Flutter Entertainment notes the recent decision by the Illinois State legislature to introduce a betting transaction fee for licensed operators on all sports wagers placed within the state from July 1, 2025 (Illinois Transaction Fee).

In response, from September 1, 2025, FanDuel, Flutter’s US market-leading brand, announces that it will introduce a new $0.50 transaction fee on each bet placed on its platform in Illinois. This decision reflects the significant increase in the cost of operating in Illinois driven by the new Illinois Transaction Fee. The introduction of this fee by the state follows a substantial increase in the betting tax rate in Illinois in 2024. Following the 2024 increase, extensive efforts were made by FanDuel to absorb the cost fully without impacting customers.

Should the state reverse its decision at any point in the future, FanDuel will immediately remove the $0.50 transaction fee.

Peter Jackson, Flutter CEO, commented: “It is important to recognize that there is an optimal level for gaming tax rates that enables operators to provide the best experience for customers, maximize market growth and maximize revenue for states over time. We are disappointed that the Illinois Transaction Fee will disproportionately impact lower wagering recreational customers while also punishing those operators who have invested the most to grow the online regulated market in the state. We also believe the introduction of the Illinois Transaction Fee will likely motivate some Illinois-based customers to bet with unregulated operators. These operators do not contribute tax revenue to the state, will not collect the newly announced transaction fee and do not offer the same levels of customer protection that regulated operators provide.”

Esportes Gaming Brasil, the owner of Onabet and Esportes da Sorte, has unveiled Ana Carolina Luna Maçães as its new Compliance Manager. The hire reinforces the company’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and good governance in Brazil’s evolving betting market.

Esportes Gaming Brasil’s new Head of Compliance, Ana Carolina Luna Maçães, commented: “Esportes Gaming Brasil has set a high standard in Brazil’s betting market with its total commitment to integrity, governance, and responsible gaming. It’s a privilege to join this exceptional team as Compliance Manager. My role is to reinforce our culture of compliance, navigating us through complex regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions with as little friction as possible. Our mission is to deliver secure, transparent, and competitive services for our partners and clients.”  

A seasoned legal and compliance professional who has spent time at NSX Brasil, Maçães joins with expertise in financial crime prevention, responsible gambling, and corporate ethics. She has earned a CPC-A certification from LEC (Legal, Ethics & Compliance), and she significantly strengthens the group’s in-house compliance work.

Esportes Gaming Brasil CEO Darwin Filho, added: “It’s more than just complying with and supporting regulations. Esportes Gaming Brasil has been actively leading the process of maturing the betting sector in the country. Our commitment to governance has been an essential part of our business model since the beginning. The arrival of Ana Carolina represents a strategic reinforcement, further strengthening the culture of compliance that has always guided the company.”

Esportes Gaming Brasil is proud to be one of the Brazilian-licensed operators under the SPA/MF framework and is renowned for impactful responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion tools, behaviour monitoring, and an addiction support network.

With deep relationships to national sport and culture through major football sponsorships and experiential collaborations, and a growing digital presence via Onabet, the group is committed to shaping a safe, sustainable, and responsible future for Brazil’s gaming sector.

Zimpler, a leading Swedish company in Pay-by-bank solutions, has become a certified Payment Institution (PI) in Brazil, authorized by the Central Bank. Now Zimpler is allowed to facilitate payments and other Open Finance ecosystem resources, streamlining the checkout process and reducing friction by allowing direct transactions without redirecting users to bank apps. This movement solidifies Zimpler’s plans and structure in Brazil.

“We are thrilled to receive this authorization from the Brazilian Central Bank. The recognition of Zimpler as a payment initiator reinforces our commitment to this local market, which offers a great opportunity for growth and value in a very dynamic and competitive environment,” said Johan Strand, CEO of Zimpler.

The authorization, which also allows Zimpler to act as an electronic money institution, strengthens the Open Finance ecosystem in Brazil, one of the most advanced in the world and which now welcomes the leading payments fintech from Sweden. Businesses looking to thrive in the country can now benefit from the Zimpler’s seamless payment experience, giving them a competitive edge in a dynamic and fast-moving market.

“This milestone showcases the strength of Swedish innovation and the mutual benefits that come from closer economic collaboration between Sweden and Brazil. Sweden has long been a leader in financial technology, and we are proud to see companies like Zimpler bring their experience and trusted solutions to contribute to Brazil’s dynamic digital economy,” said Andreas Rentner, Trade Commissioner and Country Manager of Business Sweden in Brazil.

“With our experience powering over 80% of Sweden’s population through Swish, we’re bringing the same proven technology and approach to Brazil through Pix, one of the most successful real-time payment systems in the world. We’re looking forward to helping businesses unlock the full potential of Open Finance in Brazil with seamless, secure payments that drive market growth,” Strand said.

The authorization by the Central Bank is another step in strengthening Zimpler’s foundation in Brazil, following the opening of its São Paulo office in 2022. The company remains focused on expanding its footprint and deepening its partnerships across key verticals such as iGaming, where it sees strong growth potential.