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(AsiaGameHub) - Evolution has moved forward with its ongoing U.S. defamation lawsuit, effectively confirming that a legal showdown with Playtech is on the horizon for later this year. The firm has included Playtech as a defendant in the case—joining existing defendants Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, Black Cube, Juda Engelmayer, and several others. Evolution claims Playtech organized a defamatory smear campaign targeting it, with the aim of breaking into the North American market and removing a key competitor. The legal filing further accuses Playtech of ‘trade libel, fraud and racketeering, as well as concealing details of its actions from shareholders despite Playtech Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer‘s active involvement in creating and spreading the defamatory report’. iGaming Expert has contacted Playtech to get its take on being added to Evolution’s ongoing U.S. defamation lawsuit. Last October, Evolution identified Playtech subsidiary Playtech Software Limited as the party that hired Black Cube to probe the provider’s operations in banned or sanctioned markets, plus its supply of services to unlicensed operators in regulated regions. Back then, Playtech stated that the claim of a smear campaign was “completely false and intended to divert attention from major concerns about Evolution’s business practices”, adding that it reaffirmed its choice to commission the report and expressed openness to a court review. Evolution adds Playtech to lawsuit In its most recent statement, Evolution noted: “We are officially including Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are undeniable: Playtech engaged Black Cube to produce and promote a defamatory report aimed at damaging Evolution—all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its involvement. “Over almost four years, Playtech has spent millions in legal costs to hide its role in this smear campaign and evade responsibility.” Evolution also cited rulings from two U.S. state gaming regulators, which found that the information from the investigation lacked ‘evidentiary support’, adding that the report’s spread by Engelmayer and other defendants kept inflicting major reputational and financial damage on Evolution. “Any justification Playtech gives for commissioning the defamatory report is contradicted by the £1.5m success fee it promised Black Cube for getting the results it wanted, plus the extreme steps Playtech took to hide its identity,” Evolution continued. “Playtech and Black Cube keep making false claims of supposed misconduct during these legal proceedings, and we anticipate this will continue. It’s worth noting that Playtech currently runs or has run operations in some of the exact markets it accuses Evolution of operating in illegally. “Playtech was even penalized in 2025 for compliance failures linked to some of its Swedish operations. These accusations are nothing more than Playtech’s ongoing efforts to undercut competition by damaging Evolution’s business and reputation. “We have full confidence in our strict compliance policies and practices, and the facts of this case are on our side. We’re eager to hold Playtech, Black Cube, and all their associates responsible for the harm they’ve inflicted.” Playtech disputes Evolution claims Playtech recently addressed the legal conflict with Evolution in its FY2025 financial report, released at the end of March. It stood by its decision to hire Black Cube to examine Evolution’s business practices and denied any claims of illegal behavior. In the report’s notes section, Playtech stated: “On 21 October 2025, Evolution AB publicly named Playtech Software Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, as the entity that commissioned a 2021 report by Black Cube—one that has been referenced in ongoing U.S. proceedings but does not involve any Group entity. “Additionally, on the same day, Evolution AB announced it would revise its complaint to include Playtech Software Ltd as a defendant. However, as of the date these financial statements were approved, Evolution had not requested court permission to add any Group entity to the New Jersey proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech Plc, Playtech Software Limited, or any other Group entity. “The Group rejects any claims of illegal activity. Given the case’s early stage and the absence of any served claim (including no indication of the potential amount), this is classified solely as a contingent liability.” Interested in more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the go-to destination for all multimedia content at SBC, 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) - Super has detailed its Greek expansion plans to iGaming Expert, expressing confidence that Superbet will quickly capture market share from established local players. This move represents the debut trial of the company's "Super" corporate framework, supported by Blackstone's capital. Last week, Super—the rebranded corporate entity of Superbet—announced the Greek debut of its primary brand. Management believes the updated organizational model is capable of penetrating one of the most crowded online betting and iGaming sectors in Europe. This expansion serves as the initial major evaluation of Superbet’s revamped goals, which are fueled by a €1.2 billion investment from Blackstone. The private equity firm is backing Super to evolve into a multi-billion-euro iGaming powerhouse. Market analysts are keen to see how Superbet fares against more than 20 long-standing competitors in Greece, a landscape currently dominated by local giants such as Kaizen Gaming (Stoiximan), Novibet, and OPAP. The stakes are significant. Adam Lamentowicz, Chief Commercial Officer CEE at Super, is directing an aggressive market entry strategy that focuses on competitive sportsbook odds, localized services, brand visibility, and high-profile football sponsorships. “Greece is characterized by its fervent sports culture, which perfectly matches our identity as a sports entertainment provider,” Lamentowicz remarked. “Furthermore, the stable and transparent regulatory environment provides the necessary certainty for long-term investment.” Greece becomes Superbet’s fifth active market in Europe, joining its operations in Romania, Poland, Serbia, and Belgium. However, the Greek market is notably more developed and competitive than its previous expansion targets. Lamentowicz suggested that the high level of competition actually confirms the market's strength rather than serving as a barrier. “We don’t view ourselves as arriving late,” he noted. “Instead, we believe this is the ideal moment to disrupt both the iGaming and sports wagering sectors.” He further commented: “Our rivals have spent the last decade maturing the customer base. This creates an environment where our sophisticated product can excel, as users now have higher expectations.” A major factor in this optimism is Superbet’s technology, which is designed as a scalable and localized ecosystem rather than a simple sportsbook. “Our platform integrates a cutting-edge sportsbook, a wide-ranging iGaming suite, free-to-play options, and our own Supersocial network,” Lamentowicz said. “This holistic strategy enables us to provide an experience that transcends standard betting.” He added: “We have full confidence in our technical capabilities and our business model. By pairing our technology with precise local execution, we consistently achieve excellent customer engagement.” Super structure faces Greek test Notably, the company chose an organic entry into Greece rather than acquiring an existing firm, allowing it to maintain total control over its brand and the user experience. Consequently, Greece acts as the first real-world test for Superbet’s new corporate vision and its strategy for rapid international growth. “The Superbet brand is a vital strategic tool that we implement directly in new territories,” Lamentowicz explained. “By launching organically, we manage the entire customer journey and brand positioning from the start.” While mergers and acquisitions remain a possibility elsewhere, the company identified Greece as a market where success depends on dedicated brand investment and a capable local team. If technology provides the foundation, then localization is the company's primary competitive advantage. “Localization is a critical factor in every region we enter,” Lamentowicz emphasized. “We have established a successful history across Central and Eastern Europe that few other operators can match.” This strategy will be bolstered by a major sponsorship push, as Superbet prepares to announce partnerships designed to integrate the brand into the Greek sports scene. “We are dedicated to enhancing sports sponsorships in Greece through impactful collaborations,” he stated. “Our aim is to build deep ties with local supporters and introduce a new level of sports entertainment.” Go big or go home Despite these high goals, the core challenge remains: winning over customers from well-entrenched local leaders in a mature market. Shortly after its Greek launch, Superbet confirmed its initial major football deals, partnering with Super League teams PAOK Thessaloniki and Panathinaikos. These agreements will place the Superbet brand as the primary shirt sponsor, greatly increasing its local profile and marking a significant step in its effort to challenge domestic brands directly. Despite the bold entry, Lamentowicz remains focused: “Competition doesn't discourage us—it drives our performance and innovation,” he said. “Our objective is to secure a leading position in every market we join.” He concluded: “We are certain that our focus on the customer, product innovation, and effective local operations will allow us to grow quickly and become a preferred brand in Greece.” In a sector long controlled by established names, Superbet’s arrival in Greece is not just about joining the market—it is about demonstrating that even the most dominant players can be challenged. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) - Betting exchange operator Betfair, which is owned by Flutter, has rolled out a new interface for its Betfair Exchange product via a soft launch, featuring a user experience aligned with the familiar prediction markets format. Named Betfair Predicts, the offering is currently undergoing BETA testing with a small, curated group of customers. Backed by the existing liquidity of the Exchange, it gives users the option to forecast outcomes of events ranging from politics to sports, with the key note that rather than placing a traditional bet, users stake funds on a binary Yes/No result. Based on feedback from its users, the company believes there is strong demand for products of this kind in the UK. Even so, Betfair has opted not to make firm projections about how the product will develop, as it is “far too early” to share any conclusive statements. Speaking to SBC News, a Betfair spokesperson added: “We are constantly trialing new innovations, and Betfair Predicts is one example of this ongoing work. This is a BETA product that will evolve in line with customer feedback.” It is worth noting that Betfair provided technical expertise to another Flutter brand, the US-focused FanDuel, for the launch of FanDuel Predicts last year. However, even though the two offerings share a similar core foundation, Betfair has avoided drawing parallels between the UK Betfair Predicts and the US FanDuel Predicts platforms, given the drastic differences in how prediction markets are regulated across the two countries. In the US, prediction markets do not currently fall under gambling regulations, and are instead classified as financial instruments. For this reason, they are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Kalshi and Polymarket are the two largest prediction market platforms operating in the US, and the sector has also caught the attention of more traditional players in the gambling space, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and a number of other operators. To date, though, prediction markets have only achieved a major breakthrough in the US, as regulators in most other parts of the world largely categorize them as gambling platforms, meaning they are required to secure relevant operating licenses to enter those jurisdictions. This is particularly evident in Europe, where countries including France, Belgium, Romania, Germany and others have imposed full outright bans on the products – despite a recent license approval in Gibraltar suggesting that they may eventually overcome the current regulatory barriers. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has taken a more accommodating approach, stating that prediction markets are permitted to operate as long as they obtain a valid gambling license. While similar peer-to-peer offerings have been active in the UK for a considerable period of time, with Betfair Exchange being a leading example, the fact that all these services are licensed by the UKGC removes any ambiguity over how they are classified in the market. 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) - There are growing calls for the Italian government to immediately scrap the 2018 Dignity Decree, as political repercussions mount in the wake of the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup. Italy’s shock defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which confirmed the country will miss the 2026 tournament hosted across the US, Mexico and Canada, has sparked an unsurprising full-blown blame game within the halls of both chambers of Rome’s parliament. The crisis has been labelled a “Terza Apocalisse” (‘Third Apocalypse’) by La Gazzetta dello Sport, while Corriere dello Sport ran a blunt front page that simply read “Tutti a Casa” — meaning “Everyone go Home” — that perfectly captured the widespread public despair. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took immediate action, ordering a formal inquiry into the current state of Italian football, its governance structures and funding arrangements. Unsurprisingly, the brunt of the backlash has fallen directly on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which has faced instant criticism from both political circles and the media. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned on 2 April 2026 amid mounting pressure from Sports Minister Andrea Abodi and Meloni, both of whom had demanded a sweeping overhaul of the federation and its senior leadership ranks. The wave of departures continued as Azzurri legend Gianluigi Buffon, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, stepped down from his post as Delegation Head, describing his choice as an “act of responsibility after failing to secure Italy’s return to the World Cup”. National team head coach Gennaro Gattuso followed suit on 3 April, resigning with a “heavy heart” amid fierce criticism of his tactical approach, with commentators describing his tenure as “reductive and lacking leadership during decisive moments”. Yet the FIGC cannot be held solely responsible for the failure. Italian policymakers are acutely aware that the country’s national sport faces a structural funding deficit that has gone unaddressed for more than a decade. Warning signs of the crisis have been visible throughout 2026, as no Serie A clubs managed to progress beyond the opening knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, frequently outperformed by rival European sides (take Inter Milan’s 3-1 loss to Bodø/Glimt, for example!). While Gravina’s resignation was widely expected, he used his final remarks to hit out at the government’s inaction on improving the state of domestic football. The outgoing president reiterated that he had previously submitted proposals aimed at restoring the financial sustainability of Italian football — with the repeal of the Dignity Decree top of the list. A core component of his reform package was the introduction of a “right to bet” proposal, under which a percentage of all football-linked gambling revenues would be redistributed back into the sport. Gravina argued that such a framework, which aligns with European regulatory principles, would provide ring-fenced funding for infrastructure development, youth academies, and other initiatives that have already been rolled out by countries once considered football minnows compared to Italy. Decree must die The first priority should be the immediate removal of Italy’s blanket ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship. Gravina is adamant that the Dignity Decree has been “proven largely ineffective” at reducing gambling-related harm. Instead, he warned, the policy has stripped Italian clubs of critical commercial revenues, leaving them at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to their European counterparts, where betting brands remain leading sponsors for top teams. The Dignity Decree has remained controversial ever since its introduction under former State Secretary Luigi Di Maio. Originally drafted to regulate temporary labour contracts, the legislation was later expanded to impose a full ban on all gambling advertising and sponsorship arrangements. Critics across Italian media and football governance bodies maintain that the decree has failed to meet its primary objective, and has instead inflicted major economic damage, with estimates suggesting Italian football has lost up to €1bn in advertising revenues since the rule came into force. Gravina had been scheduled to present these proposals to the Chamber of Deputies’ Culture Committee as part of a wider report on the overall health of Italian football. However, the hearing was cancelled following his resignation, leaving the future of his proposed reforms uncertain. All eyes on Abodi Sports Minister Andrea Abodi is now facing significant pressure, as Italy’s string of football failures and the political urgency to fix the ailing national sport have accelerated his policy agenda. At the end of 2025, Abodi confirmed that discussions had already begun around repealing the 2018 Dignity Decree. He has since been tasked with drafting a new bill to overturn the existing legislation and establish a regulated framework for gambling advertising and sports sponsorships. Initial plans indicate that any revised framework will lock in dedicated funding streams for Italian football, with targeted investment going towards stadium infrastructure, the women’s game, and the renovation of public sporting venues. The bill will require coordination with Maurizio Leo, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and both ministries are expected to consult with Serie A leadership, including league president Ezio Simonelli, during the drafting process. Progress has been slow, however. The government’s legislative timetable has been complicated by the rollout of Italy’s new online gambling licensing regime, while a broader reorganisation of land-based gambling regulations is expected to be published in April. As is so often the case in Italy, football and politics are deeply intertwined. The Meloni government must now confront not only a sporting crisis, but also its economic consequences, with estimates suggesting the World Cup absence could cost the national economy around €2bn. As one observer noted to SBC, experiencing Italy’s third consecutive World Cup qualification failure is the equivalent of being forced to relive the sinking of the Titanic… a trauma that will never fade. _____________ Want to read more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all SBC multimedia content, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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(AsiaGameHub) - Legislators in Uganda have proposed aligning tax duties across various betting sectors as the administration aims to capitalize on the rapidly expanding gambling industry. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija introduced the Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Act 2026 to parliament. Should it be enacted, this legislation would align the tax on betting gross gaming revenue (GGR) with the 30% rate applied to casinos. Under the Lotteries and Gaming (Amendment) Act 2023, betting was previously subject to a 20% tax rate, having been considered less detrimental than casino gaming. Upon parliamentary approval, the revised 30% tax framework is scheduled to take effect on July 1, positioning Uganda among the nations with the steepest tax rates in the area. In addition to targeting operators, Ugandan officials are looking to enhance tax revenue by placing a heavier financial load on players. The tax proposals for the 2026/27 fiscal year also include a 15% withholding tax on net winnings from betting and gaming. Although this levy was eliminated during the 2023 tax reforms, it is now being reintroduced. This return to taxing players aligns with comparable moves throughout Africa and coincides with appeals from the East African Community (EAC) for complete regional tax harmonization. In December, Zimbabwe verified a hike in taxes on player winnings, raising it from 10% to 25%. Simultaneously, in Kenya, players face a 5% tax on deposits and an additional 5% on withdrawals. Uganda celebrates surge in revenue collection Earlier this year, Ugandan authorities commended a fresh regulatory strategy for driving increased revenue from the gambling sector. The National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) disclosed an almost eightfold rise in non-tax revenue from the gaming industry, climbing from Sh 1.14bn (£232,945) in the 2019/20 fiscal year to Sh 8.79bn (£1.8m) in FY 2024/25. Bernard Winyi, the acting Executive Director of the gaming board, attributed the success to the deployment of a National Central Electronic Monitoring System. He noted that this system, along with updated fee structures, has enhanced transparency regarding operators and industry activities. Reflecting broader African patterns driven by rising mobile usage and the growing appeal of remote gaming among younger audiences, Uganda's gaming market has seen robust expansion in recent years. According to the NLGRB, total annual revenue collection has surged from Sh 17.4bn (£3.6m) in FY 15/16 to Sh 323bn (£66m) in FY 24/25, highlighting the market's persistent trajectory of substantial growth. 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) - According to a new report from the Office of Impact Analysis (OIA), a partial prohibition on gambling advertising throughout Australia is projected to lower the total amount wagered each year by only AU$62.7m (£32.8m). Earlier this month, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Labor government intends to implement “strong and decisive actions” to limit gambling advertisements, stating the goal is to safeguard vulnerable and young demographics. Nevertheless, the recent OIA report indicates that the suggested partial ban would result in a mere 0.8% yearly decrease in the amount bettors wager. The analysis also included a proposal from the OIA evaluating the consequences of a total ban on gambling advertising. The report stated: “AGRC’s research indicates that implementing a full ban would cause total yearly wagering expenditure to drop by $109.5m (1.4%). Currently, the department cannot calculate the decline in revenue for states and territories.” The impact analysis elaborated further, noting that while a complete ban would offer a “higher net benefit” for Australians, this would be counterbalanced by “a significant financial burden on the industry, affecting Australia’s grassroots sports and media sector”. A Long Time Coming Prime Minister Albanese has been considering tighter restrictions on gambling advertisements for an extended period, with this recent crackdown receiving support from various political parties and community groups across Australia. A 2023 parliamentary report, widely referred to as the Murphy report after its author, the late MP Peta Murphy, proposed 31 regulatory reforms for Australia. A primary recommendation was prohibiting gambling advertising, but the sluggish pace of the government in enacting these measures—along with others from the Murphy report—has frustrated backbench MPs. “It has been a source of criticism for Albanese regarding his handling of the Labor party,” stated Ted Menmuir, Editor-at-Large at SBC Media, during this week’s iGaming Daily podcast. “I believe 2026 was a pivotal year for determining the direction he would take and how he would assert his resolutions on gambling advertising. We saw the announcement emerge this weekend.” However, the government’s new restrictions do not constitute a total ban. Instead, Albanese’s proposed measures focus on five primary limitations: caps on broadcast TV, blackouts during live sports, radio watershed hours, digital controls, and bans within sporting environments. Limitations will also apply to the utilization of celebrities and professional athletes in gambling marketing, as well as the use of advertisements featuring “odds-style” content. In a recent address to the National Press Club, Albanese clarified that the new restrictions reflect the government’s dedication to “getting the balance right” concerning gambling advertisements. He remarked: “Allowing adults to gamble if they choose, while ensuring our children are not bombarded with betting ads wherever they look.” Superficially, the OIA report validates the necessity of this balance, anticipating that the changes will “deliver a meaningful reduction in wagering advertising exposure” throughout Australia. Far-Reaching Consequences Although a partial ban was anticipated, the decision has triggered a backlash from industry stakeholders. Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), a trade group, criticized the advertising curbs as “draconian,” warning they could set a “dangerous precedent.” “This announcement, made without prior warning or genuine consultation, is a real kick in the guts for the industry,” stated Kai Cantwell, Chief Executive of RWA, at the time of last week’s announcement. “This establishes a dangerous precedent. Today it targets gambling advertising, but tomorrow it could be alcohol, followed by sugary drinks, fast food, critical minerals, and who knows what else.” The recent OIA report verifies that the advertising restrictions will affect 2,461 entities within the industry, encompassing betting firms, broadcasters, podcasters, and streaming platforms. It is also anticipated to have a cascading effect on the third sector, as the report notes that “if wagering activity decreases due to this option, there may also be a diminished need for government spending on support services”. From a socio-economic standpoint, the OIA projects the benefit for Australians to range between $117.6bn and $182.2bn under a a partial ban. Conversely, that figure climbs to $332.1bn for a complete ban, which includes a $109.5m drop in annual wagering expenditure. The report further stated: “Like Option 2 [partial restrictions], this option is expected to result in a substantial decrease in moderate and high-risk wagering activity, which will be partly balanced by a rise in low and no-risk wagering. “Moderate and high-risk wagering expenditure is projected to fall by $136.8m, whereas low and no-risk wagering could grow by $27.3m (with 93% of this increase falling into the no-risk wagering category).” Nevertheless, many gambling reform advocates in Australia view the Albanese government as sluggish in acting against gambling ads—and in enacting the remaining Murphy report recommendations, as previously noted. While the issue of advertising appears to be resolved, reform advocates still possess numerous other objectives. Key recommendations from the Murphy report include establishing a dedicated national regulator for the gambling sector—a role currently filled de facto by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and, in the opinion of many, the Northern Territory Wagering Commission (NTWC). “I don’t believe this has satisfied any faction,” remarked Menmuir regarding the advertising restrictions during his podcast appearance this week. “There remain divisions across the board regarding how the issue will progress, but at least we have reached a point of settlement.” 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) - If there was any doubt that the UK is stepping into a new phase of preventing gambling harm, the first roster of initial levy funding recipients has settled it. Anxiety has been growing in recent months about the fragmented approach to safer gambling, as many key stakeholders have chosen to withdraw from the new process—especially as Public Health England and the new system’s structure move quickly to cut all links with the industry. Looking beyond the surface, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)’s list of funded organizations reflects a new position: treating gambling like obesity, tobacco, or alcohol—likely a public health-focused approach. Many have expressed regret over the loss of the nuanced approach to safer gambling that was previously in place, now that it’s been pushed onto Public Health England’s agenda. A more structured strategy appears to be in the works, with a prevention-first approach that mirrors how tobacco and alcohol are handled. BetBlocker received £1,120,000, Gambling Harm UK (which specializes in training and risk response) got £1,248,620, and YGAM – a charity centered on school-based education and prevention – was awarded £3,000,000. YGAM, the second-largest recipient in the first round, delivers educational programs to younger groups—highlighting one of the demographics OHID considers most at risk and underscoring why prevention is critical. Additionally, the Greater Manchester Youth Network and numerous local Citizens’ Advice Bureaus received funding to enhance education about gambling-related harms. Even for groups that got funding, worries will surely persist about their long-term financial outlooks. Take GamCare: its annual report shows it got £11.3 million from service contracts and grants with GambleAware. But from OHID’s funding pool, it received just over £4 million—still making it the top recipient on OHID’s list. This means the charity (which runs the National Gambling Helpline) has to hope the NHS will cover the gap when it distributes the 50% of levy funds set aside for treatment, or find other sources of income. In a LinkedIn post, BetBlocker CEO Duncan Garvie said: “I’m humbled that BetBlocker was approved for funding in this way. “While we’re clearly thrilled to get this support and have our work recognized as worthy of funding, I feel the responsibility that comes with this grant. “But even as I’m proud of this award, the past few weeks have been bittersweet. So many vital organizations—providing top-notch services—didn’t get funding. These choices have real-life impacts and could threaten the very existence of those groups. “There’s nothing I can say to truly comfort the organizations in this situation. But I’m here to help. If there’s any way I or we can support our sector partners through this tough period, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.” It’s still unclear what the future of safer gambling in the UK will fully entail, but the obvious shift in how gambling is perceived will probably frustrate many in the industry. OHID’s approach could change how gambling is seen—from a pastime deeply ingrained in UK sports culture to a harmful product, treating it as inherently negative. Industry collaboration once offered nuanced insights and understanding that were seen as key to effective protection. But it’s clear this is at risk of fading in the new funding landscape. At the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, Jordan Lea, founder of DealMeOut, said: ‘Treatment providers need to be able to work with the industry impartially.’ He warned that the competition for funding has risked cutting off those who need help the most. As the safer gambling ecosystem already faces significant losses, both sides need to soften their positions to best protect those most vulnerable to problem gambling. In several ways, the funding and refreshed approach to sector education is a positive step—especially as younger audiences are increasingly exposed to gambling through multiple channels. But nuance is crucial: the gambling industry is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach borrowed from other high-risk sectors won’t work effectively. As the industry undergoes major changes, it’s essential to embrace collaboration with and expertise from the sector itself. 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) - Buzz Bingo believes it has established a framework for overcoming high street challenges and reversing downward trends. However, this recovery depends on the government maintaining the Gambling Review's suggested machine ratios for bingo halls and arcades. The management at Buzz Bingo asserts that its transformation initiative has provided the company with a competitive advantage in the UK’s land-based and retail gambling markets. Starting in the latter half of 2025, Buzz reported its first annual increase in both admissions and revenue since 2007, citing a wider comeback for bingo throughout the UK. Club admissions grew by 2.5% year-on-year, with growth reaching 5% in the second half, fueled by significant investments in its 77-club portfolio and continuous product enhancements. Dominic Mansour: Buzz Bingo Dominic Mansour, CEO of Buzz Bingo, stated: “Bingo is experiencing a genuine revival in the UK, and we are seeing that trend reflected in both our physical locations and our digital platform.” “Achieving growth in both admissions and revenue for the first time in nearly two decades indicates that our omnichannel investment—focused on technology and innovation—is successfully modernizing the game and reaching a younger audience.” The Buzz strategy centered on a comprehensive modernization of its physical locations. The company deployed over 10,000 electronic bingo tablets and enhanced WiFi across all sites, leading to a 5.6% rise in electronic gaming. The strongest growth was seen among players over 65, showing better accessibility for traditional fans while also attracting new players. Renovated locations have been a major factor in this growth. Updated clubs saw a 20% rise in admissions and a 50% jump in new patrons, while total new customer growth hit 13% during the year's second half. Buzz’s omnichannel approach remains central to its expansion. Active omnichannel users rose by 10% in H2 2025, with online revenue from retail customers growing at the same pace. The "Big Money Live" product, bridging retail and digital play, paid out over £4m in 2025, featuring frequent £100,000 jackpots and a record £250,000 prize. Digital interaction is also rising, with stakes via the Buzz Bingo app more than doubling year-on-year in the fourth quarter. A unified app and wallet system now enables frictionless transitions between physical and online play. Regarding policy, Buzz has praised HMRC’s move to eliminate the 10% tax on gross profits for land-based bingo halls, which has reduced financial pressure on the retail sector. Nevertheless, ambiguity persists regarding machine regulations. The DCMS has not yet finalized reforms to the 80/20 machine rule after pausing proposed shifts to a 50/50 ratio in April—a move operators consider vital for future spending. Looking forward, Buzz plans to ramp up its transformation efforts through 2026, with continued investment in technology, facilities, and game formats. While regulatory certainty is essential, the company's results suggest that a modern omnichannel strategy could support a lasting recovery for the UK's land-based bingo industry. Mansour added: “We anticipate even more robust growth in 2026 and beyond as the full impact of these investments is realized.” “This result is particularly impressive given the uncertainty surrounding last year's Budget. While we appreciate the Government's move to scrap Bingo Duty, it is vital for the industry and omnichannel firms to have a stable regulatory landscape to maintain this momentum.” Interested in more content like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for multimedia at SBC, where our team explores the major developments in sports betting, iGaming, affiliates, and payments. 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) - Latvia has combined gambling taxation and regulatory functions under a single government body, streamlining oversight of the country’s domestic gambling sector. The Inspectorate for Supervision of Gambling and Lotteries, the agency previously responsible for licensing and regulatory compliance, no longer exists as a standalone entity. Instead, the inspectorate and all of its responsibilities are being integrated into the State Revenue Service. Ministry of Finance officials stated that the change was needed to bring a more structured approach to a costly existing system. Regulators viewed the old setup, which required two separate bodies to enforce two distinct rule sets for the same industry, as unnecessarily inefficient. To deliver improved regulatory oversight, the State Revenue Service, which previously only handled gambling taxation, has established two new divisions to split the combined workload. One division will manage licensing and compliance monitoring, while the other will carry out both remote and on-site inspections to exercise technical and financial control. Centralizing these regulatory functions will ultimately optimize coordination and eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, the Finance Ministry added, especially as online gambling grows into the single dominant vertical in the industry. The change is a clear sign that Latvia is building the foundation of a gambling market that minimizes regulatory friction. Elsewhere in the Baltics… Latvia is not the only Baltic country implementing gambling regulatory changes, however. Shifting from Riga to Vilnius, Lithuania has tabled a regulatory proposal to introduce a mandatory “gambler’s card” system. If approved, the card will work as a centralized monitoring system that Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas says will accurately measure how users interact with Lithuania’s gambling sector — and the country plans to fully overhaul its entire gambling regime by 2028. Once implemented, the new regulatory framework will likely lay the groundwork for a more liberal gambling market, where the gambler’s card could theoretically prove extremely useful for quickly generating a full overview of the new market landscape. Even so, concerns about the plan remain, particularly around the issue of user privacy. Meanwhile, Estonia, the third Baltic nation, is also undergoing a major regulatory overhaul that will significantly reshape its domestic gambling sector. The country is targeting a 4% gambling tax rate by 2028, which would make it one of the lowest rates in Europe — 1% lower than the rate in Malta, a leading global iGaming hub. All three of these developments show that the Baltic region will be one to watch closely over the next several years, especially as it hosts major industry heavyweights including Entain (Enlabs), Fortuna Entertainment Group (TOPsport), and Olympic Entertainment Group (OlyBet). _____________ Want to get more stories like this? Follow the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all SBC multimedia content, 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) - Reports indicate that numerous Premier League clubs are still struggling to secure sponsors for the upcoming season, as the prohibition on gambling sponsors appearing on the front of shirts takes effect. This development is reshaping the relationship between football and the gambling industry within a new regulatory framework. According to The Guardian, football executives estimate that top-tier teams face an £80 million shortfall in shirt sponsorship revenue due to the ban. Consequently, they are being forced to accept less lucrative deals with other industries before the season commences in August. While the ban appears to be a starting point, brand visibility extends beyond shirt fronts, training attire, or the advertising hoardings surrounding pitches. This leads to concerns that betting brands, particularly those operating without a UK license, will maintain a prominent presence across Premier League coverage. The disparity in treatment between the unlicensed and regulated sectors has been widely condemned as unfair, with increasing pressure on the government to curb unregulated operators. In February, the UK government announced a consultation on banning unlicensed gambling sports sponsorships, arguing that it is inappropriate for companies to ‘enhance their profile and potentially draw fans towards sites that do not meet our regulatory standards’. In response, Entain’s CEO, Stella David, called for an immediate ban on unlicensed gambling advertising in the Premier League, asserting that the competition is currently complicit in the growth of the black market. Given the financial strain placed on licensed operators through increased taxes on online gaming and betting, coupled with concerns about the associated rise of the black market, it is understandable that the leader of one of the industry’s largest operators expressed their frustrations, as noted by SBC’s Content Director, Martyn Elliott. Speaking on the iGaming Expert podcast, he remarked: “Regulated operators should be vocal about these issues. Being regulated incurs significant costs, including the license fee itself, the substantial number of compliance professionals many of these companies must employ to meet all requirements, and taxation. “It should be highlighted that this is unfair. It should be illegal for entities that are not paying taxes, not paying license fees, and so forth, to have such visibility in the marketplace. “I believe [Entain] deserves credit for taking a stand, and as we transition into a much higher tax regime, the costs for the regulated operator are simply increasing.” David highlighted what she termed the ‘black market derby’ between Bournemouth and Sunderland, which occurred the weekend her statement was made. She cited this as an example of two teams featuring an unlicensed betting brand as their front-of-shirt sponsor. Bournemouth currently displays BJ88 as the club’s main sponsor; however, reports suggest the club was compelled to accept a lower sum to replace the firm with health insurance provider Vitality for the next season. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s front-of-shirt sponsor is W88, and its replacement for the upcoming season remains unknown. While the issue of these types of sponsorships has been ongoing, Ted Menmuir, SBC’s Editor at Large, suggested that the regulated industry’s change in attitude has been driven by the pressures of stricter regulations and higher taxation, burdens not experienced by unlicensed operators. “I think the regulated sector simply carried on with marketing, and they were aware of problematic sponsorships but just accepted them as such,” he stated. “I believe that considering everything that has transpired in the last five years, it was inevitable to reach this point where enough is enough. It cannot continue where there are rules for regulated operators versus operators who are clearly in breach and have no interest whatsoever in being part of the UK’s regulated market. “I think we are essentially returning to a starting point in the relationship between sports betting and football, and how it will reset from 2027 onwards.” Looking ahead, both Elliott and Menmuir proposed that cryptocurrency companies might offer a lucrative alternative for clubs seeking to replace the revenue they will lose from gambling sponsorships. Although potentially beneficial for the clubs, pursuing partnerships with a sector that will not be formally regulated in the UK until October 2027 could raise similar concerns for fans. However, Elliott noted that financial pressures imposed on Premier League clubs by financial fair play rules mean that, at times, teams are forced to take risks with the partnerships they enter. He commented: “The most important person in a Premier League football club is no longer the manager or the star striker; it’s the Chief Commercial Officer. This individual is under pressure to generate revenue and enable clubs to achieve on-pitch success, which in turn generates more income. I don’t blame them for occasionally taking chances on these matters.” The shifts brought about by the Premier League’s self-imposed ban, as well as a potentially even stricter government mandate, will fundamentally alter how gambling companies interact with football. Menmuir expressed his hope that this will compel marketers to become more astute as a means to generate a greater return-on-investment for operators. “It’s not just about whether my brand is on the front of shirts on a Saturday. It’s about engaging communities, creating better content, and genuinely conveying that we recognize our connection with the fans. In the past five years, there have been too many superficial sponsorships between betting and football,” he added. “I genuinely want operators to surprise me with their promotions and the content they release. It has been somewhat uninspired in the last couple of years. I am eager to see who the winners are in this market, and who is taking marketing seriously at a time when there is significant sensitivity regarding cost control and overall marketing expenditure.” 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 Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has moved to immediately revoke the B2C gaming service licence of Winzon Group, with the decision taking effect retroactively from 11 March 2026. Winzon’s licence was cancelled under the proviso of reg. 10 (2) (b) of the Gaming Compliance and Enforcement Regulations (S.L. 583.06), a legal mechanism that allows the regulator to bypass the standard 20-day show cause notice period. Consequently, the operator has been instructed to cease all activities at once and must: Inform players of the revocation via email and on its websites for a duration of 30 days. Refund all legitimate players and submit a transaction report to the authority, supported by bank statements as verification. Manage personal data in compliance with its privacy policy and relevant data protection laws, ensuring players are notified accordingly. Eliminate all MGA branding and authorisation references from its digital platforms. Settle €46,693.23 in unpaid MGA fees, covering annual licence costs and minimum compliance contributions. Pay €147,080 in administrative penalties resulting from various breaches of the Act and its associated regulatory instruments. The MGA further noted that Winzon remains responsible for all applicable obligations arising from the Act and any other relevant regulatory frameworks. Winzon previously operated more than 40 MGA-approved websites, featuring software from providers such as Tom Horn Gaming, Oryx Gaming, Booming Games, EveryMatrix and Relax Gaming. Updates to Malta VAT and taxation The revocation of Winzon’s licence coincides with updates to Malta’s gaming tax system by the MGA and the Malta Tax and Customs Administration (MTCA). Following the publication of legal notices 84 and 86, these reforms aim to provide greater transparency and predictability for operators. The changes include amendments to the VAT Act, specifically clarifying exemptions and implementing rules for place of supply and input VAT recovery. Revisions will also be made to gaming tax regulations, introducing simplified and fair tax rates for both land-based and online operators providing qualifying gaming services in Malta. This includes merging the gaming tax and device levy into a single, streamlined tax structure based on game type and delivery method. The MGA stated that these updates were driven by industry input and are part of its 2026 budget, with the gaming tax framework designed to maintain a balanced impact on Malta’s gaming sector. “Taken together, these coordinated reforms represent a measured and forward‑looking policy response that strengthens Malta’s fiscal resilience, regulatory clarity and international standing as a leading gaming jurisdiction,” the authority stated. “They provide operators with greater certainty and efficiency, while ensuring Malta remains a stable and competitive base for gaming businesses.” The new measures are scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2026, with additional guidance from the MGA and MTCA expected to be released in due course. Looking for more industry news? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the home for all multimedia content at SBC, where our team explores the biggest developments in sports betting, iGaming, affiliates, and payments. 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) - Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) has restructured its C-suite leadership team as its media network moves past its initial setup phase and into a new era of global expansion. Launched in 2023, RSMG serves as the sports and gaming media arm of Ringier AG, managing the continent’s most extensive network dedicated to sports news coverage. In these changes, Marc Walder is set to become the new Chairman of the Board, taking over from Founding Chair Robin Lingg. Meanwhile, Tim Kollmann has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer, and Stilian Shishkov is moving into a position on the Board. These leadership shifts signify the end of RSMG’s foundational build-out period. During this time, the division has grown into a prominent digital sports publisher, engaging over 23 million active users in eight nations. A fresh chapter in leadership In his role as Chairman, Walder will steer the group’s long-term strategic vision, with an emphasis on combining editorial excellence with scalable digital growth. His appointment indicates a tighter alignment of RSMG with Ringier’s broader corporate strategy. Kollmann’s elevation places operational control with an executive deeply connected to the group’s history. Having acted as COO since the beginning, he will now oversee business scaling, the integration of the brand portfolio, and the pursuit of commercial growth alongside enhanced audience engagement. Discussing his key objectives, Kollmann noted that the company will concentrate on the “core value in deepening the integration of our seven media brands, unlocking new revenue streams and turning them into distinctive destinations for sports fans”. He further noted that the upcoming stage of RSMG’s evolution will focus on constructing a more unified and scalable platform designed to facilitate international expansion. The RSMG portfolio features well-known European sports media outlets like Sportal.bg, A Bola (Portugal), Kicker Media (Germany), GSP Romania, and Sport SK/CZ. Together, the group has secured a leading status for sports audiences across eight markets. Throughout 2024 and 2025, the company has made it a priority to modernise its core media assets and enter new territories, including Greece, as part of a wider plan to diversify its geographic presence. New horizons Shishkov’s transition to the Board highlights his ongoing impact on RSMG’s strategy for technological innovation. As the Founder of Sportal Media Group and the creator of the Sportal365 platform—a pioneering livescore service bought by Ringier in 2021—he offers vast experience in expanding digital sports ecosystems throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Lingg, who is stepping down as Chairman, commented on the change: “Founding RSMG four years ago was a major strategic move for Ringier. We have demonstrated that our vision of uniting leading brands with a global technology platform works. Now is the perfect moment to hand over the reins.” He continued by saying that the new leadership team “combine deep expertise in sports, media, technology, and operational excellence to lead RSMG into the future”. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from 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) - FIFA has jumped on the prediction markets trend by revealing a new partnership with ADI Predictstreet. ADI Predictstreet is a fresh entrant in the prediction markets sector. It launched just a few days ago, with the first post on its X account dated March 31. The ADI brand combines some of the most popular terms from the financial and gambling industries. The ADI Foundation oversees the entire infrastructure, which includes its flagship ADI Chain blockchain platform and its proprietary digital asset—the ADI Token. Sources indicate that ADI Predictstreet will integrate all these technologies into a single system, expanding its closed ecosystem as part of its official collaboration with FIFA. Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Principal Council Member of ADI Predictstreet, commented: “This partnership marks a defining moment for ADI Predictstreet and how audiences engage with major events, as we lay the foundation for a new category where collective intelligence, technology, and real-world outcomes converge.” As the World Cup kicks off in June, ADI Predictstreet aims to bring its users closer to the 48 teams and 104 matches by offering a range of prediction market options that align with FIFA’s integrity frameworks. However, one question remains—how many users will ADI Predictstreet actually be able to engage? Given that it currently holds a license only in Gibraltar, this could theoretically limit its access to other markets. FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “FIFA is committed to continually enhancing the fan experience and embracing innovation that brings supporters closer to the game. “By partnering with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet will be introducing an exciting new way for fans around the world to engage with football, using insight and interaction to deepen their connection with our competitions.” Finally, prediction markets have been gradually making their way into football, with the recent deal between Polymarket and the US-facing arm of Spain’s LALIGA serving as evidence of this trend. 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 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) - Lithuania's Ministry of Finance has proposed the introduction of a compulsory 'gambler's card' to give authorities direct oversight of citizens' gambling activities. Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas supports the initiative, aiming to incorporate it into the country's broader strategy to establish a new gambling framework by 2028. According to Vaitiekūnas, the card would be the central component of a new unified monitoring system, designed to track how consumers interact with the eight operators licensed by the Gambling Control Authority (LPT). He sees the card as a conclusive step to seal any regulatory gaps and guarantee adherence to laws enacted since 2025. “The gambler’s card would be a shared profile within the information system. All gambling companies would access this data, see when a person hits their limit, and prevent further play,” Vaitiekūnas stated, describing the reform's primary goal. The Seimas started rolling out the first phase of Lithuania's gambling rules in 2024. This process commenced with raising the legal gambling age from 18 to 21 on 1 January 2025, accompanied by extensive advertising bans across digital, broadcast, and sponsorship mediums. The Ministry notes that current responsible gambling tools are voluntary, allowing players to set limits per operator, but lack a universal application. The gambler's card aims to address this discrepancy by mandating limits across the board. A specialized 'Gambling Supervision Service' will manage the central registry, offering live data on player actions such as deposits, losses, and wins. This ensures that once a limit is met, gambling is halted on all licensed sites. This action is one element of a larger set of structural reforms, especially concerning anti-money laundering efforts. Starting in 2026, all banks licensed by the Bank of Lithuania must observe gambling-related transactions and alert the LPT to any suspicious activity. These financial entities must also halt payments to blacklisted operators within a day of being notified by regulators. Failure to comply can result in fines reaching €6,000, with increased penalties for subsequent violations. Collectively, these steps represent a synchronized regulatory overhaul intended to boost consumer safeguards and reduce the market presence of unlicensed operators. A staged implementation is planned. The first regulatory adjustments are set for May 2027, with the complete gambler's card system expected to be operational by 2029. This grace period is to allow operators to adjust to new compliance and technical standards. Nevertheless, the proposal has been met with some wariness. Although there is widespread backing for stronger responsible gambling protocols, worries remain regarding the expense and intricacy of setting up a centralized system, alongside debates about potential infringements on civil liberties. 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 evolving technologies and changing player demands continue to transform the iGaming landscape, SBC Summit Malta is set to host sessions aimed at guiding industry leaders through the sector's upcoming developments. Scheduled for April 29-30, the event's conference agenda will provide 6,000 industry professionals with a deep dive into how operators can convert emerging trends and innovations into effective, competitive casino strategies. The program is divided into two segments. "Product Visionaries" on Wednesday, April 29, will explore the strategic logic behind modern casino advancements. "Product In Practice" on Thursday, April 30, will transition into interactive workshops designed to help attendees implement these concepts into practical frameworks. Key discussion points will include the growth of crypto-based casinos, the evolution of slot and casino content, and strategies for operators to optimize their visibility in AI-driven search results. “Innovation in the casino space is more than just introducing new features; it’s about crafting experiences that keep players engaged,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “From user experience and content to payments and AI, it is essential for operators to be more intentional in their product development. These sessions are designed to facilitate quicker, more informed decision-making.” The panel titled ‘Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?’ will investigate the application of gamification in both the casino and sports betting sectors, exploring potential cross-vertical insights. Industry experts Alex Tomic (Founder, Alea), Brian Christner (Chief Online Gaming, Grand Casino Baden), Alexis Wicén (CEO, Unibo), Mykhailo Kachanov (CBDO, Slot Catalogue), and Shahar Attias (Founder, Hybrid Interaction) will analyze effective mechanics in each field and determine their transferability. The discussion will also evaluate whether gamification truly fosters player engagement or is merely a temporary industry trend. The conversation will then turn to the evolution of slot design toward more social and immersive experiences during the ‘Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots’ panel. Speakers Janick Bonnici (Principal Gaming Content Manager, Betsson Group), Steve Cutler (CEO and co-founder, KALAMBA), Petr Vonarshenko (Senior Business Development Manager, ELA Games), and Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) will discuss how release strategies and branded collaborations are changing player expectations. They will also consider if slots can transition from individual games into collective entertainment experiences that drive retention. The second day will focus on practical application, featuring workshops aimed at helping participants develop and enhance their casino-related strategies. ‘What Will Casinos Look Like in 2036?’ will feature an interactive Ask-Me-Anything session regarding the future of the industry. Facilitated by Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) and Dan Phillips (CEO, NEL Advisory), the workshop will examine potential shifts in operator strategy, product innovation, and player behavior over the next ten years. Covering topics from AI-led game creation to disruptive new mechanics, this session will provide a candid look at the industry's trajectory and how businesses can prepare today. With AI changing how players find brands, the ‘The Future of Casino Search is Vertical’ workshop will offer actionable advice on improving visibility within AI-powered search engines. Led by Ionut Constantinescu (CEO of Marlin Media), the session will explain the transition from traditional rankings to recommendation-based discovery and its implications for operators seeking to stand out in an automated environment. In addition to its casino-centric content, SBC Summit Malta will include tracks focused on regulation, marketing, and product development, along with two dedicated workshop areas. These rooms will host discussions on topics including European markets, PR and policy, leadership, and affiliation. Register for SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): This option is available for groups of three or more, providing full access to the expo floor, conference sessions, and networking opportunities at a reduced price of €400 per person. Individual VIP Passes are available for €600. An Expo+ Pass can be purchased for €150. Affiliates and operators may be eligible for complimentary entry. Operators can submit an application for a free pass here | Affiliates can apply for their 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) - With new technologies and changing player expectations continuing to reshape the iGaming landscape, SBC Summit Malta will host specialized sessions dedicated to helping industry stakeholders confidently navigate the sector’s next phase of growth. Held from 29 to 30 April, the event’s conference programme will give 6,000 industry stakeholders a focused deep dive into how operators can turn emerging trends and new technologies into practical, competitive casino strategies. The programme follows a clear two-part structure. Product Visionaries, taking place on Wednesday, 29th April, will unpack the strategic thinking behind the latest casino developments. Product In Practice, scheduled for Thursday, 30th April, will shift to hands-on workshops, allowing delegates to turn those discussed ideas into actionable working frameworks. Sessions will cover key industry topics including the rise of crypto casinos, the future of slot and casino content, and actionable strategies for casino operators to rank highly across AI-powered search platforms. “Casino innovation isn’t just about launching new features, it’s about delivering experiences that players actually want to return to,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “From content and UX to AI and payments, operators need to be far more deliberate in how they build their products. These sessions are designed to help them make smarter decisions, faster.” The session, ‘Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?’, will examine how gamification is being used across both casino and sports betting verticals, and whether the two segments can learn valuable lessons from each other. Experts Alex Tomic (Founder, Alea), Brian Christner (Chief Online Gaming, Grand Casino Baden), Alexis Wicén (CEO, Unibo), Mykhailo Kachanov (CBDO, Slot Catalogue), and Shahar Attias (Founder, Hybrid Interaction) will break down the standout mechanics in each vertical and assess which are most transferable across sectors. The panel will also examine whether gamification is genuinely driving player loyalty and engagement, or simply capitalizing on current industry hype. The focus will then shift to how slot design is evolving into a more immersive and socially driven experience during the panel,‘Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots’. Experts Janick Bonnici (Principal Gaming Content Manager, Betsson Group), Steve Cutler (CEO and co-founder, KALAMBA), Petr Vonarshenko (Senior Business Development Manager, ELA Games) andArjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) will explore how branded crossovers and release strategies are reshaping player expectations. Discussions will also touch on whether slots can evolve from standalone games into shared entertainment experiences that keep players coming back repeatedly. Day two of the summit will shift from sharing insights to practical application, with a series of workshops designed to help attendees build and refine their own individual casino strategies. ‘What Will Casinos Look Like in 2036?’ will open the floor to a forward-looking, Ask-Me-Anything discussion centered on the future of the casino sector. Led by Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) and Dan Phillips (CEO, NEL Advisory), the session will explore how player behaviour, product innovation, and operator strategy may shift over the next decade. From AI-driven game development to new mechanics that could disrupt the sector, this audience-led workshop will offer an unfiltered view of where the casino sector could be heading, and how operators can prepare today. As AI reshapes how players discover new brands, the workshop ‘The Future of Casino Search is Vertical’ will provide practical guidance on how operators can increase their visibility and influence within AI-driven search. Led by Ionut Constantinescu (CEO of Marlin Media), the session will break down how content discovery is shifting from traditional rankings to personalized recommendations, and what that shift means for operators looking to capture attention in a more automated, AI-led industry environment. Alongside its core casino focus, SBC Summit Malta’s full agenda will feature dedicated tracks on marketing, regulation, and product development, as well as two dedicated workshop rooms. These workshop rooms will cover topics such as policy & PR, European markets, affiliation, and leadership. Get Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more attendees, this pass grants full access to all conference sessions, the expo floor and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full price of €600. Looking for an Expo+ Pass? It is available for €150. If you are an industry operator or affiliate, you can apply for a complimentary free 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) - As emerging technology and shifting player expectations continue to transform the iGaming industry, SBC Summit Malta will host sessions dedicated to helping stakeholders confidently navigate the sector’s next phase. Held from 29 to 30 April, the event’s conference programme will offer 6,000 industry stakeholders a focused look at how operators can translate emerging trends and new technologies into practical, competitive casino strategies. The programme follows a two-part structure. Product Visionaries, on 29 April, will unpack the strategic thinking behind the latest casino developments. Product In Practice on 30 April will shift to hands-on workshops, allowing delegates to turn those ideas into actionable frameworks. Sessions will cover key topics such as the rise of crypto casinos, the future of slot and casino content and how casino operators can rank highly across AI search. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBC, stated: “Casino innovation isn’t just about launching new features, it’s about delivering experiences players actually want to return to. From content and UX to AI and payments, operators need to be far more deliberate in how they build their products. These sessions are about helping them make smarter decisions, faster.” The session, ‘Casino vs Sports: Can Gamification Truly Cross Over?’, will examine how gamification is being used across both casino and sports betting, and whether the two verticals can learn from each other. Experts Alex Tomic (Founder, Alea), Brian Christner (Chief Online Gaming, Grand Casino Baden), Alexis Wicén (CEO, Unibo), Mykhailo Kachanov (CBDO, Slot Catalogue), and Shahar Attias (Founder, Hybrid Interaction) will break down the standout mechanics in each vertical and assess which are most transferable. The panel will also examine whether gamification is genuinely driving player loyalty and engagement, or simply riding the wave of industry hype. The focus will then shift to how slot design is evolving into a more immersive and socially driven experience on the panel, ‘Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots’. Experts Janick Bonnici (Principal Gaming Content Manager, Betsson Group), Steve Cutler (CEO and co-founder, KALAMBA), Petr Vonarshenko (Senior Business Development Manager, ELA Games) and Arjan Korstjens (Principal, Casino Marketing Academy) will explore how branded crossovers and release strategies are reshaping player expectations. Discussions will also touch on whether slots can evolve from standalone games into shared entertainment experiences that keep players coming back. Day two will move from insight to application, with a series of workshops designed to help attendees build and refine their own casino strategies. ‘What Will Casinos Look Like in 2036?’ will open the floor to a forward-looking, Ask-Me-Anything discussion on the future of casinos. Led by Korstjens and Dan Phillips (CEO, NEL Advisory), the session will explore how player behaviour, product innovation and operator strategy may shift over the next decade. From AI-driven game development to new mechanics that could disrupt the sector, this audience-led workshop will offer an unfiltered view of where the casino sector could be heading and how operators can prepare now. As AI reshapes how players discover brands, the workshop ‘The Future of Casino Search is Vertical’ will provide practical guidance on how operators can increase their visibility and influence within AI-driven search. Led by Ionut Constantinescu (CEO of Marlin Media), the session will break down how discovery is shifting from rankings to recommendations, and what that means for operators looking to capture attention in a more automated, AI-led environment. Alongside its casino focus, SBC Summit Malta’s agenda will feature dedicated tracks on marketing, regulation and product, as well as two workshop rooms. Workshop rooms will cover topics such as policy & PR, European markets, affiliation and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full price of €600. Looking for an Expo+ Pass? It’s yours for €150. If you are an operator or affiliate, you can apply for a free 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) - Skill On Net has been reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regarding a sponsored Instagram post that featured a stand-up comedian discussing pistachios. The advertisement for the white label casino operator Gecko Play featured an unnamed comedian performing a routine on stage. During the set, the comic remarked: “Gambling is really like eating pistachios, if you get a good pistachio, you want another good one, if you get a bad one, you want a good one even more,” which drew laughter from the crowd. At the bottom of the video, a GambleAware logo and an 18+ symbol were displayed alongside text reading “Gambling can be addictive please play responsibly,” with #AD appearing in the bottom right corner. According to the ASA, two individuals lodged complaints questioning whether the advertisement promoted irresponsible socially gambling conduct. Skill On Net contended that the comparison drawn between gambling and pistachios was meant to be ‘light-hearted, observational humour regarding the variability and unpredictability of outcomes’. The company further clarified that the post was not designed to ‘encourage persistent gambling, nor to suggest that individuals should continue gambling’ to chase losses. It also noted that the ad did not reference financial loss, raising stakes, risk-free betting, or excessive play. Nevertheless, acknowledging that the advertisement might be perceived in a manner that violates the CAP code, Skill On Net has taken down the post and revised its internal marketing guidelines in light of the complaint. The ASA responded by confirming that the advertisement violated the CAP Code because it trivialised the act of gambling after a loss instead of promoting responsible play. This ruling was made despite the inclusion of the GambleAware logo and the 18+ disclaimer, as the regulator determined these features did not change the ad's general message, ‘which made light of continued gambling following both wins and losses’. The ASA observed that viewers likely interpreted the statement to imply that gambling is ‘compulsive and hard to stop’. Additionally, the remark about wanting a “good one even more” after a “bad one” was seen as a subtle suggestion to place additional bets to recoup losses. The ASA elaborated: “We therefore considered the ad gave the impression that the decision to gamble, even in the face of losses, should be taken lightly and that it encouraged or condoned repetitive or frequent participation in gambling, including after losses. For that reason, we concluded that the ad was likely to encourage gambling behaviour that was harmful and therefore breached the Code. “The ad breached CAP Code (Edition 12) rules 16.1, 16.3 and 16.3.1 (Gambling).” The ASA mandated that the advertisement must not be broadcast again in its current form and that future marketing materials must not ‘portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm’. For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for all multimedia content at SBC. Our team explores the major stories across 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) - Agreegain has expanded its casino suite by adding fresh game content from Endorphina. As part of this partnership, more than 200 slot games from the Prague-based studio will now be accessible to Agreegain’s network of operator partners. Featured titles include King Of Ghosts and Hell Hot 100. Inga Kadyrova, Endorphina’s Partnership Manager, stated: “Partnerships like this help us strengthen our position across the industry, and I am confident our games will be a perfect complement to their existing offerings. We are thrilled to welcome Agreegain as our new partner.” Endorphina holds partnerships with over 5,000 companies globally and holds licenses to deliver game content across 31 jurisdictions worldwide, spanning markets in Europe and Latin America. Agreegain noted that integrating Endorphina into its partner network has enhanced the strength and variety of its content portfolio for its operator partners. Maria Afzaal, Senior Partnership Manager at Agreegain, added: “At Agreegain, we are consistently seeking content that aligns with the regions and markets we prioritize. “Partnering with Endorphina is an exciting milestone that lets us deliver innovative, diverse games that meet the needs of our operator partners across Europe and Latin America. We believe this addition bolsters our content portfolio and provides our partners and players with content that aligns with their preferences and our overall market strategy.” Managing Regulatory Risks Earlier this year, Josh Kingett, Business Development Manager at Agreegain, spoke with iGaming Expert about how content aggregators must adapt as operators continue to pursue international expansion into new markets. Kingett stressed that aggregators must proactively track regulatory shifts across global jurisdictions to ensure the games they offer are either pre-certified or swiftly adjusted to meet new compliance requirements. He added: “Aggregators should manage provider certifications and compliance updates through a central hub, shielding operators from tedious contract management, individual studio negotiations and delays. “Providing modular, jurisdiction-specific configurations via a single API also allows operators to adjust content compliance settings without rebuilding their entire platforms.” 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 the UK’s new gambling charity funding system now officially operational, will this prove a clear positive for the sector, or will further persuasion be needed to justify the decision? For those unaware of how gambling harm funding works in the UK, gambling operators previously made voluntary contributions to GambleAware, which would allocate the funds to charities across the entire UK. However, with GambleAware shutting down, this old model is now a thing of the past, following recommendations laid out in the 2005 Gambling Act Review White Paper that mandated a statutory Prevention, Treatment and Research levy to raise £100 million annually. Half of these funds are earmarked for treatment and administered by the NHS, 20% goes toward research managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), leaving 30% for prevention efforts—money intended for gambling charities. This prevention funding stream, previously overseen by GambleAware, is now handled by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), and most critically — not every charity has been selected to receive funding. Following recent final funding confirmations for charities, LinkedIn was swamped with posts from specialist gambling harm groups expressing their disappointment over the selection process, with some confirming they will take drastic action to cope with their lack of financial support. Nadine Ashworth, Chief Executive of gambling charm charity thrivin’ together, warned that many people employed in the NHS, armed forces, police, or financial services face job loss risks if they access support through the NHS, making that route off-limits. GamLEARN, another charity focused on lived experiences, chose to remain positive when announcing it had not been selected in this funding round, though the outcome would still have stung regardless. EPIC Restart Foundation shared: “We won’t pretend otherwise, it’s a blow, and we’re still taking it in.” Gamban, a free-to-use comprehensive gambling blocking tool, now requires a subscription to stay operational after failing to secure the funding tender. The situation is not any easier for charities that did secure funding, either, as they now face heightened attention and pressure to justify their services without being required to provide such explanations. BetBlocker, for example, was contacted by The Guardian with a list of questions probing the quality of the charity’s services, which founder Duncan Garvie addressed in full on LinkedIn once more. Naturally, tensions are running high right now, with sharp criticism coming from all corners of the gambling sector. There is also a significant amount of confusion, as highlighted in an op-ed by Derek Webb, a Labour party donor and gambling reform advocate. Webb simultaneously criticised charities that previously received gambling donations while lamenting that some have been caught up in ‘unspecified allegations related to due diligence or ineligibility’. This widespread polarization is set to continue, at least until the dust settles, but the most important question to answer is whether the small number of selected charities can handle the full responsibility of supporting all of the UK’s problem gamblers. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from 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.