Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - UK gambling industry associations have urged the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to reconsider its financial risk assessments (FRAs) to avoid losing tens of thousands of bettors from the legal gambling market. The UKGC is currently implementing 63 recommendations from the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper to maintain a sustainable and competitive UK gambling industry. These measures include customer financial risk assessments designed to lower problem gambling by requiring players to submit financial documents to prove they can afford to gamble. Since August 2024, players have faced financial vulnerability checks—a less stringent version of FRAs that trigger only after £150 in net deposits within 30 days. However, FRAs will be more extensive. Though the UKGC has pledged to minimize friction by eliminating the need for bank statements or financial documents, the new checks will automatically review a customer's financial history if they spend £1,000 in 24 hours or £2,000 over three months. The UKGC's pilot program for the process raised concerns, as credit reference agencies' varying methodologies reportedly produced inconsistent financial information for the same individual. This could create further complications, likely forcing operators to intervene and request personal details directly, undermining the UKGC's goal of a seamless system. With no clear resolution to these issues, UK trade organizations are growing increasingly concerned, as both the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have issued warnings about potentially losing thousands of customers. In an interview with the Racing Post, BGC Chief Executive Grainne Hurst stated: "The Gambling Commission's proposed financial risk assessments may duplicate current safeguards while creating substantial inconvenience for customers, ultimately driving more people toward dangerous illegal gambling sites. "The government should therefore request that the Gambling Commission suspend and review FRAs within a broader evaluation of player protection measures, ensuring all modifications are based on evidence and safeguard consumers without pushing them toward unregulated, unsafe markets." The horse racing sector is also expected to be impacted. In a Sun article, BHA CEO Brant Dunshea supported Hurst's appeal for the UKGC to reconsider FRAs, which could be approved as early as this May. "Horse race betting has proven to be one of the safest gambling forms, but only within a legal, regulated framework," he said. "Without an improved approach, the illegal market will expand, increasing harm, costing the government tens of millions in tax revenue, and triggering extensive job losses throughout Britain. "Considering recent regulatory and tax adjustments, I urge the commission and government to thoughtfully evaluate whether this additional regulatory layer is timely." "The Government must act now. Too much is at stake."Yesterday in @TheSun, @BHAHorseracing CEO Brant Dunshea laid out his argument.Why should bettors have to verify they can afford their hobby?Affordability checks will drive customers away from regulated betting and toward illegal…— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) March 20, 2026 When contacted by the Racing Post, the UKGC responded: "We continue to develop financial risk assessments, with a primary focus on reducing friction for consumers." The renewed debate over affordability checks emerges before the 1 April introduction of a new UK gambling tax system. Last year's lobbying against tax increases ahead of the Autumn budget reportedly created some division between betting and racing interests, even though both share common goals. 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 fresh legal layer has emerged in the ongoing debate surrounding Malta’s Bill 55, following an opinion issued by an Advocate General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Although the opinion from Advocate General Nicholas Emiliou does not explicitly mention Article 56A of Malta’s Gaming Act—widely known as Bill 55—it addresses the specific operational activities that the legislation was designed to shield. “A sports betting operator that provides services within a national market without holding the necessary licence may be required to reimburse stakes received from players,” Emiliou stated, referencing a case involving Tipico. While Tipico is headquartered in Malta, its primary customer base is in Germany, where it currently holds a leading market position. The company is currently defending itself against a lawsuit from a former client seeking to recover losses incurred between 2013 and 2020. During that period, Tipico operated internationally under a Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) licence rather than a German one. Under German law, providing sports betting services without a local licence renders the contract between the bookmaker and the player null and void, a principle the customer is using to justify their claim for restitution. In his assessment, Emiliou remarked that, “from the perspective of German law, the claims brought by the consumer in question against Tipico appear, in principle, to be well founded.” He noted, however, that Tipico argues it was prevented from obtaining a German licence due to “certain deficiencies” in the application process. Following the implementation of the Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty 2021 (GlüStV 2021), the company successfully obtained a licence from the newly established regulator, the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL), and is now included on the authority’s “white list” of authorized operators. Emiliou calls for nuance German courts have struggled to determine how the European Union (EU) principle of freedom to provide services should influence their obligation to dismiss such consumer claims. While Emiliou advocates for a nuanced approach, his overall stance appears to align more closely with the German judiciary than with Tipico’s position—and, by extension, the defensive stance adopted by Malta through Bill 55 in 2023. The Cypriot diplomat concluded that EU member states maintain the right to mandate a local gambling licence, and that such requirements are compatible with the bloc’s laws regarding the freedom to provide services. He argued that national courts are entitled to enforce these licensing requirements against operators lacking the proper authorization, even if those operators claim that procedural flaws prevented them from obtaining a licence. Emiliou concluded: “The freedom to provide services does not preclude the German authorities from requiring a German licence to offer sports betting services in Germany, nor does it in general preclude operators which did so without the required licence from being subject to consequences under civil-law, such as the nullity of the contracts they concluded with their clients.” He added: “The primacy of the freedom to provide services does not require national authorities to leave unapplied a licensing requirement which is, in itself, compatible with that freedom whenever an operator has been unable to obtain a licence through a non-discriminatory and transparent licensing procedure.” No respite in Bill 55 battle It is important to clarify that Emiliou’s opinion is not a direct ruling against Bill 55. Furthermore, determinations by CJEU Advocates General are legal opinions rather than binding judgments, which remain the sole purview of the CJEU itself. Nevertheless, this opinion adds to the growing legal pressure against the core premise of Bill 55: the idea that Malta-licensed firms are shielded by Maltese law from regulatory and legal actions in other markets where they operate. Germany and Austria have been particularly contentious jurisdictions in this regard. In Germany, a 2023 case involving Lottoland was also predicated on the firm’s lack of a local licence at the time of the customer’s losses. Similarly, Austrian gambler Marek Ehrlich has been pursuing a claim of nearly €500,000 against the Malta-based firm Virtual Services Digital Limited, citing the same lack of an Austrian licence. Although Ehrlich has received support from both Austrian courts and the CJEU, Maltese courts have refused to yield, invoking Bill 55 in February. The CJEU had previously also sided with the German position in the Lottoland case. These disputes follow a 2022 lawsuit against the now-defunct Maltese entity Titanium Brace Ltd, which operated as DrückGlück in DACH markets. In that instance, an Austrian player sought restitution for losses incurred while the firm was unlicensed, and the CJEU’s determination again favored the Austrian perspective over the Maltese one. With Maltese companies operating across numerous international markets and the gambling sector contributing roughly 10% of the nation’s GDP, policymakers and courts in Malta remain committed to using Bill 55 to protect this economic pillar. Conversely, courts in other EU member states—and seemingly the CJEU itself—do not share this view. Similar concerns have been voiced elsewhere; for instance, Dutch legislators referenced Bill 55 during debates on gambling regulation last year. Ultimately, the ongoing conflict between the courts of Austria and Germany, the Maltese judiciary, and the CJEU shows no signs of abating. 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) - Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) has made its entry into the Baltic market by purchasing a 70% share in Lithuania's premier iGaming operator, TOPsport. Financed by FEG's parent company, Penta Investments, this deal stands as one of the most significant foreign investments in Lithuania in recent times, underscoring the Czech-based group's goal to enhance its regional presence. It also constitutes a record investment for Penta. Established in 2002 and based in Kaunas, TOPsport leads the Lithuanian online sports betting and gaming market, commanding over 50% market share. The firm operates a sophisticated digital platform alongside a nationwide retail network of 54 outlets. The business achieved an EBITDA exceeding €65m (£56m) in 2025, sustaining a margin above 50% and realizing approximately 30% compound annual growth since 2020. With a workforce of more than 200, the company has established strong brand awareness via key sponsorships, such as collaborations with basketball club BC Žalgiris, the Lithuanian Football Federation, and the nation's premier football league. “Having grown from the ground up over more than twenty years, TOPsport is now an integral component of Lithuania's sports and entertainment scene and its top omnichannel operator,” stated Gintaras Staniulis, Co-Founder and Strategic Consultant of TOPsport. “We now begin a new era by becoming part of Fortuna Entertainment Group. FEG offers worldwide reach, technological prowess, and responsible gaming benchmarks that will propel the company forward, ensuring our customers enjoy the broadest entertainment options and superior platform security. “We stay faithful to our origins, but we now move ahead with the backing of a major European group.” FEG makes another major step FEG stated that the purchase offers a strategic gateway into the largest Baltic nation and that it will utilize TOPsport's local knowledge and digital strengths to speed up growth and diversify its product range. Dieter John, CEO of FEG, called the acquisition a "major step" within the company's strategic plan. He continued: “This action further solidifies our dedication to responsible gambling and regulatory superiority. “Collectively, we will maintain the utmost standards and advance the core principles that guide our group's operations. “I commend our teams for their efforts in facilitating this deal and look forward to our future accomplishments alongside our new Lithuanian colleagues.” This agreement occurs during a period of comprehensive regulatory shifts in Lithuania. The Seimas (Parliament) plans to implement a new gambling framework by 2028, featuring tighter advertising regulations and greater emphasis on player safety. The minimum legal gambling age was also increased from 18 to 21 in July 2025, excluding national lottery games. The gambling tax rate was raised from 20% to 22% in January 2025. FEG remains confident it will gain significant benefits from the TOPsport acquisition, despite the evolving regulatory environment. This strategic move strengthens its position in the Baltic region and broadens its portfolio, which already contains Romanian operator Casa Pariurilor, Croatia’s PSK, and Montenegro-based LOB. 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 European Court of Justice (CJEU) has made another ruling concerning how member state laws apply to recovering and compensating online gambling losses. A ruling by Cypriot Advocate General (AG) Nicholas Emiliou states that: "A sports betting operator providing services in a national market without the necessary license may be required to return the money wagered by players." The AG's opinion relates to a long-standing German dispute questioning Tipico Malta's online gambling license regarding loss recovery for the 2013-2020 period. A German customer attempted to reclaim losses from Tipico, which was operating in Germany with a license from the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA). At that time, German gambling regulations were in turmoil, as parliament hadn't finalized terms for launching the fourth interstate market (GlüNeuRStv). The AG considers that "under German law, the consumer's claims against Tipico seem fundamentally justified. However, Tipico argues in its defense that it couldn't secure a German license due to flaws in the licensing process." Per AG Emiliou, Tipico's lack of a German license makes the agreement between the operator and consumer 'invalid'. However, the AG maintains that member states can apply tort laws (covering harm or loss) regardless of Tipico's licensing status. This case intensifies pressure on Malta regarding its use of Bill 55 as a defense for gambling licenses used throughout Europe. However, in an earlier interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Tipico CEO Axel Hefer stated the company wouldn't use the bill as a shield and doesn't need to. He said: "We're a Maltese-German firm with 1,500 staff at multiple major German sites. We clearly don't rely on Maltese law for protection. We've never used 'Bill 55." Germany has strongly criticized this potential operator protection, with its regulator GGL saying: "We believe this law likely conflicts with European decision-recognition requirements (Regulation (EU) 1215/2002). "However, GGL isn't responsible for the final evaluation of this matter. We've notified the federal states of our view and remain in touch with relevant authorities." Continued pressure The Tipico case comes after a recent CJEU AG ruling on the Wunner case (Austria v Malta), which confirmed that Member States can enforce their tort laws on gambling disputes, regardless of licenses issued in other EU jurisdictions. A key point in the Wunner Case was the CJEU rejecting Malta's "EU passporting" argument for gambling. The ruling clarified that, unlike financial services, a gambling license from one Member State doesn't automatically permit operations in another. Each country can establish its own requirements, as long as they're proportionate, non-discriminatory, and transparent. This maintains pressure as the unresolved legal conflict between Austria and Malta escalates, with Malta invoking Article 56A, widely known as Bill 55. Malta's courts activated this Article to dismiss prior CJEU opinions on the prolonged disputes between the two jurisdictions. The operator is using Article 56 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) as its case basis—the freedom to provide services across EU member states—which Maltese law protects through Article 56A. Instead of ignoring European Court of Justice rulings, Maltese courts are invoking public policy exceptions under the Brussels I Recast Regulation (EU) 1215/2012, strengthened domestically by Article 56A, to prevent enforcement of foreign civil judgments they claim threaten Malta's gaming regulatory system. 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) - Lawmakers in Kazakhstan are looking to attract foreign visitors by launching four new casino zones. Per the new regulation, these zones will be situated in well-known tourist destinations. They include the Mangistau region along the Caspian Sea coast, Paniflov District and the shores of Lake Alakol in Almaty region’s Talgar District, as well as the Marakol Area and Zaisan District. Per reporting from Qazinform News Agency, the amendment to the ‘On Gambling Business’ law has been signed off by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This move will raise the total number of such gambling zones to six, adding to the existing gambling provisions in the city of Konaev within the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort area in the Akmola region. In contrast to the already established zones, which welcome both Kazakh citizens and foreign visitors, these four new areas will only be accessible to overseas travelers. According to Kazakhstan’s government, over 15.7 million foreign nationals visited the country in the first nine months of 2025, including many visitors from both Russia and China. Baurzhan Rapikov, the country’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that he expects each new casino will create 500 jobs and generate annual tax revenue ranging from 2bn to 4bn tenge (£3.1m to £6.2m). This decision to limit gambling to specific zones aligns with existing legislation in Russia, where casino and slot machine operations are restricted to four designated areas. Restricting access solely to foreign citizens also echoes policies implemented in numerous countries across the world. In South Korea, local citizens are limited to just one casino, with all remaining venues exclusively for foreign visitors. Meanwhile, in Malaysia and Singapore, local gamblers face strict entry requirements and are required to pay an admission fee. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - As the 2026 World Cup draws near, SBC Summit Malta will place sports betting strategy at the core, assisting the industry in preparing for one of the most pivotal moments on the global betting calendar. Running from 29 to 30 April, the event's two-day conference program will convene 6,000 industry experts to explore the future of sports betting from both theoretical and practical angles. The program is organized across two formats. Day one will focus on sportsbook strategy via a series of panel discussions. Day two will transition to hands-on workshops, enabling delegates to convert those discussions into actionable frameworks applicable to their own operations. Sessions will delve into topics such as the development of bet builders, the increasing trend of sportsbooks functioning as media platforms, and the marketing strategies and regions anticipated to influence the 2026 World Cup. “With millions of viewers tuning into the World Cup, reaching players won’t pose a challenge for sportsbooks. The hurdle lies in retaining them,” said Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “Competitive odds, game variety, and a strong user experience will be what sets the top performers apart.” The session“Sports Product & Innovation: Beyond the Bet Builder” will examine how bet builders are evolving and reshaping the modern sportsbook experience. Featuring Tamazi Gambashidze (Head of Sports Brand Experience Department, Adjarabet), Hristo Ruslanov Spasov (Director of Sports Betting, Codere), Ivan Gojić (Chief Sportsbook Officer, Entain), and Nika Gigashvili (Managing Director/ Partner, SMH), the session will also explore how bet builders are being integrated with live betting and utilized to enhance fan engagement. Attention will then turn to the tournament itself in the panel ‘World Cup 2026: Betting Predictions and Market Movers’. Here, C-level executives Txema Hermoso (COO, Doctor SEO), Dr Damir Boehm (CEO, TipWin) and Russell Yershon (Director, Connecting Brands ) will share data-driven forecasts on which markets and products are poised to drive the most betting activity during the tournament. They will also analyze the marketing strategies likely to stand out amid the competition and the impact of the tournament’s expansion on betting behavior. Day two shifts focus from discussion to implementation, with expert-led workshops designed to help attendees develop practical sportsbook strategies. “Building a World Cup Tournament Model: From Ratings to Outrights” will guide sportsbooks on creating credible outright markets that can withstand heightened trading pressure. Led by Jonathan Smith (Founder of Sportsbook Training Services), the workshop will have attendees build a tournament simulation from scratch and learn to translate performance data into realistic tournament pricing. As the boundaries between sports betting, entertainment, and broadcasting continue to blur, the greatest opportunity lies with those who control the fan experience. “The Second-Screen Revolution: Betting Meets Broadcasting” will explore how sportsbooks are evolving into media hubs, using second-screen apps, live streaming, real-time data overlays, and content partnerships to capture attention beyond the match itself. Alongside its focus on sports betting, SBC Summit Malta’s agenda will include dedicated tracks on marketing, regulation, and product, as well as two workshop rooms. Outside the conference, attendees can discover the industry’s latest technology and products on the exhibition floor and connect with peers through various evening and daytime networking opportunities. Get Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Secure your spot at SBC Summit Malta with our exclusive VIP Event Pass. Priced at €600, you’ll gain access to all that SBC Summit Malta offers, including three days of networking, conference sessions, and exhibitions. Want an Expo+ Pass? It’s available for €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you can apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here. Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - One of Europe’s biggest gaming hubs is set to see changes now that Gibraltar’s parliament has approved the first reading of the 2025 Gaming Bill. The new law aims to replace the 2005 Gambling Act and usher in a new chapter for the island, especially as it faces major challenges from the UK’s increase in remote gaming taxes. iGaming Expert explains all the key details about these changes. Years in the making Plans to update the jurisdiction’s laws have been ongoing for years, with consultations on a new bill starting as early as 2016. Nigel Feetham MP, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, told parliament the proposed legislation is “one of the most thoughtfully and expertly crafted and widely consulted bills” in Gibraltar’s legislative history. Progress was held up multiple times: first by Brexit in 2016, which led EU gambling businesses to eventually leave the island, and then by Gibraltar’s effort to get off the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list – a goal it reached in February 2024. The bill also had to adapt to changes in the gaming industry brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Roy Clinton MP, Shadow Minister for Finance & Value for Money, noted that the bill was developed through a “thorough consultative process.” Shifting focus of regulation In his parliamentary speech, Feetham emphasized the need for a “more adaptable regulatory system” capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly changing landscape. Specifically, he stated the law will shift from focusing on where technology is based to where the management and control of a gambling operation actually take place. Feetham said: “We’ve witnessed the growth of cloud IT infrastructure providers, a trend of gambling firms using a multi-jurisdictional strategy, and many jurisdictions moving from a restricted or monopoly model to one where local licenses are offered to commercial gambling companies on an open, non-discriminatory market basis. “We need a law that covers any business with significant management or control of its operation in or from Gibraltar, instead of over-relying on where technology is located.” Bringing marketing under the microscope To gain better oversight of the peripheral services that support the gambling industry, the new act requires certain outsourced B2B services – like marketing and player fund management – to apply for a Gaming Operator Support Services (GOSS) Licence. Feetham pointed out the growing number of companies in the B2B supply chain that compete across multiple jurisdictions. He also expressed worry that some marketing activities by island-based companies fall outside “the regulatory scope.” “Gambling services marketing has evolved, especially in social media promotion,” he said. “Player acquisition and retention are the industry’s lifeblood, but marketing gambling products and managing customer relationships is controversial. If unregulated and unchecked, it could harm the industry’s reputation and the broader regulatory system.” More power to the commission The bill also boosts the regulatory authority of the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, giving it new powers to use risk-based enforcement tactics, conduct investigations, and impose financial penalties on non-compliant businesses. “A key practical flaw in the current act is that it only offers the ‘nuclear option’ of suspending or revoking licenses for violations,” Feetham explained. “In contrast, the new bill outlines a range of proportional penalties and lets the gambling commissioner use a more structured, statutory approach to regulatory investigations and inquiries.” To account for these enhanced enforcement powers, the bill also creates a gambling appeals tribunal. Flexibility in legislation Feetham frequently noted the industry’s rapidly changing nature and the need for the new regulatory framework to reflect this while maintaining clear regulatory goals. He stated the bill “enables future-proofing” as technological innovation speeds up, and work has already started on a digitalization project to improve communication with the industry. Feetham concluded: “The new act won’t alter Gibraltar’s business-friendly culture. If you’re ready to be a responsible corporate citizen – paying taxes, protecting consumers, and preventing financial crime – you’re welcome here. We’re open for business and will keep innovating.” 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 betting solutions provider GR8 Tech is gearing up for an anticipated surge in betting activity during the upcoming World Cup. The company, which delivers sportsbook and iGaming solutions to operators worldwide, has implemented comprehensive platform upgrades in anticipation of the tournament. These enhancements span its sportsbook platform, engagement and retention tools, and its cryptocurrency offerings, as the company foresees significant increases in traffic, competition, and betting volume throughout the month-long event. Customer acquisition is expected to be particularly competitive this year, with licensed operators vying for market share against each other and the unregulated sector, a topic recently discussed on an SBC Webinar. “World Cup traffic alone does not guarantee improved outcomes. The key is how effectively operators can convert this attention into customer acquisition, conversion, retention, and sustained player value,” stated Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “This is our current priority. We are enhancing the sportsbook experience, expanding our engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to empower our partners to maximize the year's most significant opportunity.” In terms of its sportsbook, GR8 Tech is refining navigation, campaign visibility, bet builder functionalities, player-specific markets, and its odds boost feature. On the engagement and retention front, the company is broadening its loyalty, bonus, and segmentation capabilities, incorporating a VIP-focused program and automated bonus mechanisms, among other initiatives. Furthermore, GR8 Tech is introducing earlier player segmentation within its crypto functionalities, based on wallet transaction history, along with more adaptable VIP and risk management procedures prior to deposits. “The company is implementing a wide array of improvements across the platform to help operators derive greater value from the year’s premier event,” the firm’s statement indicated. “More detailed information will be shared in subsequent releases, each offering an in-depth look at specific products and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform.” 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 betting solutions provider GR8 Tech is gearing up for an anticipated surge in betting activity during the World Cup later this year. The company, which supplies sportsbook and iGaming solutions to operators globally, has implemented several platform-wide enhancements in anticipation of the World Cup. Updates have been applied across its sportsbook platform, engagement and retention tools, and its cryptocurrency offering, as the firm foresees significant traffic, intense competition, and increased betting volumes throughout the month-long event. Acquiring new customers is projected to be exceptionally competitive this year, with licensed operators vying against both their peers and the illicit market, a topic recently explored in an SBC Webinar. “Increased World Cup traffic alone doesn't ensure improved outcomes. The crucial factor is how effectively operators can convert that interest into customer acquisition, successful conversions, sustained retention, and enduring player value,” stated Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “Our current focus is precisely there. We are refining the sportsbook experience, broadening our engagement and loyalty instruments, and enhancing our crypto functionalities to assist partners in maximizing this year's most significant opportunity.” For its sportsbook, GR8 Tech is upgrading navigation, improving campaign visibility, enhancing bet builder features, introducing player-specific markets, and refining its odds boost function. The company is also broadening its loyalty, bonus, and segmentation features for engagement and retention, incorporating a VIP-centric program and automated bonus mechanisms, alongside other initiatives. Furthermore, the company is integrating earlier player segmentation into its crypto services, informed by wallet transaction history, and offering more adaptable VIP and risk management prior to deposits. “Throughout the platform, the company is implementing a wide array of enhancements designed to help operators extract greater value from the year's most significant opportunity,” according to the firm's statement. “Further detailed updates will be provided in subsequent releases, each offering a deeper insight into specific products and the advancements contributing to GR8 Tech's World Cup-prepared platform.” 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) - Spelinspektionen, Sweden's Gambling Inspectorate, begins a new chapter in its leadership with Madelaine Tunudd taking on the role of Board Chair. Having served as Vice Chair since 2019, Tunudd takes over from Claes Norgren, who stepped down on 16 March, with her tenure as Chair commencing on 17 March. Tunudd, previously a judge at the Administrative Court of Uppsala, has acted as legal counsel to the authority since its creation in 2018 under the Swedish Gambling Act. The Inspectorate highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent supervision of Sweden's gambling industry during this pivotal moment, as the sector braces for major regulatory reforms scheduled for implementation from April 2026. Starting 1 April, Sweden will implement a comprehensive prohibition on gambling funded through credit, barring operators from accepting payments made with credit cards, loans, or other deferred payment methods. This initiative represents a significant step in player protection measures, addressing the connection between gambling and personal debt, and will necessitate tighter payment monitoring by operators across all licensed gambling categories. In addition to these financial protections, Sweden is set to considerably broaden the scope of its gambling legislation. By eliminating the "direction criterion," regulators will be empowered to take action against any foreign operator available to Swedish users, without needing to demonstrate direct targeting of the local market—effectively shutting down a persistent loophole used by unauthorized platforms. 2026: A Year of Transformation for the Inspectorate The current year signals a fundamental shift in the regulatory framework governing the Inspectorate's enforcement capabilities. The authority anticipates wielding expanded punitive powers, encompassing harsher monetary fines, licence suspensions, and improved capacity to curb or eliminate illegal operators. These changes indicate a move toward a more proactive, enforcement-driven approach, assigning increased accountability to the regulator for vigilantly monitoring market limits. The leadership change occurs alongside a continuing transition in the organization's senior management. Johan Röhr remains in his position as Acting Director General after Camilla Rosenberg exited the Inspectorate in late 2025, when she was appointed by the government to spearhead reforms in Swedish housing policy. Additionally, the Riksdag is still completing its assessment of regulatory modifications put forward in 2025 by Financial Markets Secretary Niklas Wykman and senior advisor Marcus Isgren. The suggested measures comprise tougher oversight of physical gambling establishments, improved safeguards for high-risk products like slot machines, and more unified management of self-exclusion programs and operator responsibility requirements. 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) - Spanish gambling is transitioning to a ‘new system of accountability’ for player protection, established on fresh directives for license holders to spot risks, address gambling threats, and prevent negative outcomes. This announcement was made by Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, during the presentation of the “Juego Seguro 2030” (Safe Play) programme for the Spanish gambling sector, which was developed in partnership with the Advisory Council of Responsible Gambling. The initiative is set to be executed from 2026 through 2030. It represents a key part of the DGOJ’s mission to ‘redefine a new regulatory philosophy’ and improve both player safeguards and gambling settings. Confronting problem gambling directly Beginning in 2026, the DGOJ will advance Safe Play initiatives based on a ‘core structure of comprehensive protection’, which the authority is confident will sustain ‘safe environments, and the analysis and diagnosis of harms and threats’. The programme will not be enacted as a legislative decree. Instead, the DGOJ will utilize the programme to bolster ongoing amendments to the Royal Decrees on Spanish Gambling, initially adopted in 2020 for advertising and subsequently in 2023 for gambling environments. The administration of the Safe Play programme will focus on six primary objectives: 1. To guarantee a measurable decline in gambling-related harms (currently affecting 1.5% of the adult population as of 2024) 2. To strengthen player protection mechanisms (through preventative tools and the application of algorithmic modules) 3. To refine harm intervention via the earliest possible detection 4. To emphasize the protection of minors and vulnerable players 5. To secure all gambling environments These principles will underpin the DGOJ’s mandate to obtain new evidence that supports scientific research and data-driven policy formation throughout the gambling industry. The philosophical and systemic shift pursued by the DGOJ intensifies the regulatory focus on operators, their data, and game design starting in 2026. Consequently, Spanish licenses will include a “new accountability on player protection” that will be viewed as a systemic responsibility integrated across the full gambling value chain – encompassing “operators, product design, data monitoring and customer interaction”. Arana stated to stakeholders: “The aim is to advance towards a model where protection is not dependent solely on player behaviour, but is integrated across the entire system, from product design to operator data usage.” Under this framework, safeguarding is not limited to player behaviour but becomes a function of how gambling services are structured, promoted, and delivered. As detailed by the DGOJ, the new framework intends to place “vulnerable participants at the centre of protective measures”, reinforcing a system where protection is incorporated into the fundamental design of gambling environments, rather than left to individual discretion. Evolution in system and philosophy To facilitate this shift, the DGOJ will implement a new layer of technical oversight across three fundamental pillars. The DGOJ will widen its examination of game design and product mechanics, analyzing how structural game features impact intensity, expenditure, and the potential for compulsive play. The authority maintains that “structural environments and systems can influence play”, stressing the necessity to assess how product design contributes to risk. Regarding licenses, the framework will centralize data processing and behavioural monitoring in its supervision. Operators will be obligated to implement standardized risk-detection systems to recognize harmful patterns in real time. As stated by the DGOJ, ‘all operators must apply the same parameters to determine which customers exhibit risky behaviours’, a requirement specified as a duty of care for license holders. Thirdly, the DGOJ will enhance the promotion and integration of safer gambling tools and controlled settings. Player protection mechanisms—such as deposit limits, self-exclusion systems, and behavioural alerts—will be woven more directly into the customer journey, supported by comprehensive oversight of digital environments. The DGOJ has highlighted the imperative ‘to reduce the risk of the emergence of risky gambling behaviours… or to minimise their negative effects’. Accordingly, the DGOJ has indicated that Spain’s forthcoming regulatory phase will be anchored in accountability for safe gambling, with operators required to prove how their technologies, data systems, and product designs proactively avert harm, rather than merely reacting to it. Finalizing the programme’s directives, Arana explained: “Player protection cannot depend solely on the individual, but on the active responsibility of operators, products and environments. “This new era necessitates measurable accountability, which operators must demonstrate through data regarding how they prevent harm.” 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 long-tenured advisor has been fired by the Riigikogu Chancellery just months after Estonia embarked on a new chapter for iGaming taxation. Estonian officials were forced into a scramble after an error in the country’s Gambling Tax Act led to millions in lost iGaming tax revenue. Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) has reported that the official—whose name the outlet has not revealed—was dismissed following a clerical mistake in the act. The legislation was approved in December of last year, leading to online casinos being tax-exempt in 2026. The mistake was identified in January and has since been rectified. Nonetheless, the harm is already done, with the state projected to lose around €4 million in anticipated gambling tax revenue for that year. Antero Habicht, Director of the Riigikogu Chancellery, told ERR: “In January, disciplinary actions were launched at the Riigikogu Chancellery, which led to the official being removed from their position as a disciplinary sanction for a severe violation of official responsibilities. “The catalyst for this was an error committed by the official while handling a law draft, though the end of the employment relationship was not solely due to the error itself, but also other case-related circumstances that came to light during the disciplinary actions.” No further details about the disciplinary actions were revealed, though Habicht stated that the contract termination was deemed “inevitable and justified” and not politically motivated. Yet, ERR has reported that a five-page directive from the Riigikogu Chancellery showed the official was cognizant of the error by 5 January. Even so, the Chancellery’s leadership remained uninformed and only became aware of the mistake a week later, through media coverage of an ERR report on 12 January. Estonia’s remote gambling tax is set to decrease from 6% to 4% by 2029, reducing by 0.5% each year, with all generated funds allocated to culture and sports. The aim of reforming its iGaming market was to establish Estonia as an iGaming hub in the Nordics and broader Europe, drawing in companies and investments that can compete with industry players like Malta, the Isle of Man, and 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.