Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Dave Hammond has stepped down from his position as Chief Operating Officer at the UK Tote Group, concluding an eight-month tenure in the role and a three-year period with the company. He originally became part of the organisation in April 2023 as Chief Commercial Officer, later advancing to the COO role in August of the same year. Before his time at the UK Tote Group, Hammond occupied significant positions with Inspired Gaming Group, Paddy Power Betfair, SBTech, and DraftKings. Dave Hammond. Credit: UK Tote Group Additionally, he established the UK-based Betconsultancy.com in 2018 and concurrently served as the head of the sports betting blockchain venture, Spartos. Commenting on Hammond's exit, Alex Frost, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Tote Group, stated: “We extend our gratitude to Dave for his major role in the Tote’s expansion while he was a member of our team. “He is embarking on a long-awaited career break and will continue to be a valued friend to the company. We send him our best wishes for his future endeavours.” UK Tote’s resilience despite headwinds The UK Tote Group, a long-standing fixture in UK horse racing pool betting, is now seeking a new senior executive during a period of mounting challenges for the horse racing sector. Only last month, the company's Chief Revenue Officer, Paddy Desmond, spoke to an audience in Manchester about the necessary steps for the sport to recover and expand its audience and involvement, while also combating the illegal gambling market. “In my view, a significant part of the issue relates to the governance of racing,” he remarked during the Illegal Gambling Prevention Conference hosted by Deal Me Out. “An excessive amount of authority in British racing lies with the race courses, and with four distinct race course bodies, alignment is not guaranteed and they are often unwilling to cede control. “This makes it challenging to unite behind a comprehensive promotional strategy for the sport and to involve trainers and jockeys effectively. “Media rights present another complication. I participated in the commercial committee for two years and witnessed the internal disputes; the current structure is simply not effective.” Even with concerns in a core market, the UK Tote Group has successfully concluded a number of important commercial agreements both inside the horse racing industry and beyond. The group acts as the Official Principal Partner for the Wigan Warriors' men's and women's squads and also finalized an agreement with BetMakers more than a year ago to supply its quantum technology – a partnership that Hammond was heavily involved in. Having operated for almost a century, Frost has consistently expressed a positive outlook for both his firm and horse racing. However, the departure of a key figure introduces a further challenge at a pivotal moment for the industry. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Hollywoodbets has expanded its gaming library in South Africa by entering into a new content agreement with Tom Horn Gaming. Under this partnership, Tom Horn’s suite of games—featuring popular titles such as the 243 Crystal Fruits series, Book of Aladdin, and Majestic Coins—is now accessible to Hollywoodbets customers across the country. Wade Dorkin, Head of Product at Hollywoodbets, stated: “We are excited to bring Tom Horn Gaming’s portfolio to our South African players. “Their games are known for creative design and compelling mechanics, making them an excellent addition to our platform. This deal reflects our ongoing dedication to improving our entertainment offerings with premium content.” For Tom Horn, this agreement strengthens its footprint in South Africa, following its initial market entry via a partnership with Aardvark Technologies in February 2025, and supports the firm’s broader international growth strategy. Ondrej Lapides, CEO of Tom Horn Gaming, remarked: “We are pleased to grow our relationship with Hollywoodbets and introduce our games to the South African market. “Securing full regulatory compliance for this region was a significant undertaking for our team, so it is very satisfying to see our games live with such a prominent and well-regarded operator. Hollywoodbets has established a stellar reputation and a loyal player base, and we are certain our content will be well-received by their users.” Tax debate continues Mirroring trends seen in many other African nations, South Africa has experienced a significant rise in the popularity of online betting and gaming in recent years. In response, South Africa’s National Treasury has proposed an additional 20% tax on gross gambling revenue from online operations, which would be applied in addition to existing provincial tax rates on all gambling activities. With provincial rates currently ranging from 6% to 9%, the total effective tax burden would reach between 26% and 29% if the proposal is enacted. Data from the National Gambling Board indicates that R1.5trn (£66bn) was wagered during the 2024 financial year, with gambling participation rates climbing from 30.6% to 65.7% between 2017 and 2023. While the proposed tax is estimated to generate R10bn (£456.1m) annually, the Ministry of Finance has stressed that the primary objective is to address potential social issues stemming from the growth of online gaming. The public consultation period for the proposal concluded on 27 February, and industry stakeholders are currently waiting for a decision from South African legislators regarding the potential implementation of the new tax. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - GamCare anticipates that the provisional grant of over £4m from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) VCSE Gambling Harms Prevention and Resilience Fund will enable the charity to ‘bridge the divide between harm and assistance for thousands’. With this funding, slated for the 2026-2028 period, the charity plans to launch two specific initiatives: a community outreach project and specialized assistance for individuals impacted by the gambling habits of others. Pending final confirmation, both services are scheduled to commence in April 2026. Backed by the prevention component of the statutory gambling operator levy, OHID has recently distributed £25.4m among 33 voluntary, community, and social enterprise groups that offer gambling harm support throughout England. Victoria Corbishley, CEO of GamCare, stated: “Once finalized, this provisional funding will assist us in narrowing the gap between harm and help for thousands of individuals throughout England. “Whether an individual is personally struggling or seeking to assist a family member, they are entitled to receive prompt, empathetic, and expert care.” GamCare’s planned use of OHID funds The community outreach initiative will deploy dedicated professionals across London, the South East, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, with a primary focus on engaging diverse and marginalized populations through collaborations with grassroots and specialist providers. GamCare explained that these outreach staff will ‘conduct awareness campaigns, structured early-intervention dialogues, and referral assistance, all aimed at connecting with individuals at the earliest opportunity’. Furthermore, individuals with personal experience within these communities will be hired and trained to foster sustainable local support networks. The national program for those affected by others' gambling seeks to assist the estimated four million people in England who may be dealing with the repercussions of someone else’s gambling without necessarily recognizing the root cause. Assistance will be delivered through professional training, peer support groups, and digital resources. The initiative aims to shorten the path from harm to recovery by providing customized, expert support, particularly for underserved communities. GamCare expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with other grant recipients to establish a unified approach to addressing gambling harm across England. This effort includes coordination with local councils, following the recent distribution of £12m to metropolitan boroughs, unitary authorities, London boroughs, and county councils. “Approximately one out of every seven calls to the GamCare National Gambling Helpline originates from someone impacted by another person’s gambling, and we recognize the critical need to reach and assist more people in these circumstances,” Corbishley remarked. “This investment would enable us to achieve that, while also developing the insights and evidence necessary to bolster the sector’s response for the future.” Interested in more updates like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for all multimedia content from SBC, where our team explores the most significant developments across the iGaming, sports betting, payments, and affiliate sectors. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A Chinese citizen suspected of connections to 239 illicit gambling sites has been apprehended in Thailand, after using a Saint Kitts and Nevis passport to avoid attention. According to local publication The Thaiger, Bei Minsi, aged 32, was arrested in the Pattaya area by Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) based on information from the Chinese embassy. Although born in China, Minsi obtained citizenship from Saint Kitts and Nevis via its investment migration scheme, a route also taken by other individuals associated with Chinese illegal gambling rings. A recent probe by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCRP) and The Times identified Su Jiangbo as the fugitive whose assets were seized by the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) using an Unexplained Wealth Order. Jiangbo employed his St. Kitts and Nevis golden passport to buy London real estate and is now required to justify the origin of the purchase funds to UK officials. Minsi is alleged to have participated in an unlawful gambling operation with over 330,000 Chinese users, generating revenue of 13 billion baht (£300.9m). Authorities state he used his second passport to travel to Thailand undetected. Investigative findings connect Minsi to She Zhijiang, who was likewise detained in Thailand and later sent back to China to answer charges concerning illegal gambling. Zhijiang leads the Yatai International Holdings Group, the firm responsible for developing the Shwe Kokko Special Economic Zone in Myanmar. This border city with Thailand is known as a centre for scam operations. Zhijiang has previously faced sanctions from UK and US authorities over suspected criminal deeds and connections to human trafficking. Thai reports indicate officials are now arranging for Minsi's deportation to China to confront the allegations legally. The Chinese government has intensified efforts to prosecute those running illegal casino and scam schemes in Southeast Asia, which are more frequently preying on Chinese citizens. In January, China obtained the extradition of Chen Zhi, a Cambodian-arrested tycoon of Chinese origin accused of operating a massive fraud network. Zhi established the Prince Holding Group, a Cambodian-based conglomerate worth billions of pounds. UK and US officials have accused the group of building casinos and complexes to run scams worth billions of dollars, employing forced labour. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - As the UK’s safer gambling landscape continues to evolve, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has distributed significant grants to local authorities through its gambling harms prevention fund, with Birmingham receiving the largest allocation of £332,769. London’s local authorities also received substantial support as the funding methodology was disclosed, with 50% of the distribution based on population size and the other 50% determined by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). In total, a £12 million fund was shared among County councils, Unitary authorities, Metropolitan boroughs, and London boroughs. Other major recipients included Essex (£289,842), Lancashire (£275,649), Hampshire (£234,867), Manchester (£167,338), and Bradford (£154,748). While political debates and campaigning regarding high street gambling have persisted into 2026, the concentration of gambling venues in specific areas appears not to have been a factor in the funding allocation process. Middlesbrough, which consistently ranks among the areas with the highest density of gambling establishments—from bookmakers to Adult Gaming Centres—was allocated only £45,312 from the grant. Similarly, Luton and Blackpool also host a high concentration of gambling venues, yet their respective councils received just £57,611 and £44,159. The funding for Blackpool is particularly notable given its high volume of casinos and gaming centers, often being characterized as a destination for gambling tourism. Does this data suggest a potential weakness in the funding criteria? The OHID has admitted that there is currently insufficient evidence to develop a formula that perfectly accounts for the regional variations in gambling-related harm, and it has expressed an intention to refine the allocation model. These funding decisions also accelerate the shift toward a public health-oriented approach to safer gambling, further distancing official strategy from industry-led initiatives in the UK. The ten councils receiving the highest funding were: Birmingham — £332,769 Kent — £326,912 Essex — £289,842 Lancashire — £275,649 Hampshire — £234,867 Hertfordshire — £201,954 Norfolk — £189,672 Surrey — £187,149 Leeds — £182,116 Manchester — £167,338 While the list of top-funded authorities is dominated by large counties, the absence of London councils is misleading, as their funding is spread across a wide variety of individual boroughs. The top ten funded councils in London were: Newham — £93,820 Ealing — £86,487 Brent — £85,877 Croydon — £85,220 Enfield — £79,420 Barnet — £78,507 Tower Hamlets — £81,537 Greenwich — £63,731 Hillingdon — £65,585 Hounslow — £65,563 This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has announced the funding it will provide to local authorities throughout England to aid in the reduction of gambling-related harms. Scheduled for the 2026–2027 financial year, OHID intends to allocate £12 million in specific funding to upper-tier local councils in England. Authorities have also been notified that an extra £12 million has been set aside by OHID for distribution in the 2027–2028 period. This financial support for councils is entirely backed by the New Statutory Levy on gambling licences. OHID assumed its role as the overseeing body for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling across England in April 2025. The direct financing of councils through the statutory levy marks a transition to a centralised NHS-led framework, replacing the prior voluntary system managed by GambleAware. To qualify for the funds under the new system, local councils are required to fulfil two compulsory conditions. OHID specified: “The conditions are to complete a maturity assessment survey (which provides a baseline assessment of their activity on gambling harms prevention, helping them monitor progress over time and identify and share innovative practice). “Complete a declaration of interest, including formal confirmation from the Director of Public Health that governance, decision-making and the use of levy funds are fully independent of gambling industry influence.” Allocation of funds OHID will disburse the funding through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which mandates that councils use the money exclusively for prevention activities. The distribution model, as explained by OHID, is based on a 50/50 split, with half determined by population size and the other half modified according to the area’s average Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) score. This formula prioritises areas with higher deprivation levels, with the goal of directing more funding per person to less developed regions that face greater risks of harm. OHID will oversee and assess this initial model, which serves as a starting point to collect more community-based data on gambling disorders. Based on this population and deprivation formula, the top funding amounts for 2026–2027 will go to: Birmingham (£332,000), Kent (£326,000), Essex (£289,000), Lancashire (£275,000) and Hampshire (£235,000). In the North West, funding is focused on major metropolitan/urban councils, with Lancashire (£275,000), Manchester (£167,000) and Liverpool (£140,000) receiving the most—allocations that correspond to areas of high population density and varied deprivation scores. In the North East, funding is distributed more uniformly among councils, with County Durham (£127,000) receiving the largest sum. Newcastle and Sunderland will each be allocated approximately £70,000. Although the total funding is less than in the North West, the region's high levels of deprivation increase the per-person funding weighting. London boroughs generally fall within a funding band of £50,000 to £90,000, a result the methodology attributes to a combination of high population density and a diverse mix of deprivation levels. Larger boroughs including Brent (£85,000), Ealing (£86,000) and Croydon (£85,000) are set to get larger sums, whereas wealthier areas such as Kensington & Chelsea (£28,000) and Richmond (£28,000) are at the bottom of the scale. A new chapter for the statutory levy This announcement also marks the completion of OHID's initial responsibilities as the guardian of the Statutory Levy, with the publication this week of its first list of third-sector organisations set to receive £25 million for specialised gambling harm treatment. The eagerly awaited list named the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and GamCare as the two biggest funding recipients. Other initial beneficiaries of the levy are the Addiction Recovery Agency (£1.026m), Betknowmore (£2.99m), Citizens Advice Wokingham (£1.27m), Council for Voluntary Service Medway (£1.3m) and Gambling Harm UK (£1.25m). Political conflicts continue to impact UK gambling Although only four months have passed in 2026, UK politics has already seen a coalition of over 40 local authorities pressuring the government to step in and give councils more authority over gambling premises, alongside calls for an overhaul of local licensing rules. The “Take Back Control of Our High Streets” campaign is spearheaded by Muhammed Butt from Brent Council and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a collective of gambling reformers seeking stronger council powers over licensing and stricter advertising regulations. A central proposal is to create a single planning use class for gambling premises, designed to give councils more say over high-street developments. The coalition is also advocating for cumulative impact assessments, which would let local authorities consider area density and socio-economic factors when evaluating new licence applications. Nevertheless, despite increasing pressure, the government declared in late 2025 that it has “no plans to review” the ‘aim to permit’ principle of the Gambling Act 2005. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) affirms that its regulatory priority continues to be the implementation of the statutory levy and the creation of public health systems to assist vulnerable people and enhance service access. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed that online gaming and wagering will be the “next topic to address” in an expanding push to implement age-based digital safeguards. These remarks, which are not new, follow the administration's headline proposal to prohibit social media access for those under 15, supported by mandatory age verification requirements for platforms from January 1, 2027. While the immediate focus is on social media, the direction is toward establishing a wider compliance perimeter around all digital products that pose youth exposure risks, including licensed betting and gaming. In an interview with infokids.gr, Mitsotakis identified gaming, online gambling, and artificial intelligence as the logical next steps for the Greek government after social media controls, explicitly linking future measures to existing enforcement gaps in gambling. He noted that although gambling is “typically prohibited under 21,” regulations are being circumvented, particularly with the global rise of the unregulated market. “It is being violated. Similar applications will also exist in online gambling, because now we can in legal gambling,” said Mitsotakis. “You will tell me there is also illegal, yes. But the majority is legal. So, I think we now have the technological tools to put in place a framework for the protection of children and adolescents. “And I repeat, we are not a paternalistic state, which can solve all the issues or interpersonal relationships between parents and children. But we are doing something that is important: we are now opening the conversation. “We have a framework that can be implemented, but most importantly we are enabling parents to have this conversation with children, not from a position of weakness.” The Greek PM also emphasized that “we now have the technological tools” to enforce age restrictions, potentially signaling a shift toward more rigorous security systems. Greek bodies making efforts Many organizations, including the government itself, have been persistent in their efforts to ensure player protection in the gambling sector, which has been inundated with black market operators and illegal gambling rings. The Hellenic National Committee on Bioethics and Technoethics recently highlighted that young people in the country face an excessively high risk of gambling exposure and urged for government action. Government data indicated that nearly 800,000 citizens engaged in illegal gambling in 2024, generating an estimated €1.67bn in turnover and depriving the state of approximately €400m in annual revenue, which has led to officials introducing a draft framework of “interventions required to strengthen the Greek state and economy against the threats of black market gambling.” As part of the bill, the Hellenic Gaming Commission (EEEP) will see its staff increase from 80 to 110, and the higher quality direct digital intervention powers hinted at in the aforementioned Mitsotakis interview will be introduced. Despite the clear issues with the black market and underage gambling in Greece, it is evident that the government is working extensively to combat these challenges. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Unibet has faced criticism in the Netherlands for breaching the nation’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act (Wwft). Optdeck Service Limited, the entity operating the FDJ United brand in the Dutch market, has received an AML/CFT directive from the Netherlands’ gaming authority Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) following an investigation that found customer due diligence was ‘not being performed sufficiently’. The KSA noted that Unibet’s transaction monitoring and control measures do not align well with its policy in practice, and the operator must adjust its policy to make player and transaction monitoring more effective. Specifically, the regulator highlighted that policy adjustments are needed for financial thresholds. Via the directive, the KSA has ordered Unibet to cease its various violations. However, the regulator pointed out that the operator had ‘a cooperative attitude and proactively worked on a remediation plan’, with some violations stopped during the investigation. The KSA will conduct a follow-up inspection once the term expires. According to the regulator’s published documents, the term’s expiration date was extended in October last year. Unibet must adjust its financial thresholds to be more effective by 17 November 2025. Continuous monitoring of business relationships and client transactions must be improved by 14 April 2026. iGaming Expert has contacted Unibet to request comment on the AML/CFT directive it received from the KSA. Unibet’s recent Dutch duty-of-care fine In December last year, the KSA imposed a €4m fine on Unibet for failing to comply with duty-of-care responsibilities between 14 July 2022 and 1 July 2024. The regulator’s investigation into player files uncovered various duty-of-care violations, including allowing daily deposits of thousands of euros without intervention when signs of excessive gambling were present, and requesting income information weeks later— even after substantial losses occurred. Interventions selected were also ‘far too light’, such as easily dismissible pop-up windows, and during financial checks, non-permitted income streams (like company accounts) were included. At the time, Unibet told iGaming Expert that it ‘could have acted sooner’ in some duty-of-care cases but contested some of the investigation’s conclusions, stating that the rules during the period of the failings ‘were less specific than they are now’. In its defence against the sanctions, Unibet has challenged the KSA over the clarity of Dutch iGaming regulations. A spokesperson for FDJ United told iGaming Expert at the time: “Unibet takes this matter and its duty of care to provide a safe gaming environment at all times very seriously. We acknowledge that, with the knowledge we have now, we could have acted sooner in the case of some of the players investigated. At the same time, we do not agree with some of the conclusions. “The decision relates to the period June 2022–July 2024, when the rules were less specific than they are now. We applied those rules to the best of our knowledge. In its decision, the KSA applies a stricter interpretation than what was stated in the rules at the time. The legislation and regulations have since been tightened and, since October 2024, there has been a clearer framework for gambling limits. “Since September 2024, we have been working with a new risk detection system that identifies risky gambling behaviour more quickly and leads to stricter interventions. We are also taking additional measures to protect players. The issues referred to by the KSA are no longer possible on our platform.” Looking for more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel— the new home for all multimedia content at SBC— where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Latin America has emerged as a key growth hub for iGaming in the 2020s, and the broader region received a significant boost over the past 15 months with the launch of Brazil’s regulated iGaming sector. Unsurprisingly, this makes the region highly appealing for international operators looking to achieve their global growth goals. However, breaking into the market isn’t straightforward—especially if localization and careful planning aren’t central to the expansion strategy. 1xBet, a global operator holding more than 35 local licenses, is one such company that has expanded into Latin America in recent years. Simon Westbury, the company’s Strategic Advisor, noted that every operator encounters distinct hurdles when entering Latin America, but 1xBet can use its extensive global presence to accelerate user acquisition and build brand recognition. “We were aware of the challenges involved in entering this market,” Westbury told SBC Media during the SBC Summit Rio. “Our approach to regulated markets relies on our product offerings, digital marketing acquisition tools, and sponsorships—where permitted. “We bring over 18 years of global industry experience and serve three million monthly players, but we also integrate our global digital marketing expertise and tailor it to local market needs.” Healthy Markets Thrive on Competition High-potential markets draw global interest, leading to intense competition. This is great for consumers, who get a wide range of gambling platforms to choose from, but it puts pressure on operators competing for market share. Westbury embraces this pressure, pointing out that saturated markets foster a “survival of the fittest” environment. “We don’t ignore competition or fail to consider it, but economic principles tell us that in a crowded market, it’s survival of the fittest,” he stated. “As a global brand, our goal is always to lead the market, so we’re concentrating on our strengths—our global expertise—and how to adapt that locally to grow the 1xBet brand.” When entering new markets, operators often prioritize mass player acquisition through marketing campaigns, sponsorship deals, and bonus offers. However, there’s a critical point where acquisition spending only pays off if the operator has a solid player retention strategy. When queried about balancing acquisition and retention, Westbury emphasized that a flurry of acquisitions is useless if player churn rates are high. “Acquiring players is meaningless if you’re losing them just as quickly. Acquisition is a key part of our strategy, but retention—using our digital marketing tools to deliver personalized experiences that keep players engaged and satisfied—is just as vital.” Player Protection Leads 1xBet’s Latin American Strategy Westbury spoke with SBC during the week that part three of the International Player Safety Index—focused on Latin America—was launched. He’s discussed the report at length with SBC News in recent weeks, but in Rio, he cautioned that regulators need consistent player protection measures to sustain the positive momentum the region has seen over the past two years. “We’ve had a honeymoon phase, but as markets mature, we must ensure we’re offering players a safe and enjoyable gambling experience.” World Cup Aspirations Finally, it’s hard to talk about 2026 sports betting without mentioning the World Cup. Hosted across North America, the tournament presents both major opportunities and challenges for operators globally, but it’s ultimately a celebration of football that will offer countless betting options to players throughout Latin America—especially since Argentina and Brazil are among the top contenders to win. As Westbury concluded: “Western European operators alone face time zone challenges, but I’ve always said we’re in the entertainment and excitement business—and the World Cup fuels both. “That’s why we’re integrating World Cup-related content into our offerings, ensuring our new and existing players can bring that excitement into their experience with us while staying safe and having fun.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The global betting and gaming sector’s sports sponsorship landscape is constantly active. Just this week, several significant agreements have been finalized, reaching millions of sports enthusiasts globally. In this Sponsor Spotlight, we examine Superbet’s substantial progress in the Greek market, emphasize the growing connections between prediction markets and football, and showcase GR8 Tech’s notably special new brand representative. Greek Football Giants Go Super Less than a month after its late March debut in Greece, the Central and Eastern European (CEE) gambling giant has launched a bold strategy to capture market share by partnering with the nation’s two largest football clubs. By revealing sponsorship agreements with Panathinaikos and PAOK, Superbet is evidently targeting swift growth via a calculated boost in brand presence. Furthermore, this Romanian gambling operator intends to further bolster Greek sports by providing financial support for infrastructure projects and youth academies. Forecasting the Match Turning back to football, the North American commercial branch of Spain’s LALIGA has observed the surging interest in prediction markets within the US. Consequently, the inaugural official collaboration between a prediction market platform and a European football league has been established, as LALIGA North America signed a deal with Polymarket, a leading global prediction market platform. Shayne Coplan, CEO and Founder of Polymarket, stated: “We aim to provide fans with a more dynamic method to track the game, allowing real-time reflection of opinions on players, matches, and seasonal results.” Polymarket partners with LALIGA as predictions space lands first European football deal A Newcomer to the World Cup Expanding the scope of football and prediction markets further, FIFA has unveiled its inaugural World Cup partnership with a platform of this nature, a move that may catch some off guard. Rather than collaborating with the aforementioned Polymarket or its primary rival Kalshi, FIFA has disclosed that its newest partner is ADI Predictstreet, a firm that obtained its license in Gibraltar just days ago. Nevertheless, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed confidence that fans will be impressed by ADI Predictstreet’s offerings during the upcoming summer of football. He remarked: “Through this partnership with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet will launch a novel and thrilling way for global fans to interact with football, utilizing insights and engagement to strengthen their bond with our tournaments.” FIFA confirms Gibraltar newcomer as prediction markets partner The Special One Concluding this week’s issue is the alliance between GR8 Tech and the celebrated football manager José Mourinho, who has rightfully earned the moniker ‘The Special One’ thanks to one of the most illustrious management careers in history. GR8 Tech and Mourinho both bring profound expertise and knowledge to the table in their respective domains, and it is assured that they will successfully advocate for the art of surpassing rivals. Mourinho observed: “Having collaborated with numerous organizations over the years, I know that consistent winners are distinguished not merely by talent, but by culture—the conviction that preparation is mandatory. I identified that quality in GR8 Tech instantly.” José Mourinho joins GR8 Tech as a brand ambassador Spotlight Rankings: Who Is Making an Impact? Polymarket / LALIGA This takes the top spot thanks to the exceptional global brand recognition both entities possess. Moreover, it fits into a broader context—largely political—where prediction markets typically face scrutiny from European regulators. Might this indicate a viable path into the European market? FIFA / ADI Predictstreet Ranking second today are prediction markets once more. Although views on them are mixed, it is undeniable that partnering with the world’s premier football organization sends a clear message that these offerings are permanent. And there is no better stage to cement this than the World Cup. Superbet Taking third place is Superbet’s expansion into Greece, which has already involved securing sponsorship agreements with two of the nation’s largest sports teams, less than a fortnight after its market entry. With the added social dimension, this is evolving into a mutually beneficial and lucrative relationship for both Superbet and Greek sports. GR8 Tech / José Mourinho Finally, we have GR8 Tech’s collaboration with Mourinho. Although this operates on a much smaller scale than the other entries on today’s list, the alliance exudes confidence and remains a significant standout. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Betsson AB has released a preliminary alert regarding its Q1 2026 financial results, highlighting margin performance strains across its key markets. The Stockholm-listed gaming operator projects group revenue will hit €285 million (£248.2 million), a 3% drop from the €294 million recorded in Q1 2025. Meanwhile, EBIT is predicted to plummet to €34 million, marking a 47% decline compared to the €64 million from Q1 2025. This reflects the impact of a shifting revenue mix and rising cost pressures, which are largely tied to higher tax burdens. Breaking down its regional performance, Betsson’s Q1 results posted growth in Latin America (€93 million, up from €75 million) and Western Europe (€61 million, up from €56 million). However, this market expansion was offset by steep drops in CEECA (€96 million, down from €122 million) and the Nordics (€31 million, down from €38 million). While sportsbook revenue stayed flat year-over-year at €80 million, casino revenue fell by €8 million to €204 million. The company’s B2B division also experienced a notable downturn in performance, with revenue falling sharply to €51 million versus the €90 million logged in Q1 2025. The B2B segment’s share of total group revenue has dropped to 18%, a trend Betsson says reflects broader industry-wide adjustments, as noted in the statement that “the gross margin amounted to 57.6% (64.0) during the quarter.” In the first 10 minutes following the 4pm CET announcement, Betsson’s stock tumbled from 104.8 SEK (£8.37) to 81.95 SEK. It has since rebounded over the following hour, and as of the time of this report (5:21pm CET) it was trading at 91.30 SEK, which still marks a daily decline of more than 13%. Betsson’s CEO Stays Optimistic Even with the downturn in the company’s B2B segment — which appears to be one of the factors worrying investors — President and Chief Executive Officer Pontus Lindwall stayed confident in the business’s trajectory while recognizing the existing concerns. Pontus Lindwall, Chief Executive Officer of Betsson AB – Source: Betsson AB / SBC Leaders “Our B2B business is still being held back by reduced revenue from one of our clients,” he explained. “That said, since the beginning of December, this B2B client has seen steadying average activity levels. “Looking further ahead, I am enthusiastic about expanding our B2B revenue through both current and new partners, as we stick to our strategy of creating long-term shareholder value.” Lindwall expressed a similarly positive outlook in his comments about Betsson’s B2C operations. He stated: “Our B2C business is still performing strongly overall, with solid growth and a meaningful contribution to operating income. “That being said, we are investing in multiple B2C markets that have not yet turned a profit, which is lowering overall EBIT by roughly €10 to €15 million each quarter. “We remain confident that these markets have the potential to become profitable, and we will continue to regularly assess their performance and outlook.” Looking back at the full previous year, FY2025 saw Betsson post 8% revenue growth to reach €1.197 billion, but group earnings stagnated, falling 1% to €313.7 million (2024: €316.0 million). The flat earnings were linked to the start of higher taxes hitting bottom-line results starting in Q4. Company leadership noted improved trends, with early Q2 trading seeing average daily revenue rise 9% year-over-year through April 8, while sportsbook margins are outperforming the eight-quarter average. Betsson will release its Q1 2026 interim report on Friday, 24th April at 07.30 CEST. As of April 2026, the company has not issued formal full-year financial guidance for FY2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - With AI and shifting industry power dynamics continuing to reshape modern affiliate marketing, SBC Summit Malta will launch a dedicated Affiliates Reinvented track, examining how stakeholders can adapt and unlock new growth opportunities in an increasingly complex landscape. Held on Thursday, 30 April at the InterContinental Malta, this track will gather leading affiliates, marketing specialists, and industry experts for a mix of workshops and panel discussions centered on how the sector can adapt to a changing operating environment. Sessions will examine how evolving relationships with operators are reshaping the affiliate business model, the growing need to diversify customer acquisition channels beyond search, and the rising trend of taking affiliate businesses public. AI will also be a core theme throughout the day, with sessions exploring its impact on partnership management, content creation, and customer acquisition. “Affiliates are operating in a far more complex environment than they were even just a few years ago,” said Rasmus Sojmark, chief executive officer and founder of SBC. “Operators are growing more selective in their partnerships, search is becoming more competitive, and AI is changing how online visibility is earned. This track focuses on making affiliates aware of what strategies are working right now, and how they can implement those approaches in their own businesses.” The track will open with the workshop ‘How affiliate managers can use AI to stay ahead of the competition’, led by Stephen Clibbon (head of affiliates, VL Partners) and Elaine Gardiner (managing director, TAG Media). This session will illustrate how affiliate marketers can leverage AI to work faster and more efficiently, with practical strategies covering outreach, performance analysis, and partner optimisation, helping attendees maximize both their time and profitability. As major operators scale back their affiliate partnership programs, ‘The affiliate fallout: Survival in a shifting landscape’ will explore what this industry shift means for the future of affiliates. Featuring Vadim Aidlin (CEO, Mamuta Media), Emma-Elizabeth Byrne (head of publishing, Gentoo Media), Victoria Buttigieg (marketing and social media manager, Marlin Media), Clinton Cutajar (CTO, MediaTroopers), and Brendon Spiteri (head of commercial, Routy), the panel will unpack the impact of this shift on affiliate business models and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. The discussion will also examine how affiliates can build more sustainable long-term strategies, whether operators risk losing audience reach by pulling back on partnerships, and what the next phase of the affiliate-operator relationship could look like. Delegates will explore how AI is being used to manipulate search results in the workshop ‘AI manipulation – how machines are rewriting the SERPs’, led by SEO expert Alan Cladx (co-founder and CEO, AquaPony). Cladx will demonstrate how AI models are now influencing authority signals and rewriting search ranking logic at scale. This session will equip affiliates with a clear understanding of how these strategies work, the risks involved in deploying them, and how they can stay competitive in an increasingly complex search environment. Also featured on the track is the workshop Inside black-hat SEO – how it’s done (and how safe it really is), led by Daniel Lux (SEO strategist), which will walk delegates through how black hat SEO actually works, and the risks associated with using these tactics. Get Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Reserve your spot at SBC Summit Malta with our exclusive VIP Event Pass. Priced at €600, the pass gives you full access to everything SBC Summit Malta has to offer, including three days of networking, conference programming, and exhibition access. Looking for an Expo+ Pass? The pass is available for just €150. If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free complimentary pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here. Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Speculation persists that Finland’s government is weighing the sale of shares in state-owned Veikkaus as regulatory reforms near completion. Starting in July 2027, Finland will move away from Veikkaus’s monopoly on betting, online casino, and online bingo services to a competitive licensing framework. This shift has opened up the possibility of Veikkaus being listed on the Finnish stock exchange, a move intended to generate funds for an economy struggling with sluggish growth. But Maija Strandberg, Finland’s Director General of Ownership Steering, told Finnish publication Kauppalehti that a possible initial public offering (IPO) is not expected to happen before the current government’s term ends in April 2027. She said: “You can think of it this way: the market will open in the summer of 2027, and Veikkaus will need to demonstrate that it can compete in that market. Is one year enough for the company to prove this? We would then be at the end of 2028. If we take any action, we are approaching the turn of the decade.” Strandberg added that Finland’s government aims to raise €3 billion in revenue to support an investment program, which includes selling stakes in publicly traded companies. Previously, the state generated €1.94 billion by listing Posti Oyj, the country’s postal service, on the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange in October 2025. Beyond financial gains, industry experts have noted that taking Veikkaus public would benefit Finland’s gaming sector by decoupling the organization from its dual role of regulating the market and operating within it. During a recent SBC webinar, Antti Koivula, Chief Compliance Officer at Hippos ATG, stated that “there is no strategic value for the state to own gambling operators; instead, it should stay on the regulatory side.” “Mixing the roles of market operator and regulator at the same time is not advisable—it’s a recipe for trouble,” he further commented. Lessons from FDJ? Across Europe, moving away from monopolies has resulted in state-owned operators transitioning into publicly listed companies. Nine years after France opened its online sports betting and poker markets to new licensees in 2010, the state-owned Française des Jeux—now rebranded as FDJ United—was listed on Euronext Paris, with 20% of the company acquired by shareholders. Jari Vähänen, Co-Founder and Partner at The Finnish Gambling Consultants, suggested that Finland could follow a similar route. However, he pointed out that Veikkaus’s diverse business segments might make the process more complex. Veikkaus’s portfolio includes a technology firm, a B2B service provider, Fennica Gaming (a B2B provider for global markets), and the operating arm that will compete in the new multi-licensed market. He said: “If the entire Veikkaus group were listed, there would be at least four separate private entities competing against other firms—but these entities would have different business narratives than the exclusive license-holding Veikkaus, so I’m not sure how that would work.” Nevertheless, he observed that privatizing Veikkaus’s multi-licensed division would be “relatively straightforward.” The application period for prospective new entrants opened in March, and law firm Nordic Legal reports that between 10 and 20 companies have expressed interest in joining the market. Although the market will open up for certain verticals, Veikkaus will keep exclusive control over Lotto, Eurojackpot, and physical slot machines and casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Portugal’s gambling regulator is looking to simplify the self-exclusion process as it undertakes a system revamp and introduces a new user experience. Unveiled by the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) on April 8 (yesterday), both players and non-players can use the platform to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators in Portugal. According to the regulator, the new system features a ‘simpler and more intuitive interface’ to enable faster and more efficient self-exclusion requests, and it has also been optimized for mobile devices. SRIJ stated: “With this new platform, SRIJ reinforces the quality of its digital services and the effectiveness of the gambling control mechanisms available to players.” Players can self-exclude for a specific period—with a minimum of three months—or indefinitely. Since regulation began in 2015, Portugal’s gaming market has grown to include 17 licensed operators. In Q4 2025, the market generated €337.6 million, a 4.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Responsible gaming is a key pillar of any regulated market, and the enhancement of Portugal’s self-exclusion service advances these goals. However, Miguel Luis, Head of Compliance at Portuguese operator Lebull, emphasized that the jurisdiction must learn from other markets and ensure measures do not create enough friction to push players to the black market. Speaking to iGaming Expert, he commented: “The biggest challenge is to maintain an engaging and frictionless experience while protecting the player from risky behaviour. The most common responsible gaming measures, such as wager, deposit or loss limits, are often seen by players as an ‘interference’ in their leisure time.” “I believe the right balance involves investing in educational UX/UI, with elements that resonate with the players, creating experiences where RG tools are presented not as barriers, but as elements of value to the user, and especially where these can be communicated as something good and at the reach of the player, not just as something ‘there’, or unilaterally imposed on the player.” Luis also noted that an effective responsible gambling regime requires ‘true cross-sector’ collaboration between stakeholders. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - GR8 Tech has launched a major update for its ULTIM8 Sportsbook in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This update delivers enhancements across the full scope of GR8 Tech’s flagship sportsbook product, with the first being a revamped design that creates a more intuitive experience for players. It splits Live and Pre-Match user flows apart, adds dedicated Sport and Tournament Lobbies, and creates multiple entry points that direct players straight to the content they came for – effectively boosting conversion rates and cutting the gap between a player’s betting intent and placing their wager. Another user-focused improvement sees ULTIM8 Sportsbook’s widget-based architecture now fully extend across the new navigation infrastructure, which gives operators full CSM control over layouts, campaigns, and featured markets, all of which can be managed entirely in-house. Next, GR8 Tech’s Bet Builder tool has been expanded to add Corners, Cards, and Player Props options to its football offering, creating a more diverse selection of markets for every match, aligning with the increased number of teams and games in this year’s World Cup tournament. An entirely new feature is the Enhanced Prices market for football, which is separated from the standard winner market that carries promotional mechanics like early payout and accumulator bonuses. The key difference is that while the standard market remains fully ready to support promotions, the Enhanced Prices market offers improved odds without those promotional tools attached. A majority of the upgrades are already live on ULTIM8 Sportsbook, while the remaining updates will be rolled out just in time for the tournament’s kickoff. Dinos Doxiadis, Head of Sportsbook Business at GR8 Tech, concluded: “No matter what any single operator does, the World Cup will drive a huge volume of betting activity. The real question is how much of that revenue operators can retain. “Operators that treat this as just a traffic event rather than a product opportunity will see the impact in their retention data three months later. A player who enjoys a smooth experience finding and placing a bet during the group stage is a player you have a chance to keep long-term. That is what we are building toward.” Want to enjoy more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all multimedia content from SBC, where our team takes deep dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Genius Sports recruits ‘engagement expert’ Tony Marlow as new CMO Genius Sports has announced the appointment of Tony Marlow as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), who will join the executive leadership team of the NYSE-listed sports technology, media, and data group. Marlow comes to Genius from LG Ad Solutions, where he served as CMO and played a key role in establishing the business as a leader in connected TV and digital entertainment ecosystems. Genius highlighted his extensive industry experience, which includes prior CMO roles at Integral Ad Science and Data Axle, as well as leading B2B marketing at Yahoo. In his new role, Marlow will oversee Genius Sports’ global marketing, communications, and brand strategy. CEO Mark Locke commented: “We are the operating system of sport, with the infrastructure to create value across every part of the ecosystem. As the industry converges across data, media, betting, and advertising, our focus is on scaling that platform globally. Tony’s appointment strengthens our leadership team and our ability to execute against that vision and accelerate growth across the business.” Marlow joins at a critical moment for Genius Sports, as the company enters the final stages of its proposed $1.2bn (£900m) acquisition of Legend Media—set to be the largest transaction in its history. The deal will support the launch of a new media division, expanding Genius’ data services and reinforcing its position in sports content syndication for partners and clients. For sportsbook partners, Genius is also preparing 2026 upgrades to its BetVision product, with coverage set to extend into basketball and tennis. Marlow will lead global go-to-market efforts targeting core audiences, including leagues and federations, broadcasters and streamers, betting operators, advertisers, and brands. “I’m thrilled to join as CMO at such an exciting juncture. The live moment economy is here, and the sports category can now deliver even more value to fans and brands by helping them engage during the moments that matter most,” said Marlow. That creates value across the entire ecosystem while delivering a better experience for fans. Genius has built the infrastructure to make that possible. Our opportunity now is to bring that to the market in highly visible ways.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A new protocol has been communicated to licensed gambling operators in Spain, mandating enhanced customer identity verification and the confirmation of players' tax statuses. This initiative was launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which holds federal responsibility for Spain's gambling industry. The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) will lead the implementation, working in conjunction with the State Tax Agency (AEAT). The protocol is a direct countermeasure to a rising trend of identity theft associated with online gambling, where winnings are fraudulently reported using stolen personal details. Data from 2025 shows the DGOJ received 8,675 complaints concerning impersonated taxpayers, a figure that represents a 12% increase from the previous year and highlights the growing severity of the problem. Anxieties among regulators were compounded by amendments to Spain's tax reporting rules, which took effect in 2025. The AEAT reduced the reporting requirement for gambling winnings from €1,000 (£871) down to €300 for individuals with an annual income exceeding €22,000. Although the goal was to boost fiscal transparency, this adjustment has heightened the risk of fraudulent claims, as even small wins can now create tax obligations under a stolen identity. Within the reported incidents, over 7,600 cases implicated people listed on Spain's self-exclusion registry. Regulators also identified situations where minors circumvented age controls by using the identities of others, frequently family members. The new framework obligates operators to adopt more rigorous verification procedures and to assist authorities in detecting suspicious account behavior. The protocol aims to simplify the process for victims to report issues and to facilitate the swift rectification of fraudulently incurred tax debts. To aid in implementation, the DGOJ has rolled out the PACS (Automated Case Management System) and a specialized online portal. This portal offers instructions on reporting identity theft and resolving tax status with the AEAT, while the system improves coordination between regulators, police, and tax officials to speed up investigations and resolutions. According to the regulator, identity fraud tactics are growing more advanced, with criminal groups employing automated tools to mass-produce accounts and take advantage of promotional offers like welcome bonuses. Sports betting remains the primary source of most incidents, but a significant surge in online casino-related fraud points to a widening of the issue across the gambling market. Authorities will keep assessing the protocol's performance as a component of Spain's broader regulatory approach, and additional actions are anticipated if identity misuse and related tax threats continue within the licensed sector. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Playtech has moved quickly to respond to recent developments in its ongoing legal dispute with Evolution. The company said it will ‘defend itself vigorously’ against Evolution’s U.S. defamation lawsuit— which accuses Playtech of orchestrating a defamatory smear campaign against the company— and described the allegation as ‘baseless and without merit’. Playtech’s statement was issued after Evolution named the supplier as a defendant alongside Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and Black Cube, and also added Juda Engelmayer and other individuals to the list of defendants. Playtech to ‘defend itself vigorously’ against Evolution Playtech has been anticipating this since October of last year, when Evolution held the supplier responsible for commissioning Black Cube to investigate Evolution’s operations in prohibited and sanctioned markets, as well as its supply to unlicensed operators in regulated markets. Playtech stated: “As previously announced, Playtech stands by both the decision to commission the report at the centre of Evolution’s claims, and the validity of its findings. “Evolution continues to seek to avoid legitimate scrutiny rather than addressing longstanding questions about its own conduct, including its decision to supply operators in both illegal and sanctioned markets and to support unlicensed operators in regulated markets. “Playtech welcomes court and regulatory examination of the report and its findings and, importantly, the opportunity to be involved in the discovery process including to question Evolution’s employees, executives and officers in court. “The company is very confident based on evidence it has, including recent additional evidence, that these proceedings will confirm the credibility and legitimacy of the report and the importance of the issues it seeks to address. “Playtech will defend itself vigorously against Evolution’s claims and will continue to act in the best interests of industry operators, suppliers and regulators as well as its shareholders.” Evolution Names Playtech as a Defendant Earlier today, Evolution issued a statement claiming Playtech orchestrated a defamatory smear campaign against it to enter the North American market and eliminate competitors. The legal filing also accuses Playtech of ‘trade libel, fraud and racketeering, as well as withholding information about its conduct from shareholders— even though Playtech Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer actively participated in preparing and spreading the defamatory report’. Evolution noted: “We are formally naming Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are clear: Playtech hired Black Cube to create and publicise a defamatory report designed to harm Evolution, all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its role. “For nearly four years, Playtech spent millions of dollars in legal fees to conceal its involvement in this smear campaign and avoid accountability.” Evolution continued: “We are confident in our rigorous compliance policies and practices, and that the facts in this case are on our side. We look forward to holding Playtech, Black Cube, and all their accomplices accountable for the harm they have caused.” Looking for more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel— SBC’s new home for all multimedia content— where our team takes deep dives into the top stories from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments sectors. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Hub88 has introduced a new Page Insights tool as part of its HubAI suite. This feature enables Hub88's partners to transform data tables into visual dashboards, which the company notes facilitates the discovery of practical insights. Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, stated: “As our platform grows, our primary focus is making data more reachable and useful for our partners. “Page Insights greatly enhances how users engage with extensive data, merging AI analysis with clear visualization tools for immediate understanding and deeper perspective.” HubAI was originally introduced by Hub88 as an integrated assistant for partners in late 2025. Key features of the new update include a HubAI insights sidebar that automatically produces charts for metrics like top-performing games. The tool also utilizes HubAI’s context mode, enabling the system to analyze and explain data in response to specific queries. A fresh direction for content Beyond new features, Hub88 has recently worked to bolster the content available on its aggregation platform. In late March, the company revealed a partnership with Tequity, integrating the studio's game library, including its 17 ‘Originals’ titles. The collaboration with Tequity also covers Publishing vertical content and Crypto Trading games, broadening the options for Hub88's operator partners. During the same month, Hub88 finalized similar deals with 7Rings Gaming, DEGEN Studios and LuckyDraw. “We are excited to welcome Tequity to the Hub88 platform,” Castleman remarked at the time. “Their mix of Originals, Publishing content, and new Crypto Trading games provides our partners with more unique gaming options and a simplified path to launch.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Aintree Festival, featuring the Grand National, is on the verge of beginning. Following the end of the Cheltenham Festival a few weeks back, horse racing has remained in the headlines for various reasons. Now, a major calendar highlight for many is drawing near. Despite significant regulatory scrutiny facing both horse racing and betting, there remains strong optimism for what is arguably the UK's most significant race taking place this Saturday. As the festival begins today, Ben Cullen, Head of Risk at Midnite, discussed the expanding UK operator's strategy for Aintree with SBC News’ Bookies Corner, focusing on ‘the race which captures a nation’. What marketing or promotional strategies do you have in place for the Aintree Festival and Grand National? Our promotional approach for the Aintree Festival and Grand National aligns closely with our general strategy, maintaining a sharp focus on both customer acquisition and retention. During the initial two days of the Festival, we will highlight prominent Bet & Get offers, complemented by an Extra Place strategy and a range of Super Boosts. These tactics aim to draw in new sign-ups while sustaining engagement throughout the week. Ben Cullen. Credit: Midnite On Grand National Day specifically, our tactics will be more restrained. Although we will provide an Extra Place promotion for the main race, we will refrain from Bet & Get offers or excessively aggressive deals. This acknowledges the event's character, as many customers are annual bettors who participate solely for the Grand National and rarely return to the sportsbook regularly. Consequently, we aim to strike a balance between being competitive and ensuring promotional efficiency, rather than being overly generous in this area. What distinguishes Aintree – specifically the Grand National – from other events throughout the year? The Grand National stands out as a singular occasion in racing. For three days, Aintree holds the nation's attention. Individuals who haven't wagered all year suddenly find themselves analyzing form, selecting horses, and hoping for a major win. The race represents the ultimate challenge, featuring 34 runners, 30 fences, and four miles of excitement. This unpredictability defines its appeal and, quite frankly, makes it incredibly compelling for betting as well. Given the recent challenges facing the sport, how significant is horse racing for your brand? Has its priority diminished? Horse racing remains a central focus at Midnite, and we have dedicated substantial resources over the past 18 months to enhance the product we offer customers. Our client base continues to enjoy betting on horse racing, particularly during major events, and we do not anticipate this changing in the near future. Does the Grand National continue to draw in punters? Do you still consider it the year's largest horse race for your business? It is undoubtedly the year's most significant race, drawing in experienced gamblers as well as those for whom this might be their sole annual wager. The race often becomes a communal event, with families participating and watching the action unfold together. What trading patterns have you observed leading up to the festival? Are punters supporting any specific horses? It is slightly premature to answer fully, as 95% of our volume typically arrives on race day rather than beforehand. However, historically, we see wagers placed on horses that performed well at Cheltenham or in this race previously, so we anticipate needing contenders like I Am Maximus to be defeated! Have any trends from Cheltenham persisted? Are punters anticipating repeat victories? As noted earlier, I believe I Am Maximus will be a strong favorite among punters, and I expect its odds to shorten as post time approaches. We have witnessed some substantial bets in recent years, so our focus is on monitoring them closely and managing our risk effectively. Some intriguing statistics emerged from last year’s Aintree Festival, showing few Cheltenham winners also triumphed at Aintree. Are punters backing Cheltenham champions, or is there more interest in fresher horses? Since the majority of bets are placed on event day, it is too early to detect clear patterns. Nevertheless, we consistently observe trends involving horses that excelled at Cheltenham and are competing again at Aintree. Cheltenham winners remain vivid in punters' memories, and given the brief interval between meetings, there is no reason for bettors to doubt they can succeed again. What measures do you plan to implement to ensure punters remain engaged after Aintree? We will adhere to the standard practices that define our customer treatment. This involves providing an excellent user experience, easy access, rapid withdrawals, fast settlements, and fulfilling our commitments. Boasting one of the industry's most extensive content schedules also aids retention, ensuring customers have ample racing content to enjoy once the festival concludes. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.