Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Agreegain has expanded its casino suite by adding fresh game content from Endorphina. As part of this partnership, more than 200 slot games from the Prague-based studio will now be accessible to Agreegain’s network of operator partners. Featured titles include King Of Ghosts and Hell Hot 100. Inga Kadyrova, Endorphina’s Partnership Manager, stated: “Partnerships like this help us strengthen our position across the industry, and I am confident our games will be a perfect complement to their existing offerings. We are thrilled to welcome Agreegain as our new partner.” Endorphina holds partnerships with over 5,000 companies globally and holds licenses to deliver game content across 31 jurisdictions worldwide, spanning markets in Europe and Latin America. Agreegain noted that integrating Endorphina into its partner network has enhanced the strength and variety of its content portfolio for its operator partners. Maria Afzaal, Senior Partnership Manager at Agreegain, added: “At Agreegain, we are consistently seeking content that aligns with the regions and markets we prioritize. “Partnering with Endorphina is an exciting milestone that lets us deliver innovative, diverse games that meet the needs of our operator partners across Europe and Latin America. We believe this addition bolsters our content portfolio and provides our partners and players with content that aligns with their preferences and our overall market strategy.” Managing Regulatory Risks Earlier this year, Josh Kingett, Business Development Manager at Agreegain, spoke with iGaming Expert about how content aggregators must adapt as operators continue to pursue international expansion into new markets. Kingett stressed that aggregators must proactively track regulatory shifts across global jurisdictions to ensure the games they offer are either pre-certified or swiftly adjusted to meet new compliance requirements. He added: “Aggregators should manage provider certifications and compliance updates through a central hub, shielding operators from tedious contract management, individual studio negotiations and delays. “Providing modular, jurisdiction-specific configurations via a single API also allows operators to adjust content compliance settings without rebuilding their entire platforms.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Amnesty International has charged Cambodia’s casino regulator with effectively endorsing enterprises involved in severe violations, such as torture, human trafficking, and child labor. The organization has highlighted 12 casinos that the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) authorized plans for between December 2025 and January 2026, noting that these venues function as scam compounds where documented human rights violations have occurred. Among those listed are three Crown casinos in Poipet, Bavet and Chrey Thum – owned by Anco Brothers Co. Ltd – as well as the Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino, whose former Chair, Kuong Li, was charged at the beginning of 2026 with illegal recruitment for exploitation, aggravated fraud, and money laundering. According to testimony from victims interviewed by Amnesty International, trafficked workers, often enticed by social media ads promising lucrative job opportunities, are detained against their will and compelled to participate in schemes that have defrauded victims of billions of dollars. Amnesty International utilized site visits and victim testimonies to cross-reference official plans submitted to the CGMG. The organization documented abuses such as workers being subjected to torture and beatings with electric shock batons. “The authorities must explain why casinos with proven ties to trafficking and torture continue to receive official approval,” said Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s Co-Regional Director. “Every day that these casinos remain licensed is another day in which people on casino property are at risk of human rights abuse. “Our research establishes a clear link between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and its scamming compounds. At a time when the government claims to be dismantling the scamming industry, the evidence shows it is simultaneously approving plans for casino properties where abusive scamming compounds are run.” Authorities in Cambodia have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to addressing scam compounds; Reuters reported that approximately 190 scam centers were closed down in February. Last week, Cambodia’s Parliament also passed the first cybercrime law dedicated to targeting the perpetrators of online scams. Once implemented, those convicted will face between two to five years in prison and fines up to $125,000. Sentences for scams conducted by gangs or against many victims can extend up to 10 years. However, Amnesty International has accused the Cambodian government of “deliberately ignoring a litany of human rights abuses” and police forces in the country of collusion with compound bosses to avoid enforcement action. A report published in June 2025 by the charity identified 53 scamming compounds, and over half were linked to casinos, as gangs often repurpose former casinos and hotels into centers for fraud. “The Cambodian authorities know what is going on inside scamming compounds, yet they allow it to continue. Our findings reveal a pattern of state failures that have allowed criminality to flourish and raise questions about the government’s motivations,” Ferrer said in June. She added that the latest revelations demonstrate that the casino sector requires “investigation and accountability,” and demanded that the Cambodian government immediately suspend the gambling licences of the casinos identified until a “full, independent and transparent investigation into the violations documented at these sites” is conducted. The CGMC and the companies named failed to respond to Amnesty International over the allegations. According to a statement released on 5 April, the CGMC has revoked the licence of the Shang Hai Resort, a casino not named by Amnesty International, after raids found evidence of activity related to scam compounds. 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) - France's national gambling regulator has urged casinos to intensify their efforts against underage and problem gambling, stating that some establishments are failing to detect and assist a sufficient number of patrons experiencing gambling-related harm. The authority highlighted that both compulsive and underage gambling rank among the most significant threats within the French market, calling on the industry to re-evaluate its approach to these challenges. Alongside this caution, the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) acknowledged the growth in collaborations between casinos and support services, as it assessed operator action plans designed to prevent excessive and underage gambling. Uneven results The ANJ observed that while casinos are enhancing their systems for identifying and assisting at-risk players, some 'are still only detecting and supporting an inadequate number of excessive or pathological gamblers, a figure that does not match their customer traffic levels'. The regulator also mentioned that the improved links between gambling venues and support organizations have facilitated directing identified problem gamblers to treatment, running awareness campaigns, and training employees. Regarding staff training, the ANJ reported that more than 2,200 individuals have utilized the e-learning module since its introduction in November 2024. More work to do Minimizing gambling harm is a central pillar of the ANJ's strategic plan for 2024-2026. Since October 2019, operators have been mandated to submit their protection action plans to the ANJ for assessment, with the goal of bolstering player safeguards. In all, plans were submitted for approval by FDJ United and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), 17 licensed online operators, 210 casinos and gaming clubs, and 231 racetracks. Only one casino's plan was rejected. The ANJ pointed out that industry-wide advancements have occurred but stressed that more work is necessary to achieve the target of reducing gambling harm by 2027. Operators received several suggestions, such as reinforcing their systems, training staff, and giving players essential information. While the ANJ approved the action plans from FDJ and PMU, it indicated two primary issues require attention: Implement a rigorous policy for monitoring retail outlets to ensure compliance with the prohibition on sales to minors. Create methods suitable for physical locations to establish a more efficient system for recognizing and aiding gamblers affected by harm. Strengthening systems Concerning licensed online operators, the ANJ said most have implemented procedures to prevent circumvention of the underage gambling ban, covering registration, information provision to adults, awareness initiatives, and parental controls. Actions to better detect individuals harmed by gambling have also been taken. The count of flagged players increased from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025, following upgrades to detection tools and new metrics. Nevertheless, the regulator expects operators to enhance their identification of potentially harmed players to align it 'with the scale of their customer base and prevalence research'. 'Concrete and quantifiable outcomes' must also be realized in fortifying systems that spot those suffering or at risk, with possible monitoring to confirm these improvements. This push for stronger systems coincides with operators gearing up for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup. The ANJ reminded FDJ, PMU, and other licensed operators earlier this year that they must not surpass their declared total promotional budget for 2026. Racetrack improvements In the horse racing sector, the ANJ recognized work to inform bettors about support resources, train staff, and the ongoing supervision by the National Federation of Horse Racing (FNCH). However, the regulator emphasized the need for a clear separation at venues between family-friendly zones and betting areas, and to ensure content does not indirectly promote gambling. The FNCH was also directed to enhance its processes for identifying and supporting individuals experiencing gambling harm at tracks by persisting with training, as current efforts were deemed 'insufficient'. 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) - Government authorities in the Philippines have announced that the country has now fully eliminated all remaining traces of offshore gaming operations, which are widely known as POGOs. Prior to July 2024, online gaming operators were permitted to set up their headquarters in the Philippines while serving customers based in overseas markets such as China. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr reversed this policy during his 2024 State of the Nation Address, announcing that he would ban POGO operations entirely due to their deep ties to a range of criminal activities. He explained that POGOs had “expanded into illegal activities far beyond gaming, including financial scams, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture and even murder”, and a deadline of the end of 2024 was set for all such operations to cease operations permanently. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told The Manila Times on Monday (April 6) that “there are no official POGOs left operating in the country, and no unauthorised illegal POGOs either”, confirming that the government’s sector-wide crackdown has been completed successfully. The close of the POGO era POGO operations first began emerging in 2003, after the Philippines offered a base to Chinese gaming operators that were displaced by the Chinese government’s full ban on all gambling in Mainland China. The sector saw rapid growth starting in 2016, after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) began issuing operating licenses to POGO providers. At its peak in 2019, the Philippines’ POGO industry counted more than 300 licensed operators, contributed over P100bn (£1.25bn) in tax revenue to the national government, and employed tens of thousands of local Filipino workers. However, as POGOs grew in scale, widespread concerns over linked criminal activity continued to build, leading to repeated calls for a full ban on the sector, demands that President Marcos Jr ultimately answered. One of the most high-profile criminal cases connected to POGOs involved Alice Guo, a Chinese national who was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 on human trafficking charges. The charges followed a 2024 raid on a POGO operation located on land Guo owned in the town of Bamban. Police found more than 700 Filipino and foreign nationals at the site, many of whom reported they had been forced to participate in online scam operations. Further investigations also uncovered that Guo had faked her Filipino citizenship to win election as Mayor of Bamban. A statement from the Presidential Anti-Organised Crime Commission (PAOCC) released after the guilty verdict said: “Guo’s power, wealth and public image were built entirely on human trafficking, online scam operations and a falsified identity.” “This long-awaited ruling is not only a legal victory but also a moral one. It delivers justice to victims, reaffirms the government’s unified stance against organised crime and marks a defining moment in the country’s fight against large-scale trafficking and online scam syndicates.” A new chapter for the Philippine gaming market One year after the official end of POGO operations, the PAOCC is still prosecuting cases linked to members of dismantled POGO networks, which highlights how deeply criminality was embedded throughout these operations. Gambling remains a key economic driver for the Philippine economy, but regulated online gaming is now limited to domestic inland operators (PIGOs) and is overseen by PAGCOR. In 2025, online gaming activity generated P53.3bn (£667.9m) in revenue for PAGCOR. Even so, the regulator recorded an overall 5% drop in total revenue, partially caused by the offshore gaming ban, as the now-banned sector contributed almost P3bn (£37.6m) in revenue in 2024. Following the government’s crackdown on POGOs, policy focus has now shifted to strengthening oversight of the regulated gaming industry, as well as cracking down on the country’s unregulated gambling black market. Want to enjoy more stories like this? Explore the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all multimedia content from SBC, where our team delivers deep dives into the biggest stories across the global 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) - The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has concluded its inquiry into KPMG's audit of Entain Plc's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022. The UK's statutory body for audit, accounting, and corporate governance has stated that neither KPMG nor Entain will face any disciplinary measures. Launched in November 2024, the investigation focused on KPMG's work on Entain's FY2022 consolidated accounts. This followed the FTSE-listed gambling operator's agreement to a £615m deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in 2023. This DPA, settled with HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service, concerned bribery accusations connected to GVC Holdings—Entain's former operating company—and its historical business activities in Turkey. No action needed In its FY2023 results, Entain posted a statutory loss of around £890m, largely due to a £585m provision for the DPA. The full settlement totalled £615m, made up of a £585m penalty, a £20m charitable contribution, and £10m in costs to the authorities. The audited year, FY2022, was characterised as one of robust fundamental performance. Entain recorded an EBITDA of £993m and an operating profit of £103m, buoyed by expansion in the US through its BetMGM brand and persistent demand in UK and European markets, amplified by conditions during the COVID pandemic. The FRC examined whether KPMG had sufficiently evaluated legal and regulatory risks in Entain's accounts, particularly regarding how liabilities from its past Turkish operations were handled. In its decision, the FRC said: “Having reviewed the evidence obtained in the investigation, and having considered all relevant factors, the Executive Counsel has decided not to bring enforcement action.” Since 2024, Entain has consistently asserted that all issues related to the case are now settled, confirming the group has completely moved on from its historical exposure. Operating under an updated corporate charter, Entain now conducts business solely in fully regulated markets, strengthening its compliance and governance structure. Notwithstanding these reforms, financial challenges persist. For FY2025, Entain reported a third straight annual loss, amounting to £680m, even as key performance indicators showed marked improvement in its core UK and Ireland markets, indicating a return to stability in these important regions. A broader restructuring KPMG continues to serve as Entain Plc's statutory auditor, with the end of the FRC investigation eliminating a source of regulatory doubt over its audit services. Nevertheless, the firm is undergoing its own operational overhaul. In early 2026, KPMG disclosed a strategic review of its workforce, confirming intentions to eliminate roughly 440 assistant manager positions in its audit division, in addition to about 120 roles in its advisory business. The firm cited unusually low staff turnover rates as the reason for the necessary workforce changes. The resolution of the Entain investigation, paired with wider restructuring in the audit industry, highlights an evolving environment for corporate governance and audit supervision, where regulators are weighing scrutiny against a more proportionate enforcement 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) - Content saturation is a major challenge in the iGaming industry, so standing out now depends less on quantity and more on strategic focus. In this piece, Edvardas Sadovkis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, contends that purposeful variety is emerging as the critical factor for keeping players engaged. As gaming operators grapple with increasing “lobby clutter,” Sadovkis examines how curated content plans, cross-vertical integration, and quicker, more user-friendly experiences can ease decision fatigue and lengthen players’ time on the platform. Using ICONIC21’s own growth journey as an example, he explains why organized diversity and brand-driven ecosystems will shape success in 2026. Traditionally, the iGaming sector prioritized quantity over quality, leading to market saturation. As 2026 nears, data shows that generic game titles are becoming less relevant. These games lack unique flair and fail to meet the expectations of players accustomed to endless scrolling. This situation imposes a “lobby overcrowding cost” on decision-makers. Information overload reduces the quality of choices, resulting in a paradox of choice—when faced with too many similar options, players often abandon the platform entirely. Purposeful variety is the solution to combat decision fatigue. A cross-vertical strategy that supports this smooth flow is a key growth driver. Integrating different verticals can boost player lifetime value. The goal is to guide players from the homepage to their next optimal action quickly, delivering experiences that align with their preferences and your brand’s standards. This shift toward curated variety is the core foundation. This transition to curated variety underpins the success of leading iGaming content providers. ICONIC21 initially focused on delivering an entertainment-first live dealer experience. A major change came in 2024, when the company rebranded and became an independent entity, expanding its content offerings and evolving from a live-centric approach to a comprehensive 360-degree supplier. Their growth from a live-only specialist to a multi-vertical powerhouse offering live casino, slots, virtual games, promo tools, dedicated studios, and more serves as proof of successful scaling, aligned with market demand and data-driven insights. But how? Trust is the currency of live gaming, but spectacle drives engagement. ICONIC21’s Gravity Series—including recently released Gravity Wheel, Gravity Roulette, and other game types—transforms traditional games into cinematic events by layering multipliers and high payouts. For the mobile-first, digitally native audience, speed is everything. RNG-based formats like Crash or Plinko and fan favorites like Chicken Run act as vital “bridge content,” capturing players’ attention with simple, intense mechanics.While some providers flood the market with low-quality “slop,” it’s important to maintain a steady release cycle balanced across verticals. This pace keeps the lobby fresh without contributing to choice overload. As content becomes commoditized, your brand remains your most valuable asset. Dedicated studios reflect your unique vision. Branded games consistently outperform network games in engagement and retention by fostering familiarity and loyalty. The message for 2026 is clear: authority trumps volume. Build a brand-led, diverse ecosystem that values your players’ time, and they will respond with loyalty. Your content should be as fast, distinctive, and intentional as your audience. 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) - Over the past few days, Kalshi has seen contrasting outcomes in its legal battles against Nevada and New Jersey—cases that rank among the most important in the prediction market space due to their ties to the U.S.’s two largest gaming markets. Last Friday, Judge Jason Woodbury from Nevada’s First Judicial District Court approved a preliminary injunction in Nevada’s favor against Kalshi. While the details of that injunction are still being finalized, Woodbury chose to extend a temporary restraining order (TRO) that bars Kalshi from offering sports, election, and entertainment event contracts to Nevada users for another 14 days. Kalshi had to start limiting these contracts on March 20 following the initial TRO, marking the first state-level mandate the platform has adhered to. The new extension will last until April 17, and both parties are set to appear before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco on April 16. Nevada also has pending cases against Robinhood and Crypto.com that will have hearings on the same day. Per Reuters, Woodbury didn’t seem swayed by Kalshi’s argument about federal preemption, and he described sports betting and sports contract trading as “indistinguishable.” He concluded that prediction market trading “is a gaming activity that is prohibited” under Nevada state law. In a statement, Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer expressed that he was “very pleased” with the decision and pledged to “continue to vigorously enforce Nevada law to protect gaming in our state.” Kalshi provided a comment on the ruling. New Jersey victory for Kalshi Shortly after the Nevada setback, though, Kalshi notched a major victory on Monday against New Jersey in the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in Philadelphia. A three-judge panel voted 2-1 to uphold a lower court’s decision siding with Kalshi, supporting the platform’s claim that it shouldn’t be subject to state gaming rules—only federal derivatives legislation. This was the first of what could be several federal appeals court decisions on prediction markets. In the majority opinion written by Judge David Porter, the court stated that Kalshi “has met the burden for preliminary injunctive relief” and “has shown a reasonable likelihood of succeeding with its argument that the Commodity Exchange Act (“the Act”) preempts state laws that would otherwise apply.” The panel found that both field preemption and conflict preemption are relevant in this case. “New Jersey frames the issue broadly (regulating all sports gambling) rather than narrowly (regulating trading on federally designated contract markets),” Porter wrote. “The text of the Act suggests that the narrow framing is the better reading. The Act preempts state laws that directly interfere with swaps traded on DCMs. Kalshi’s sports-related event contracts are swaps traded on a CFTC-licensed DCM, so the CFTC has exclusive jurisdiction.” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour reacted to the ruling, describing it as “a big win for the industry and millions of users” on social media. On the other hand, Judge Jane Roth was straightforward in her dissenting opinion, rejecting Kalshi’s arguments as she found them insincere. “I see Kalshi’s actions as a performative sleight meant to obscure the reality that Kalshi’s products are sports gambling,” Roth wrote. “Because Kalshi is facilitating gambling, it can be subjected to state regulation.” Widening legal war for Kalshi, states These two rulings are the newest developments in an expanding legal conflict involving prediction markets, state governments, and the federal government. The push gained momentum in late 2024, when Kalshi won its case against the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to offer political contracts ahead of that year’s presidential election. Since then, Kalshi and other platforms have expanded to offer contracts on sports, pop culture, and other topics. This has led to a new surge of lawsuits that keeps growing. Today, nearly every possible legal path related to prediction markets is being pursued, including: Federal court cases State court cases Cases involving tribal entities Civil cases Criminal case (Arizona) Class-action lawsuits The federal government suing states This final point is worth highlighting because the CFTC has become more supportive of prediction markets under Chairman Michael Selig. To address the growing number of legal challenges to its authority over these exchange platforms, the CFTC took a proactive step last week by suing Illinois, Connecticut, and Arizona. Rob Schwartz, a former CFTC general counsel, called these lawsuits “absolutely unprecedented” on social media. “The CFTC will continue to safeguard its exclusive regulatory authority over these markets and defend market participants against overzealous state regulators,” Selig said in a statement. Under Selig’s leadership, the CFTC announced earlier this month that it has released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for prediction markets. The public comment period will end on April 30, and the rulemaking process will proceed after that. “In particular, the Commission is seeking information and public comment on statutory core principles and Commission regulations that apply to prediction markets, the types of event contracts that may be prohibited as contrary to the public interest, cost-benefit considerations related to prediction markets, and other topics,” the notice reads. Jess MarquezJess has reported on the global gaming industry since 2022. A Reno, Nevada native, he wants to clarify that the state’s name is pronounced Ne-va-da, not Ne-VAH-da. 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) - Even though the Cambodian government has recently made widely publicized claims that it is rooting out illegal online scam compounds, a new report from Amnesty International tells a different story. The international human rights organization maintains that “a dozen casinos” across Cambodia are “directly connected to scamming compounds”. Within these properties, severe crimes including “torture, forced labour, child labour and human trafficking have been carried out”. Three of these linked casinos are owned by Kok An, an alleged top cybercrime figure. The Sino-Cambodian businessman and politician, who the Thai Examiner has called the “gangster sidekick” of former prime minister and current Senate President Hun Sen, owns the Phnom Penh-based large business group Anco Brothers Co Ltd. The report, which was released Thursday, draws on official licensing paperwork from Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC). The documents show casino owners directly control “at least 12 separate sites” where investigators have recorded human rights violations. “Our findings back up the testimony from compound survivors, who explained they were held and abused while on casino-owned land,” the report noted. The casinos in question are reportedly based in Sihanoukville and border towns such as Poipet, which cater mostly to Thai visitors. Findings Undermine Government Claims of Cybercrime Crackdown Starting in 2025, Cambodia says it has made thousands of arrests as part of its cybercrime crackdown, targeting the notorious “pig butchering scams”. These online scams combine romance baiting and cryptocurrency fraud to target unaware victims, slowly building their trust over time. Scammers then convince victims to give up their money, usually by pushing them to invest in fake get-rich-quick schemes. Between January and February this year, Cambodia reportedly closed 190 scam centres across the whole country. This included 44 casinos accused of involvement in “fraudulent activity conducted through technological systems”. Authorities also revoked the licenses of four casinos tied to Prince Group Holdings, which is reported to run one of the largest online fraud operations in the world. At its peak, Prince Group’s scams pulled in an estimated US$30 million per day. In January, Cambodian law enforcement detained the group’s leader Chen Zhi and deported him back to his home country of China, where he faces charges of fraud, money laundering, human trafficking and torture. The CGMC said this enforcement work shows its commitment to “strengthen regulation of the commercial gaming sector … and ensure all operations are run lawfully”. Report: New Scam Centres Are Replacing Dismantled Old Ones But the Amnesty International report casts doubt on this stated commitment. Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director of the watchdog, said the group’s research “proves a clear connection between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and scamming compounds. At a time when the government says it is taking apart the scamming industry, evidence shows it is simultaneously approving plans for casino properties that house abusive scamming compounds.” Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime praised Cambodia for stepping up its battle against cyberfraud, a growing global threat that generates an estimated US$40 billion in illegal profits every year. But Ferrer says Cambodia must do more. “If the government is serious about ending this slave-driven industry, it has to investigate every scamming compound in the country,” he said. Marjorie PrestonMarjorie started her career in the gaming industry in 2007, and has focused on covering Asian gaming markets since 2020. When she’s not working, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums. 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) - An investigation commissioned by Flutter has exposed the deceptive strategies of the black market, as the lines between the regulated industry and unlicensed operators grow increasingly blurred. In an interview with SBC News, former fraudster turned investigator and government advisor Alex Wood— who led the probe— emphasized that ‘the biggest problem is being able to tell a dodgy site apart from a legitimate one’, as players are lured into the trap of using black market platforms. Wood employed several approaches to uncover the underhand tactics of illegal operators: false responsible gambling information, manipulative marketing, withdrawal issues, and failure to verify customer details. During his investigation, he warned that social media providers are enabling widespread promotion of black market operators, singling out Meta for criticism. He told SBC News: “I was at a police event where it was stated that Meta makes more money from crime than any criminal organization in the world— whether it’s romance fraudsters, illegal betting, or dodgy crypto investments. “They’re earning more by charging to display this content than all influencers combined. And while they’re raking in that money, there’s nothing anyone can do about it. “Home Office representatives at the event said: ‘We’ll sue Meta’, but they’ll just appeal, keep appealing, and we’ll run out of funds.” Notably, he also revealed that Meta hosts the full betting journey— from onboarding to deposit to loss— within native apps like Instagram on iOS. He expressed concern that by enabling this process, social media platforms are lending ‘a veneer of trustworthiness and legitimacy’ to ‘deeply harmful’ black market sites. Wood shared that during his investigation, he found examples where entire transactions occur within Instagram, with no redirection to a third-party site. “Their name is visible throughout the process, so they have visibility of these transactions and charge a commission on all deposits.” Wood noted that the verified account feature on platforms like Instagram can be seen as giving operators ‘a clean bill of health’ and thus offering ‘tacit endorsement’— which is inappropriate, as the content they post ‘glamourises illegal and unlicensed operators’ that shouldn’t accept UK players. He also highlighted the presence of young male influencers (some linked to the manosphere) driving their followers to black market operators, often via harmful social media content. Previously speaking to iGaming Expert, BetBlocker Chief Executive Officer Duncan Garvie expressed concern over ‘a huge problem in UK advertising regulation’ regarding streamers and influencers. Garvie stated: “Licensed gambling operators would face intense scrutiny for using marketing channels that appeal to younger audiences. But these rules are embedded in UKGC gambling licensing conditions. “Since influencers aren’t required to be licensed, and unlicensed brands are unrestricted by UKGC edicts, these stakeholders are free to partner in a way that completely undermines the marketing protections the licensing system is meant to deliver.” He added: “This is compounded by influencers directing younger consumers to unlicensed gambling operators. We’re losing our young population to the black market, and once they’re gone, it’s unlikely they’ll return. “More must be done to require streaming platforms to ensure their content creators market products legally fit for the markets they reach.” Speaking at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, Wood warned that blocking domains isn’t enough—it’s merely ‘squeezing the balloon’—and noted the most effective way to thwart the black market is to stop payment service providers from moving money out of the UK. This surging threat comes as the regulated market faces an increasingly tough environment, opening the door wider for unlicensed operators to boost exposure and gain a larger market share. Commenting on rising taxation rates and stricter regulations, Wood issued a stark warning to regulators: ‘If you wanted to guarantee the black market’s success, you’re doing everything right’. 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) - Lynon has bolstered its aggregation platform through a fresh content partnership with ICONIC21. As part of this collaboration, Lynon’s operator partners will now gain access to ICONIC21’s full collection of slot games, live casino offerings, and virtual titles. Tigran Ayvazyan, Managing Partner at Lynon, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome ICONIC21 onto our aggregation platform. Our goal is to provide operators with the most comprehensive and engaging content currently available across the industry. We believe that combining ICONIC21’s fast-paced product portfolio with our seamless integration capabilities will deliver exceptional results for our partner operators.” Among the newly accessible content is ICONIC21’s Gravity series, including the recently released vertical game show Gravity Wheel, which features dynamic multipliers in every game round to boost player engagement. Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, added: “Partnering with Lynon is a natural fit, as both companies share a commitment to nurturing long-term, value-driven partnerships. Lynon’s ability to bring our products to a wide range of operators is a key pillar of our expansion strategy. “By providing their network with our full range of games, from the fast-paced Gravity Wheel to our latest instant-win titles, we are ensuring that more players can experience the quality and innovation that define ICONIC21.” Why live casino needs game show formats Earlier this year, Popa spoke with iGaming Expert about the need for faster, more intuitive game experiences to capture the attention of modern audiences. She argued that as attention spans continue to shrink, the industry needs “faster, clearer and more decisive games”, such as game show formats. “Fast-paced game shows solve a common problem for players,” Popa explained. “They reduce cognitive load while increasing emotional intensity. Instead of long decision trees or slow rounds, players are given immediate clarity, with straightforward mechanics and clear outcomes—no need to read a guide. You grasp the game on your first try. In a mobile-first environment, this is a critical factor. Games that drag their feet lose players, while direct, simple games keep them engaged.” 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) - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced a series of proposals aimed at protecting against underage online gambling. Hochul set aside a portion of her 2026 State of the State speech to instruct the New York State Gaming Commission to take suitable measures, noting that mobile sports betting is ‘luring everyone—including our young people—to place bets without fully thinking through the outcomes’. “We require robust regulatory protections to stop individuals under 21 from gambling, prevent artificial intelligence from exploiting gamblers, and mandate sports betting operators to take meaningful steps if any of their customers display signs of gambling-related harm,” she added. In response to this directive, the state’s gaming regulatory body has released proposals that will mandate operators to utilize geolocation tools and put in place age-verification and device registration measures to stop individuals under 21 from downloading gambling apps. Operators will also ask players to submit biometric information when setting up an account to confirm that the app is being used by the individual who originally created the account. Per the National Council on Problem Gambling, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults stated they gambled before turning 21. Of those who did, 23% placed a sports bet and 21% played online casino-style games. Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said: “No other type of gambling has become as ingrained in our awareness as sports betting, and vulnerable children are regularly exposed to this activity. We’ve found extra methods to safeguard our youth, assist those in crisis, and maintain safe, legal, and regulated gaming for all New York residents.” Additionally, the commission aims to address AI usage and has put forward a proposal to ban all licensees from using AI to provide customized promotions or recommended bets. These proposals, along with a distinct set of measures to roll out a three-step protocol for operators to assist at-risk players, have been released by the commission for feedback from relevant stakeholders by May 15. Is iGaming on the horizon for New York? New York’s online sports betting market is among the biggest in the U.S. and is still expanding. In December 2025, players bet more than $2.38 billion, with market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings reporting revenues of $120.1 million and $84.1 million, respectively. Even with this growth, online casinos are still banned. But certain parts of the New York Senate have been advocating for regulated iGaming to come to The Empire State. Following Governor Hochul’s signing of a law banning the operation and promotion of sweepstakes games, State Senator Joseph Addabbo shared his view that this legislation should act as a stepping stone to regulating iGaming. “Enacting my bill into law isn’t the final word—it’s a necessary step toward the responsible modernization of New York’s online gaming environment,” Addabbo stated. “By closing down unsafe, unregulated sweepstakes casinos, New York is reaffirming that any online gaming in the state must be legal, properly regulated, and equipped with strong consumer safeguards.” 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) - SOFTSWISS has rolled out its new feature Motion in a bid to lower the demand for technical resources across operations. Billed as a ‘no-code workflow automation tool’, the feature is embedded into SOFTSWISS’s casino platform and allows operators to automate core processes including bonus distribution, user segmentation and player tagging. Designed for use by CRM and customer retention teams, Motion operates using three core elements: a trigger, a condition and an action. As an example, operators can input a trigger event such as a new player registration or deposit, then set a rule that specifies which players the relevant action applies to. The action then determines the end result, for instance distributing a bonus to eligible users. Once fully configured, Motion runs these established rules automatically with no requirement for manual input from staff. Suren Vardanyan, Head of Sales for SOFTSWISS’s Casino Platform, commented: “Motion solves a common operational pain point for operators – their reliance on technical teams to carry out day-to-day CRM tasks. “By enabling teams to set up and run player management logic directly within the platform, it eliminates delays and repetitive manual processes. This lets CRM and retention teams focus their efforts on strategic planning and player engagement, while supporting a shift toward greater operational autonomy, where business teams can take action faster and depend less on coordination with technical teams.” Per SOFTSWISS’s official figures, Motion is already being used by more than 130 casino projects globally. Focus turns to AI Earlier this year, SOFTSWISS announced the appointment of Denis Romanovskiy as the company’s first ever Chief AI Officer. Previously one of the firm’s Deputy Chief Technology Officers, Romanovskiy now leads the delivery of SOFTSWISS’s AI strategy and oversees the rollout of its dedicated AI platform, which is built to scale AI automation capabilities across all parts of the business. Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, noted that the creation of this new role is a clear demonstration of the critical role AI plays in the future of tech development, and the investment in specialized leadership reflects SOFTSWISS’s ambition to remain at the “forefront of the shift”. “We have seen first-hand the impressive outcomes AI can deliver,” said Romanovskiy when the appointment was made public. “Our current focus is on building AI into a trusted, well-governed and cost-efficient capability that delivers measurable productivity improvements across every department of the business.” 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) - Following extensive deliberation, a new chapter is finally set to begin for gambling in Australia, as the government rolls out a long-awaited legislative overhaul. The Albanese Government’s reforms will establish a far stricter framework for gambling advertising, either restricting or fully banning when and where these ads can appear across the nation’s broadcast, digital and social media platforms. These new gambling advertising rules will be paired with a crackdown on certain harmful products and illegal offshore gambling operators, alongside strengthened enforcement measures and improved support for self-exclusion programs and financial counselling. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously held reservations about implementing a gambling advertising ban. Now, however, he appears poised to introduce such a measure to strike the right balance in Australia’s gambling market. Albanese remarked: “This government is taking decisive action to address the community and public health concerns linked to gambling. “We’re getting the balance just right here: allowing adults to gamble if they choose, while making sure Australian children are not exposed to betting ads wherever they look. The last thing we want is for young people to grow up associating football with gambling.” Australia’s gambling ad ban legislation Set to take effect on 1 January next year, the legislation places limits on gambling ads on broadcast television: no more than three ads per hour between 6am and 8.30pm, with a complete ban during live sports broadcasts within that time frame. Gambling ads will also be prohibited from: Running on radio stations during school drop-off and pick-up windows (8am to 9am and 3pm to 4pm). Appearing on online platforms, unless a user is logged in, aged 18 or older, and has the option to opt out of these advertisements. Featuring celebrities, professional athletes, or odds-focused ads targeted at sports fans. Being displayed in sports venues and on the uniforms of athletes and match officials. Additional legislation to complement the gambling advertising reforms includes: Cracking down on harmful and emerging online lottery products, as well as banning online keno “pocket pokies”. Standardizing match-fixing as a criminal offense across Australia to improve sports integrity. Strengthening enforcement actions against illegal gambling operators. Bolstering BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, following its recent statutory review Expanding access to financial counselling support for those affected by gambling harm, and working to boost public awareness of the risks of online gambling. The government will draft legislation to enact these measures, with the full reforms set to launch on 1 January 2027. Anika Wells, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, added: “Gambling addiction is a critical public health issue, and this announcement marks landmark reform to reduce gambling harms in Australia’s history. “Starting on 1 January next year, Australians will be able to gather with their families to cheer on their favorite teams without being bombarded by gambling advertising. “Our reforms will sever the link between sports and wagering, minimize children’s exposure to betting advertisements, and reduce the saturation of these ads across online, radio and television platforms. “Australian parents, families and sports fans have been calling for action, and we thank all those involved for their ongoing engagement and advocacy as we worked tirelessly to strike the correct balance.” Want to catch more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the go-to destination for all multimedia coverage at SBC, where our team delves deep into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate marketing 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) - The leader of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has cautioned that prediction markets could meet a fate similar to FTX without a unified regulatory approach. Michael Selig, during a guest appearance on the Farokh Radio podcast, shared his worries that the sector might ‘implode’ as it is pushed further into offshore markets. He remarked: “We witnessed the downfall of FTX and various crypto entities, and I fear a similar outcome for prediction markets if they are forced into unregulated offshore spaces. “It is essential that these platforms register within the United States so that our regulatory framework can ensure market fairness, safeguard investors, and establish clear boundaries.” Regulated by the CFTC, companies like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen significant growth in the U.S., serving as substitutes for sports wagering in regions where such activities remain illegal. Major gambling firms, including DraftKings and FanDuel, have also introduced prediction market products to gain a foothold in states where they were previously restricted. Nevertheless, various states have challenged these moves, arguing that the platforms are breaching local gambling statutes by providing services that resemble sports betting. Last month, a bipartisan proposal was submitted to the US Senate by Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis, seeking to prohibit sports-related contracts and ‘casino-style games’ on prediction platforms. “Congress must act to shut down this loophole, which undermines state protections for consumers, interferes with tribal rights, and generates no tax income,” Schiff stated regarding the legislation. In response, Selig criticized the ‘politically motivated’ legal challenges from states, calling for cooperation with the CFTC to develop transparent regulatory guidelines. “There is a tendency to avoid collaboration, and I am unsure why some states take this path when we are eager to coordinate with commissions to establish proper policies,” he noted. “Our goal is to refine policy alongside all interested parties. We want to avoid a situation where states sue our registered entities to claim jurisdiction, mirroring the previous administration’s approach to crypto through enforcement-led regulation.” Internationally, several countries have also moved to ban platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Recently, a court in Romania ruled against Polymarket following a challenge to the National Office for Gambling’s decision to blacklist the site as an unauthorized gambling service. Conversely, Gibraltar, a prominent European iGaming center, has signaled its support for the industry by granting a license to a prediction market firm. Nigel Feetham, Gibraltar’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, expressed confidence in the sector's future, informing parliament that it represents a ‘significant opportunity for expansion’. 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 is preparing to shut down more than a third of its Ladbrokes betting shops in Ireland, following reports that it has abandoned negotiations to sell its entire retail portfolio in the region. As first reported by The Irish Times, Entain has confirmed it will close 39 of its roughly 100 Irish Ladbrokes locations, accounting for over 33% of its local estate. These closures put 226 jobs at risk, pending the outcome of a consultation process. The company has initiated formal consultations with the affected staff and expects to finalize the closures by the end of May 2026. A representative for Ladbrokes stated to iGB: “We regularly assess our retail operations to ensure the business remains financially viable and competitive. “Our current focus is on working constructively with our team members throughout the consultation period, with a strong emphasis on finding redeployment opportunities wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains dedicated to the Irish market and to maintaining a sustainable retail presence.” Following these closures, Ladbrokes will continue to operate 66 shops in Ireland, employing over 350 people. Rumoured collapse of Ladbrokes retail estate sale Last year, Entain engaged in talks with Bar One Racing regarding a potential divestment of its Irish retail betting business. However, as reported by The Racing Post on 31 March, those discussions ended without a deal. Regarding the decision, the spokesperson added: “Closing these shops in the Republic of Ireland is not a step we take lightly. It is a response to persistent cost pressures, long-term shifts in consumer habits, and the increasing competitive threat posed by the unlicensed sector.” The reduction of Ladbrokes’ retail footprint reflects a broader trend across the betting and gaming industry in the UK. Just this week, Evoke informed employees of plans to close approximately 200 of its UK retail outlets in May, citing a strategic review and the recent increase in remote gaming duty. Additionally, last October, Flutter Entertainment announced the closure of 57 Paddy Power shops, which placed nearly 250 jobs at risk of redundancy. These UK retail closures were anticipated following the government’s announcement that remote gaming duty would rise from 21% to 40%, effective as of this Wednesday. Having experienced stagnation in recent years, the UK retail betting market is now bearing the brunt of these measures as operators look to mitigate the impact of the tax hike. Kyle GoldsmithKyle has been with Clarion since December 2023, joining from the world of sports journalism, subsequently becoming a LatAm-facing senior reporter with iGB. 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 Lucien Barrière Group has acquired one of Portugal’s most historic casinos, Póvoa de Varzim Casino, thereby expanding its international retail portfolio. Póvoa de Varzim Casino, a seaside resort that employs 220 individuals, has been a fixture for nearly a century, having opened its doors in 1934. It is situated approximately 30km from Porto. Featuring French architecture, the acquisition will grant Barrière access to the casino’s 500 gaming stations, which include slot machines and electronic table games, as well as 11 traditional gaming tables, a restaurant, a bar, and a theatre with over 400 seats that hosts a regular schedule of shows and events. Clément Martin-Saint-Léon, General Manager of the Lucien Barrière Group’s Casino, commented: “Póvoa de Varzim embodies all the elements that make the projects we develop unique: a place rich in history, a dynamic destination, and genuine potential for transformation. “Our objective is to present a contemporary vision of the casino, positioning it as a vibrant hub in its own right, where gaming converges with performing arts, fine dining, and the overall guest experience.” With the addition of Póvoa de Varzim, Barrière intends to implement a phased approach to modernizing the gaming offerings, enhancing the customer experience, redesigning dining concepts, expanding the arts and events program, and improving integration with Porto's tourist flow. Barrière also indicated plans to broaden its presence in Portugal beyond this acquisition, with a residential and hotel project slated to commence operations in Lisbon soon. Grégory Rabuel, Chief Executive Officer of the Lucien Barrière Group, stated: “This aligns perfectly with Barrière's current development strategy: evolving iconic establishments to unlock their full potential while preserving their inherent identity.” Currently, Barrière operates 32 casinos and one gaming club under the Barrière Casino brand, in addition to 20 luxury hotels and nearly 200 restaurants and bars. In recent months, operators have presented varied perspectives on the Portuguese gambling market, with some making investments while others have withdrawn from the region. Earlier this year, Super Group’s Betway relinquished its online sports betting and iGaming licenses to Portugal’s gambling regulator, the Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ), ceasing operations on its sites after their revocation at the company's request. The licenses were held by GM Gaming Limited, which managed the Betway brand in Portugal. “As a global business listed on the NYSE, we meticulously evaluate all markets and their performance against our objectives,” the company explained. “Following a comprehensive review, we have decided to surrender our license in Portugal to concentrate on existing markets and growth areas with greater potential.” Conversely, in March, Rank Group secured a license to introduce its YoBingo brand in Portugal, following an assessment and certification process for its bingo platform that spanned nearly six years. SRIJ authorized BingoSoft, the Malta-based operating entity for YoBingo, to become the 17th licensed online gambling brand permitted to operate in the Portuguese market, authorized to offer online bingo alongside a curated selection of certified slot and casino games. For more stories of this nature, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for multimedia content at SBC, where our team provides in-depth analysis of major developments 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) - Japan’s Aichi Prefecture has confirmed it is once again weighing an integrated resort (IR) license bid, after unveiling a Request for Proposals (RFP) on Tuesday. During the 2023 first round of bidding, when three licenses were up for grabs, the Japanese government only reviewed two submissions. Only one of those won approval: a plan from MGM Resorts International and Orix Corp to construct an IR in Osaka. The $10.2 billion development, located on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay, broke ground in April 2025 and is scheduled to open in 2030. The government turned down a second bid from Casinos Austria and Nagasaki over financing-related concerns. The second bidding period will launch in 2027, with applications accepted between May 6 and November 5. Obstacles aplenty to Japan IRs It has been a decade since Japan legalized integrated resorts, following the passage of the 2016 Integrated Resort Promotion Act. In 2018, the Diet enacted legislation to define official resort zones, kicking off the competitive race. Major global gaming companies such as Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment expressed interest in the market, which some analysts dubbed “the next holy grail of gaming”. Optimistic legislators hoped the first IRs would open as early as 2025. Multiple factors slowed this momentum. These included the slow, plodding pace of government deliberations, plus regulations such as caps on gaming space that operators deemed overly burdensome. The final setback came with the emergence of COVID-19, which brought all progress to a halt. Hopes for a second bidding round were reignited last December, when a new Casino Regulatory Commission held its first meeting. It also helps that Japan’s newly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, is a strong proponent of IRs. First elected last October, Takaichi is a devoted follower of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who spearheaded the push for IRs as a way to boost tourism and foreign investment. Analyst: Chubu Centrair Airport site is ‘near ideal’ Aichi has described its selected development site at Chubu Centrair International Airport as “one of the world’s leading industrial clusters, boasting a diverse array of tourism resources in its surrounding region.” The prefecture’s stated goal is to build an international tourism city centered around MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events). This location ticks every necessary box, gaming analyst Andrew Klebanow told iGB. “It is practically near ideal,” he stated. “This international airport offers service to roughly 20 regional and global destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. It’s an eight-minute walk from baggage claim to the casino site. There’s a ferry terminal behind the casino development site, next to an underutilized convention center. Oh, and there are also a couple of thousand hotel rooms that are underutilized.” Another key advantage: since the site is located at the airport on an artificial island near Nagoya, the prefectural capital, local community opposition is highly unlikely. Aichi IR could boost visitation, population Aichi initially considered submitting a bid during the first round, but ultimately pulled out due to COVID-related complications. In February, Governor Hideaki Omura signaled the prefecture’s ongoing interest in the project. Per the Yumiori Shibun, Omura stated that an IR could help counteract the prefecture’s declining population and sluggish tourism figures. “We need to make the city more appealing to prevent residents from moving away,” Omura said. “It is essential to lure people here from both in and outside Japan.” Chubu Centrair currently can serve 12 million passengers annually. It has set a target of 20 million by 2030. The local government will evaluate proposals using a 1,000-point scoring system, judging: contribution to international tourism (450 points); economic and social impact (100 points); operational capability and stability (250 points); utilisation of casino revenue (50 points); and mitigation of adverse effects from casino operations (150 points). Marjorie PrestonMarjorie launched her gaming industry career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums. 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) - Philippine online gaming operators received a temporary reprieve this week concerning the newly established minimum guaranteed fees (MGFs). The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) stated that the implementation of this payment structure has been postponed from April to June, citing the “current economic crisis” as the reason. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proclaimed a national energy emergency following oil shortages stemming from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. In an executive order issued on March 24, he noted that the conflict poses a risk to “the availability and stability of the country’s energy supply”. One estimate suggests that the Philippines possesses only a 45-day oil stockpile. In a memorandum released on Monday, PAGCOR disclosed that its board of directors “approved the deferment … for a period of two months, or until 1 June”. New fees ‘fill gaps in existing structure’ The new fee schedule was unveiled by PAGCOR in December. It mandated that between April and September, all licensed Philippine gaming system administrators (GSAs) providing e-games must remit MGFs of PHP9 million ($149,400), calculated on an estimated gross gaming revenue of PHP30 million. For GSAs not offering e-games, the monthly fee was set at PHP4 million, based on a GGR of PHP15 million. The rates were scheduled to rise to PHP10.5 million and PHP4 million, respectively, beginning in October. The initial installment of MGFs is now set to run from June 1 to December 31. The subsequent installment is scheduled to commence on January 1, 2027. PAGCOR noted that it might modify the timeline further if deemed necessary. Jessa Mariz Fernandez, the chief of PAGCOR’s offshore gaming licence department, stated in a January memorandum that these requirements are intended to “address the gaps in the current fee structure and uphold the principles of fairness, accountability and fiscal responsibility”. During his address at ICE Barcelona that same month, PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco remarked that the new fees would also aid in nation-building and foster transparency. “Regulation is not about avoiding discomfort,” Tengco declared during his keynote speech. “It is about building a system that is resilient, accountable and worthy of public trust.” Based on 2025 projections referenced by the Filipino Business Hub, the online gambling industry in the Philippines is projected to produce PHP105.3 billion in revenue by 2027. Marjorie PrestonMarjorie started her career in the gaming industry in 2007, concentrating on Asian gaming markets from 2020 onwards. When not working, she enjoys writing about travel and cinema, as well as playing the drums. 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) - Gibraltar is exploring a new path to secure growth as it navigates headwinds brought on by the UK’s decision to raise gambling taxes. Nigel Feetham, the British Overseas Territory’s Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, told parliament that the government had granted a license to a prediction markets firm, describing the sector as a “substantial area of potential growth” for Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s government lobbied intensely against the UK’s choice to increase online gambling tax, arguing the move would directly hit tax revenues and negatively impact the island’s economy. Nevertheless, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that remote gaming duty will nearly double to 40%, taking effect from today (1 April). A new 25% general betting duty rate for remote betting will also be rolled out starting April 2027. Feetham stated: “Following the implementation of the recent UK gambling duty hikes, I have taken on more direct responsibility for promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offering. “There is no space for complacency, nor for unnecessary delays when enabling responsible economic activity in these key sectors. We must keep adapting decisively to a shifting global economic landscape. This is fully aligned with the government’s core strategic goal of economic diversification.” While Feetham has not yet publicly named the licensed firm in question, Predict Street Ltd has been added as a betting intermediary to the official register of approved licensed operators hosted on the Gibraltar government’s website. Per Predict Street’s official site, the company is the official prediction market partner of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to launch on 9 April. However, no reference to the company appears anywhere on the official FIFA World Cup website. Prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket have grown rapidly across the US, providing an alternative to standard online sports betting in states where the traditional vertical is currently prohibited. That rapid rise has been met with controversy, however, as critics argue these platforms are facilitating betting activity illegally. At the same time, a number of countries outside the US, including New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands, have introduced explicit bans on prediction market operators. As a result, Gibraltar stands out as one of the few jurisdictions outside the US that appears receptive to building a hub for prediction markets, pointing to the significant potential economic benefits the sector can deliver. According to Eilers & Krejcik, prediction markets could see annual trading volumes hit one trillion dollars by 2030, a figure that underscores why Gibraltar is keen to take an open approach to the sector. Want to read more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all SBC multimedia content, where our team takes deep dives into the biggest headlines 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) - Nepal’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has initiated steps to enforce the nation's ban on online gambling by blocking access to associated applications and websites. According to reports from The Himalayan Times, these government directives were put into effect over the weekend, with officials implementing previously announced measures. The decision regarding online gambling platforms was finalized during a meeting chaired by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Bikram Timilsina, alongside ministry officials and division heads. Collaborative efforts between the Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the country's internet service providers were instrumental in disabling access to the targeted apps and websites. Crucially, the government is now blocking IP addresses within Nepal to expedite action against any remaining operators, aiming to prevent the growth of a black market under stricter domestic regulations. Prior to this ban, Nepal had a considerable grey market for online gambling, which had been experiencing a rise in user engagement. Reports indicate that this market was expanding at an approximate rate of 10% annually, largely driven by increased mobile phone usage and significant improvements in data quality. This action follows India's recent decision to enact the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gambling Bill 2025, which prohibits the promotion of real-money gaming due to its perceived negative societal consequences. It is suggested that a substantial number of Nepalese individuals engaged in gambling through Indian betting platforms, and the two countries share interconnected payment systems. India also moved swiftly to prevent its residents from participating in illegal gambling, establishing the Online Gaming Authority of India under the Electronics and IT Ministry to oversee enforcement and identify illicit activities. The Indian government has also confirmed that repeat offenders who violate the ban could face imprisonment and fines. 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) - The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has informed gambling licensees and other interested parties about two approaching deadlines concerning its assessment of regulations. The initial deadline is for the conclusion of the Commission's consultation regarding revisions to the Destination of Regulatory Settlements, set for April 2nd. This consultation is part of the regulator's adaptations subsequent to the implementation of the statutory levy, which is scheduled for April 2025 as a key provision of the Gambling Review's White Paper, High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age. A re-evaluation of existing procedures was deemed essential because financial penalties levied by the UKGC are deposited into the UK's Consolidated Fund. Nevertheless, regulatory settlements and payments made instead of formal penalties have traditionally taken a different route, frequently supporting research, prevention, and treatment (RPT) programs independent of central government bodies. This approach has now become outdated due to the cessation of GambleAware's operations and the shift to a statutory levy framework. The levy consolidates RPT funding under designated public entities, bringing in more rigorous supervision, alignment, and assessment of fund distribution. Consequently, the UKGC has put forward a proposal to amend its Statement of Principles for Determining Financial Penalties, aiming to ensure that regulatory settlements correspond with financial penalties. The Commission suggests that all subsequent regulatory settlements should be paid directly into the Consolidated Fund, thereby guaranteeing uniformity, promptness, and governmental scrutiny of funds from enforcement actions. This initiative seeks to prevent the emergence of separate funding mechanisms alongside the statutory levy. In addition to this consultation, the UKGC has also noted advancements in the assessment of the Gambling Act Review (GAR). This evaluation is being carried out by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), which reports to the DCMS. Operators have been asked to take part in an online survey and subsequent interviews to offer their insights on how GAR reforms are being applied in practice. Important aspects under consideration include checks for financial vulnerability, limits on stakes for online slots, and incentives promoting social responsibility. The survey concludes on April 10th, and the Commission is urging widespread involvement to assist in shaping future regulatory improvements. Collectively, these two deadlines signify a crucial milestone for UK gambling policy. The consultation on regulatory settlements indicates the concluding stages of harmonizing enforcement procedures with the statutory levy, whereas the GAR evaluation aims to gauge the practical effects of one of the most extensive reform initiatives in the industry's recent past. For the industry, April represents more than just a procedural landmark; it signifies a shift from putting measures into effect to examining them, as regulators and the government start to evaluate the practical effectiveness of the UK's updated gambling framework. 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) - Prospective gaming operators have been alerted following Alberta’s confirmation that its regulated online gambling sector will officially launch on 13 July. As the province prepares to become Canada’s second regulated jurisdiction after Ontario, several major industry players have already signaled their intent to enter a market projected to generate over $700m in annual revenue. PointsBet and Caesars Entertainment have already initiated pre-registration for Alberta residents ahead of the launch date. Meanwhile, operators including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Betway have confirmed their intentions to enter the market, aiming to expand their existing Canadian footprint. For Betway and its parent firm, Super Group, the primary objective is migrating players from their current grey market platform to the new regulated offering. Prior to this regulation, Play Alberta was the sole entity legally permitted to provide iGaming services, despite estimates suggesting that 70% of the province's players were active on grey market sites. During a February investor call, Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, stated: “We are aware that Alberta is moving toward regulation. We are prepared, having learned from our experience in Ontario regarding the migration of customers from our dot.com platform.” “We have improved our products for both the rest of Canada and Ontario, and those features will be integrated into our Alberta offering. We are ready to launch in Alberta as soon as the regulations are finalized,” he added. Menashe also noted that he anticipates a more disciplined approach from competitors compared to the Ontario launch, which was characterized by aggressive early marketing campaigns. Elsewhere, DraftKings has confirmed it has allocated capital for its Alberta expansion, while Flutter, the parent company of FanDuel, has incorporated Alberta into its 2026 US operations guidance, projecting a 12% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.8bn. “We are entering 2026 from a position of strength, ready to leverage the sustained growth we anticipate within the iGaming sector,” Flutter informed its investors. Notably, bet365 has yet to announce its plans for the market. However, given its established presence in Ontario and its strategic focus on North American expansion, it is widely expected that the UK-based operator will view Alberta as a significant opportunity. The operational framework of the Alberta market will be familiar to many incumbents, as it closely mirrors the system implemented in Ontario. Operators will be subject to a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue, matching the Ontario rate, with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission serving as the primary regulator, similar to the role of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Furthermore, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) will function as a dedicated conduct-and-management agency, mirroring the role of iGaming Ontario. The new market’s regulations prioritize social responsibility and player protection, featuring stringent guidelines regarding the scope of permissible advertising. Upon launch, Alberta players will have access to a province-wide self-exclusion registry, alongside tools for setting financial and time-based limits. “Under this new regulated framework, player protection and social responsibility are the top priorities,” noted Dale Nally, the provincial minister responsible for iGaming, in a letter reviewed by iGaming Expert. “The introduction of a regulated iGaming market marks an exciting milestone for our province. I am confident that through our collaboration, we will establish a market that is both competitive and socially responsible. Alberta’s iGaming future is promising, and with your partnership, we will ensure its success for all stakeholders.” In addition to the major operators, domestic and North American-focused brands such as BetRivers, the ScoreBet, and NorthStar Gaming have confirmed they will apply for registration in Alberta. While many had anticipated a Q2 2026 launch, Nally explained that the July date was selected following feedback from operators who requested additional time to ensure full compliance with the new market’s 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) - Evoke Plc informed its employees on Tuesday that it intends to permanently shut down around 200 of its retail locations in the UK. These closures account for approximately 15% of Evoke’s retail portfolio. In a subsequent statement, the company noted that the store shutdowns will begin in May and are part of its broader strategic review, which may include potential asset sales. This move was hinted at prior to the autumn budget, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a substantial increase in the UK’s Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty. Evoke’s then-CEO Per Widerström confirmed the decision in January as part of a company trading update. The latter duty entered into force today, while the RBD will be implemented in April 2027. Evoke, which operates roughly 1,300 betting outlets across the country, has been conducting a strategic review since December. The operator is considering options including a partial or full sale, as well as a “range of potential alternatives.” Criticism and tax rises In a statement sent to iGB, an Evoke spokesperson said: “Following a comprehensive review and in light of mounting cost pressures on the regulated sector—including significant tax increases announced by the government in last year’s autumn budget—we will be closing several shops starting in May that are no longer economically sustainable. “We are providing full support to our retail team members impacted by these closures. “These decisions are never made lightly, but amid rising cost pressures, we must take action to ensure we can continue investing in our core retail estate, with the right shops in the right locations.” Several retail operators, including Betfred and Entain, warned that the tax hike could lead to closures across their portfolios. Flutter shut down 57 of its own shops in 2025 due to ongoing retail sector declines. ‘Highly damaging’ for the UK economy In a January analyst note, Deutsche Bank cut Evoke’s FY26 and FY27 EBITDA forecasts by 12% and 18% respectively. Due to high financial leverage, earnings per share are expected to drop by 40% and 52%. The bank projects UK online growth of just 2.5% in FY26 and FY27, with margins falling from 23% in FY26 to 13% by FY27. Stakeholders have speculated about potential buyers for Evoke or some of its assets in the short term. Ben Robinson, managing partner at Corfai, recently told iGB that private equity is the most credible buyer for the group as a whole. However, Robin Chhabra, CEO and president of Tekkorp Capital, believes the best strategic move for Evoke would be to split its international business. “The crown jewel here is the International division; markets like Italy, Spain, Romania and Denmark offer double-digit growth. They are untouched by the chancellor’s new duties. Selling these assets is the only quick route to reduce debt,” he said. Kathryn EvansKathryn covers concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan—long before Hollywood came calling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will no longer impose a 10% tax on gross profits earned by land-based bingo venues across the UK. This policy change was rolled out as part of the Budget announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves back in November 2025, and the new rules officially take effect as of today (1 April 2026). HMRC has clarified that bingo operators will no longer be required to file tax returns for profits generated from land-based bingo play, and the department will update its official guidance in due course to reflect these new adjustments. A statement from the agency reads: “Bingo Duty operators currently registered with HMRC will retain the ability to submit any outstanding returns online until April 2030, and notify HMRC of any over-declarations or under-declarations from previous accounting periods.” The elimination of Bingo Duty will soften the financial blow for land-based bingo hall operators, coming into force the same day that HMRC enforces an increase to remote gaming duties (RGD) from 21% to 40% – a change that will impact all wagering on online bingo. HMRC reiterated: “Bingo Duty does not apply to non-profit making bingo, private domestic bingo, or machines that are already subject to Machine Games Duty.” After the Budget announcement in November, Rank Group Plc, the operator of Mecca Bingo, publicly welcomed the decision to remove the 10% tax from land-based bingo halls. The company stated that the change will help support local jobs and investment in the land-based sector, having previously warned that a failure to reform bingo taxation could lead to widespread venue closures. However, the wider response across the industry has been more cautious. Buzz Bingo CEO Dominic Mansour described the abolition of the tax as a “full house win” for local clubs, but warned that its positive impact is being diluted by the near-doubling of RGD. Ahead of the Budget, Mansour stressed that fairer tax treatment was essential to protecting around 2,500 jobs and sustaining the company’s network of 79 venues across the UK. Tensions remain around broader regulatory developments, with the government indicating that the sector needs to provide further assurances on player protection, particularly in higher-stake gaming environments. Frustration also persists over whether the Labour government will implement planned changes to the current 80/20 rule, which sets a limited ratio for category B and C/D gaming machines in high street bingo venues and Adult Gaming Centres (ADCs) This April, DCMS announced that it had intervened to freeze planned changes that would shift the machine ratio to 50/50. Citing pressure from local councils over high street gaming operations, DCMS noted that changes to gaming machine ratios would not be implemented during the current legislative cycle. Instead, DCMS will prioritise White Paper commitments such as the statutory levy and binding online stake limits for UK gambling licences. Land-based gambling trade bodies, including BACTA, as well as major operators, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of reform, arguing that delays are preventing bingo halls from generating the revenue needed to modernise and recover from pandemic disruption and rising operating costs. The Treasury had previously backed targeted reforms for gambling venues as part of a package of measures to ease rising cost pressures on high street businesses. While the abolition of Bingo Duty represents a long-awaited concession for the sector, its overall impact is softened by the broader tightening of gambling taxation, leaving operators to navigate a far more challenging operating environment under the UK’s new 40% RGD era. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Star Entertainment Group has secured a binding agreement for a A$590 million (roughly US$390 million) refinancing package provided by WhiteHawk Capital. As announced in a filing with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on Monday, the deal is designed to fully settle the company's current debt while bolstering its operational liquidity. Liquidity and financial terms This three-year financing arrangement is subject to several conditions, such as the completion of formal finance documentation, the receipt of necessary regulatory clearances, and the finalization of the divestment of the company's stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC). Regarding liquidity, the company is required to maintain A$50 million during the first year post-closing. This threshold will rise to A$75 million for the following six months, eventually reaching A$100 million after the 18-month mark. The facility features an interest margin aligned with the group’s prior debt structures. The Star characterized these terms as standard, including typical reporting requirements and default provisions. Not the first rodeo The Star is currently working to stabilize its financial position following a ruling in early March that former executives violated the Corporations Act. Furthermore, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has initiated civil penalty proceedings against the firm, citing alleged systemic failures to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regulations, which could result in fines as high as A$400 million. In 2025, Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings injected A$300 million into the company, gaining a combined equity stake of approximately 61%. This capital infusion triggered a restructuring of the board and executive leadership. Since that time, the organization has pursued various cost-cutting measures, including the shuttering of a corporate office and the transfer of more operational authority to property-level management teams. Additionally, The Star is moving forward with its plan to withdraw from the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane joint venture, a process that remains contingent upon being released from a parent company guarantee valued at approximately A$700 million. 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) - Gibraltar has issued its first license to a prediction markets operator, as announced by Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry Nigel Feetham in parliament on Tuesday. The minister expressed optimism about the prediction markets sector, stating, “We expect this to be a substantial area of growth for Gibraltar.” He further noted that the new license was granted under existing legislation, as the new Gambling Act had not yet been enacted. “This represents record timing for the issuing of a regulatory licence in Gibraltar,” he added. According to Gibraltar’s gambling license register, Predict Street Ltd was licensed as a betting intermediary on March 26th, operating under the 2005 Gambling Act. The website Predictstreet.io identifies itself as the official prediction market partner for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 and displays a countdown to its launch on April 9th. The company is supported by ADI Chain, a blockchain provider based in Abu Dhabi. Shows Gibraltar’s ability to adapt During his parliamentary address, Feetham highlighted this development as evidence of Gibraltar's capacity for rapid adaptation, particularly in light of recent UK gambling tax increases that have posed a threat to the territory's significant gaming industry, which largely caters to the UK market. “Since the introduction of the recent UK gambling duty increases, I have taken a more direct responsibility for promoting Gibraltar’s regulatory offering,” he stated. The increases in Remote Gaming Duty and Remote Betting Duty, with the former taking effect today, are anticipated to have a considerable impact on Gibraltar, potentially raising the tax rate for operators based there to between 80% and 100%. Gibraltar's gambling sector directly employs approximately 3,500 individuals, according to figures presented in a recent UK parliamentary debate, and contributes roughly one-third of the territory's tax revenue. Feetham previously stated on December 1st, “This is an issue of vital importance to Gibraltar and one that may directly and indirectly affect our public revenues.” Will prediction markets pick up in Europe? Gibraltar is the first European market to directly license a prediction markets operator. Malta, however, announced last week that it is also developing a regulatory framework for this sector. On March 26th, Malta's Economy Minister Silvio Schembri commented that the country was “actively exploring the emerging field of prediction markets, an area experiencing rapid global momentum which presents significant opportunities for innovation.” He emphasized that any legislative changes would require “a clear, forward-looking legislative framework that enables it to develop responsibly and at scale.” In contrast, other markets have adopted a more stringent approach to prediction markets, which are currently under scrutiny from gambling regulators in the United States. Germany and the Netherlands have implemented strict regulations concerning novelty markets in sports betting. Prediction markets are largely considered illegal gambling or unlicensed financial instruments in countries like the Netherlands and France, both of which have blocked the prominent operator Polymarket. Ismail Vali, president of RegTech firm Gaming Compliance International (GCI), recently informed iGB that data on traffic and engagement suggests that prediction markets continue to attract European users despite official prohibitions. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A recent study by Ygam indicates that social media is playing an increasingly significant role in how students engage with gambling. As unlicensed operators continue to infiltrate social media platforms, 34% of students who participate in gambling identified these platforms as a primary influence on their betting habits. Emily Tofield, Chief Executive Officer of Ygam, stated: “It is evident that the digital environment students inhabit is having a growing impact on gambling behaviors. We must proactively address these emerging risks to ensure students have the education and support necessary to protect themselves.” This follows warnings from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regarding the promotion of unlicensed operators on social media, with the regulator highlighting the “very limited progress” made by these platforms. Earlier this year, Tim Miller, the UKGC’s Executive Director of Research and Policy, criticized Meta, noting: “I would be very surprised if Meta, as one of the world’s largest tech companies, is unable to proactively use its own keyword tools to block illegal gambling advertisements. It creates the impression that they are content to ignore the issue and continue profiting from criminals and scammers until they are called out.” During the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit last week, Rob Mabbett of Better Change cautioned that the UKGC is fighting a solitary battle against the black market and its advertising tactics. He stressed that young people face heightened risks due to content on social media, including interactions with influencers, celebrities, YouTubers, and the broader digital landscape. Mabbett argued for more robust regulation of big tech and social platforms, warning that the regulated sector is currently subject to policy decisions that are neither properly tested nor scrutinized. The influence of social media is clearly growing; in Ygam’s initial student gambling survey from 2022, fewer than one in four students cited it as a factor. Tofield has also urged universities and student unions to treat gambling harm with the same level of urgency as other risky behaviors, such as substance abuse. This aligns with recommendations from the coroner who investigated the 2020 death of Lee Adams, a gambling addict who died from a beta-blocker overdose following a prolonged gambling session. Julian Morris, Senior Coroner for Inner South London, suggested that medical professionals should screen for gambling issues just as they do for smoking or alcohol consumption. Ygam’s data further revealed that some students are spending more on gambling than on food. The charity noted an average gambling expenditure of £50.33. Comparing this to the National Student Money Survey, which reports an average weekly grocery spend of £33.70, Ygam suggests that some students are prioritizing gambling over essential nutrition. The study found that 65% of students have gambled in the past year, a decline from the 78% recorded in the inaugural 2022 Annual Student Gambling Survey. Additionally, the percentage of students reporting gambling-related harm dropped from 24% in 2023 to 18% in 2026. Further survey data indicates that slightly over half of student gamblers are primarily motivated by the desire to earn money. Male students are more likely to gamble than their female counterparts, with the average spend among male gamblers being more than double that of females. These concerns regarding increased spending align with recent figures from GamCare, which reported that the number of individuals seeking financial assistance through its Money Guidance Services doubled in 2025. Meanwhile, reported debt rose from £2.8m in 2024 to £7.2m last year, representing an average debt of £21,269 per person. Rising awareness On a more positive note, Ygam reported that 58% of students who gamble are aware of available support services, and 69% feel confident in their ability to access them. Additional data from GamStop shows that 60,000 individuals under the age of 25 are registered with the service, marking a 75% increase over the past five years. Fiona Palmer, CEO of The Gamstop Group, added: “The Annual Student Gambling Survey highlights a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks and the impact on students struggling to manage their habits, though it is heartening to see greater recognition of the support that is available.” This data release coincides with the UK’s transition to a new NHS-led funding model for gambling harm treatment, supported by the Statutory Levy. However, there is growing anxiety regarding the effectiveness of this new system as charities await confirmation of government funding. The findings from Ygam and GamStop underscore the necessity of maintaining robust gambling harm treatment services to ensure that individuals of all ages can access the support they require. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Star Entertainment Group has successfully concluded an agreement with its joint venture partners concerning the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane and Gold Coast resorts. Nevertheless, the Australian casino operator might receive reduced compensation for managing the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane integrated resort after changes were made to the establishment's fixed monthly operator fee. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International Limited (FEC) have signed binding long-term agreements with The Star, which is currently operating under new management after the completion of a A$300m strategic investment by Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year. The first phase of the transaction permits The Star to divest its 50% equity stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which encompasses the Queen’s Wharf resort. The second phase pertains to the Destination Gold Coast Consortium (DGCC) and additional Brisbane properties that are either fully or partially owned by the operator. The Star has acquired full ownership of The Star Gold Coast assets, whereas CTFE and FEC are set to assume control of the Treasury Hotel and the Charlotte Street Car Park, both situated near the Queen’s Wharf resort. Monthly fee set at $1.5m? As stipulated by the transaction documents, the operator has finalized the sale of its 50% equity interest in DBC. Consequently, the fixed monthly operator fee stipulated in the DBC casino management agreement (CMA) has been revised and finalized. Effective immediately, the DBC casino operator fee due to The Star will consist of a fixed annual sum of AUS $18m, paid monthly (A$1.5m per month), as well as a performance-based incentive fee made up of two components, both linked to EBITDAM. The DBC also retains a performance termination right, enabling it to end the CMA under specific performance-related conditions, subject to a minimum of 90 days’ written notice. Apart from these modifications, the essential terms of the transaction remain unchanged in all material aspects. The completion of the first stage, involving the divestment of the Queen’s Wharf resort, fulfills the requirements of the refinancing arrangement The Star secured with WhiteHawk Capital Partners last month. Consequently, the company’s guarantee associated with the Queen’s Wharf debt facilities has been fully released. Regarding the second phase, which involves the DGCC and other Brisbane properties held by The Star, the operator noted that efforts to finalize it are ongoing. The conditions precedent are anticipated to be met during the second half of 2026, and no later than 31 March 2027. The Star aims to ‘strengthen’ in 2026 The Star seems to be honoring its commitments to investors after recently expressing optimism for the upcoming year during its H1 FY26 results announcement in March, following a turbulent end to 2025. The Star recorded A$585m in normalised net revenue for the first half of FY26 and a net loss exceeding A$75m. The new management team has implemented changes to operational and marketing strategies, introduced customer-focused initiatives, and enacted further cost reductions. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, Group Chief Executive Officer of The Star, remarked: “We are streamlining our corporate office, and essential support functions will be handled at the property level in Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. These changes are designed to bolster our financial position and support long-term success. “We continue to drive appropriate cost-out initiatives and are exploring and implementing measures to draw customers to our venues. We are dedicated to following a transparent, practical, and sustainable path that ensures our remediation plan meets the expected standards, while fostering consistency, embedment, and demonstrable maturity throughout the group. “Our properties hold immense potential, and we are committed to transforming The Star into leading entertainment destinations.” Casino licence suspension prolonged However, the New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has recently extended the casino licence suspension for The Star Sydney. Following a pathway-to-suitability submission received by the NICC from The Star Sydney on 12 March, it was confirmed that the operator is not yet seeking a licence determination. The suspension affecting The Star Sydney has been in effect for more than three years, after the operator was deemed unfit to hold a casino licence. This determination followed reviews commissioned by the NICC and conducted by Adam Bell SC in October 2022 and August 2024, which uncovered numerous regulatory failures. Nicolas Weeks was appointed as the manager for The Star Sydney to enable gaming operations to persist at the venue. This latest extension ensures the casino licence suspension remains active, with Weeks’ tenure now extended until 30 September 2026, unless terminated earlier. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - For an extended period, African markets have been characterized by sports betting and, to some extent, crash games. However, over the past 12 months, a new trend has emerged, with online casino gaming experiencing a surge across African markets. This trend is particularly evident in South Africa, where a rapidly expanding new market is developing, with online casino serving as a primary driver of growth. A review of Super Group’s most recent quarterly report indicates a 37% year-on-year increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for online casino. To delve deeper into this trend, iGaming Expert spoke with Matt Cowan, Commercial Director for EveryMatrix in Africa, to discuss the factors contributing to this shift and how operators can capitalize on evolving user behaviors. What is driving the change among South African players, who are transitioning from primarily sports bettors to increasingly engaging with casino games? The rapid expansion is fueled by both new players entering the market through casino offerings and existing sports bettors who are now also participating in casino games. The addressable market has effectively doubled; casino games tend to be more engaging and, unlike sports, do not have halves or off-seasons, making it unsurprising that casino is swiftly becoming dominant. Does this underscore the importance for operators to implement effective cross-selling strategies, particularly during significant sporting events like this summer's World Cup? Matt Cowan – EveryMatrix Africa. Image Source: EveryMatrix Absolutely. Casino games are available 'always on.' While this summer's Football World Cup represents one of the most effective acquisition opportunities an operator could wish for, casual players might only place bets during the tournament or while games are in progress before churning. Casino games enable operators to retain these players long after the tournament concludes. They also serve as a means to keep players engaged on the platform before, during, and after matches. Developing gamified challenges that span both verticals, encouraging players to explore casino options, is crucial. EngageSuite is currently the leading product on the market for operators to achieve this most effectively. Do you foresee this trend being replicated in other African markets where sports and crash games typically hold the most popularity? This is already occurring in key markets such as Kenya and Tanzania. Sports and crash games still dominate, but as the player base matures and begins to seek more sophisticated and dynamic gaming experiences, the natural progression will be to try slots. It is only a matter of time. What kinds of opportunities does this growing demand for slots present for both operators and game providers, such as SlotMatrix? The quicker operators can bring a diverse range of games to market, the better. The casino sector evolves rapidly, but EveryMatrix moves even faster. Managing numerous commercial agreements, vendor relationships, and integrations can be a significant challenge for operators. Our casino management platform and aggregation services not only resolve these issues but also substantially enhance operational efficiency through their functionality. They offer a single point of access to the most extensive selection of real-money casino content globally. When combined with our localized expertise and exceptional post-sales support, we are the definitive choice for casino aggregation. Are there specific types of content that particularly appeal to South African players? Simple slot mechanics continue to be the most popular. Although South Africa represents the most developed slots market on the continent, it is still relatively nascent in global terms, with players keen to understand their winning potential and the methods to achieve it. Volatility is also a key factor in players' decisions regarding which games they prefer, with a significant portion of South African players favoring high volatility and high maximum win game variations, such as Pragmatic’s Super Scatter games or No Limit City’s titles with a 50,000x maximum win, like Duck Hunters. How is EveryMatrix positioned to capitalize on this increased demand for casino games? With a team of experts possessing decades of experience in the gaming industry, EveryMatrix understands the strategies operators need to implement to maximize their profitability in the casino sector. In addition to our expertise, our product suite solidifies our standing as the leading casino aggregator in Africa. Through our casino management platform and comprehensive content library, we provide operators with access to the world's largest portfolio of games, including exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. Our EngageSuite product also ensures that operators effectively retain players in highly competitive markets. By utilizing bonus campaigns, mini-tournaments, gamification, and CRM tools, we offer solutions to some of the most common challenges faced by operators. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - In 2024, the regulated gambling sector in Belgium shrank, representing the first annual drop since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020. Data published by the Belgian gambling authority on Tuesday showed that the combined gross gaming revenue (GGR) for licensed operators decreased by 4.86% compared to the previous year, totaling €1.61 billion. The decrease was largely caused by a substantial fall in land-based gambling, even though the online sector—which remains the biggest—recorded only a minor dip. The overall GGR for 2024 stood at €1.61 billion. The online portion reached €919.10 million, representing 57.1% of the total and falling 2.7% annually. Conversely, land-based GGR was €690.41 million (42.9% of the total), a decline of 7.59%. The regulated industry is divided into four categories: casinos, arcade licenses, low-stakes gaming, and betting operators. GGR for casinos increased by 7.32% to €638.45 million, with online platforms contributing three-quarters of that income. Arcade licenses, however, dropped by 11.95% to €384.75 million. Specifically, online activity plummeted by 23.8%, whereas offline earnings grew by 4.24%. In the low-stakes gaming sector, GGR fell significantly by 21.71% to €222 million, and café bingo also saw a 24.7% reduction. Sports betting GGR decreased by 6.59% to €364.3 million. Offline betting dropped by 13.58%, while online betting saw a small decline of 2.11%. Industry turns focus inward Online gambling continued to dominate, generating more than half (57%) of the total GGR. This is a pattern that gained speed during the Covid pandemic. The casino category experienced growth in both offline (+3.7%) and online (+8.7%) revenue streams. Offline betting was hit hard, with betting shops and outlets seeing a 17.9% annual GGR drop, partly due to the number of licenses falling from 535 to 408 over two years. Retail outlets noted slight sales drops, although online betting stayed relatively stable. Sports betting GGR went up by 4%, whereas horse racing and other wagers suffered sharp falls of 32.8% and 44.7%, respectively. Regulatory shifts affect market results The Belgian gambling authority ascribed the drop to various regulatory rules implemented since 2023 that have impacted the legal market's results. These included a ban on cumulative sites. Operators cannot host products from different license types on one platform. This heavily affected arcade license holders. Some operators merged offerings onto casino or betting sites, causing revenue to move between license categories. Other measures included raising the minimum gambling age from 18 to 21, prohibiting bonuses, enforcing stricter advertising regulations, and mandating ID/Epis checks. Belgian regulators have focused heavily on advertising limits, as seen in recent probes into high-profile promotions featuring football star Eden Hazard. While intended to bolster responsible gambling, these regulatory changes have dampened growth. The regulator also warned that it is unclear if these rules have effectively enhanced player safeguards. First total drop since 2020 Between 2020 and 2023, Belgium's online GGR enjoyed strong growth, rising by roughly 60% in total and by 18% in 2023 specifically. The regulator emphasized the necessity for immediate research to determine if players have moved to unregulated markets. It also pointed out delays and summarized data in the 2024 report, caused by modifications in financial reporting procedures and a lack of staff in the financial control unit. The 2025 market statistics are anticipated to be published without delay. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on concise breaking news, mainly concentrating on EMEA and US legislation. She is a proud North Walian, speaks Welsh fluently, and has supported Wrexham FC all her life—well before Hollywood got involved. 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.