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Each month, we leverage data from our gambling regulatory updates to bring you a glimpse of the key response deadlines and legislation effective dates coming up, so you can plan and take action around some of the most important regulatory developments unfolding right now.

In May, there are 12 regulatory deadlines on the horizon — with 2 key consultation periods coming to an end and requiring a response, and 10 actionable deadlines to be aware of coming into effect.

What are the regulatory deadlines to watch in May?

United Kingdom

On May 1, 2025, amendments to the Gambling Commission’s social responsibility (SR) code regarding improved consumer choice on direct marketing came into effect.

The changes to the SR code require operators to allow customers to change their marketing preferences, including customers who are currently opted out of marketing.

A new SR Code 5.1.12 mandates licensees to provide customers with options to opt-in to direct marketing on a per-product and per-channel basis. Furthermore, existing customers who have not already opted out of marketing “must be asked at their first log-in after commencement of this provision to confirm their marketing preferences if they have not done so already. Existing preferences can be copied over providing they match the format of this requirement."

Separately, the £5 stake limit for online slots, applicable to people aged 25 and over, took effect on April 9, 2025, while the £2 stake limit, applicable to people aged 18-24 years, will be effective from May 21, 2025.��

The decision comes after the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport consulted on the proposal to introduce a maximum stake limit for online slots games in July 2023. The consultation followed the publishing of the UK government's the white paper "High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age" in April 2023.

Croatia

On April 11, the Croatian Parliament unanimously adopted the final proposal of the Law on Amendments to the Law on Games of Chance (PZ no. 42), with all 131 Members of Parliament voting in favour.

The adopted amendments form part of a broader initiative to strengthen responsible gambling measures and impose new restrictions on gambling advertising. Key provisions include mandatory player identification at venue entry, the introduction of a self-exclusion register, rules on venue location and operating days, as well as increased licensing fees and taxation. The amendments are set to come into force on May 1, 2025.

Ireland

On April 7, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) launched its first public consultation on proposed licensing regulations under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. The consultation, which ends on May 5, 2025, seeks input from stakeholders and the general public on draft regulations intended to support the phased introduction of Ireland’s new gambling licensing regime. Key elements of the proposed regulations include application fees, duration of gambling licenses and other licensing conditions.��

The GRAI plans to implement its licensing framework in stages. Under the current timeline, business-to-consumer betting licences (in-person and remote) are expected to open for application in December 2025 and remote gaming licences are anticipated to follow by the end of Q1 2026. However, these dates are indicative and may be subject to change. The licensing process will involve a detailed review of submitted materials and due diligence checks before any decision is made.
Lithuania

On February 14, the Lithuanian Gambling Supervision Service notified the European Commission of draft requirements for remote gambling platforms. The standstill period for the notification ends on May 19,2025.

The draft sets out the general and technical requirements for remote gambling platforms, including the registration and labelling procedures for platforms. The new rules apply to all companies holding licenses and permits to organize gambling in Lithuania and include the following provisions: 

• Platforms must comply with a set of technical specifications and undergo accreditation by authorized bodies to ensure compliance with Lithuanian gambling laws.�� 
• The platforms must establish a centralized record-keeping system to monitor bets, winnings, and pay-outs in real time.
• The companies will be responsible for installing the platform at their own expense and must obtain a certificate from accredited institutions confirming that the platform meets the required standards.
  

Italy

On December 18, 2024, the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) released documents relating to the tender notice for new online gaming concessions in Italy. The documents include the determination, concession agreement, technical and administrative rules as well as various attachments and annexes.��

The release of the documents follows the Council of Ministers’ approval of the legislative decree regarding the reorganisation of the gaming sector on March 11, 2024, starting with online gaming, pursuant to Article 15 of Law 9 August 2023, n. 111.

The ADM has previously stated they expect around 50 applicants for the new concessions and according to the terms of the tender process, applications must be submitted by May 30, 2025.

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We’ve only shown you a snapshot of May’s deadlines.

Want to see them all? Book a demo with a member of our team, who can show you the full Regulatory Deadlines Calendar for this month.��