Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Building on its progressive stance towards online gambling and blockchain regulation, Malta is now initiating an exploration of the optimal ways to regulate prediction markets. Drawing on insights from regulatory analyses in other jurisdictions, the Maltese government is preparing an initiative to establish a framework for overseeing prediction markets. Prediction markets facilitate the trading of outcomes for real-world events, such as elections, economic indicators, and sporting events. This sector has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in the United States. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen remarkable growth, with industry trading volume projected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars between 2023 and 2025. The European Union currently lacks a unified regulatory framework for prediction markets. Member states have adopted varying approaches; some permit these markets, while others are still determining their regulatory classification—whether as a gambling service, a financial instrument, or a hybrid of both. Malta's move to develop a regulatory structure aligns with its broader objective of becoming a hub for emerging digital sectors like online gaming and blockchain. This initiative also aims to offer legal clarity for operators seeking to enter the European market. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has indicated it will now be evaluating the imposition of civil penalties on those who breach anti-money laundering regulations. Proposed draft regulations outlining how civil penalties may be applied have been put forward following amendments to section 22 of the Gambling (Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Act 2018, introduced by the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025. Currently, civil penalties can only be levied against operators, but the GSC appears to be exploring a change to this and is seeking input from industry stakeholders through a consultation process. The GSC stated: “The Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 broadens this authority so that a civil penalty may also be imposed on specific individuals (specifically ‘controllers’, ‘key persons’, and ‘senior managers’) when an AML/CFT violation by the operator is attributable to that individual’s consent, connivance, or negligence.” Frameworks within the draft regulations focus on three areas: the maximum civil penalty that could be imposed on individuals or operators; factors to be considered when determining the penalty amount; and the procedures that must be followed to impose the penalty, including notice and appeal requirements. Guidance details how the Isle of Man regulator will apply this extended authority, covering: assessing individual responsibility; examples of how consent, connivance, and negligence may occur; the calculation of penalties; and the decision‑making process. The consultation period began on 23 March and will run until 25 May 2026. The GSC will hold an online Q&A session to help stakeholders understand the draft regulations and facilitate further discussion. The regulator will publish details of this session in due course. Once the consultation process concludes, the GSC will release a summary document outlining the responses received and any changes made to the regulations and guidance. Maverick Games, SBOTOP, and SK IOM Limited have all been fined by the GSC for AML violations over the past year. Shelgeyr Limited (Maverick Games) was fined £200,000 in February, Celton Manx Limited (SBOTOP) was fined £3.94m in July last year, and SK IOM was fined £70,000 in June 2025. 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) - While a recent SBC Digital Day session was called ‘Adapting Marketing as Football Sponsorships Fade,’ the panel's conclusion was that sponsorship is not disappearing but instead transforming. Football sponsorships have been central to iGaming marketing plans, with the Premier League – called the “grandest stage of all” by Russell Yershon, CEO of Connectingbrands.com. Nevertheless, with front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships due to be prohibited from the coming season, operators must now reconsider how to connect with fans beyond conventional kit agreements. New sponsorship routes Yershon and fellow speaker Joaquin Gago, CEO of BetandDeal, both observed that the Premier League will remain an arena for brand visibility. As front-of-shirt space vanishes, sleeve and training-kit agreements are anticipated to become the next focal point for brand exposure. However, the panel concurred that the most promising prospects exist beyond the reliable sport of football. Panel moderator and iGaming Expert Editor Joe Streeter highlighted combat sports promoter MVP’s forthcoming MMA event on Netflix, which will feature stars like Ronda Rousey and Nate Diaz. The event, similar to many past live sports broadcasts on streaming platforms, is predicted to draw enormous global audiences. “It’s absolutely massive. It’s another route for these big global brands to think we know what the Netflix audience is, so let’s go and speak with the rights holder and see what we can do,” Yershon stated. This led to a broader conversation about sponsorships led by athletes. Yershon remembered collaborating with boxer David Haye for a gambling-related brand during his first bout against Tony Bellew, noting the “unbelievable coverage” it produced. With streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon increasingly offering live sports, the speakers also proposed that operators can connect with fans directly, circumventing the restrictions of club-based partnerships. Activation and localisation matter more than ever As the discussion progressed, Gago emphasised the growth of localised influencer campaigns, noting that “influencers are being used more in casino than sports because they are easier games to communicate and engage with the audience.” This approach has grown much more prevalent in recent years. Influencers, who might not have the same follower count as retired footballers, often show greater effectiveness because their communities are intensely concentrated on the specific markets a brand aims to enter. Both panellists agreed that localisation is now essential. Gago explained it is crucial to collaborate with, or employ, local individuals who genuinely comprehend the country and culture, and that any campaign must be tailored to the target market. This strategy does present challenges, however. Yershon insisted that meticulous selection of talent is vital, explaining that due diligence guarantees influencers not only portray the brand well but also connect with the correct audience. He finished by stating that regardless of the direction a brand chooses, activation is what separates mere visibility from a wasted budget. Pull quote – “You need to have a clear plan… otherwise you’re chasing your tail,” Yershon cautioned, stressing that investment without a strategy seldom yields measurable outcomes. Regulation at the centre of all decisions The panel agreed that regulatory structures are the most significant factor influencing sponsorship choices, and that knowing the marketing rules is as important as understanding the culture of a target country. Retired footballers, for instance, have historically been effective ambassadors for betting firms due to their recognition among older demographics. Yet, this is not always simple. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) illustrated this last year by upholding a complaint against a promoted post on X by Sky Bet. The post contained an embedded video clip from The Overlap podcast, and the ASA determined it was likely to have strong appeal to under-18s because of Gary Neville’s presence. Flutter challenged the decision, arguing that “black-market operators flood the internet and social media without any checks,” pointing out the disparity between regulated brands adhering to strict rules and unregulated operators facing no oversight. This debate connects to ongoing talks about a potential rule that could prohibit unregulated operators from sponsoring sports in England entirely, a change that would dramatically alter the sponsorship environment. Acknowledging this, the discussion shifted to how clubs manage these intricacies and where responsibility truly lies. Yershon mentioned Everton’s partnership with Stake, which had to cease its UK operations after its logo appeared as a watermark on a “widely viewed” social media video featuring an adult actress. “For Stake as a brand, you want to be on the grandest stage of all, which is Premier League front-of-shirt. Working with a team like Everton, you can benefit from that from the global awareness, so I see no issue with that whatsoever. It’s up to the Premier League club. “In terms of whether it’s right or wrong, if the law says you can do it, then why not,” he added, before stating that it is the regulator who must take a firm position. 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) - AffPapa, a leading iGaming affiliate directory and events firm, has received a €1.3 million investment from VenturePapa investors to accelerate the growth and expansion of its AffPapa Conference and Events division. This milestone is a major achievement for AffPapa, signifying the first external investment ever in the company’s history. The funding highlights strong belief in AffPapa’s vision of creating impactful networking opportunities for affiliates, operators, and B2B providers worldwide. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa, commented: This is a key milestone for AffPapa, achieved via a thoughtful and strategic choice. Since we’ve been self-funded from the start, we’ve grown the business steadily over the last six years without outside investment.We’ve successfully created the largest affiliate directory along with affiliate management services and industry media coverage, eventually moving into the events and conferences sector – all while sustaining strong, consistent YOY growth. But to make the next jump and speed up the company’s expansion, we realized we needed strategic investment.This investment will go toward our conferences and events division, allowing us to increase the size of our 2027 events, enter new markets, and establish dedicated sales, operations, and marketing teams. It will also let us book premium venues and provide a top-quality experience for our attendees. I’m extremely grateful for our investors’ trust in our project and super excited about what’s to come. In 2025, the AffPapa Conference entered the LATAM market, successfully holding the first international iGaming conference in Cancun, Mexico. Looking forward, the company plans to boost its global footprint with two major 2026 conferences — one in Madrid and another in Cancun — reaffirming its commitment to linking key players in both established and emerging markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Super Group’s departure from the U.S. in 2025 put an end to its bold expansion plans, yet for CEO Neal Menashe, it also highlighted the areas where the company maintains its competitive advantage. Africa contributes roughly 40% of Super Group’s revenue and has been its biggest regional market for five straight quarters—underscoring its critical role in the company’s broader strategy. The firm is also experiencing positive traction in emerging markets such as Botswana, where it launched in early 2025 and has already seen “strong growth” and new customer sign-ups. Expansion efforts are ongoing: Namibia is next on the agenda, thanks to its closeness to the two previously mentioned nations, and several more markets are in the works over the coming two years. Menashe cited key growth drivers like population growth, rising smartphone usage, and the expansion of mobile money—with the continent’s iGaming sector expected to double from $11 billion in 2025 to $22 billion by 2030. South Africa, which Menashe described as one of the most established markets, continues to be the foundation of this growth. “We’re the leading operator in South Africa. It’s a well-regulated market, we saw record casino volumes in our latest quarter, and our Jackpot City brand keeps gaining steam,” he noted. That said, not every market has yielded instant results. Nigeria, despite its large size, has turned out to be more difficult, leading the company to reassess its approach there. “Nigeria is one market where we haven’t performed as well,” Menashe admitted. “We’re revising our strategy for Nigeria, which is completely distinct from our approach elsewhere in Africa. We see significant potential there—it’s a huge market, and since we prioritize mobile, we’re refining our product to better fit the market.” American Lessons Having invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” in an attempt to compete in a market led by DraftKings and FanDuel, Super Group eventually determined there was no obvious route to making a profit in the U.S. But the venture wasn’t a total loss. It helped the company narrow its focus to markets where it already has size and operational strengths—especially Africa, where Menashe thinks Super Group has a presence comparable to the leading players in the U.S. market. In a recent episode of iGaming Daily, Menashe commented: “We picked up many valuable lessons. To compete, you have to be among the very best.” What will the 2026 World Cup offer? Given that many of the markets where Super Group operates are represented in the tournament, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026—hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—presents a major chance for the company to boost user engagement. “Sport is all about content,” Menashe explained, noting that the tournament acts as an extension of the football season, offering “an extra six weeks” of high-level user interaction. Per the company, 88% of its revenue comes from nations that are part of the World Cup. Past tournaments have always led to surges in user activity, and Menashe anticipates the same pattern for 2026. Instead of pouring money into costly official tournament sponsorships, Super Group plans to focus on digital marketing campaigns and use its existing football partnerships—specifically naming Arsenal and Manchester City. On the operational side, the main focus will be maintaining platform stability and smooth payouts during periods of high demand, especially since daily user counts can hit the millions. The World Cup also aligns with the company’s business model. Although Betway is positioned as a sports-focused brand, casino operations are the main source of revenue, making up roughly 80% of the group’s total income. “Sports bring in user interaction, and then the casino is where they can win large sums,” he said. “We’re a casino company at our core, but with this incredible sports brand and product, it’s all about delivering engaging content.” Balancing tax and growth With recent increases in gambling taxes in the UK and other markets where Super Group operates, it’s no surprise the subject was discussed. Menashe expressed his opinion that the ideal tax rate for iGaming operators is between 15% and 25%, cautioning that overly high taxes could push consumers to use unregulated platforms. “If you tax an industry so heavily that no one can turn a profit, countries end up losing all the tax revenue they would have otherwise gained,” he explained, pointing out the danger of illegal operators stepping in to fill the void. In the UK, where new tax increases are set to come into force, Super Group anticipates a financial impact but is confident it can manage the effects through improved efficiency and less competition as smaller operators leave the market. The company has already been optimizing its operations—cutting staff numbers and directing investments towards markets where it can achieve long-term profitability, like Canada. As taxes and competition both increase, Menashe wrapped up by sharing insights into the company’s strategy: focusing on markets where it can succeed and staying disciplined in others. “You can’t be present in every market,” he stated. “It’s not just a matter of launching a website—this is about being the absolute best.” 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) - After the prominent release of Treasure Tumble, iGamingExpert interviewed Relax Gaming’s Senior Product Manager, Barry O’Hare, regarding the planned introduction of the new Supercharge feature. This novel interface enhancement aims to consolidate the provider’s extensive collection of in-game extras into a unified, player-driven experience that emphasizes personalization and player retention. Could you begin by explaining what Supercharge is and why it has started appearing in Relax games? Relax has developed a substantial portfolio of player-oriented add-ons and features over time. Supercharge serves as a central, simplified player interface that consolidates all these choices, enabling players to more easily find and customize their gaming experience. We consider this a clever enhancement that effectively addresses the needs of various player demographics. It provides access to a comprehensive selection of upgrade spins, empowering players to dictate their gameplay and directly access their preferred gaming experiences. What issue does the integration of Supercharge into the interface resolve? As we progressively launched innovative features such as Bonus Reels and Feature Buys, their access points became dispersed. Supercharge consolidates all these into one cohesive, user-friendly hub. This not only enhances the ease of finding and activating features but also liberates crucial screen space, allowing the main game to stand out. By bringing these appealing features together, we guarantee that players can readily locate precisely what they desire. How is a product like Supercharge designed with the end-user perspective in mind? Our main objective was to develop clear, user-friendly navigation. Concurrently, Supercharge had to integrate naturally into each game – appearing refined, fluid, and intrinsic to the overall experience. Close collaboration with our in-house studios during the design stage guaranteed that Supercharge adhered to the same rigorous quality benchmarks as the games themselves. The aim is to accommodate a wide spectrum of player preferences. Whether players favor Enhanced Spins for more frequent bonuses or high-multiplier volatility options such as Galleon Spins, featured in our newest releases, the design ensures these selections feel intuitive and simple. What benefits will operators gain from Supercharge, and what steps are required for its implementation? Operators consistently strive to optimize player retention. By enhancing the visibility and ease of interaction with personalization features, Supercharge fosters more profound and prolonged engagement, leading to recurring visits. Our comprehensive analysis indicates that players who engage with game features they appreciate are significantly more prone to returning regularly. Since Supercharge empowers players to customize their gameplay, it establishes a more dependable basis for steady performance and elevated player lifetime value. Supercharge has already been previewed in your recent titles, Beast Gains and Treasure Tumble. What has the initial feedback been? While it is still early, the response has been exceptionally positive. Operators showed enthusiasm even before launch, and since its release, we have observed robust engagement – particularly from the streaming community, who actively interact during live play with our streamer-compatible mechanics that generate authentic excitement. Preliminary data indicates not only enhanced feature discoverability, with a greater percentage of our players exploring game functionalities and add-ons, but also improved player retention. Players who activate Supercharge options are on average playing more rounds in their chosen modes compared to similar game samples where Supercharge is not accessible. Specifically in Treasure Tumble, players have enthusiastically embraced the Supercharge options, utilizing them to customize their sessions and interact more profoundly with the game's high-volatility elements. What are the future plans for Supercharge and how might it evolve? The current iteration of Supercharge can be regarded as ‘Version 1’. We have numerous promising improvements underway, some of which will be unveiled shortly. As we persist in broadening our game portfolio and platform capabilities, players and operators can anticipate ongoing growth and enhancement of Supercharge in the future, guaranteeing its status as a primary revenue generator for 2026 and beyond. 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) - Playtech still classifies its US legal dispute with Evolution as merely a ‘contingent liability’, noting that its rival has not yet submitted a formal claim in the high-profile Black Cube case. Playtech defends its choice to hire independent business intelligence firm Black Cube to examine Evolution’s business practices and rejects any claims of illegal activity. Consequently, Playtech’s recently released FY2025 financial report does not include any actual cash reserves on its balance sheet to cover possible lawsuit damages. In the notes section of its report, Playtech stated: “On 21 October 2025, Evolution AB publicly named Playtech Software Limited—a Group subsidiary—as the party that commissioned a 2021 Black Cube report, which has been cited in ongoing US legal actions but does not involve any Group entity. “Additionally, on the same day, Evolution AB stated publicly that it would modify its complaint to include Playtech Software Ltd in the lawsuit. But as of the date these financial statements were approved, Evolution had not sought the Court’s permission to add any Group entity to the New Jersey proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech Plc, Playtech Software Limited, or any other Group entity. “The Group denies any allegations of illegal behavior. Due to the case’s early stage and the lack of any served claim against the Group—including no indication of the potential claim amount—this is deemed a contingent liability alone.” Last October, Evolution alleged that Playtech subsidiary Playtech Software Limited was responsible for commissioning Black Cube to investigate the provider’s operations in banned and sanctioned markets, as well as its supply to unlicensed operators in regulated markets. At the time, Playtech replied that the claim its subsidiary participated in a smear campaign is “entirely false and intended to divert attention from serious concerns about Evolution’s business practices”. It added that it stands by its decision to commission the report and welcomes a court review. In February, Evolution also provided little information about litigation updates in its Q4 investor report, but Chief Executive Officer Martin Carlesund stated that the company is “looking forward to progressing with the lawsuit”. Revenue dip but Playtech happy with FY26 start Playtech reported that its FY25 group revenue from continuing operations decreased 10% year-over-year to €763.6 million (FY24: €848 million), with B2B and B2C revenues falling from the prior year. Group adjusted EBITDA was €197 million, a 9% drop (FY24: €217.5 million). B2B revenue declined 9% YoY to €688.3 million (FY24: €754.3 million), mainly because of a revised agreement with Caliente Interactive affecting Latin America operations. Regulated markets revenue fell 7% to €559.4 million (FY24: €598.4 million) due to the Caliente adjustment and UK declines, which were partially balanced by growth in the US and Canada. On an underlying basis, regulated revenue increased by 6%. B2C revenue dropped 20% to €78.5 million (FY24: €97.8 million). HAPPYBET in Germany is close to finishing its wind-down, with completion expected in 2026. In May 2025, Playtech agreed with NetX Betting—a subsidiary of Frankfurt-listed operator pferdewetten.de AG—to purchase specific HAPPYBET hardware assets. The process is complete, with contractual terms in place with the relevant franchise partners. Meanwhile, Sun Bingo and other B2C operations were affected by regulatory measures and marketing limits. Sun Bingo’s operations are being reviewed due to UK online gambling tax changes. As of 31 December 2025, net cash was €28.5 million, up from a net debt of €142.8 million at the end of 2024. Free cash flow was €29.5 million, down from €73.1 million in FY24. Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, called 2025 a year of “major transition for Playtech” after completing the sale of Snaitech. He added: “The US had a particularly strong performance, with revenue nearly doubling as momentum picked up across our partnerships. We hit several key strategic milestones, expanding into more iGaming states and continuing to grow our Live offering.” “Our Latin America position also improved, backed by the revised Caliente agreement—which is performing well and further bolsters our presence in Mexico. “The strong momentum from 2025 has continued into early 2026, especially in the Americas. We’re still confident in hitting our ambitious medium-term goals and see exciting opportunities for the Group across all our markets.” 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) - AffPapa is pleased to announce that Live Vegas has signed on as a sponsor for the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. Live Vegas offers a variety of live dealer games designed to improve the player experience, featuring live tables, professional dealers, and seamless streaming that delivers an authentic Vegas atmosphere online. The company prioritizes reliability, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring its systems remain stable and trustworthy for operators. The company will also have a presence at the AffPapa Conference Madrid, exhibiting at booth #5. The Live Vegas team said: Live Vegas is thrilled to be sponsoring the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. We take great pride in the impact our premium experiences have delivered, and we continuously seek innovative ways to help our partners thrive through flexible, easily integrated solutions. Our commitment to quality and performance has established us as a reliable partner for operators. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with AffPapa and forging enduring partnerships. The AffPapa Conference Madrid is set to take place from May 18–20 at the Novotel Madrid Center. Anticipated to attract over 1,500 participants, the attendee breakdown will be 40% affiliates, 40% operators, and 20% B2B companies. The conference offers two full days of networking through speed-dating sessions, panels led by industry experts, evening receptions, and the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026. It will feature its inaugural padel tournament as a side event, wrapping up with a closing party headlined by EDM DJ Kryoman. Yeva Avagyan, Head of Commercial at AffPapa, commented: We are delighted to welcome Live Vegas as both sponsor and exhibitor for this year's Madrid conference. They have developed a robust product, and it's excellent to include companies that deliver quality offerings and prioritize long-term partnerships. Participate in AffPapa's largest affiliate-driven conference and explore sponsorship opportunities on the official AffPapa Conference Madrid website. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - EveryMatrix has enhanced its aggregation platform via a new collaboration with Eeze. As a result of the agreement, Eeze's collection of live dealer games will be accessible to EveryMatrix's global partners. Bjorn Sjoberg, Chief Commercial Officer at EveryMatrix, commented: "We are delighted to incorporate Eeze's complete product range into our aggregation portfolio. Featuring top-tier live products and a promising lineup of RNG games in development, we are certain our clients will appreciate the unique value these titles add to the market." Games now accessible through EveryMatrix's platform comprise the recently launched Fusion Roulette and Eeze's first slot titles. Mikko Hoglund, Partnership Manager at Eeze, stated: "Collaborating with EveryMatrix represents a significant milestone for us as we aim to expand our games to a broader player audience than previously possible. "We have numerous exciting product launches scheduled for the coming months, and we are confident that these games, along with our current portfolio, will be warmly welcomed by EveryMatrix's clientele." EveryMatrix steps up US presence In the previous month, EveryMatrix extended its aggregation hub's reach via an agreement with Ocean Casino Resort in New Jersey. Users of Ocean Resort's online site, betOcean, obtained access to more than 45,000 games from over 360 providers on EveryMatrix's casino platform. This agreement represented the fifth collaboration EveryMatrix has established in North America and the third within the US. The company presently maintains licenses in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, along with the Canadian province of Ontario. It has partnerships with bet365, betParx, Delaware North, and Pinnacle. Mark Burroughes, Chief Commercial Officer of Casino at EveryMatrix, noted at the time: "Partnering with betOcean represents a vital step in our expansion strategy. Achieving a complete aggregation integration in less than four months, including obtaining regulatory approval, demonstrates our extensive expertise in providing compliant content in the US." 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) - bet365 has officially withdrawn from the American Gaming Association, making bet365 one of several prominent online betting firms to leave the U.S. gambling organization. Both bet365 and the AGA have confirmed this development. bet365 cited a divergence in priorities as the reason for its departure. As a company that operates exclusively online, bet365's business model does not align with the AGA's focus on brick-and-mortar casinos. However, bet365 stressed its commitment to maintaining positive relationships with both regulators and industry collaborators. This move is indicative of a broader trend of operators exiting the Association. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics Betting and Gaming have recently departed, largely due to disagreements concerning the functionality and regulation of predictive markets within the industry. Despite its exit from the AGA, bet365 continues to expand its presence in the U.S. market. The company is actively growing its business, evidenced by the construction of a major headquarters in Denver and the commencement of operations in several new states. Furthermore, its online casino operations in markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have experienced approximately 50% year-over-year growth. bet365's decision further highlights the growing divide between digital and traditional land-based companies within the U.S. gaming sector. 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 Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has imposed a $100,000 fine on BetMGM for violations linked to fraudulent activities that occurred between 2023 and 2024. BetMGM's verification processes were found to be inadequate, enabling individuals to create accounts using stolen identities and deposit funds via compromised payment methods. The fine was a result of BetMGM's failure to implement sufficient safeguards against fraudulent activity. Additionally, the PGCB issued prohibitions against 16 individuals from engaging in gambling, with some of these cases involving instances where minors were left unsupervised at physical casino locations. This incident marks another compliance issue for BetMGM in Pennsylvania. Earlier this year, the operator incurred a $260,905 fine for allowing self-excluded individuals to gamble. Furthermore, BetMGM has faced penalties in Massachusetts for offering unauthorized betting markets and for marketing to underage individuals. This latest fine underscores the ongoing regulatory pressure on operators to enhance their Know Your Customer (KYC) controls and mitigate fraudulent activities on their platforms. BetMGM declined to provide a statement regarding the findings. 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) - Codere has engaged Jefferies and Macquarie Capital to facilitate the sale of the company. The divestment process is in its early stages, with insiders valuing Codere at over €2 billion. Preliminary non-binding bids are expected by mid-May, followed by a formal auction in July, with a final agreement potentially reached by August. Following a recent restructuring, Codere's ownership is distributed across roughly 84 investment funds. Key creditors injected €225 million in fresh capital, swapped more than €350 million of debt for equity, and pushed back debt maturities from 2026 to 2027. Management of the business has transitioned to Codere New Topco S.A., which is currently about 95% owned by bondholders. The company's financial health has seen significant improvement post-restructuring. According to a recent report, Codere recorded €1.34 billion in revenue and an adjusted EBITDA of €179 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Recent performance suggests EBITDA will surpass €200 million. Furthermore, gross debt has been slashed from €1.4 billion to roughly €190 million, alongside bolstered liquidity. Although the strengthened balance sheet enhances Codere's appeal to buyers, the candidate pool might be restricted as many investors shy away from the gambling sector due to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations. 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) - Brazil has implemented a strengthened approach to combat illegal betting with the enactment of Law No. 15,358/2025. This legislation grants the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance the authority to freeze bank accounts and halt Pix transactions linked to operators of unlicensed betting activities. This new law mandates that all financial institutions freeze bank accounts and block transactions associated with illegal betting, while simultaneously ensuring due process and protecting player funds. The law also establishes mechanisms for information sharing among financial organizations to detect and prevent fraud within the financial system. Regulators will enhance their supervision of Pix payments through more rigorous transaction monitoring and the potential implementation of filters to block suspicious activities. Companies that do not adhere to the new regulations could face penalties such as fines, license suspension, and other sanctions. All these measures represent a significant advancement in increasing oversight of financial transactions and adopting a proactive strategy to eradicate all forms of illegal betting in Brazil. 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) - Hong Kong-listed Macau Legend Development Ltd is preparing for an approximate HKD 1.57 billion (about $200 million) loss in 2025, a substantial rise from the HKD 623 million loss reported in 2024. Macau’s complete phase-out of its electronic and gaming operations has been a major factor in the company’s decline, following the closure of Legend Palace at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf on November 12, 2025—when its service agreement with SJM Holdings expired due to Macau’s broader phased elimination of satellite casinos. The company’s projected losses are primarily driven by an HKD 1.18 billion impairment charge recorded in 2025, which is markedly higher than the HKD 376 million in charges related to the casino and other assets in 2020. Beyond asset impairments, Macau Legend has also accounted for HKD 71 million in employee-related costs—including long-service payments tied to the closure and other employment-related payments associated with the casino shutdown—which have also had a significant impact on the company’s financial results. The Macau government’s move to eliminate satellite casinos by December 31, 2025, has greatly affected operators like Macau Legend in their efforts to restructure their business models. The closure of Legend Palace illustrates how regulatory changes directly impact asset values and the long-term business strategies of operators. Looking ahead, the company will rely on its non-gaming portfolio to stabilize its financial performance. Without casino operations, it will continue to face challenges in developing alternative revenue streams before 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.