Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Potential operators have been alerted following Alberta's confirmation that its regulated online gambling sector is set to commence operations on July 13. Becoming Canada's second regulated jurisdiction alongside Ontario, the province has seen several major industry players confirm plans to enter a market projected to generate more than $700m annually. PointsBet and Caesars Entertainment have already initiated pre-registration processes for residents of Alberta prior to the official launch. Simultaneously, operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betway have announced their entry into the market to expand their existing footprint in Canada. For Betway and its parent firm, Super Group, the primary task involves shifting players from their unregulated offerings to the new regulated platform. Before this regulatory framework, Play Alberta was the sole entity legally permitted to provide iGaming products. Nevertheless, it is believed that 70% of Alberta's gamblers participated in the unregulated market. In a February address to investors, Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, remarked: “It is known that Alberta is moving toward regulation. We are prepared, having drawn lessons from Ontario regarding the migration of customers from our dot.com operations. “We have improved our offerings for the rest of Canada as well as Ontario. These enhancements will be integrated into our Alberta product. Once the regulations are finalized and we are set to launch, we will proceed in Alberta.” Menashe also anticipated a more cautious strategy from Super Group’s rivals than was seen during Ontario's market opening, which was characterized by significant early marketing spend. Separately, DraftKings has designated funds for its Alberta expansion. Meanwhile, Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel, has factored the Alberta launch into its 2026 guidance for US operations, forecasting a 12% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.8bn. “We are entering 2026 from a position of strength, ready to leverage the sustained robust growth anticipated in the iGaming sector,” Flutter informed its investors. Significantly absent from the roster of confirmed entrants is bet365, which has yet to indicate its plans for the region. However, considering its existing operations in Ontario and its focus on North American expansion, Alberta likely represents a promising prospect for the UK-based operator. The operational framework of Alberta's market will be recognizable to many established operators due to its close resemblance to Ontario's model. A 20% tax on gross gaming revenue will be applied to operators, mirroring Ontario's rate, with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) serving as the regulatory body. This contrasts with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates that province. Additionally, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) will function as a distinct conduct and management agency, fulfilling a role similar to that of iGaming Ontario. Central regulations for the new market prioritize social responsibility and player safety, implementing stringent rules regarding permissible advertising scope. Upon launch, Alberta players will gain access to a provincial self-exclusion registry as well as tools for setting financial and time limits. “In this new regulated environment, the protection of players and social responsibility are central to our operations,” stated a letter reviewed by iGaming Expert and authored by Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, who oversees iGaming. “The introduction of a regulated iGaming market marks an exciting milestone for our province. I am confident that by collaborating, we can establish a market that is both competitive and socially responsible. The future of iGaming in Alberta is promising, and with your cooperation, we will ensure its success for all stakeholders.” In addition to the major operators previously noted, domestic and North American-centric brands like BetRivers, the ScoreBet, and NorthStar Gaming have declared declared their intention to apply for registration in Alberta. While many anticipated a market opening in the second quarter of 2026, Nally explained that the decision to delay until July was made in response to operator feedback indicating a need for additional time to meet the new market's compliance standards. 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) - BETBY is joining the predictions trend, though it has put extra care into ensuring its platform steers clear of some of the sector’s more contentious aspects. The Malta-based sportsbook solutions provider launched its predictions platform, BETBY Predictions, today. The company plans to make the platform accessible to all firms in its partner network. BETBY has clearly observed the global growth of prediction platforms—Kalshi and Polymarket, for instance, were valued at $22bn and $9bn respectively as of March 2026. It has also taken note of the traditional gaming industry’s interest in predictions as a new vertical, though some stakeholders like the American Gaming Association (AGA) remain strongly opposed. Fanatics, DraftKings and FanDuel—in that order—have all rolled out prediction platforms in the US, while UK betting exchange Matchbook entered the space late last year, and the Gibraltar government has licensed its first predictions platform too. “BETBY Predictions represents a natural progression of the sportsbook experience,” said Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Innovation and R&D. “We’re taking the core principles of betting and applying them to areas beyond sports. “This is about transforming global moments into engaging opportunities for players, in a way that’s both scalable and responsible.” BETBY prioritizes tasteful content The rise of prediction platforms hasn’t been without controversy. First, there’s a legal debate over whether these platforms are considered gambling. Regulators in European countries like Belgium, France and Portugal say yes, as do US states like Nevada and Arizona, but the US federal regulator for the sector—the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)—says no. It seems, however, that bookmakers interested in predictions (like the firms mentioned above) are more than happy to have their prediction platforms sit alongside their traditional sportsbooks—and this is the market BETBY is looking to target. But BETBY has also paid attention to another controversial element of predictions: the types of markets users can bet on. A key selling point for Kalshi and Polymarket is their range of political and current affairs events. These markets have included standard ones like who will become the next US President (similar to what traditional sportsbooks offer on their politics pages) to darker ones—such as the likelihood of US strikes on nations like Venezuela and Iran, the chances of ceasefires in wars, or whether China will invade Taiwan. The morbid nature of these bets has caught the attention of mainstream media like the BBC. It has also raised concerns about insider trading, given the potential for government officials with knowledge of upcoming decisions to place bets and profit. BETBY states that its own predictions platform was developed with careful safeguards, excluding “highly sensitive or controversial topics” like geopolitics, active conflicts and wars, and events “involving human suffering”. The firm also stresses that it retains “full control over market creation, ensuring that all content is carefully curated and reviewed, with a clear commitment to responsible and appropriate market selection”. 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) - HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will no longer impose a 10% tax on gross profits earned by land-based bingo venues across the UK. This policy change was rolled out as part of the Budget announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves back in November 2025, and the new rules officially take effect as of today (1 April 2026). HMRC has clarified that bingo operators will no longer be required to file tax returns for profits generated from land-based bingo play, and the department will update its official guidance in due course to reflect these new adjustments. A statement from the agency reads: “Bingo Duty operators currently registered with HMRC will retain the ability to submit any outstanding returns online until April 2030, and notify HMRC of any over-declarations or under-declarations from previous accounting periods.” The elimination of Bingo Duty will soften the financial blow for land-based bingo hall operators, coming into force the same day that HMRC enforces an increase to remote gaming duties (RGD) from 21% to 40% – a change that will impact all wagering on online bingo. HMRC reiterated: “Bingo Duty does not apply to non-profit making bingo, private domestic bingo, or machines that are already subject to Machine Games Duty.” After the Budget announcement in November, Rank Group Plc, the operator of Mecca Bingo, publicly welcomed the decision to remove the 10% tax from land-based bingo halls. The company stated that the change will help support local jobs and investment in the land-based sector, having previously warned that a failure to reform bingo taxation could lead to widespread venue closures. However, the wider response across the industry has been more cautious. Buzz Bingo CEO Dominic Mansour described the abolition of the tax as a “full house win” for local clubs, but warned that its positive impact is being diluted by the near-doubling of RGD. Ahead of the Budget, Mansour stressed that fairer tax treatment was essential to protecting around 2,500 jobs and sustaining the company’s network of 79 venues across the UK. Tensions remain around broader regulatory developments, with the government indicating that the sector needs to provide further assurances on player protection, particularly in higher-stake gaming environments. Frustration also persists over whether the Labour government will implement planned changes to the current 80/20 rule, which sets a limited ratio for category B and C/D gaming machines in high street bingo venues and Adult Gaming Centres (ADCs) This April, DCMS announced that it had intervened to freeze planned changes that would shift the machine ratio to 50/50. Citing pressure from local councils over high street gaming operations, DCMS noted that changes to gaming machine ratios would not be implemented during the current legislative cycle. Instead, DCMS will prioritise White Paper commitments such as the statutory levy and binding online stake limits for UK gambling licences. Land-based gambling trade bodies, including BACTA, as well as major operators, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of reform, arguing that delays are preventing bingo halls from generating the revenue needed to modernise and recover from pandemic disruption and rising operating costs. The Treasury had previously backed targeted reforms for gambling venues as part of a package of measures to ease rising cost pressures on high street businesses. While the abolition of Bingo Duty represents a long-awaited concession for the sector, its overall impact is softened by the broader tightening of gambling taxation, leaving operators to navigate a far more challenging operating environment under the UK’s new 40% RGD era. 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 Government of Gibraltar has confirmed a significant development by issuing a license to its inaugural prediction markets operator. While the government has not formally named the company, a Gibraltar-based entity, Predict Street Ltd, appears on the official register of licensed operators as a betting intermediary. This platform declares itself the "Official Prediction Market Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026" and invites users to register for early access by providing their name, email, and country of residence. The Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, Nigel Feetham, confirmed Gibraltar's entry into the expanding prediction market sector, indicating a strategic goal to broaden its gambling and financial services landscape. This decision is likely to attract attention, as Gibraltar is now among a small number of European jurisdictions permitting prediction markets. This stands in sharp opposition to other European nations such as the Netherlands, Romania, Ukraine, France, and Portugal. Due to the debate over whether these platforms constitute gambling, certain prediction businesses have been prohibited in various regions. For instance, the five countries listed have all expelled Polymarket from operating within their borders. Feetham announced the move in Parliament, stating it is part of a wider plan to draw new types of investment and establish Gibraltar as a leader in emerging gaming and fintech markets. “We have licensed a new company operating in the “prediction markets” sector, processing the application in record time following my attendance at Consensus Hong Kong last month,” he said. “This is the pace at which we must act to help offset at least some of the loss of tax revenues following the recent increase in UK Gambling Duty, while continuing to grow our local ecosystem. “We are working relentlessly to protect Gibraltar’s economic interests.” Gibraltar joins predictions hype Prediction markets, where users can trade on the results of real-world events, have become increasingly popular worldwide as tools for both investment and user engagement. Although marketed as financial services, these platforms are often likened to betting exchanges, and some regulatory bodies classify them as a form of gambling. The sector's leading firms, Kalshi and Polymarket, have received mixed reactions alongside a massive surge in user activity and revenue in recent months. Beyond facing scrutiny in Europe, both have been banned in New Zealand, and the Dutch regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), recently ordered Polymarket to stop operations in the Netherlands for offering 'illegal gambling services'. Both companies have also been criticized for listing markets related to war. In the US, the largest market for these services, lawmakers are starting to respond; a bill was introduced to the US Senate last month to prohibit US government officials from trading on such sites. However, the financial potential of prediction markets is evident. The sites handle millions of dollars in wagers, and Kalshi achieved a valuation of $22bn (£16.5bn) last month after a funding round exceeding $1bn. It remains unconfirmed if one of the two major prediction market firms will establish operations in Gibraltar. Other prediction platforms or even traditional iGaming companies looking to expand into this area might also target the jurisdiction. This trend is not unusual; FanDuel and DraftKings have launched their own prediction platforms in the US, and the UK betting exchange Matchbook declared its plan to do the same last year, though with a primary focus on the US market. Regardless, it is apparent that Gibraltar's leaders are intent on diversifying the territory's gaming and fintech economy as they prepare for the consequences of the new UK tax regime, which takes effect today. The UK is a primary market for most gaming companies based in Gibraltar. 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 recent study by Ygam indicates that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how students engage with gambling. As unlicensed operators continue to infiltrate social media platforms, 34% of students who participate in gambling identified these platforms as a primary influence on their betting habits. Emily Tofield, Chief Executive Officer of Ygam, stated: “It is evident that the digital environment students inhabit is having a growing impact on gambling behaviors. We must proactively address these emerging risks to ensure students have the education and support necessary to protect themselves.” This follows warnings from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding the promotion of unlicensed operators on social media, with the regulator highlighting the “very limited progress” made by these platforms. Earlier this year, Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, criticized Meta, noting: “I would be very surprised if Meta, as one of the world’s largest tech companies, is unable to proactively use its own keyword tools to block illegal gambling advertisements. It creates the impression that they are content to ignore the issue and continue profiting from criminals and scammers until they are called out.” During the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit last week, Rob Mabbett of Better Change cautioned that the UKGC is fighting a solitary battle against the black market and its advertising tactics. He stressed that young people face heightened risks due to content on social media, including interactions with influencers, celebrities, YouTubers, and the broader digital landscape. Mabbett argued for more robust regulation of big tech and social platforms, warning that the regulated sector is currently subject to policy decisions that are neither properly tested nor scrutinized. The influence of social media is clearly growing; in Ygam’s initial student gambling survey from 2022, fewer than one in four students cited it as a factor. Tofield has also urged universities and student unions to treat gambling harm with the same level of urgency as other risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. This aligns with recommendations from the coroner who investigated the 2020 death of Lee Adams, a gambling addict who died from a beta-blocker overdose following a prolonged gambling session. Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, suggested that medical professionals should screen for gambling issues just as they do for smoking or alcohol consumption. Ygam’s data further revealed that some students are spending more on gambling than on food. The charity noted an average gambling expenditure of £50.33. Comparing this to the National Student Money Survey, which reports an average weekly grocery spend of £33.70, Ygam suggests that some students are prioritizing gambling over essential nutrition. The study found that 65% of students have gambled in the past year, a decline from the 78% recorded in the inaugural 2022 Annual Student Gambling Survey. Additionally, the percentage of students reporting gambling-related harm dropped from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026. Further survey data indicates that slightly over half of student gamblers are primarily motivated by the desire to earn money. Male students are more likely to gamble than their female counterparts, with the average spend among male gamblers being more than double that of females. These concerns regarding increased spending align with recent figures from GamCare, which reported that the number of individuals seeking financial assistance through its Money Guidance Services doubled in 2025. Meanwhile, reported debt rose from £2.8m in 2024 to £7.2m last year, representing an average debt of £21,269 per person. Rising awareness On a more positive note, Ygam reported that 58% of students who gamble are aware of available support services, and 69% feel confident in their ability to access them. Additional data from GamStop shows that 60,000 individuals under the age of 25 are registered with the service, marking a 75% increase over the past five years. Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, added: “The Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks and the impact on students struggling to manage their habits, though it is heartening to see greater recognition of the support that is available.” This data release coincides with the UK’s transition to a new NHS-led funding model for gambling harm treatment, supported by the Statutory Levy. However, there is growing anxiety regarding the effectiveness of this new system as charities await confirmation of government funding. The findings from Ygam and GamStop underscore the necessity of maintaining robust gambling harm treatment services to ensure that individuals of all ages can access the support they require. 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 Star Entertainment Group has successfully concluded an agreement with its joint venture partners concerning the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Gold Coast resorts. Nevertheless, the Australian casino operator might receive reduced compensation for managing the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort after changes were made to the establishment's fixed monthly operator fee. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC) have signed binding long-term agreements with The Star, which is currently operating under new management after the completion of a A$300m strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. The first phase of the transaction permits The Star to divest its 50% equity stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which encompasses the Queen’s Wharf resort. The second phase pertains to the Destination Gold Coast Consortium (DGCC) and additional Brisbane properties that are either fully or partially owned by the operator. The Star has acquired full ownership of The Star Gold Coast assets, whereas CTFE and FEC are set to assume control of the Treasury Hotel and the Charlotte Street Car Park, both situated near the Queen’s Wharf resort. Monthly fee set at $1.5m? As stipulated by the transaction documents, the operator has finalized the sale of its 50% equity interest in DBC. Consequently, the fixed monthly operator fee stipulated in the DBC casino management agreement (CMA) has been revised and finalized. Effective immediately, the DBC casino operator fee due to The Star will consist of a fixed annual sum of AUS $18m, paid monthly (A$1.5m per month), as well as a performance-based incentive fee made up of two components, both linked to EBITDAM. The DBC also retains a performance termination right, enabling it to end the CMA under specific performance-related conditions, subject to a minimum of 90 days’ written notice. Apart from these modifications, the essential terms of the transaction remain unchanged in all material aspects. The completion of the first stage, involving the divestment of the Queen’s Wharf resort, fulfills the requirements of the refinancing arrangement The Star secured with WhiteHawk Capital Partners last month. Consequently, the company’s guarantee associated with the Queen’s Wharf debt facilities has been fully released. Regarding the second phase, which involves the DGCC and other Brisbane properties held by The Star, the operator noted that efforts to finalize it are ongoing. The conditions precedent are anticipated to be met during the second half of 2026, and no later than 31 March 2027. The Star aims to ‘strengthen’ in 2026 The Star seems to be honoring its commitments to investors after recently expressing optimism for the upcoming year during its H1 FY26 results announcement in March, following a turbulent end to 2025. The Star recorded A$585m in normalised net revenue for the first half of FY26 and a net loss exceeding A$75m. The new management team has implemented changes to operational and marketing strategies, introduced customer-focused initiatives, and enacted further cost reductions. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Star, remarked: “We are streamlining our corporate office, and essential support functions will be handled at the property level in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. These changes are designed to bolster our financial position and support long-term success. “We continue to drive appropriate cost-out initiatives and are exploring and implementing measures to draw customers to our venues. We are dedicated to following a transparent, practical, and sustainable path that ensures our remediation plan meets the expected standards, while fostering consistency, embedment, and demonstrable maturity throughout the group. “Our properties hold immense potential, and we are committed to transforming The Star into leading entertainment destinations.” Casino licence suspension prolonged However, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has recently extended the casino licence suspension for The Star Sydney. Following a pathway-to-suitability submission received by the NICC from The Star Sydney on 12 March, it was confirmed that the operator is not yet seeking a licence determination. The suspension affecting The Star Sydney has been in effect for more than three years, after the operator was deemed unfit to hold a casino licence. This determination followed reviews commissioned by the NICC and conducted by Adam Bell SC in October 2022 and August 2024, which uncovered numerous regulatory failures. Nicolas Weeks was appointed as the manager for The Star Sydney to enable gaming operations to persist at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino licence suspension remains active, with Weeks’ tenure now extended until 30 September 2026, unless terminated earlier. 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 previously reported by SBC News, GR8 Tech has secured football legend José Mourinho, the former manager of Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid, and current head coach of Benfica, as the newest brand ambassador for its Champions Club initiative. In this interview, we speak with the company's CEO, Oleksandr Feshchenko, to gain deeper insight into the collaboration with 'The Special One,' who now stands alongside undisputed heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk in the Champions Club. Feshchenko explains why Mourinho was the ideal candidate to represent the campaign's message and highlights the core parallels he identifies between elite sports professionals and leading technology firms. Why did GR8 Tech choose José Mourinho to the Champions Club? GR8 Tech CEO Oleksandr Feshchenko – Image Source: GR8 Tech Mourinho is a figure who has achieved success at the pinnacle of one of the world's most fiercely competitive arenas, accomplishing this feat with various teams in different leagues and across different periods. This level of achievement is exceptionally uncommon. His distinction comes not merely from the silverware but from the methodology behind the victories: meticulous preparation, strategic acumen, and an unwavering commitment to high performance. This philosophy resonated with us as it reflects our own approach to business. We focus not on a single breakthrough but on constructing systems and technologies that yield reliable outcomes consistently, regardless of external pressures or the specific markets they serve. When the chance to collaborate with José arose, the mutual alignment was immediately apparent. What does Mourinho add to the Champions Club? Jose Mourinho is a GR8 Tech brand ambassador – Image source: GR8 Tech He strengthens and expands upon the foundation we have already laid. Our partnership with Usyk established a powerful identity centered on a world champion who embodies discipline, thorough preparation, and hard-earned success. Mourinho introduces another facet of this same core belief. His entire career demonstrates that long-term winning is never a product of chance, luck, or coincidence. It requires constructing effective systems, strategic intelligence, and persistent high standards. This "no luck" principle is a theme shared by both ambassadors and is fundamental to GR8 Tech's operational ethos and partner offerings. Featuring two elite personalities from distinct sports who share an identical competitive mindset amplifies our message and increases its impact. It also provides access to new audiences and dialogues that a solitary partnership, however strong, could not achieve independently. What is the criteria to be the perfect Champions Club member? The requirements are simple. We seek individuals who have performed at the absolute highest level and whose careers are founded on discipline, consistency, and a relentless drive to improve. It's about mindset as much as innate ability. Authenticity is also crucial. The collaboration must be a natural fit for all parties, and the individual must have a sincere connection to the values GR8 Tech promotes. If the partnership seems contrived, the public will recognize it instantly. We prefer a select group of ambassadors who genuinely embody the brand over a lengthy roster that appears impressive but is ultimately superficial. How has the industry responded to the Champions Club? The most telling measure is our commercial activity. Our discussions with operators, including both current and prospective partners, have become more focused, frequent, and ambitious. The Champions Club provides a clear picture of GR8 Tech's principles, which directly influences our market engagement. The increasing number of alliances within the Champions Club is evidence of its success. However, the key point is that our commercial achievements are based on more than just ambassadors; they result from the synergy of robust technology, expert partner support, and a unifying brand identity. The Champions Club reinforces this message, and the positive market reaction validates our strategy. Who might be joining the Champions Club next? We have expansive plans for the Champions Club and will leverage all available platforms to ensure these partnerships are highly visible and influential. The objective extends beyond announcing new members to creating tangible activations that strengthen the GR8 Tech brand message. Currently, the most exciting aspect is having two world-class figures in the Champions Club, each contributing unique qualities. There is significant potential in uniting these distinct worlds, and we are actively developing initiatives to do so. Further details will be revealed at the appropriate time. What I can confirm is that the Champions Club is designed for expansion, and our momentum will continue. 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) - Entain hasn’t made any progress toward selling its Irish Ladbrokes assets, as discussions about a potential sale concluded without an agreement, SBC News has learned. Last June, reports emerged that Entain was considering offloading its Irish Ladbrokes assets to Irish bookmaker Bar One Racing. SBC News understands these talks ultimately fizzled out with no resolution. Multiple sources have reported, and Entain has confirmed, that the company is moving forward with closing several shops in Ireland. A source also noted that Ladbrokes Ireland has kept closures to a minimum so far. This week’s store adjustments come amid broader restructuring efforts across the UK and Irish betting and gaming sectors. “We regularly assess our retail locations to ensure our business remains competitive and financially viable,” a Ladbrokes spokesperson told SBC News. “These planned closures in the Republic of Ireland are not a decision we take lightly; they reflect ongoing cost pressures, long-term shifts in customer behavior, and the growing competitive threat from the unlicensed market. “Our current priority is to engage collaboratively with colleagues throughout the consultation process, with a strong focus on redeploying staff wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains committed to Ireland and to operating responsibly within a sustainable retail footprint.” Reviews underway Ladbrokes currently operates over 2,700 locations across the UK and Ireland, including 108 active shops in Ireland and 66 in Northern Ireland. However, Entain’s latest financial report revealed that total UK&I retail revenue fell 2% year-over-year, while sports betting revenue across its retail estate dropped by 3%. While the UK and Ireland are separate markets with distinct legislative and regulatory frameworks for gambling, they are closely intertwined, with several of the same firms active in both—Entain, Flutter, evoke, Super Group, and bet365, to name a few. April 1 marks the first day the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) rises from 21% to 40%, as promised by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in last November’s Autumn Budget. This time next year, the General Betting Duty (GBD) will also increase from 15% to 25%. Against the backdrop of the UK’s current tax landscape, Entain’s decision to close part of its UK&I retail portfolio aligns with a broader cost-cutting trend in the market. The firm is not alone in reviewing its options amid mounting financial pressure. William Hill owner evoke has chosen to close over 200 UK shops as part of a group-wide strategic review launched in December 2025—one month after the tax hikes were announced. Flutter Entertainment is also exploring mitigation measures, with a restructuring of Paddy Power’s marketing department revealed to SBC News last week. 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) - For an extended period, African markets have been characterized by sports betting and, to some extent, crash games. However, over the past 12 months, a new trend has emerged, with online casino gaming experiencing a surge across African markets. This trend is particularly evident in South Africa, where a rapidly expanding new market is developing, with online casino serving as a primary driver of growth. A review of Super Group’s most recent quarterly report indicates a 37% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for online casino. To delve deeper into this trend, iGaming Expert spoke with Matt Cowan, Commercial Director for EveryMatrix in Africa, to discuss the factors contributing to this shift and how operators can capitalize on evolving user behaviors. What is driving the change among South African players, who are transitioning from primarily sports bettors to increasingly engaging with casino games? The rapid expansion is fueled by both new players entering the market through casino offerings and existing sports bettors who are now also participating in casino games. The addressable market has effectively doubled; casino games tend to be more engaging and, unlike sports, do not have halves or off-seasons, making it unsurprising that casino is swiftly becoming dominant. Does this underscore the importance for operators to implement effective cross-selling strategies, particularly during significant sporting events like this summer's World Cup? Matt Cowan – EveryMatrix Africa. Image Source: EveryMatrix Absolutely. Casino games are available 'always on.' While this summer's Football World Cup represents one of the most effective acquisition opportunities an operator could wish for, casual players might only place bets during the tournament or while games are in progress before churning. Casino games enable operators to retain these players long after the tournament concludes. They also serve as a means to keep players engaged on the platform before, during, and after matches. Developing gamified challenges that span both verticals, encouraging players to explore casino options, is crucial. EngageSuite is currently the leading product on the market for operators to achieve this most effectively. Do you foresee this trend being replicated in other African markets where sports and crash games typically hold the most popularity? This is already occurring in key markets such as Kenya and Tanzania. Sports and crash games still dominate, but as the player base matures and begins to seek more sophisticated and dynamic gaming experiences, the natural progression will be to try slots. It is only a matter of time. What kinds of opportunities does this growing demand for slots present for both operators and game providers, such as SlotMatrix? The quicker operators can bring a diverse range of games to market, the better. The casino sector evolves rapidly, but EveryMatrix moves even faster. Managing numerous commercial agreements, vendor relationships, and integrations can be a significant challenge for operators. Our casino management platform and aggregation services not only resolve these issues but also substantially enhance operational efficiency through their functionality. They offer a single point of access to the most extensive selection of real-money casino content globally. When combined with our localized expertise and exceptional post-sales support, we are the definitive choice for casino aggregation. Are there specific types of content that particularly appeal to South African players? Simple slot mechanics continue to be the most popular. Although South Africa represents the most developed slots market on the continent, it is still relatively nascent in global terms, with players keen to understand their winning potential and the methods to achieve it. Volatility is also a key factor in players' decisions regarding which games they prefer, with a significant portion of South African players favoring high volatility and high maximum win game variations, such as Pragmatic’s Super Scatter games or No Limit City’s titles with a 50,000x maximum win, like Duck Hunters. How is EveryMatrix positioned to capitalize on this increased demand for casino games? With a team of experts possessing decades of experience in the gaming industry, EveryMatrix understands the strategies operators need to implement to maximize their profitability in the casino sector. In addition to our expertise, our product suite solidifies our standing as the leading casino aggregator in Africa. Through our casino management platform and comprehensive content library, we provide operators with access to the world's largest portfolio of games, including exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Our EngageSuite product also ensures that operators effectively retain players in highly competitive markets. By utilizing bonus campaigns, mini-tournaments, gamification, and CRM tools, we offer solutions to some of the most common challenges faced by operators. 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) - Well-known UK bookmaker William Hill is planning to shut down approximately 200 locations following a comprehensive corporate review. The evoke-owned operator has faced considerable pressure recently, specifically due to the increase in remote gaming duty to 40%, which was introduced in the Autumn Budget and is scheduled to take effect tomorrow (Wednesday, 1 April). In January, evoke indicated that it would be closing several William Hill outlets, a figure now estimated to be around 200. The company is also delaying the release of its FY25 financial results until 29 April as it carries out its strategic assessment. This assessment was first announced in December 2025, shortly after Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget. It was noted that the review might result in the sale of the business or certain assets. A representative for evoke informed SBC News: “Following an extensive evaluation and in light of growing cost burdens on the regulated industry—including the substantial tax hikes announced by the government in last year’s Autumn Budget—we will be closing a number of unsustainable shops starting in May.” The retail betting sector in the UK has been struggling for several years. In the final quarter of 2025, between October and December, the gross gambling yield (GGY) from high-street bookmakers fell by 7% year-on-year to £549 million. William Hill is not the only operator confirming closures. Entain’s Ladbrokes has shuttered several sites over the last couple of years, and Paddy Power announced widespread closures across the UK and Ireland last year. However, not every firm is scaling back, as BoyleSports has opened multiple new locations since 2022. “We are providing full assistance to our retail staff who are impacted by these shutdowns,” the evoke spokesperson added. “These are never easy choices to make, but in the face of mounting financial pressures, we must take steps to ensure we can continue to invest in our primary retail estate, focusing on the right shops in the right locations.” Speculation grows over evoke’s future The outlook for UK retail betting has become a political issue, particularly concerning adult gaming centres (AGCs), though calls to scrap the ‘aim to permit’ licensing rule could also affect traditional betting shops. A group of Labour MPs, led by Dawn Butler, along with members of the Green Party, SNP, and some Conservatives—including veteran gambling reform proponent Iain Duncan-Smith—have been highly critical of the industry. In contrast, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has cautioned that most bookmakers could be "gone within a year" due to the tax changes confirmed in the Autumn Budget, while major high-street brand Betfred has warned that its entire estate of 1,287 shops could be at risk. The broader situation is challenging for William Hill’s parent company, evoke. The announcement of the delayed FY25 accounts comes as the company's share price falls and rumors of a potential breakup circulate. Reports suggest that Bally’s and Betfred are potential buyers for the struggling FTSE All Share member, which has seen its stock price drop by more than 28% to 34.05p over the last year. Its market capitalization is currently just above £150 million. Another concerning development for the group is today’s investment from Ironshield Capital Management. The firm, which identifies as a special situations investment manager focusing on stressed and distressed credit in Europe, has acquired a 6.07% stake in evoke. 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 ongoing dispute concerning the implementation of the new statutory levy for gambling harms has intensified, following confirmation from Gamban that it will not receive funding. Gamban, formerly supported by GambleAware, expressed disapproval of OHID's choice to exclude it from the new funding mechanism because of its status as a limited company. Gamban is widely acknowledged as the most effective software for blocking access to gambling platforms and content on all devices. When the shift to the new levy system was confirmed last year, GambleAware declared its intention to stop operating, highlighting the profound nature of this change, given that GambleAware had previously overseen gambling harm treatment programs. Gamban announced that OHID's decision means it can no longer offer its service for free; it will now cost £4.99 monthly or £29.99 annually. Before this, Gamban was available at no cost following a referral from TalkBanStop or certain other referral pathways. The organization criticized OHID's process, asserting that its status as a limited company “was not a justifiable reason to exclude the most effective gambling blocking software from the commissioning process,” and disclosed that it has had to take measures to uphold the service quality its users depend on. Matt Zarb-Cousin, co-founder of Gamban, who had previously advocated for the new levy system expecting it to boost funding for high-quality services, characterized the criteria OHID adopted as ‘perplexing’ and expressed doubts about whether the new system would lead to service improvements. ‘An inevitable outcome’ Mark Conway of Consultancy for Gambling Harms echoed the criticism of the OHID process, calling it a ‘sad inevitable outcome’ stemming from the commissioning approach used for dividing VCSE and LA/NHS Levy funding. He further noted his belief that Gamban's commercial nature would have presented challenges for commissioners even under the previous RET system, and he lamented the insufficient adaptations made during the process, considering Gamban's significance to the industry. Conway, commenting on LinkedIn, attributed the core problem to inadequate preparation or a thorough grasp of the prior gambling harms sector during the shift to Levy funding. Conway characterized it as ‘a rushed transition lacking a genuine continuity plan – merely competitive bidding divided across different service provision categories.’ The Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) also condemned the restrictive nature of the approach and the ‘mismanagement of the levy process,’ labeling it ‘a stark illustration of the consequences when established system experts and stakeholders are left out of strategic planning and decision-making.’ GLEN explained that Gamban finds itself in a predicament similar to when over 10,000 users of the GambleAware App abruptly lost support because OHID opted not to continue backing that particular tool. GLEN further stated: “Our current predicament stems from inadequate planning… and ill-timed circumstances where the most crucial transformation in addressing Gambling Harms in this nation was unexpectedly assigned to State bodies that neither requested, desired, nor possessed the necessary expertise or capability to manage them.” OHID's lack of collaborative effort also drew criticism from other segments of the industry. Jordan Lea, founder of Deal Me Out, disclosed that his group withdrew from the OHID process early on, and he denounced the new process, voicing concerns about the rapid move towards a more assertive and uncompromising public health approach. During his address at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit earlier this month, he expressed regret that his initial apprehensions regarding the new process were materializing, leading to substantial job losses and the closure of numerous vital charities. This encompassed GambleAware's exit, which Lea believed was a primary objective for many advocates at the start of the process, driven by a desire to eliminate entities with any past industry funding. Escalating concerns Organizations, including GambleAware, have consistently cautioned that the new funding structure could jeopardize the standard of care for users as treatment becomes fragmented across the UK – a situation highlighted by Gamban's free availability in Wales versus its status in England and Scotland. GambleAware's legacy report, published prior to its cessation of operations today (March 31), declared: “As the system undergoes transition, worries are mounting regarding the potential loss of institutional expertise and advancements within the sector. Concurrently, there is apprehension that disparities in local capabilities might lead to variations in service quality across different areas. Without intentional intervention, these hazards could undermine progress achieved in prevention, early intervention, and fairness of response.” Acknowledging the growing difficulties associated with the new levy's implementation, the UK Government last week introduced the Gambling Levy Transition Fund (GLTF), offering an additional three months of funding to organizations that did not secure initial funding. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport recognized the 'transformative change' ushered in by the funding shift and stated that the GLTF was established to 'guarantee the uninterrupted provision of gambling harm prevention and treatment services in England.' 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 revealed that football icon José Mourinho, widely known as "The Special One," has signed on as the latest brand ambassador for the iGaming technology provider. Mourinho joins the company’s "Champions Club," a proprietary initiative that utilizes high-profile sports figures, such as Oleksandr Usyk, to promote the firm’s comprehensive suite of iGaming solutions. This portfolio features the Hyper Turnkey platform, the ULT8 sportsbook, the Crypto Turnkey platform, the Infinite Casino Aggregation tool, and the ACCELER8 affiliate platform. GR8 Tech asserts that when these tools are combined, they deliver a standard of performance comparable to a champion. “Championship is not a fleeting moment. It is a method—one that is evident in training, in data, and in decisions made during calm periods that prove their worth under pressure,” the company noted. GR8 Tech maintains that Mourinho is an ideal embodiment of this philosophy, citing his illustrious coaching career, which has been defined by “discipline, tactical excellence, and relentless preparation.” Oleksandr Feshchenko, CEO of GR8 Tech, commented: “José Mourinho embodies the mindset we champion: success is crafted long before the final outcome. In the iGaming sector, much like in football, victory is the result of structure, preparation, and the capacity to perform under pressure.” With Mourinho leading its promotional efforts, the company expects to more effectively communicate its commitment to a results-oriented B2B strategy—a focus that has earned the firm multiple industry accolades, including the Platform Provider of the Year award at the 2025 SBC Awards. This partnership marks the beginning of a broader campaign for GR8 Tech, with several Champions Club activations planned for the coming months to showcase the standards that top-tier iGaming operators should aim to reach. Mourinho remarked: “I have collaborated with numerous organizations throughout my career. The factor that distinguishes consistent winners is never just talent—it is culture. It is the conviction that preparation is mandatory. I identified that quality in GR8 Tech right away.” 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 New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has once more extended the license suspension for The Star Entertainment Group’s Sydney-based casino. On March 12, the NICC received a pathway-to-suitability submission from The Star Sydney, where the operator restated its January communication indicating it would not pursue a license determination during this month. The Star Sydney has been under suspension for more than three years, as the operator was deemed no longer fit to hold a casino license following two NICC-ordered reviews by Adam Bell SC (in October 2022 and August 2024) that uncovered multiple regulatory breaches. In deciding on the initial suspension, the NICC considered the potential for the casino to meet the commission’s requirements through proper corrective measures, so it did not revoke the property’s license entirely. Nicolas Weeks was named manager of The Star Sydney to enable gaming activities to keep running at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino’s license suspension stays in effect, and Weeks’ role has been prolonged until September 30, 2026—unless the appointment is ended before that time. In a regulatory update to its investors, The Star mentioned that the suspension extension pertains to ‘the current term of the appointments of the Special Manager to The Star Gold Coast and the External Advisor for The Star Brisbane’. NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford has commended The Star’s new leadership team, saying: “The new owners are implementing major changes to the way the business operates, and these are being closely monitored by the NICC. “This includes efforts to enhance the business’s long-term financial sustainability, which will help them prove their suitability. We will keep collaborating with The Star on their key remediation tasks so the casino can address the critical issues highlighted in the two Bell investigations.” WhiteHawk swoops in Earlier this week, The Star advanced its debt refinancing process with WhiteHawk Capital Partners by submitting its commitment letter on schedule, progressing toward refinancing its current debt “in full and securing incremental liquidity to maintain enough cash flow for day-to-day operations”. To prevent default, The Star must finalize the refinancing by May 15, 2026. However, the operator has had a tentative agreement with WhiteHawk since February and has been evaluating its resource structure and strategic direction. This agreement comes after The Star released its H1 FY26 results earlier this month, where it expressed positivity despite a turbulent end to 2025—ending with normalized net revenue of A$585 million (compared to A$650 million in H1 FY25) and a substantial net loss of over A$75 million.This was also the first reporting period under the new management team, which followed the completion of a A$300 million strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. 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 regulation continues to shape how gaming companies expand and operate, SBC Summit Americas will launch a dedicated North American Regulation and Compliance track to help industry stakeholders navigate the latest regional developments. Held on Thursday, June 11, this specialized program will gather leading operators, regulators, and compliance experts to examine the regulatory pressures and compliance challenges currently facing the North American gaming industry. Upcoming sessions will cover the growth of unregulated gaming formats, the balance between technological innovation and regulatory responsibility, and how operators are adjusting to newly implemented state regulations. “For too long, the industry has approached regulation and compliance from the wrong perspective,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “It should not be viewed as an afterthought or a restrictive barrier, but rather the top priority for any meaningful growth, whether that growth comes from market expansion or product integration. These sessions will show stakeholders how they can actually leverage regulation and compliance to their advantage.” The panel ‘Regulators Rising: How Oversight Is Shaping North American Gaming’ will examine how operators make critical decisions in an increasingly regulated industry environment. Speakers Will Griffiths (CEO, Level Media), Lee Terfloth (Chief Interactive Officer, Gaming, Delaware North), and Dawn H Himel (Director, Louisiana Department of Justice) will share insights on how businesses are adapting to changing state regulations and iGaming frameworks, and what the rise of formats like prediction markets means for product strategy and risk management. The discussion will also explore how compliance teams balance commercial goals with regulatory demands, and what it takes to stay competitive as regulatory scrutiny intensifies. The session ‘Innovation vs Regulation:Finding CommonGround in Prediction Markets and Emerging Formats’ will help operators strike a balance between regulatory responsibility and player engagement. Experts Martin Lycka (Vice President Institutional Affairs, Oddin.gg), Matt Kane (Head of Legal, Betr), Joe Brennan (Co-Founder, Prime Sports), and Evan Davis (Managing Director, Head of Gaming Investment Banking, Jefferies LLC) will analyze the legal and ethical uncertainty surrounding emerging gaming formats, and outline how operators can develop engaging products while meeting evolving regulatory expectations. Focused on enforcement trends across the United States, the panel ‘Crackdown on Unregulated Gaming: Where States Draw the Line’ will center on how regulators and state authorities are responding to the growing presence of offshore betting sites and sweepstakes casinos. Legal specialists Jon Ford (Former Senator, Indiana State), Carl Herold (Director of Law Enforcement, Florida Gaming Control Commission), and George Rover (Managing Partner, Princeton Global Strategies) will discuss how states are defining illegal gaming, coordinating enforcement strategies, and what these developments mean for licensed operators working to maintain compliance. Beyond this dedicated track, compliance and regulation remain a core theme across the full conference agenda, shaping discussions around payments, emerging technologies, and new verticals such as prediction markets. From evolving crypto regulatory frameworks and payment innovation to the legal boundaries of event-based wagering, regulatory considerations are influencing how operators invest, build, and scale their operations. By bringing all these conversations together under one roof, SBC Summit Americas offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of how regulation is redefining the North American gaming landscape and what it takes to stay ahead in an increasingly complex market. SBC Summit Americas will gather 10,000 industry stakeholders at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 9-11. Get Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas: VIP Pass – Our VIP Passes are available for just $700. Pass holders get access to the full conference agenda, show floor, complimentary food at our Food Festival and all our evening networking events! Expo+ Pass: Includes access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get Your Expo+ Pass at $95. Operator & Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass | Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass. 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) - Swedish gambling industry stakeholders are being encouraged to adopt more evidence-based strategies to address problem gambling, as recent analysis underscores the intricate risk profiles that influence player habits. Collaboration between regulators, operators, and public health authorities is deemed essential to safeguard Sweden’s stable problem gambling statistics against both existing and emerging challenges. These insights stem from a report commissioned by BOS, the Swedish Online Gambling Trade Association, and authored by economist Ola Nevander of Makrologik. Spanning 25 years of data, Nevander’s study, titled “The Development of Problem Gambling in Sweden,” offers a long-term perspective on the evolution of gambling addiction while questioning common beliefs regarding how market growth, regulatory shifts, and increased accessibility influence these rates. Regarding prevalence, the study reveals that problem gambling in Sweden has decreased and leveled off over the last two decades, despite market liberalization and total gambling expenditure reaching approximately SEK 28bn (€2.8bn) by 2024. The percentage of problem gamblers has dropped from over 2% in the late 2000s to roughly 1.3% today—a statistically significant decline at the population level. Notably, the transition to a licensed online framework post-2018, which currently supports about 60 B2C operators, has been a key development. Despite these structural changes, Sweden has maintained a problem gambling rate of about 1.3%, keeping it below that of comparable Nordic nations, though international comparisons are often complicated by differing methodologies. Economist Nevander remarked on the findings: “The result is a consistent downward trend. This outcome may be unexpected, given the dynamic evolution of the gambling sector during this timeframe. Gambling marketing is more widespread than before, the variety of products is significantly larger, and games are accessible 24/7 via mobile devices. Nevertheless, gambling addiction is on the decline.” Crucially, the report disputes the idea that increased availability, advertising, and product innovation are the primary drivers of problem gambling. During the same period that digital access became nearly universal, product offerings grew substantially, and marketing reached record levels, yet the prevalence of problem gambling fell rather than rose. Instead, the research points to a more complex interplay of societal and behavioral risk factors. Problem gambling is more closely associated with individual vulnerabilities—such as mental health issues like depression and impulsivity, risky alcohol use, significant life stressors, and behaviors like chasing losses. These factors suggest that harm is concentrated within specific high-risk groups rather than spread evenly across the general population. The report further notes an ‘absolute decline’ in the number of Swedish problem gamblers, which has dropped by 57,000 since 2008, while the broader category of ‘at-risk’ players has decreased by 200,000 since 2018. Emphasis is instead placed on the structural importance of regulation. Sweden’s 2019 licensing system facilitates duty-of-care requirements, self-exclusion tools, and data-driven monitoring of player behavior within the regulated sector—mechanisms considered vital for early risk detection and intervention. However, these protections are only effective within the licensed sphere. Channeling players toward regulated operators remains vital, as migration to unlicensed or offshore platforms undermines oversight and eliminates access to support tools. Evidence indicates that a notable number of self-excluded individuals continue to gamble on unregulated sites, representing a significant vulnerability in the current system. BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt stated that the findings highlight the potential for technology and regulation to further mitigate harm: “With the shift from traditional, anonymous kiosk gambling to today’s digital products, we haven't completely solved the issue of gambling addiction, but we appear to be on the right path.” “When utilized correctly and responsibly, online gambling and AI provide us with new tools to reduce problem gambling to levels likely lower than ever before. We are heading in the right direction, but there is still much to be done.” Ultimately, the report reinforces a core conclusion: problem gambling is not merely a byproduct of market size or accessibility, but the result of an interaction between individual vulnerability, behavioral patterns, and institutional frameworks. For Swedish stakeholders, the goal is not to impose total market restrictions, but to ensure that regulation promotes high channelization, effective oversight, and targeted interventions for those most at risk. In this light, Sweden serves as a case study in regulatory balance—where market liberalization has occurred alongside stable or decreasing harm—though maintaining this equilibrium will require ongoing cooperation as new risks arise. 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) - Sportsbook provider Kambi has made headway in the French market through a new collaboration with local operator Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU). In particular, Kambi will cater to French racing enthusiasts by utilizing PMU’s well-established user base and standing as one of the longest-running horse racing betting operators to power PMU’s fixed-odds online sportsbook. Although Kambi has been working with FDJ United since November 2025 to provide its Odds Feed+ product while FDJ United shifts to its own in-house end-to-end system, the company had not previously operated in France—meaning this partnership with PMU marks its debut in the market. “PMU is a powerhouse brand in European sports betting and the ideal partner for Kambi’s entry into France,” said Werner Becher, Kambi Group Chief Executive Officer. “Our Turnkey Sportsbook is purpose-built to help operators win in competitive and regulated markets, and we’re proud to bring our full breadth of technology and trading to the iconic PMU brand as we look to set a new benchmark for sports betting in France.” PMU aims to bolster its standing in France by rolling out Kambi’s Turnkey Sportsbook solution, which adds integrated AI-driven pricing, trading, and risk management features. These are complemented by Kambi’s exclusive high-tech platform and user experience (UX) equipped with cutting-edge innovations. Designed specifically for PMU’s users, Kambi will develop a custom front-end interface that effectively showcases the operator’s brand identity, helping PMU stand out from local competitors and maximize its customer retention potential. Olivier Pribile, PMU Chief Marketing, Product and e-Commerce Officer, added: “The partnership with Kambi is an important strategic step in PMU’s evolution as one of the leading sports betting operators in France. “Kambi’s turnkey sports betting solution will enable us to offer a betting experience that meets the highest market standards to our online customers. This is the first step in a major transformation of our multi-game offering that will take place soon and will allow PMU® to reposition itself as a leader in online gaming.” This collaboration is the most recent announcement from Kambi, indicating that the company is seeking to resume growth following a period of stagnation in 2025, as reflected in its latest financial reports. Having experienced an 8.2% year-over-year revenue decrease—falling from €176.4 million (£151.1 million) to €162 million—and a drop in full-year profit from €18.8 million to €8.1 million, these partnerships are set to be crucial for Kambi’s recovery efforts in 2026. 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 UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has utilized Unexplained Wealth Orders and Interim Freezing Orders to freeze the assets of a wanted Chinese national, who allegedly has connections to an illegal gambling network operating across China. Previously identified only as Mr X, the fugitive at the center of the asset freeze has been revealed by the OCRP and The Times as Su Jiangbo, a Chinese national facing significant allegations regarding his involvement with illegal casinos. While UK authorities have not yet confirmed any charges, 85 luxury London properties associated with Jiangbo have been frozen. To acquire these London properties, Jiangbo used a golden passport from St Kitts and Nevis, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the UK's anti-money laundering defenses. However, the UK has implemented an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO), requiring Jiangbo to account for the source of funds that facilitated extensive spending, including the purchase of numerous properties in the UK capital. Jiangbo's alleged ties to an illegal casino network are a significant concern, with Chinese officials accusing him of conducting illegal cross-border online operations targeting the country's citizens. Furthermore, the extent of Jiangbo's spending underscores the scale of the global unlicensed market that allegedly enabled him to amass such wealth. The substantial demand for gambling in Mainland China, where it remains largely prohibited, has fueled the growth of the illicit market, often operating from bases in Cambodia, the Philippines, or Singapore. The consultancy firm IMARC Group estimated that China's online gambling market was valued at $11.4 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a rise to $19.8 billion by 2033. Efforts to curb casino centers in Cambodia have continued this year, with enforcement actions in the country highlighting the widespread operations that continue to affect Southeast Asia. Crackdowns in Cambodia According to reports earlier this year, approximately 190 scam centers were shut down following a series of actions by Cambodian officials, leading to the arrest of 173 senior crime figures. Cambodia also recently revoked the citizenship of and extradited Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born business tycoon accused of operating a major illegal gambling network. Zhi's methods, in some respects, are similar to the accusations against Jiangbo, as Zhi also acquired property in London. However, Zhi's portfolio appeared to be more diversified, as he was the Founder of Prince Holding Group, a multi-billion-pound conglomerate based in Cambodia. The group was accused by UK and US authorities of establishing casinos and compounds to facilitate lucrative scams. A statement from Cambodia’s Interior Ministry stated: “Within the scope of cooperation in combating transnational crime and pursuant to a request from the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China, the authorities of the Kingdom of Cambodia have arrested three Chinese nationals – Chen Zhi, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui and extradited to the People’s Republic of China.” It was also alleged that Zhi used offshore companies to secure property investments in the UK's capital. While Jiangbo was directly linked to London property, Zhi, through his network of companies, also faced significant asset freezes from the UK government. UK and US authorities jointly accused Zhi of engaging in "industrial scale" fraud, seizing 127,271 bitcoins, valued at approximately $15 billion, and freezing assets connected to the Prince group. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated when the sanctions were announced: “Together with our US allies, we are taking decisive action to combat the growing transnational threat posed by this network – upholding human rights, protecting British nationals and keeping dirty money off our streets.” Ensuring Macau's Prosperity With Chinese nationals being the target for many unlicensed operators in Southeast Asia, securing a thriving market in Macau is still considered a strategy to counter illicit actors. In recent times, the Chinese government has also supported efforts to maintain the stability of Macau’s gambling sector and encourage the retention of VIP players in the region. A notable development saw Macau adopt a more relaxed approach to currency exchange within its venues, moving away from stringent regulations. Now, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and SJM Holdings can all offer currency exchanges as a result of the recently implemented changes. This is part of a broader governmental initiative to centralize control and ensure compliance within the casino sector, thereby increasing the industry's regulatory stability. iGaming Expert Analysis: This story should have significant implications across various sectors, as London's property market appears to continue being a target for individuals acquiring illicit funds through gambling. The concerns regarding the Southeast Asian market should also be considerable, given the undeniable scale of these operations and the wealth generated from them. 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) - Rumors have been swirling throughout Spain and Latin America ever since news broke last week that Grupo Codere has brought on advisors to oversee a $2.3bn (£1.7bn) sale process. While the asset is appealing thanks to the company’s presence across markets including Spain, Mexico and Argentina, plus its fast-growing online segment, recent financial struggles and broader global uncertainty have sparked questions over who has the capital on hand to meet the steep asking price. Codere is currently owned by roughly 84 investment funds, after a 2024 debt-for-equity agreement cut the company’s net debt from €1.4bn (£1.2bn) down to €190m (£165m), and Ted Menmuir, SBC’s Editor-at-Large, suggested the $2bn figure is a way to ‘primarily reward bondholders’. During an appearance on the iGaming Daily podcast, he said: ‘It seems clear that the narrative being pushed here is that whoever buys this company will secure the second largest gambling brand in Spain with both retail and online operations. They will also gain a foothold in the markets of Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia. ‘However, I believe it is important to take Codere’s track record into account. This is a company that carried €2bn of debt for the last decade. It only just recently completed its capital renegotiation with bondholders, which reduced that debt by 95%, so there is still no clear consensus on what Codere has actually proven it can deliver.’ Lucia Gando, Editor of SBC Noticias, pointed to the 2018 purchase of CIRSA by Blackstone, the world’s largest private equity fund, as a template for the path the sale may take. Blackstone already holds a substantial gambling industry portfolio, and still retains a stake in CIRSA even after the company was listed on the Bolsa Madrid stock exchange in January 2025. The fund also acquired Crown Resorts in June 2022 and is the primary owner of casino properties in Las Vegas. Blackstone, or a comparable private equity fund, may view Codere as an attractive investment prospect and have the required capital to complete the purchase at the asking price set out by Codere. The other leading potential buyers are top multinational gambling groups in the sector, such as Flutter or Entain. However, Menmuir acknowledged that taking a chance on the Spanish and Latin American markets is a ‘risky bet to take on’ given ongoing uncertainty over the future regulatory trajectory of the respective regions. In Codere Online’s latest financial report, the operator posted year-on-year growth of 6% from €212m to €224m, but tempered any optimism around these results with a warning of higher tax costs in the coming years, with knock-on effects expected to hit Mexico and Colombia in particular. Meanwhile, similar planned tax increases across markets such as the UK and the Netherlands, alongside broader geopolitical tensions that are weighing on foreign currency values, are placing significant strain on the finances of the entire sector. For firms like Flutter and Entain, the opportunity to expand across Latin America and Spain is no doubt enticing; however, it remains unclear how much appetite such companies have for pursuing acquisition opportunities right now. Flutter’s recent M&A activity has focused on geographic expansion and cementing its market leadership, as demonstrated by its €2.3bn acquisition of Snaitech in Italy and its move to take full control of FanDuel – both deals completed in 2024. A potential deal for Codere would follow a similar formula to the strategy that has worked for Flutter in its recent expansions, as the group may be drawn to the Latin American growth opportunity. Entain has been far less active on the M&A front, making only low-profile investments in Polish firm STS Holding and US-based Angstrom Sports. ‘If you look at this from a high-level perspective, it is very obvious that you will need some form of private equity fund to step in. On the European side, Lottomatica is a company that has spoken of leading global expansion efforts, but I do not think they will have the appetite to take on a company that carries so many liabilities,’ concluded Menmuir, who added that any deal is likely to have a tiered structure, with stock-based compensation included as part of the payout terms. 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 Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has issued a memorandum delaying the rollout of the new monthly minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) for licensed online operators by two months, according to reports. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department at PAGCOR likely initiated this postponement due to the "current economic crisis." Consequently, the first tranche has been pushed from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, while the second tranche has been moved from 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027. Upon the implementation of the first tranche, operators providing electronic casino games to the Philippine iGaming sector will be required to pay a monthly MGF of Php 9m (roughly €129,200) if their monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaches at least Php 30m (roughly €430,800). For those not offering online casino titles, a monthly MGF of Php 3m (roughly €43,080) will apply, provided they generate a minimum monthly GGR of Php 15m (roughly €215,400). Regarding the second tranche, suppliers of online casino games will face a monthly MGF of Php 10.5m (roughly €150,800) if their monthly GGR is at least Php 35m (roughly €502,600). Operators who do not provide online casino games will be subject to a monthly MGF of Php 4m (roughly €57,400) if their monthly GGR hits a minimum of Php 20m (roughly €287,300). Any operator found offering online casino games without proper declaration to PAGCOR will face administrative sanctions, which could include the suspension or revocation of their accreditation. Inside Asian Gaming also noted that the memorandum indicates PAGCOR will perform a thorough assessment of industry conditions to determine if further adjustments to the MGF are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the sector. PAGCOR tightens regulatory screws While extending the MGF timeline, PAGCOR has recently intensified its regulatory oversight of the gambling industry, securing agreements with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). A newly signed memorandum of agreement with the DOJ incorporates its personnel into PAGCOR’s list of individuals prohibited from entering casinos. According to the state-run Philippine News Agency, this marks the first such agreement between the regulatory body and the government agency. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida stated: “This data-sharing initiative is both timely and necessary. By enabling a more efficient and accurate identification system, we strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure that policies are not only written but meaningfully implemented. “It allows PAGCOR to better regulate access to gaming revenues and empowers the DOJ to reinforce discipline within its ranks.” In other developments, GLI has become the first gaming testing firm to receive certification from PAGCOR, tasked with the testing and verification of iGaming platforms within the Philippine market. Alejandro Tengco, Chair and CEO of PAGCOR, remarked: “We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing/certification, and data security. “PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply with the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players.” 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.