Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Hungary’s new government, led by Péter Magyar of the TISZA (Freedom and Reform Party), will review all state-run organizations, including national lottery and sports betting firm Szerencsejáték Zrt. Last week, Prime Minister Magyar finalized appointments for his senior cabinet to launch “the TISZA transition,” beginning with committee reviews assessing state enterprises, public finances, and political influence following 16 years under Viktor Orbán and the Fidesz administration. In the gambling sector, attention focuses on Szerencsejáték Zrt.’s governance, examining its privileges and economic performance. The state-owned company holds a monopoly over Hungary’s lottery market and dominates a significant share of the country’s retail betting industry. Finance Minister András Kármán accused the state operator of using revenues for “propaganda purposes” rather than transparently returning profits to the state treasury. Kármán pledged “corruption-free and transparent management” of public enterprises and confirmed that special sector taxes introduced during the Orbán era would be gradually phased out. The comments represent the clearest indication yet that the TISZA government plans to reassess how gambling revenues have been managed under Fidesz, particularly regarding state gaming profits, public media funding, and politically aligned sponsorship initiatives. Further pressure may arise from reforms proposed by incoming Culture and Social Relations Minister Zoltán Tarr, who stated the government will also review public media and cultural financing mechanisms indirectly supported by lottery-generated funds. Tarr emphasized the new administration’s intent to restore “credibility and truthfulness” to Hungary’s public institutions after years of political interference. Hungary’s gambling market operates under Act XXXIV of 1991 on Gambling Operations, regulating casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and online gambling. It is overseen by the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs (SZTFH), led by Dr. Marcell Bíró, which manages licensing, compliance, payment supervision, and blocking illegal operators. Since 2023, Hungary has officially opened its online sports betting market to operators from the European Economic Area, though the framework remains heavily concession-based and tied to state oversight. Market analysts suggest the incoming government could review existing gambling concessions inherited from the Orbán era and consider broader competitive expansion in the online betting sector. The financial scale of the industry underscores its strategic importance. Szerencsejáték Zrt. reported approximately €3.25 billion in revenue in 2024, with over 1.1 million registered players and around €447 million paid in taxes and regulatory contributions. Hungary’s overall gambling market is estimated to exceed $1.7 billion, with online betting recognized as one of Central Europe’s fastest-growing gaming segments. TISZA seeks alignment with EU economic standards While senior TISZA officials have openly criticized Szerencsejáték Zrt. and its ties to the former Fidesz administration, the party has not yet outlined specific details of its gambling reforms. What is clear is that Szerencsejáték Zrt. remains one of Hungary’s most effective tax-generating state enterprises, making abrupt dismantling of its operations unlikely from both political and financial standpoints. The Magyar government may aim to move beyond the cronyism associated with the Orbán era by gradually transforming Hungary into a more competitive and transparent sports betting and online gambling market open to both domestic and international operators—a policy direction consistent with TISZA’s pro-European Union stance. 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 significant number of prominent figures from the gambling industry have once again been featured in The Times’ annual Sunday Times Rich List. The 2026 edition, topped this year by Sanjay and Dheeraj Hinduja and family of the Hinduja Group with an estimated net worth of £38bn, reveals that the UK’s 350 richest individuals and families have a combined wealth of £784bn—a 1.4% increase from 2025—equivalent to one-quarter of the UK’s GDP. A familiar name tops betting’s Rich List… Once again, the highest-ranked figure from the gambling sector was the Coates family. Synonymous with Stoke-on-Trent’s bet365, the Coates family—comprising company co-founder Peter and his two children and joint-chief executives Denise and John—dropped one place to 17th in the rankings, with a net worth of £9.73bn. Despite falling one position in the list, the family, which also maintains close ties with Stoke City FC, increased its fortune by £283m over the past year. The bet365 business is reported to be the largest private-sector employer in Stoke-on-Trent, employing more than 5,500 people locally, and has recently expanded into new markets including France and Michigan. Following the Coates on the gambling side of the list was Mark Scheinberg—the Israeli-Canadian entrepreneur who co-founded PokerStars, now owned by Flutter Entertainment. Scheinberg ranked 37th overall, up one place from 2025, but his wealth decreased by £192m, leaving him with a fortune of £4.89bn. Done it again – Betfred brothers on Sunday Times Rich List Not far behind Scheinberg were the billionaire brothers Fred and Peter Done, owners of Betfred. Like the Coates, the Done brothers run a privately-owned family gambling business rooted in the UK—Betfred remains headquartered in Warrington, near their home in Salford. Remarkably, the Done brothers grew their fortune by nearly £700m over the last 12 months, climbing 11 places to 46th on the list with an estimated wealth of £3.61bn. Dairy farmer Lord Grantchester, grandson of the late Sir John Moores, fell eight places to 139th, with his fortune remaining unchanged at £1.2bn. At 75 years old and a former director of Everton FC, Lord Grantchester is part of the family that founded Littlewoods and its football pools business. Although the pools business, which has declined significantly in the 21st century alongside Littlewoods’ retail empire, continues today under the name ‘The Pools’. Business leaders Lord Peter and Lady Fiona Cruddas, founders of CMC Markets, surged 42 places to 142nd, increasing their net worth by £290m to reach £1.16bn. The platform offers spread betting and has secured front-of-shirt sponsorship deals with both Everton FC and Fulham FC, ahead of the upcoming voluntary ban on gambling branding on shirts. Barry and Eddie Hearn, well-known figures in boxing, darts, and snooker, returned to the Sunday Times Rich List at 154th position with a fortune of £1.04bn. Their company, Matchroom, has attracted substantial commercial attention from betting firms. However, the firm has warned that any legislative changes could affect revenues and is therefore seeking to diversify away from the sector. Current Matchroom partnerships with gambling companies include Paddy Power’s sponsorship of the PDC World Championship and Midnite’s involvement with the World Snooker Tour. Horse racing links in the Sunday Times Rich List 2026 Michael Tabor and his family, owners of BetVictor, rose eight places to 191st despite no change in their net worth. The 84-year-old businessman and his family have a total wealth of £800m. Tabor is one of only four racehorse owners to have won both the Epsom Derby and the Kentucky Derby. Other notable horse racing-connected names on the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List include: Georg and Emily von Opel: (74th – worth £2.08bn) heirs to car manufacturer Opel AG; Georg behind the thoroughbred racing and breeding operation Westerberg Patricia Thompson and family: (175th – worth £902m) family behind food manufacturer Hillsdown Holdings; owner of the renowned UK racing Cheveley Park Stud Tony Bloom: (199th – worth £779m) owner and breeder; chairman of Brighton and Hove Albion; founder of Premierbet Robert and William Barnett and family: (218th – worth £715m) owners of Belfast-based W&R Barnett; former elite racehorse owners and breeders Andy Bell: (249th – worth £553m) co-founder of Manchester-headquartered online investment platform AJ Bell; racehorse owner Elsewhere on the list, Ruth Parasol and her family climbed five places to 198th, with a net worth of £780m. Parasol established PartyGaming in 1997, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2005 at a then-record valuation of $8.46bn. The business later merged with bwin in 2011 to form bwin.party Digital Entertainment, subsequently acquired by GVC Holdings in 2016. As of 2026, the brand is owned by FTSE 100 company Entain plc, which also operates the Ladbrokes and Coral brands. Will Rosseff, a director at bet365, is the final name from the gambling industry on this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, with his net worth rising by £12m to £591m, placing him 239th. 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) - Oklahoma’s state legislature has secured a sweepstakes ban on their second attempt after overriding Governor Kevin Stitt’s May 7 veto. Both the state Senate and House in the Sooner State had advanced Senate Bill 1589, which targeted sweepstakes operators and their suppliers. Still, this legislation was among the 33 bills that Stitt vetoed earlier this month. This veto came as somewhat of a surprise given Stitt’s outspoken opposition to the gambling sector, but he defended his choice by stating the bill would criminalize “everyday apps people use for leisure” and “unnecessarily create a new felony and expand criminal liability to businesses and service providers.” Even with this setback, optimism lingered for the bill, as lawmakers had until May 29 to override the veto. But the override effort ended up unfolding far faster than expected, with the House voting 68-19 in favor of overriding the veto on May 14, and the Senate also casting a 34-10 vote in favor later that same day. BREAKING: Oklahoma’s Legislature has overturned Governor Stitt’s veto of the bill banning dual-currency sweepstakes casinos. The House vote was 68-19 (in support of overriding the veto), and the Senate vote was 34-10. The legislation will officially go into effect on November 1, 2026. (h/t @FSDiMasi). pic.twitter.com/QAfrrRPi9O — Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) May 15, 2026 The legislation will now take effect on November 1, and it classifies promoting unregulated gambling—including sweepstakes casinos—as a Class C2 felony. Individuals convicted of violating this law could face fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail. Oklahoma is now joining a growing list of states that have taken legislative steps to address sweepstakes casinos. Starting November 1, Oklahoma will join California, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, and New York in explicitly banning sweepstakes casinos and dual-currency operating platforms. Most sweepstakes casino operators offer gameplay via dual-currency systems, and critics of this industry segment argue that these platforms function as de facto online casinos and should thus be subject to the same state laws as other gaming operations. Only eight U.S. states have legalized online casinos to date, with Maine becoming the most recent to do so in January. 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) - Companies and individuals have less than one month remaining to nominate candidates for the Affiliate Leaders Awards 2026, with the submission deadline set for Thursday, June 11. The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, and will bring together 400 professionals at Lisbon’s MEO Arena, located directly adjacent to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa—the venue hosting both the Affiliate Leaders Summit 2026 and the SBC Summit 2026. Launched in 2025, the Affiliate Leaders Awards were created to celebrate the companies and individuals driving innovation in affiliate marketing within the global sports betting and iGaming industries. In just a year, the event has become a premier industry milestone, offering shortlisted nominees significant exposure and recognition before key decision-makers, affiliates, and suppliers from across the world. “The Affiliate Leaders Awards were my personal highlight of 2025. It was fantastic to see so many worthy winners honored, but what truly stood out was the sense that the affiliate community had finally united to recognize its own accomplishments, moving beyond just a handful of categories,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC. “With the Affiliate Leaders Summit evolving into an independent event in 2026, affiliate marketing will take center stage in Lisbon during September. The awards provide companies with an opportunity to formally acknowledge the individuals, campaigns, and teams behind their achievements—and to be seen for the impact they’ve delivered over the past year,” he added. This year, TV presenter and reporter Alison Bender returns as host, presenting accolades across 20 different award categories. Designed to honor excellence throughout the entire affiliate ecosystem, the awards spotlight contributions from affiliates, operator affiliate programs, and supplier-side organizations supporting the affiliate marketing landscape. Categories include individual honors such as Affiliate Content Manager of the Year and Affiliate Marketing Manager of the Year, as well as broader vertical distinctions like Best Affiliate Network, Sports Affiliate, Casino Affiliate, and Crypto Affiliate of the Year. Past winners include notable names such as Clever Advertising, Flashscore, Gentoo Media, Odds Scanner Group, and bet365 Partners. Individual recognitions were also awarded, with Alina Famenok (former CEO of Already Media) and Jesper Søgaard and Christian Kirk Rasmussen (Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Better Collective) each being named ‘Affiliate Leader of the Year’. To ensure credibility and authenticity, shortlists are determined by an independent panel of judges, while the final winners are selected through public voting. The evening begins with a welcome drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner, live entertainment, a DJ, and an open bar lasting through the night. Individual tickets and tables can be reserved here: Sponsorship opportunities for the Affiliate Leaders Awards remain available, including headline, premium, and supporting partnership tiers. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact the sales team at sales@sbcgaming.com. Nominations for the Affiliate Leaders Awards close on June 11. Companies and individuals may submit entries here. To assist entrants, SBC has published a dedicated guide outlining best practices for creating award-winning submissions, including insights into what judges evaluate when reviewing applications. The Affiliate Leaders Awards are part of the Affiliate Leaders Summit 2026, the new standalone event for performance marketing and acquisition professionals. It will run alongside the SBC Summit at Feira Internacional de Lisboa from September 29 to October 1, 2026. The summit will feature its own exhibition floor, conference agenda, Affiliate Leaders Academy, exclusive networking events, and the Affiliate Leaders Awards ceremony. Additional details are available on the Affiliate Leaders Summit website. 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 and Regulatory Affairs team at Gaming Labs International (GLI) met with officials from the Bulgarian regulator to share insights on enhancing the local sector. Lucas Zavarise, Manager of GLI’s Government and Regulatory Affairs unit, traveled to Sofia alongside colleague Kevin Kostreci, GLI’s Manager of Technical Compliance, for an in-person discussion with Bulgaria’s National Revenue Agency (NRA). In a LinkedIn post, Zavarise praised the exchange, noting that it centered on Bulgaria’s market developments and regulatory framework—elements he described as vital for more effective, practical, and future-focused regulation. He emphasized that such interactions are a top priority for GLI, especially given the fast-paced evolution of the gambling industry in terms of technology, product innovation, and shifting regulatory expectations. Zavarise and Kostreci were joined by Martin Yakimov, Head of Gambling at Velchev & Co. Law Office, and Alexander Popov, Director of Gambling Oversight at the NRA. Popov provided further details about the meeting to SBC News, explaining that GLI has shown particular interest in how the Bulgarian regulator manages the integration of artificial intelligence within gambling products, among other topics. He remarked: “The meeting with GLI took place in connection with their newly established Government and Regulatory Affairs unit. It was constructive and conducted in a spirit of mutual understanding.” “The GLI representatives introduced themselves and sought to establish a channel for ongoing dialogue regarding the regulator’s requirements for gaming software and equipment submitted for registration by gambling operators.” “We discussed certain confidential matters, which I will not comment on publicly, but we also explored the regulator’s potential stance toward games incorporating artificial intelligence elements.” “Another key topic was the growing popularity of ‘virtual sports’ and ‘esports’ and how these are currently regulated.” Bulgaria recently held snap elections, with the center-left coalition led by former President and current Prime Minister Rumen Radev achieving a decisive victory. Amid rising populist movements across Eastern Europe, SBC News interviewed the Association of Organisers of Gambling Games and Activities in Bulgaria (AOGGAB) about what the sector hopes for under the new government. Milen Totev, Chairman of AOGGAB, stated: “We anticipate legislative initiatives. Our position is that any major changes should involve consultation with the industry, the regulator, and relevant experts.” “If the state aims to strengthen the economy, it must recognize that one legal sector cannot be treated solely as a challenge. Instead, it should be properly regulated, monitored, and integrated into the country’s broader economic strategy.” 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) - Coral is tapping into 1980s nostalgia to market the launch of its exclusive “Rewards Grabber” platform to UK audiences. Through a campaign developed by Wonderhood Studios, Coral is drawing on arcade nostalgia and retro gaming culture to promote its free-to-play rewards platform via a vibrant 1980s-inspired refresh. This campaign marks the latest addition to Coral’s “We’re Here For It” marketing strategy, which aims to position the heritage betting brand around humor and light entertainment for mainstream audiences. Chris Brocklehurst, Head of Brand at Coral, stated the campaign was designed to bridge the operator’s legacy with modern audiences during its centenary year. “In our centenary year, we’re leaning into the magic of classic 80s gaming with our Coral Rewards Grabber,” Launching this weekend on UK prime-time television, Coral’s advert was directed by Ben Dean of Magna Studios, whose prior commercial work includes campaigns for Nike UK, McDonald’s and Beats by Dre. Coral confirmed the campaign will run across linear television, BVOD, social media and out-of-home advertising, with media planning managed by PHD Media. Wonderhood Studios was named Coral’s new lead creative agency in 2025, following an advertising review by Entain across its heritage UK betting brands. The review formed part of Entain’s broader reassessment of brand strategy and marketing effectiveness for Coral and Ladbrokes amid increased competition and tighter regulatory scrutiny of gambling advertising. James Rafter, Creative Director at Wonderhood Studios, joked that while “hairstyles, music and fashion were better in the 80s”, the decade’s prize offerings were “a bit naff” – a contrast to the modern Coral Rewards Grabber. Myles Vincent, also Creative Director at Wonderhood Studios, added that Coral had fully embraced the “ambition and humour” of the concept to create a campaign that feels “unapologetically entertaining”. 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 remains a vocal critic of the Premier League’s tendency to align itself with unlicensed gambling operators, and is now applying direct pressure on six top-tier clubs. Simon Zinger—Entain’s Group General Counsel and Chief Customer Care Officer—has sent letters to the chairpersons of Burnley, Bournemouth, Fulham, Everton, Sunderland, and Wolves regarding their ongoing promotion of 'predatory' black market gambling firms. He urged all six clubs to pledge to partner exclusively with UK-licensed gambling providers and cut ties with 96.com, BJ88, SBOTOP, Stake, W88, and DEBET—each linked to one of the clubs. A letter from Zinger to Bill Foley, chair of AFC Bournemouth (obtained by iGaming Expert), stated: “BJ88 is often linked to aggressive marketing strategies in areas where gambling is banned, frequently using unregulated payment options such as cryptocurrency to avoid financial supervision. “By taking sponsorship from a company that operates outside the bounds of international law, Bournemouth is actively validating the framework that supports the global black market.” Zinger further noted that companies like BJ88 employ 'predatory' practices to target vulnerable populations, including problem gamblers and minors. In a letter to Everton’s Chief Executive Officer Angus Kinnear, Zinger was equally critical of Stake—a prominent crypto casino that has been featured on Everton’s jerseys since the start of the 2022/23 Premier League season. He characterized the operator as a 'focal point for worries about money laundering and insufficient player safeguards,' citing its use of streamers to reach younger audiences. Only two matches remain in the current Premier League season before clubs must comply with a ban on gambling sponsors appearing on the front of their shirts. Bournemouth has confirmed that health insurance provider Vitality will take over as their front-of-shirt sponsor, while Everton is reported to have signed a £30m deal with financial services group CMC Markets. However, there are no restrictions preventing Premier League clubs from partnering with entities like BJ88 or Stake for other sponsorship opportunities, such as sleeve ads. Gambling Commission rules state that football clubs only need to ensure UK players cannot access gambling sites to meet compliance guidelines. Due to the narrow scope of these rules, Zinger said he is directly appealing to clubs to adopt a firmer stance on their marketing practices. Echoing sentiments across both letters, he said: “Under the Premier League Owners’ Charter, [the clubs] have pledged to operate [themselves] ‘in an economically stable, sustainable, and socially responsible way’ (Point 3) and to conduct [their] affairs ‘with good faith, honesty, and the highest standards of professional conduct and sporting integrity’ (Point 10). “Based on the evidence provided, a front-of-shirt partnership with an unlicensed gambling operator is incompatible with either commitment. The clubs deserve better than to be compromised by harmful sponsors.” The UK government has launched a consultation on prohibiting British sports teams from partnering with unlicensed operators. But Zinger expressed concern that such a ban would not take effect in time to impact next season’s sponsorship deals—so Entain decided to reach out directly to the clubs. Earlier this month, the group also wrote to the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) urging it to include illegal gambling in its mandate, which prevents English football clubs from accepting revenue ‘connected to serious criminal activity’. Entain’s Chief Executive Stella David argued that some Premier League clubs continue to be sponsored by ‘criminal gambling firms’, as these companies violate the Gambling Act 2005 by accepting bets from British consumers. David said: “The IFR can end this immediately by simply recognizing that unlicensed gambling companies targeting UK customers via English football are breaking the law—plain and simple. “The regulator doesn’t need new powers, legislation, or even a new rule to do this; it already has a draft rule in place. We’re asking the regulator to finalize and enforce it before next season begins. The IFR was created to fix English football’s governance failures, and this is one of them.” Beyond football, Entain has committed to collaborating with the broader industry to address the threat of the black market amid ongoing tax changes and regulatory reforms. Speaking at February’s BGC annual general meeting, Zinger stated that the company has set up a dedicated task force to gather information for relevant authorities, to guide enforcement actions against black market 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) - Blueprint Gaming’s Game of Thrones slot title was dethroned in bet365’s UK slots rankings for April. The operator reported that the slot inspired by the popular TV series advanced 26 positions, rising from 28th in March to second place on the UK charts last month. Other notable movers in the UK rankings included Sizzling 7s Fortune, which climbed five spots to third, and Age of the Gods: God of Storms, which surged 27 places to fourth. However, none could challenge Gold Cash Freespins for the top spot, which retained its position at number one. Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch rounded out the top five, dropping one place. Image: bet365 bet365’s games rankings encompass more than 7,500 titles across 20 markets, now including Michigan following the operator’s entry into the state. An algorithm evaluating game revenue, stakes, sessions, and player engagement determines performance each month, with popularity varying by country. In Europe, Spain introduced two new entries in its top ten: Pirots 4 in fourth and Age of the Gods: Ruler of the Sky in tenth. Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe held fifth, while Mega Fire Blaze Big Circus! moved up three spots to third. Gates of Olympus Super Scatter advanced one place to second. Nevertheless, it was Age of the Gods: God of Storms that claimed first place in April, jumping 27 positions. In Greece, Stacked Fire 7’s ascended to the summit, displacing Rich Wild and the Tome of Madness down to second. The Dog House Megaways rose 10 spots to third, followed by Super Hot Fruits dropping one to fourth and Blue Wizard falling three to fifth. In Germany, Royal Seven XXL seized the top position, advancing 11 spots and pushing Legacy of Dead down to second. Cash Connection – Golden Book of Ra moved up one to third, Book of Dead rose two spots to fourth, and Ramses Book dropped three to fifth. Image: bet365 Across the Atlantic, Michigan launched its inaugural chart with Divine Fortune at the top, followed by Capital Gains, Bonanza, Fire Blaze – Jinns Moon, and 7’s Fire Blitz Hotstepper completing the top five. All five titles maintained the same rankings in Pennsylvania, with Divine Fortune and Bonanza as new additions. New Jersey also saw two newcomers in its top five: Mystery of the Lamp Treasure Oasis in fourth and Piggy Payouts Bank Buster LuckyTap claiming first. Platinum 8x8x8x fell one spot to second, Cash Eruption jumped four places to third, and Hypernova Megaways closed the top five. Image: bet365 In Ontario, Area Link Bank Boss led the pack, climbing eight spots. Area Link Phoenix Firestorm, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter, and bet365 High Flyer both advanced two spots to third and fourth, respectively. Blue Wizard finished fifth after surging 18 places up the rankings. Across Canada, Area Link Dragon Ascension debuted at the top, followed by Amazing Link Zeus moving up one to second. Amazing Link Phoenix Firestorm dropped two to third, Area Link Bank Boss fell two spots to fourth, and Amazing Link Zeus Boost secured fifth after a two-place rise. Image: bet365 In Brazil, Gates of Olympus Super Scatter remained unchallenged at the top, while Oink Oink Oink climbed 11 spots to second. Stacked Fire 7’s advanced five places to third, Gates of Olympus moved up one to fourth, and Gold Trio 1000 completed the top five despite dropping three spots. In Brazil’s crash game charts, Aviator stayed at number one, JetX rose one place to second, bet365 High Flyer slipped one to third, FlyX Cash Turbo gained one spot to fourth, and FlyX dropped one to fifth. Image: bet365 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 global spotlight set to focus on North America for next month’s FIFA World Cup, authorities across Asia have sounded the alarm over the rise of illegal gambling platforms. Despite not qualifying for the finals, both Indonesia and Hong Kong are preparing for a surge in betting activity linked to the tournament, as unlicensed operators aim to take advantage of the event’s popularity. Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, Head of the Public Information Bureau at the Indonesian National Police’s Public Relations Division, told reporters that law enforcement must ‘work together to anticipate football gambling’ and prevent the excitement around the tournament from being ‘exploited for illegal activities that could lead to significant losses’. A survey conducted by Hong Kong’s Sing Tao news outlet and published by The Standard revealed that 40% of respondents know someone who participates in Hong Kong’s underground gambling market. According to the research, illegal platforms in Hong Kong reportedly offer odds on more than 2,000 football matches each week. Betting on major events Major sporting events such as the World Cup are widely seen as key moments that boost engagement with sports betting platforms, introducing operators to a broader audience of fans. For this edition of the tournament, FIFA anticipates that over 6 billion people will tune in—nearly three-quarters of the world’s population. Combined with the growing popularity of football in Asia, driven by the international appeal of leagues like the Premier League and Spain’s La Liga, this creates a strong environment for increased gambling activity during the World Cup. Online gambling remains illegal in both Hong Kong and Indonesia. Nevertheless, Indonesian authorities estimate that 3.2 million people participated in online gambling in 2023, with total turnover reaching 327 trillion Rupiah (£13.8 billion), highlighting the substantial demand for such activities in the country. Last week, the national police arrested more than 300 foreign nationals suspected of operating over 75 online gambling sites. In Hong Kong, although the scale is smaller, it is estimated that players lost HK$15 billion (£1.44 billion) through the black market in 2023. With an expanded format featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, there are now even more chances for fans to place bets while watching the tournament. Threat from prediction markets In addition to traditional underground gambling, officials in the region are also facing challenges from the increasing popularity of prediction markets. While many platforms in the area have followed global trends and classified these markets as illegal, they continue to grow in use across Asia, as consumers find ways to access them through illicit channels. It is certain that these emerging platforms will view the World Cup as a valuable opportunity to strengthen their presence in the Asian market and provide an alternative option for football fans wishing to wager on the competition. 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 Plc has restructured the leadership team of its Southern Europe division, prompted by the upcoming departure of long-serving senior executive Andrea Faelli. This week, Entain confirmed that Faelli has decided to step down from his 12-year tenure heading Entain Italia, as well as his post as Regional Executive Director covering the markets of Belgium, Greece and France. His exit marks the end of one of the longest-running executive tenures across Entain’s entire business, with the FTSE-listed gambling group crediting Faelli for helping turn its Italian operations into one of the company’s most strategically significant regulated market holdings. Faelli commented: “Leading Entain Italia over the past 12 years has been an incredible professional journey and a source of enormous pride. Working together, we have built a business that now ranks among the top regulated gambling operators in Italy, backed by exceptional teams, robust brands and a clear long-term strategy. Curry Sloan: Entain Plc Under the outlined succession plan, Curry Sloan, Chief Commercial Officer for Southern Europe and the Americas, will take on interim leadership of the Italian business alongside his broader existing Southern European responsibilities. Entain Italia said: “The entire Entain group extends its thanks to Andrea for his leadership, dedication, and the fundamental role he played in building a solid, high-performing company that now has an established position in the Italian market.” Sloan takes over at a critical time of regulatory transition across Southern European gambling markets, particularly in Italy and Greece, which are rolling out new compliance frameworks and updated licensing systems for online gambling Entain’s Italian footprint is anchored by its digital brands Bwin and Gioco Digitale, alongside the long-standing retail network of Eurobet Italia. Entain added that the leadership reshuffle is designed to drive stronger alignment between the Italian business and the group’s wider executive leadership structure. “This transition offers an opportunity to strengthen the operating model of Entain Italia,” the statement noted, “ensuring full management continuity and even closer alignment with the Group’s executive leadership.” The update also reaffirmed Italy’s position within Entain’s broader international growth strategy. CEO Stella David highlighted Italy as a target growth market in the first quarter, following the planned launch of the country’s new online gambling licence regime in November 2025. The leadership is prioritizing investment to boost competitiveness within Italy’s online casino sector, creating opportunities to capture additional market share. The long-term strategy for Italy remains focused on expanding online gambling operations, strengthening its retail betting network and further developing proprietary technology and omnichannel capabilities. Entain also signalled that it plans to capitalize on future concession tenders and regulatory developments expected to define the next phase of competition, as Italy evolves into Europe’s largest regulated gambling 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) - Ladbrokes and Coral owner Entain has issued a direct appeal to six Premier League clubs that have partnerships with unlicensed betting operators, as revealed in letters obtained by SBC News. Simon Zinger, Entain’s General Counsel, sent open letters to the six teams, continuing the company’s campaign against sponsorship deals involving unlicensed gambling brands. This effort follows an earlier appeal by Entain’s Chief Executive Officer, Stella David, addressed to the Premier League and its gambling regulator. Zinger wrote to senior figures at Burnley, Bournemouth, Fulham, Everton, Sunderland, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, urging them to “commit to only using UK-licensed gambling sponsors from next season onwards”. Entain criticises ‘aggressive marketing’ by unlicensed operators The clubs are currently partnered with the following firms: Burnley with 96.com, Bournemouth with BJ88, Fulham with SBOTOP, Everton with Stake, Sunderland with W88, and Wolves with DEBET. With the exception of Stake, all these companies are ‘Asian-focused’ bookmakers and none hold a licence issued by the British Gambling Commission. All six firms were once licensed in the UK through TGP Europe, a white-label provider based in the Isle of Man. Stake surrendered its licence in February 2024 amid controversy over its marketing practices, and TGP Europe subsequently collapsed in April 2024, receiving a fine from the Gambling Commission in the process. In correspondence with Bill Foley, Bournemouth’s Chairman, and Angus Kinnear, Everton’s CEO, Entain’s Zinger expressed that the FTSE 100 company “is deeply concerned” about the clubs’ agreements with BJ88 and Stake. “As you will know, Stake’s heavy reliance on cryptocurrency and its history of operating in grey jurisdictions make it a lightning rod for concerns regarding money laundering and lack of player protection,” he wrote to Kinnear. “Stake’s rapid rise has been fuelled by an unregulated streamer culture that specifically targets younger demographics—demographics your Everton in the Community programmes are dedicated to protecting.” Addressing Bill Foley, Zinger stated: “The sponsorship with BJ88 is particularly concerning given the brand’s lack of transparent corporate history and its focus on the grey market. “BJ88 has frequently been linked to aggressive marketing tactics in regions where gambling is prohibited, often using unregulated payment methods like cryptocurrency to avoid financial oversight.” “By accepting sponsorship from a firm that operates in the shadows of international law, Bournemouth is actively legitimising the infrastructure used by the global black market.” Operator calls on clubs to act in place of Premier League Back in February, Stella David appealed directly to Richard Masters, CEO of the Premier League, questioning why clubs competing in the world’s most-watched football league should be promoting gambling brands that do not hold a UK licence. From next season, the Premier League will enforce a voluntary ban on front-of-shirt sponsorships with betting companies, regardless of whether they are licensed or unlicensed. However, sleeve sponsorships, perimeter LED advertising, and social media promotions will remain permitted. Currently, there are no regulations prohibiting clubs from partnering with offshore betting operators. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) rules allow clubs to maintain such partnerships as long as the unlicensed company does not directly target British customers—a policy influenced by the global reach of the league. Concerns over the scale of black market gambling activity in the UK, alongside public and political frustration with gambling advertising, have prompted the DCMS to consider whether to outright ban unlicensed betting firms from sponsoring sports in Britain. “I welcome the government’s intention to crack down on this,” Zinger wrote in his letters to Bournemouth and Everton. “Going beyond the Premier League’s voluntary front-of-shirt gambling ban from next season, they are consulting on banning all unlicensed, illegal gambling operator sponsorship in sport, including sleeve patches and perimeter boards.” Entain is clearly not waiting for the DCMS’ Illegal Gambling Taskforce to conclude its consultation—perhaps mindful of how prolonged UK political processes around gambling regulation can be. The company is also dissatisfied with the Premier League’s response to its CEO’s February appeal, as detailed in Zinger’s letters. “With the Premier League failing to show sufficient leadership, I am appealing to you directly,” Zinger wrote to Bournemouth’s Foley, referencing the clubs’ commitments under the Premier League Owners’ Charter. An appeal to regulation Entain has highlighted charter provisions requiring clubs to operate “in an economically stable, sustainable, and socially responsible manner” and “with good faith, honesty and the highest possible standards of professional behaviour and sporting integrity”. Zinger argues that the illicit activities of offshore operators—such as the aforementioned lack of transparency surrounding BJ88—combined with estimates from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) that £2.7 billion is staked annually with unregulated and illegal operators, undermines these charter obligations. “On the evidence set out above, a front-of-shirt partnership with an unlicensed gambling operator cannot be reconciled with either principle,” he said, adding that both Bournemouth and Everton are “proud clubs” that “deserve better than to be sold out to nefarious sponsors”. The UK gambling sector faces significant pressure in 2026, driven by increased political scrutiny—particularly around advertising and retail betting—and the growing financial impact of higher taxation. In this context, Entain is intensifying its advocacy against unlicensed sponsorship in football. Appealing to a sport deeply embedded in British culture and communities, the company is positioning itself as a responsible actor while distancing itself from unregulated operators at a time when many people, including those in political circles, struggle to distinguish between regulated and unregulated gambling activities. 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) - Polymarket has entered into a multi-year contract with Serie A USA to serve as the league's official and exclusive prediction market partner within the United States. This collaboration is a component of Serie A's wider international growth plan and follows closely on the heels of a comparable agreement Polymarket made with LALIGA North America a month prior. The initiative will involve integrating the prediction market platform into the league's media and digital channels targeting the US audience, aiming to enhance interaction with American soccer supporters in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As per the deal, Polymarket will be the sole US platform for Serie A prediction markets, utilizing official league data provided by the NYSE-listed company Genius Sports. “The United States is a crucial expansion territory for Serie A,” stated Michele Ciccarese, Marketing and Commercial Director of Lega Serie A. “Our exclusive partnership with Polymarket, as a Regional Partner in the USA, enables us to connect with a new wave of fans via a platform that captures current trends. “It provides an interactive, live product based on data and involvement that matches their preferences perfectly.” The firms indicated that employing official data is meant to bolster "transparency, integrity, and accuracy" in prediction market products related to Serie A matches and narratives. “The future of sports fan involvement will be characterized by increased participation, not just more content,” commented Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket. “Prediction markets allow fans to actively analyze the game as it happens, and allying with Serie A introduces this framework to one of the globe's most popular leagues at a time when American enthusiasm for the sport is unprecedented.” This agreement marks another significant soccer collaboration for Polymarket as the prediction market firm persists in its vigorous push into international sports. Polymarket noted that the partnership underscores rising American appetite for interactive sports engagement tools, particularly among younger, tech-savvy demographics. Polymarket’s swift ascent to prominence The company has kept broadening its sports presence lately, with collaborations and market services now covering leagues and bodies such as Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and Major League Soccer (MLS). However, this growth has attracted criticism, especially in Europe. Nations including Romania, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, and Portugal have all banned prediction markets from operating within their borders, viewing them as a type of gambling. Polymarket counters that it provides 'events contracts'—where users bet against one another on the result of an occurrence. Debate has primarily arisen from the firm offering these 'events contracts' on real-world happenings, ranging from the ordinary—like weather forecasts—to the extremely strange—such as the return of Jesus Christ—and alarming—including predictions on when the US might attack Iran. Polymarket’s Iran markets These geopolitical markets have sparked numerous worries regarding ethics and insider trading, prompting warnings for White House personnel against using confidential information to trade on prediction market platforms. In the United States, it is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), along with other fast-growing prediction market platforms, with Kalshi being the other primary competitor. Indications of further possible growth for both companies, and the prediction market industry overall, have recently emerged. These signals have appeared in both Europe and North America, with Gibraltar licensing the frequently mentioned ADI Predictstreet—the official prediction market partner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—as a B2C betting intermediary last month. In a more immediate and relevant update for Polymarket, this very week it started allowing iOS users to download and use its US exchange, having previously maintained a waitlist and restricted access to chosen clients. The prediction market industry has faced endless examination, yet its influence has not diminished. The ongoing global mainstreaming of these platforms via partnerships with renowned organizations like Serie A is merely the most recent indication—however disconcerting—that they are becoming a permanent fixture. Interested in more stories like this one? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for all multimedia content at SBC, where our team explores the major news 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) - The FA Cup final between Chelsea FC and Manchester City takes place tomorrow at 3pm UK time, marking the conclusion of another edition of the world’s oldest football competition—complete with its trademark giant-killing upsets. However, discussions surrounding the FA Cup aren’t always glowing; a quick scan of UK media and social platforms often reveals sentiments that the tournament “doesn’t feel the same” or has “lost its magic,” among similar remarks. In an FA Cup-themed edition of SBC News’ Bookies Corner, we explored whether UK bookmakers share this view. According to James Mackie, PR Executive at Flutter Entertainment representing Betfair, and Ben Cullen, Head of Risk at Midnite, the answer is decidedly no… Bookies Corner: The FA Cup is the world’s oldest football tournament—but do bettors still value it? James Mackie: Absolutely. Betfair punters continue to appreciate the FA Cup’s appeal, particularly in televised matches. We observe heightened engagement during fixtures featuring major cup upsets or games that go into extra time—moments that really capture bettors’ interest. Throughout the 2025/26 FA Cup, over £170 million was traded on the Betfair exchange, with 38 matches each surpassing £1 million in turnover. How do FA Cup weekends compare to Premier League weekends in terms of betting activity—do you notice a noticeable dip in engagement during the tournament? Ben Cullen: Not at all. The FA Cup remains a significant event. In earlier rounds, there are often far more matches scheduled, creating a distinct atmosphere—especially when lower-league minnows face top-tier English clubs eager to make their mark, as we’ve seen several times this season. Who doesn’t enjoy a classic cup upset? Looking back at this year’s tournament, which teams were the punters’ early favourites, and did any underdogs attract early attention? James Mackie: In the 2025/26 FA Cup betting markets, Manchester City started as early favourites at 9/2—hardly surprising given their record of winning two of the last seven finals and reaching the last two showpieces. Liverpool and Arsenal followed closely at 11/2 and 13/2 respectively, with Chelsea next at 8/1. Interestingly, Aston Villa accounted for 23% of early-stage stakes despite being priced around 19/1. They were eliminated in the fourth round by Newcastle at home. Do fixtures between vastly mismatched teams—such as a Premier League side versus a National League club—present challenges in terms of trading and odds setting? Ben Cullen: Not inherently. That said, when there’s a huge gap in quality, team news and squad rotation become critical factors requiring close monitoring. If the stronger team fields a heavily rotated or inexperienced lineup, it can trigger sharp odds movements shortly before kick-off—demanding a swift response. Do matches pitting smaller clubs against Premier League giants tend to draw particular interest from bettors? James Mackie: Generally, yes. Clashes between underdogs and English football heavyweights generate strong interest, and shorter odds often draw larger volumes of money—especially on winning margin markets. For instance, Manchester City vs Salford and Chelsea vs Port Vale each saw around £2.8 million traded, even though the home sides were overwhelming favourites (City at 1/20, Chelsea at 1/12)—and both won as expected. Mansfield, after pulling off a giant-killing win over Burnley in the fourth round, faced Arsenal in a much closer contest than anticipated and generated £5.5 million in turnover. We often celebrate the “magic of the FA Cup.” Which giant killings or underdog performances stood out most for your trading teams this season? James Mackie: Macclesfield’s victory over Crystal Palace was the standout upset of the tournament and produced the biggest pre-match price winner of the season in the competition, with Macclesfield starting at 15/1. Wrexham vs Chelsea attracted nearly £7 million in trading and ranked as the fourth-highest turnover match of the competition, even though the Welsh side ultimately fell short of an upset. Ben Cullen: It’s hard to top Macclesfield eliminating Crystal Palace, given they were 117 places below them in the league pyramid. Midnite offered 7/1 on Macclesfield to win the tie and 11/1 for a 90th-minute victory. We also witnessed Southampton oust Arsenal, Port Vale defeat Sunderland, and Mansfield overcome Burnley. What’s the current betting sentiment ahead of the final—are punters backing favourites Manchester City or underdogs Chelsea? James Mackie: So far, 71% of the total volume has been placed on Manchester City, who are currently priced at 4/5 to claim their eighth FA Cup title—implying a 56% chance of victory. Chelsea, aiming for their ninth FA Cup, are the underdogs at 7/2, equating to a 22% implied probability. Ben Cullen: The market is firmly behind the favourites, with punters overwhelmingly supporting Manchester City. Guardiola appears fully committed to securing silverware, resting Haaland for a full 90 minutes against Crystal Palace—leaving Chelsea with a tough task ahead. What about individual player markets? Are there specific players bettors expect to shine this weekend? Ben Cullen: All eyes will be on Erling Haaland, who has scored 26 Premier League goals and found the net three times in three FA Cup appearances. It will require an exceptional defensive effort to contain him. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be counting on Cole Palmer to produce something special, though he’s been relatively quiet this season with just 10 goal contributions in 24 league appearances. Once the FA Cup concludes, attention will return to the Premier League. With the title race shaping up to go down to the wire, who do you expect to lift the trophy in May? Ben Cullen: The odds strongly favour Arsenal. With The Gunners set to face already-relegated Burnley and a Crystal Palace side distracted by European commitments, it’s difficult to see them slipping up—though they have faltered under pressure in the past. Manchester City, however, will undoubtedly push them all the way, given their depth and quality. 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) - Jake Pollard Jake Pollard reports on a newly-launched algorithm designed by the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) to identify at risk and problem gamblers. The tool will increase pressure on French operators to monitor and document the number of excessive or pathological gamblers among their client base. This algorithm, the first of its kind in Europe, has identified 600,000 French players who are highly likely to be problem gamblers. However, beyond those statistics gathered in H2 2025, the new data presents a stark contrast with current figures for problem gamblers in France, which are estimated to have tripled between 2024 and 2025, but remain significantly lower, at 89,000. No explanation was provided for the discrepancy between the two sets of numbers. Nevertheless, among the 600,000 players identified, 300,000 are "so clearly problem gamblers that their detection by operators is essential," according to ANJ. The regulator also noted that while the upward trend since 2023 may be attributed to overall market growth, it "does not account for the entirety of the situation as the number of problem gamblers has increased at a faster rate than the total number of gamblers." Data divergence The discrepancy is also "inconsistent with the size of operators’ player bases and prevalence studies," ANJ stated, which will intensify pressure on operators to enhance their efforts in identifying individuals at risk of becoming problem gamblers. The French gambling regulator further disclosed that the 600,000 problem gamblers represent almost 9% of the total population of registered players and generated €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), or 60% of the total online gambling GGR in France. Given one of its key regulatory priorities is "to place the reduction of excessive or problem gambling at the heart of the regulation of the sector and its expectations of gambling operators," ANJ is requiring them to adopt the new algorithm "to comply with their compliance obligations and allow the regulator to objectively assess their progress in identifying problem gamblers and reducing the GGR generated by these players." The new system will also enable ANJ to compare the number of problem gamblers reported by operators with the number detected by the algorithm. The regulator emphasized that it "expects operators to detect those players who are clearly excessive (approximately 300,000) and to identify the entire population of excessive players as determined by the algorithm (around 600,000)." Under pressure The algorithm can be utilized alongside operators' existing tools to pinpoint excessive or problem gamblers and is not intended to measure the precise number of problem gamblers or estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in the same way general population surveys do. Nevertheless, operators may not welcome the prospect of potentially disclosing much higher volumes of GGR generated from problem gamblers than previously acknowledged. As similar initiatives are being implemented in Spain and the Netherlands, the impact of ANJ's new tool will soon be felt by Dutch and Spanish operators as well. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of ANJ, described the launch of the algorithm as "a decisive step forward for the regulator" and highlighted its ability to develop an innovative and effective instrument designed to closely reflect actual online gambler behavior. She added that the algorithm facilitates "the objective identification of problem gamblers, an endeavor operators must undertake without delay" and should also be extended to the retail networks of PMU and FDJ United, "a goal we have been advocating for the two monopolies to pursue since 2020." End game ANJ can confidently assert the accuracy of its data due to having complete visibility into French operators' data and information streams, which they continuously transmit to the regulator. This formed the basis upon which the algorithm was developed starting in 2024, using 23 indicators or risk criteria to generate a single score for each player. The indicators encompass financial transactions, gaming moderators, gaming activity and frequency, as well as the player's history; dividing players into four categories: recreational gambler, moderate-risk gambler, problem gambler, and severe problem gambler. Its performance was validated and measured against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), under the supervision of a scientific committee comprising recognized researchers. By focusing on identifying problem gamblers, this initiative places additional pressure on French operators, but remains consistent with ANJ's objective of addressing the issue as comprehensively as possible. It aligns with the regulator's aim of combating the 'banalization' of gambling or ensuring that sport is not associated with betting in the minds of French players and consumers. 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) - Sports sponsorships in the global betting and gaming industry operate around the clock. This week has already seen several high-profile deals set to reach millions of sports fans worldwide. This edition of Sponsor Spotlight examines LaLiga’s regional expansion across East and Southeast Asia, BetGoodwin’s involvement in Scottish football, Kalshi’s partnership with a returning MMA star, and Polymarket’s latest move benefiting soccer fans in the United States. LaLiga expands into Asian crypto markets Asia represents a major opportunity for European football leagues, boasting millions of domestic fans with untapped potential. LaLiga was among the first top-tier European competitions to launch a direct-to-consumer platform targeting audiences in the region, and its efforts to establish a strong presence continue successfully. The league has named WEEX, a cryptocurrency trading platform, as its new regional partner in Hong Kong and Thailand. The collaboration aims to “integrate crypto into mainstream sports” by leveraging WEEX’s approximately 6.2 million tech-focused users. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WEEX GLOBAL (@weex_exchange) BetGoodwin strengthens ties in Scotland East Sussex-based online gambling operator BetGoodwin made headlines in Scotland this week with a sponsorship agreement with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (ICTFC), known affectionately as the Caley Thistle, just ahead of the new season. During the 2025/26 campaign, ICTFC competed in Scottish League One, securing promotion after finishing atop the table in a tight race with Stenhousemuir FC, separated by just two points. Now promoted to the Scottish Championship for the 2026/27 season, BetGoodwin will feature prominently on the team’s jerseys through May 2028. ICTFC Announce Major Front-of-Shirt Partnership with BetGoodwin Kalshi supports Nate Diaz’s MMA comeback After stepping away from professional competition, mixed martial arts veteran Nate Diaz is set to return to action at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on May 16. Diaz last competed professionally in 2024, winning a boxing match against former UFC fighter Jorge Masvidal. His most recent MMA bout took place in 2022, when he defeated Tony Ferguson. Prediction market platform Kalshi has signed on as a partner for Diaz’s return, backing “The Stockton Slugger” through promotional campaigns and fan engagement initiatives led by Kalshi. Polymarket boosts Serie A’s U.S. growth In another prediction market development, Polymarket has entered into a new partnership with Italy’s Serie A, focusing on expanding the league’s footprint in the United States. As American sports fans increasingly show interest in European football, Serie A aims to capitalize on this trend as part of its global outreach strategy. Partnering with one of the world’s leading prediction market platforms makes perfect sense—Polymarket being one of just two dominant players in the space. Polymarket continues to strike major deals as Serie A USA the latest to partner with firm Spotlight rankings: Who’s making an impact? 1. LaLiga/WEEX This collaboration stands out due to its alignment with two powerful sectors. With a combined following of 240 million across social media platforms in 41 countries, LaLiga enjoys massive reach. The Asian market is clearly a key priority given active local engagement, and combining that with the rapidly evolving crypto landscape creates a partnership with substantial influence. Though not a traditional sports betting deal, it reflects a broader shift many leagues are pursuing—especially as betting partnerships face growing regulatory challenges. 2. Nate Diaz/Kalshi Whether admired or criticized, there’s no denying Nate Diaz is a household name in MMA. His return to the octagon is expected to generate significant buzz across the combat sports world—a fact reflected in Netflix’s decision to livestream the event with a major investment. With Kalshi onboard, this partnership ranks as one of the most talked-about today. 3. Polymarket/Serie A Italian football has long been recognized for its excellence. For seasoned U.S. fans familiar with Serie A, this comes as no surprise. However, a new wave of American viewers is beginning to discover the league’s rich history, shaped by legends like Maldini, Totti, Buffon, and Zidane. Thanks in part to Polymarket’s support, accessing and engaging with Serie A has never been easier. 4. BetGoodwin/Caley Thistle While smaller in scale compared to other partnerships highlighted here, this deal holds great importance for devoted supporters of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Now promoted to the Scottish Championship, BetGoodwin’s sponsorship provides crucial financial support that could help the club maintain the elite-level performance it demonstrated last season. 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) - Online gambling operators in the UK are likely to experience increasing concern as the number of affordability checks being triggered for players appears to be significantly higher than initially projected in the White Paper. Initial estimates suggested that only 3% of players would undergo Financial Vulnerability Checks (FVCs). However, data from the initial implementation phase, as reported by Sarah Webster and Richard Sutcliffe from the Gambling Commission’s senior policy research team, revealed that 7% of players were subjected to these checks. This figure is expected to climb further when the thresholds for full checks are lowered from £500 to £150. The Gambling Commission (GC) has provided insights into the "light-touch" FVCs, detailing their effects since their introduction in August 2024 and outlining future plans. While the GC noted positive feedback during this period, concerns were also raised regarding a lack of awareness or clarity among operators about how these checks are conducted. Some operators mistakenly believed they were receiving credit reference data as part of a financial vulnerability check. Since the sharing of such data is prohibited, this indicates a misunderstanding by those submitting data returns to the Commission. The feedback stated: “Further to these findings, we met with relevant data providers to discuss these misunderstandings and ask them to support continued education of operators and clarity to consumers that only publicly available information is available as part of a financial vulnerability check.” It was also explained that “some of the responses from operators indicated a lack of knowledge about what is included in a financial vulnerability check”. These checks are limited to publicly available information concerning significant risk indicators, such as: A bankruptcy order or equivalent A County Court Judgment (CCJ) An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) High Court Judgment (HCJ) An Administrative Order (AO) or decree A Debt Relief Order or equivalent. The update from the Commission’s Senior Policy team was delivered with a degree of caution, as researchers are still assessing whether the affordability and target thresholds are effectively identifying vulnerable customers as intended. This suggests that researchers do not yet consider the pilot phase to be fully established, particularly in light of the upcoming reduction in the FVC threshold. Further monitoring of FVC conditions is necessary, with researchers concluding: “We will continue to monitor the impact of checks over time and, both directly and through the NatCen’s wider evaluation of Gambling Act Review measures, at the lower £150 threshold and share what we learn as more data becomes available. “As our work on this in ongoing, we will publish a full findings report following further consideration of the change to the lower £150 threshold.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - GamCare has urged the UK government to pause and reflect on the implementation of the statutory levy during the ongoing transformation of the NHS. The government announced in the King’s Speech, delivered in Parliament yesterday (13 May), its intention to introduce the NHS Modernisation Bill, which will eliminate NHS England and bring the UK’s healthcare system into closer alignment with the Department of Health and Social Care. This restructuring carries significant consequences for the gambling industry, particularly as NHS England recently assumed responsibility from GambleAware for commissioning treatment services under the statutory levy—alongside equivalent bodies in Scotland and Wales. NHS England had begun signing treatment contracts starting in April 2026 with organisations such as GamCare. All agreements were made on an annual basis, meaning that charities like GamCare would have needed to renegotiate funding arrangements each year with the treatment commissioner. However, forward planning has been disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding the new body that will assume this role from April 2027. GamCare described this transition period as occurring at a ‘critical moment’ for gambling harm treatment services as the sector adapts to these changes. The organisation’s CEO, Victoria Curbishley, argued that the upcoming funding decisions in April 2027 present an ideal chance to review the effectiveness of the controversial levy. She stated: “We believe there is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the early stages of the levy’s implementation and ensure the next phase is built on a solid foundation.” “The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has yielded important insights into how services can be effectively coordinated within a complex system.” Many sectors of the gambling industry were reluctantly drawn into the statutory levy framework, with opponents warning that progress in addressing problem gambling could stall and vital industry expertise could be lost. Given the system’s early stage, it remains difficult to fully evaluate the levy’s impact, despite generating £120 million in funding from operators in its first year—with 50% of that amount directed to NHS England. The government’s NHS restructuring poses an immediate challenge to the levy’s operation, and Curbishley stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted access to support for those affected by gambling harms throughout the transition. “We acknowledge the Government’s goal to modernise health commissioning and move decision-making closer to local communities,” she added. “For people experiencing gambling harms, maintaining continuous access to support during any structural changes will be essential.” 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 British government is moving forward with plans to abolish NHS England, one of three administrative bodies responsible for overseeing funds generated from the statutory levy on gambling harms. Yesterday, King Charles III delivered his annual speech outlining the Labour government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the year. Among the bills announced was the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is expected to be introduced in the near future. If enacted, the bill will dissolve NHS England—a body within the Department of Health and Social Care established by the previous Conservative administration to manage the planning, budgeting, and delivery of NHS services across English regions and local authorities. The decision to scrap NHS England is not new; Keir Starmer’s government first proposed this move over a year ago, aiming to restructure the UK’s health system under a more streamlined framework designed to tackle pressing national health needs and regional inequalities. Under the new plan, the Labour government intends to replace NHS England with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to oversee regional commissioning arrangements. This broader reform of the NHS has coincided with the implementation of the statutory levy and a comprehensive overhaul of how problem gambling harms are addressed in the UK. Since April 2025, responsibility for these efforts has been shared between NHS England, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For what was once a well-established network tackling gambling harms—and especially for the charitable organisations in England that provide treatment funding to those affected—the abolition of NHS England has left several critical questions unanswered. Drama surrounding the levy Previously, GambleAware served as the primary commissioner for gambling research, education, and treatment (RET), managing the allocation and distribution of its finances. The organisation had long advocated for replacing the voluntary system with a mandatory one. However, it became a casualty of the new structure, as the government opted instead to designate NHS England, UKRI, and OHID as the commissioners of levy funds. GambleAware subsequently ceased operations in March 2026. While various organisations—including those in NHS Scotland and Wales, along with OHID—have outlined their intended use of the funds, NHS England has not yet done so. It remains likely that the responsibilities for administering the levy will fall to the newly established ICBs and regional commissioning bodies, but without clear funding commitments, stakeholders are left awaiting clarification. Nevertheless, not all responses have been negative. GamCare, which operates the UK’s national gambling helpline, has stated it will collaborate with the government throughout this transition in NHS governance. The organisation has already received £4 million in funding from OHID’s inaugural round of allocations. Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, commented: “We recognise the Government’s ambition to modernise health commissioning and bring decision-making closer to local communities. “For people affected by gambling harms, ensuring continuity of access to support during any period of structural change will be vital. The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has provided valuable insights into how services can be effectively coordinated and commissioned within a complex system. “As one of the largest providers in the sector, offering services ranging from helplines and treatment to outreach and prevention, we possess direct experience of what functions well and where improvements are needed.” Work continues… Despite the ongoing debate around NHS England’s dissolution, the other two levy-commissioning bodies remain active. Today, UKRI announced it has allocated funding to establish the UK’s largest dedicated research centre focused on gambling harms. The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will foster collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, charities, and individuals with lived experience of gambling-related issues. Research will be led by the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London, focusing on policy development, clinical practice, and public understanding. Notably, Glasgow and Sheffield universities are frequently cited for their research into gambling’s societal impacts. “Gambling harms can devastate individuals, families, and communities,” said Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council. “This new independent Evidence Centre represents a significant step toward building a robust, high-quality research foundation to guide better policies, prevention strategies, and treatments across the UK. “Through the Gambling Levy, UKRI is helping to create a sustainable, credible, and independent research capability on gambling harms, grounded in research integrity and public benefit.” NHS at the centre of Labour’s agenda Despite these developments, the government’s timetable may face delays. As of publication, ministers appear preoccupied with internal challenges, particularly following a significant defeat in last week’s local elections that sparked unrest among backbench MPs. Notably, the main challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at present is Wes Streeting—who, as Health Secretary, has overseen the planned dismantling of NHS England. According to some observers, this process has encountered difficulties, much like other major government initiatives. Yet for funding commissioners and beneficiary charities, the situation remains fluid. GamCare’s Victoria Corbishley added: “With further commissioning decisions anticipated before April 2027, we believe there is an important opportunity to review the early rollout of the levy and ensure the next phase is built on the strongest possible foundations. “We would welcome the chance to contribute our frontline experience and expertise to that process.” Want to hear more stories like this? 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(AsiaGameHub) - Super Group—parent company of global brands Betway and Spin—has elevated senior executive Kirsty Ross to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Ross takes over the COO position from Jason Kenny, who held the role since late 2024. It remains unclear what role Kenny will assume next, as he is no longer listed as a member of Super Group’s Executive Team. The new COO has been with Super Group since October 2023, having previously served in other C-level roles including Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff. Currently based in the UK, she previously held multiple positions in South Africa’s financial sector, including stints at the country’s Investec and Bank of America operations. “I’m excited to announce that I’ve taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Super Group,” Ross stated in a LinkedIn post. “Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the chance to collaborate closely with teams across the business, supporting our leaders, enhancing operational processes, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution. I’m eager to build on the solid foundations already in place. “Super Group is a company driven by talented people, clear goals, and a global perspective. In this role, my focus will be on empowering our teams to operate efficiently, scale sustainably, and meet our long-term priorities. “Thank you to my colleagues for their support, trust, and ongoing collaboration. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.” Kirsty Ross. Credit: LinkedIn Super Group gears up for a strong 2026 The leadership changes coincide with Super Group’s Q1 results announcement, which revealed increases in revenue, profit, and adjusted EBITDA—coming in at $612m (£452.3m), $86m, and $152m respectively. In percentage terms, these metrics rose by 18%, 31%, and 26% respectively. The Guernsey-headquartered firm uniquely split its results update into two segments: Africa (its largest market) and the rest of the world. Despite the challenges facing many iGaming businesses right now, Super Group has shown resilience, and its leadership remains optimistic in the early part of 2026. Ross is one of several recent changes within the organization. Neil Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, commented during the company’s investor call: “We’re seeing significant efficiency gains right now. We’ve brought on Justin Stock—who previously served as our external counsel and helped guide the business to its current state—as our Head of Commercial and M&A. “We have an excellent team at the C-suite level of Super Group, and throughout the rest of our organization, we have truly talented people. “With our International and Africa segments, we’re strengthening these areas, but to grow and sustain that growth, it’s all about our people, our platforms, and the technology we use. “We need top-tier talent to help us make these critical decisions—and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing so far, and now we’re taking this to the next level.” Interested in more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the new home for all multimedia content at SBC—where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has directed the intelligence division of MASAK to step up surveillance of consumer transactions and data linked to unlawful gambling operators. The current stage of the crackdown focuses on probes spearheaded by MASAK—Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board—which is said to be examining 13.8 million user data entries connected to illegal betting databases and payment platforms. Turkish news outlet Haberler reports that authorities have already associated over three million Turkish identification numbers with gambling-related transactions, a move domestic media describes as the Republic’s largest anti-betting operation in its history. This campaign is part of Erdoğan’s 2025–2026 “Action Plan to Combat Illegal Betting and Virtual Gambling”—a presidential initiative aimed at rallying the entire Turkish state against offshore operators, payment processors, and consumers engaging in black-market betting activity. Erdoğan has increasingly framed illegal gambling as a national threat equivalent to terrorism, cautioning earlier this year that online betting networks were harming Turkish society through debt, organized crime, and money laundering. “Gambling, alcohol, drugs and online betting are threats capable of destroying our social structure just as terrorism does,” Erdoğan declared during a government address outlining the strategy behind the crackdown. A new phase of stricter enforcement has begun, with MASAK and Turkish authorities arresting 108 individuals across 35 provinces accused of aiding illegal betting and gambling networks. Supervision of the enforcement drive has now shifted to Turkey’s new Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, who is overseeing the implementation of harsher measures under revised Turkish Penal Code provisions and the country’s broader judicial reform package. These reforms grant prosecutors expanded powers to freeze accounts, seize assets, and pursue criminal cases tied to illegal gambling transactions. Turkish authorities are also reviewing over 14,000 deposit accounts and 52,000 withdrawal accounts believed to have facilitated betting payments via offshore networks. While the first phase of enforcement focused on Turkish consumers and domestic payment channels, MASAK is now expected to broaden its investigations directly toward operators servicing Turkey from neighboring jurisdictions. Turkish media reports indicate the next enforcement wave will target gambling networks based in Georgia, Northern Cyprus, Armenia, and North Macedonia—jurisdictions Ankara views as hubs for Turkish-language betting operations and payment routing activity. This move signals a notable escalation in Erdoğan’s long-running political campaign to “clean Turkey from gambling”, a pledge repeatedly tied to his broader conservative and nationalist agenda ahead of future election cycles. However, the scale of the underground market underlines the challenge facing Ankara. Turkish regulators estimate billions of lira continue to flow annually through illegal betting systems despite years of ISP blocks, banking restrictions, and arrests targeting intermediaries and affiliates. For Erdoğan, the crackdown has evolved beyond morality politics into a broader financial and national security issue. The Turkish government increasingly views illegal betting as part of a shadow economy intersecting with organized crime, offshore finance, and digital money laundering networks operating beyond Ankara’s control. 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.