regulation to alter European betting landscape

(AsiaGameHub) –   A prominent预测 technology figure in the European betting sector forecasts that the UK, France, Italy, and Germany might be displaced as the continent’s top gambling markets.

DATA.BET, a Cyprus-based supplier of sports and esports betting solutions, has highlighted the rising tax rates across Europe in its 2026 outlook, anticipating a shift in the industry’s “balance of power.”

Taxes are undoubtedly expected to significantly impact the sector this year—a perspective shared not only by DATA.BET but also by numerous major gambling PLCs, including Flutter Entertainment, Entain, evoke, Betsson, and others.

In its 2025 Sportsbook Report, DATA.BET referenced the scale of the British, Italian, French, and German markets, noting revenues of €30.8bn (£26.7m), €25.5bn, €18.8bn, and €17.8bn, respectively.

Nevertheless, betting in the UK, France, and Germany now faces substantial taxes, such as the UK’s new Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) of 40% (increased from 21%). Conversely, Italy offers a relatively favorable tax environment but enforces strict regulations, particularly regarding marketing.

These circumstances could result in a changing of the guard, according to DATA.BET, which states that “as newly introduced legislation and tightening tax policies reshape the operating environment, the regional balance of power is unlikely to remain unchanged.”

Like all stakeholders in the European betting landscape, DATA.BET is incorporating the continent’s tax and regulatory landscape into its strategic planning.

The firm is prioritizing infrastructure reliability, risk management, and the expansion of its product ecosystem and content coverage to enhance engagement, thereby establishing a defense against the aforementioned challenges.

Taxation isn’t the only factor

For the past year, it appears that taxation was the sole topic of conversation in iGaming. This was particularly evident in the UK, SBC News’ home country, during the summer and autumn as the sector prepared for the HM Treasury’s budget in November 2025.

However, DATA.BET has identified non-tax factors it believes will shape the industry in 2026. The company anticipates a continued shift toward mobile-first consumption of betting products and content, fueled by 5G adoption.

It also predicts increased convergence between gaming and betting audiences, largely driven by esports; a move toward operational speed, stability, and scale rather than technicality; and a growing significance for low-tier and semi-pro tournaments, which occur more often than major tier-one events.

Given these various factors, how is DATA.BET positioned in 2026?

The company reported a 55% rise in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2025, driven by a 105% surge in monthly active users and an 82% jump in daily active users. Additionally, it has grown its client network, with fully integrated partners increasing by over 200%.

“We believe that transparency builds trust and propels the entire industry forward,” stated Yurii Berest, Chief Executive Officer of DATA.BET.

“At DATA.BET sits at the core of everything we do, and this report reflects that. With the addition of sports betting last year, we aim to demonstrate how our product continues to evolve and improve, and how we assist operators in growing their revenue through effective betting.”