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(AsiaGameHub) -   This proposed change would hold individual employees of gambling operators accountable for violations related to anti-money laundering (AML) or know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) in the UK has initiated a consultation period for the proposed Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025. These reforms aim to increase the responsibility placed on individuals within gambling operations, potentially leading to direct personal fines for managers and key personnel who fail to adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) or know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. The initiative seeks to expand the scope of civil penalties to encompass employees, not just licensed operators. Sanctions could be applied in cases where breaches occur due to "consent, connivance, or simple negligence." This new framework will subject gaming operators' directors, compliance officers, and senior executives to greater scrutiny, as their day-to-day decisions significantly influence anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures. The regulator is soliciting feedback from the industry before finalizing these amendments. Submissions will be accepted until May 25, and an online question-and-answer session is scheduled to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to voice concerns and discuss the implications of personal liability. These developments follow a £200,000 fine imposed by the GSC on Shelgeyr Limited, the owner of Maverick Games, in February. The fine was a result of identified significant deficiencies in customer due diligence, enhanced due diligence, and account monitoring. Officials indicated that these shortcomings pointed to systemic issues rather than isolated errors, underscoring the necessity for more robust compliance mechanisms. Concurrently, the GSC has intensified its assessment of money laundering risks within the Isle of Man's gambling sector. Its most recent National Risk Assessment highlights persistent concerns regarding Southeast Asian criminal networks, in addition to other global challenges. The regulator has determined that the Isle of Man's gambling industry as a whole now presents a "medium high" risk for money laundering, an increase from "medium" five years ago. Online gambling has been categorized similarly. This report comes after the GSC's assessment last year, which classified gambling as a medium-low risk for terrorist financing in its inaugural standalone Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment (TFNRA). 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) -   Robson Silveira, Sportradar's senior sales executive for Streaming, offered his perspective on the firm's involvement in the Buenos Aires event. Exclusive interview.- Sportradar took part in this month's SAGSE Buenos Aires. The company's involvement in the Latin American gaming industry gathering was highly positive, particularly regarding its streaming offerings. Robson Silveira, Sportradar's senior sales executive for streaming, provided his post-expo reflections, explaining the significance of attending such events. He also detailed the key subjects covered during the conference. How would you evaluate Sportradar’s participation at SAGSE Buenos Aires? Our involvement in SAGSE Buenos Aires was highly successful, most notably from the standpoint of our streaming solutions. The occasion underscored the energy of the Latin American gaming sector and its rising demand for novel fan engagement technology. We engaged in substantial conversations about how our state-of-the-art streaming services are emerging as a vital competitive advantage for operators aiming to attract viewers and foster deeper interaction. Attending enabled us to engage directly with partners, demonstrating how our full streaming suite allows them to offer genuinely engaging and dynamic betting experiences. Why is it important for Sportradar to be present at events like SAGSE Buenos Aires? Gatherings such as SAGSE are vital for our company. They go beyond mere visibility; they are about active participation and steering the dialogue on the industry's future, especially in domains like live content and streaming. For Sportradar, it represents a priceless chance to both grasp the changing requirements of the Latin American market – particularly related to fan engagement and immersive betting – and to demonstrate how our sophisticated streaming technology directly meets and even foresees these needs. Our goal is to establish the standard for how premium, low-latency streaming, when flawlessly combined with our unmatched data, is reshaping the betting environment throughout the region. “Our presence allowed us to connect directly with partners, showcasing how our comprehensive streaming portfolio empowers them to deliver truly immersive and dynamic betting experiences.” Robson Silveira, Sportradar senior sales executive, streaming. What were the main topics discussed during the event? Conversations at SAGSE were energetic, focusing on the development of regulated markets and the essential part played by technology, data, and innovation in fostering sustainable expansion. A key, prevailing topic was the rapid rise and strategic value of high-quality streaming in enhancing fan engagement and creating deeply immersive betting experiences. Operators are actively looking for ways to stand out, and the fluid combination of premium live content – enabled by Sportradar's powerful streaming solutions – with our exceptional real-time data was broadly acknowledged as the premier method for increasing both engagement and customer loyalty. We successfully emphasized how Sportradar's complete streaming infrastructure, from securing content to advanced distribution and smooth integration, directly helps operators to take advantage of this significant trend. Additionally, the dialogue also covered using data-led approaches for better operational efficiency, a field where our extensive services, including sophisticated streaming analytics, deliver considerable benefits. What key takeaways did Sportradar bring from the event? Aside from the increasing sophistication of the Latin American market and the precious in-person exchanges, a foremost insight was the clear need for premium, dependable, and thoroughly integrated streaming services. The sector evidently views streaming not merely as a supplementary feature, but as a fundamental element for future expansion and customer loyalty in this area. “The discussions at SAGSE were very dynamic, orbiting around the maturation of regulated markets and the critical role of technology, data, and innovation in driving sustainable growth.” Robson Silveira, Sportradar senior sales executive, streaming. SAGSE strengthened our belief that Sportradar is uniquely equipped to satisfy and surpass this demand, providing an extensive range of streaming products that not only significantly improve the betting experience but also grant operators a major competitive benefit. We departed SAGSE with a renewed and stronger dedication to continue innovating and broadening our streaming services, guaranteeing we keep enabling our partners to succeed in this fast-changing and intensely competitive 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 firm will display its newest slot game launches, including Panda Ventura, alongside a collection of over 180 in-house titles and its X-Nave platform at BiS SiGMA Americas 2026 in São Paulo, underscoring its growing presence in Brazil. Press release.- EGT Digital will take part in BiS SiGMA Americas 2026, held 6–9 April in São Paulo, Brazil, where attendees can meet the team at stand L146. Following its recent appearance at SBC Summit Rio, the company continues to strengthen its engagement in the Brazilian market through a focused display of high-performing content and advanced technology solutions. A key highlight will be Panda Ventura, one of EGT Digital’s most favorably received recent releases. Blending a distinctive visual identity with smooth, intuitive gameplay, the title delivers a well-balanced flow that naturally builds excitement and encourages longer play sessions. As the first entry in the new Ventura series, it establishes the foundation for a character-led lineup that will soon expand with Tiger Ventura. Alongside it, visitors will explore a portfolio of 180+ in-house slot titles, including the proven jackpot series Bell Link, Clover Chance, and Gods & Kings Link, all designed to drive strong engagement and consistent performance across markets. EGT Digital will also present X-Nave, its modular igaming platform integrating Casino, Sportsbook, CRM, Payment Gateway, Bonus Hub, and a powerful Aggregator with 20,000+ games from 200+ providers.  The platform includes a high-performance Sportsbook offering flexible integration, advanced personalisation, and a fast, seamless betting experience, while proprietary AI enhances engagement through intelligent promotional tools and automated features. Participation in BiS SiGMA Americas highlights EGT Digital’s ongoing commitment to LatAm and Brazil, supporting operators with scalable, high-performance solutions tailored to local market needs. Visitors to booth L146 will also have the opportunity to view and test EGT’s VLT products, which are developed specifically for the Brazilian market.  Following their successful debut at SBC Summit Rio earlier in March, the Video Lottery Terminals Super Sorte 27/27 ST and Super Sorte 43V, along with the online betting terminals Top Estrela and Bar Estrela, are expected to attract strong attention at SiGMA Americas. They stand out with their modern design, user-friendly features, and engaging gaming experience. In addition, the popular multigame mix GOLD VLT will also unveil its range of 50 captivating titles, created for the local gaming audiences. With a growing portfolio and a technology ecosystem built for performance and adaptability, EGT Digital continues to deliver solutions truly “Designed to Perform”. 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) -   According to a 20 March report from livestreaming analytics firm Stream Hatchet, Stake is by far the most frequently referenced operator on livestreaming platforms. The analysis revealed that Stake appeared in 6,600 stream titles on Twitch and Kick during January 2026, representing 60% of total iGaming brand mentions. 1xBet placed a distant second with 1,800 mentions, trailed by Betano (837), Winamax (653), FanDuel (597), Bet365 (214) and PokerStars (270). Kick is owned by Stake's parent company—a connection that Stream Hatchet content manager Mark Rowland credits for Stake's commanding lead in the rankings. "Many Kick streamers receive a bankroll directly from Stake, which they use to gamble during their broadcasts," Rowland told iGB. He noted that numerous operators establish commercial partnerships with streamers, frequently providing complimentary account credits for betting purposes, and in exchange, streamers typically feature the brand name in their stream titles. Kick the leading platform for gambling livestreams Although Twitch holds the biggest market share in livestreaming, rival Kick maintains an explicitly pro-gambling streaming policy that has drawn many leading gambling content creators to its service. The research showed that all ten of the top iGaming livestreamers broadcast on Kick, collectively generating 88.4 million hours of iGaming content viewership in January. Trainwreckstv, among the first creators to migrate to Kick following its 2022 launch, recorded the highest iGaming content watch time at 15.7 million hours. Rowland suggested that beyond Stake, other operators' sponsorship of esports tournaments and various competitions broadcast on streaming platforms likely boosted their visibility. "1xBet backs several esports teams, and naturally esports draws significant viewership on livestreaming platforms. Additionally, both 1xBet and Betano sponsor football clubs, and football enjoys massive popularity on streaming services, especially in Latin America and Spain," Rowland explained. Image credit: Stream Hatchet While Twitch permits some gambling content, the Amazon-owned platform's terms of service forbid users from streaming specific gambling sites such as Stake and Rollbit, referencing inadequate consumer safeguards and licensing issues. Twitch revised its policies to prohibit these sites following pushback from parts of the livestreaming community. "The issue sparked major controversy in 2022 when prominent streamers such as Pokimane raised concerns about the risks of gambling content fostering addictive behavior, especially among younger audiences," Rowland added. Prediction markets gaining streaming popularity The report also identified that prediction market content is expanding and stimulating discussion on livestreaming platforms, with Polymarket and Kalshi commanding the betting-related conversation on Twitch and Kick. Stream Hatchet discovered that Polymarket led all betting and prediction market operators with 12,000 mentions in January 2026, with Kalshi close behind at 11,700. FanDuel placed third with 8,800 mentions, followed by PrizePicks (5,300) and DraftKings (3,300). 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 Autoridad de Juegos (AJ), Bolivia's Gaming Control Authority, reported on March 18 that it granted 1,226 domestic gambling licenses in 2025. The authority did not specify the breakdown between B2C and B2B licenses. Furthermore, the AJ stated it had utilized over 90% of its 2025 budget, simultaneously enhancing regulatory supervision and enforcement activities nationwide. The year's funding for the AJ was allocated to regulating and overseeing lotteries, gambling operations, raffles, and business promotions throughout the country. In 2025, organizers of promotional events and raffles distributed prizes totaling 573 million bolivianos (equivalent to $82.8 million). Regarding the quantity of licenses issued within the sector, the regulator commented that this "demonstrated the interest of operators in conducting their activities within the established legal framework." This update was presented during a virtual hearing on March 18, fulfilling Bolivia's constitutional mandate for public entities to report on their operational performance and resource deployment. Nationwide Enforcement Campaign Targets Unlicensed Operators Throughout the 12-month period, efforts to combat the black market were intensified, with the AJ carrying out raids on 82 illicit gambling venues. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 119 gambling devices and the destruction of 230 illegally operated machines and equipment across Bolivia. Recent enforcement actions also involved specific interventions in Cochabamba's peri-urban zones, where authorities dismantled unauthorized gaming establishments operating without regulatory supervision. Within the same timeframe, the authority's operational procedures received ISO 9001:2015 certification from Colombia's ICONTEC after an external audit. This represents a notable advancement toward standardizing regulatory practices within the Bolivian market and the broader Latin American region. Bolivia's gambling market has seen swift expansion, fueled by retail lotteries, raffles, and a rise in promotional business endeavors. Nevertheless, concerns regarding integrity in sports betting have underscored the necessity for robust regulatory supervision. In February, the football sector came under renewed examination due to allegations of match-fixing involving players from Club Real Santa Cruz. 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) -   Legal specialists think the white label gambling sponsorship framework shouldn’t face jeopardy if the UK government enforces a ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships within football. This measure is under consideration through industry consultations, which the Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated is a response to the increasing threat of the black market in the UK. The aim would be to prevent non-UK-licensed companies from using Premier League clubs to target British consumers. In a statement dated 23 February, the government cautioned that the black market is connected to organized crime and that unlicensed operators “expose customers to fraud and identity theft risks”. A number of Premier League clubs currently have partnerships with unregulated operators. That said, there’s another model allowing non-UK operators to collaborate with licensed counterparts to provide a white label version of their product in the UK as part of a gambling sponsorship agreement. At this stage of the DCMS process, it remains unclear how this model might be affected. White label model not a threat if govt prioritizes consumer protection A lawyer who collaborates closely with clubs on operator sponsorship agreements notes that white label sponsorships shouldn’t be endangered if the government’s focus is on eliminating money laundering and payment practices that put British consumers at risk. “The white label model isn’t impacted by that because there’s a party that legitimately processes payments from British consumers in a compliant manner,” she points out. Melanie Ellis, a partner at Northridge Law, thinks the future for white label partners is somewhat unclear. She proposes that the government might aim to block sponsorships from gambling brands that use a white label setup to advertise in Great Britain while also running their own sites licensed in other jurisdictions. UK Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross stated in December last year that white label football sponsorships were under scrutiny. This came after reports that Curaçao-licensed BC Game was operating illegally in several markets and had been declared bankrupt by a local court for failing to pay out player winnings. Back then, BC Game quickly lost its UK white label license, and its sponsorship agreement with Leicester City was called into doubt. “I believe the government will most likely seek to ban gambling operators from sponsoring clubs if they are not ‘subject to’ a Gambling Commission license—this would let sponsorships under the white label model continue,” Ellis explains. “Crafting such a ban that operators can’t get around, yet doesn’t accidentally restrict other setups where a licensee runs gambling sites under various brands, will be difficult.” She thinks this step would mirror the government’s worries about unlicensed brands luring British players. “When a white label partnership is in place, British consumers should be directed to the licensed site when looking for the advertised brand.” How long might it take to put the unlicensed sponsorship ban into effect? Regarding when the possible ban might take effect, amending or updating legislation in the UK is usually a time-consuming process. “I expect they’d want to table something before summer,” the legal source comments. “The timeline reflects a phase of discussions between the Gambling Commission and DCMS about whether legislative changes or other steps are needed,” Ellis states. “I expect the [two parties] will want to roll out this [ban] within a fairly short period, but I think at least 18 months will be required to finish the consultation process and get the necessary legislation approved and enacted.” Licensed operators commend the consultation Over recent years, UK football has seen numerous questionable deals that have stalled after brands exited the UK market. Last year, Stake kept its multi-year front-of-shirt agreement with Everton even though a Gambling Commission investigation revoked its UK license. However, the government has not provided clear guidance in such cases. Clubs have been advised to conduct due diligence on operators. Entain CEO Stella David recently alleged that the Premier League is lobbying the government to “keep unregulated gambling brands on shirt sleeves and stadium signs.” In a February letter to the League, she further stated that its “ongoing support for illegal gambling sponsorships [has] been extremely worrying.” David is one of several licensed operators who have lauded the DCMS consultation, which the department said would launch “this spring.” 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 German security researcher has admitted to compromising the systems of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), reportedly accessing confidential data such as operator compliance documents and player records. Lilith Wittmann, who identifies as an ethical hacker, claimed last week in a since-deleted social media post that she possessed evidence tying the regulator to organized crime within Malta's gambling industry. On March 17, the MGA publicly confirmed a security incident within one of its systems and engaged its internal response protocols, stating that the matter is being treated with the highest priority. The authority refrained from revealing specific details about the nature of the compromised data. Wittmann confessed to the hack in a tweet on March 20, adding, "And yes, we will expose the organised crime enablement schemes you created while presenting yourselves as a ‘legitimate public service’." MGA condemns Wittmann breach The MGA issued a follow-up statement on Friday condemning Wittmann's actions, describing them as "unacceptable and incompatible with lawful engagement with public institutions and established governance frameworks." The regulator asserted, however, that Wittmann's allegations are "unsubstantiated and do not undermine the MGA’s role as a regulator committed to transparency, due process and the rule of law". "The Authority operates within a robust legal and regulatory framework and carries out its statutory functions with integrity, independence and accountability," the statement continued. Wittmann has a history of involvement in ethical hacking within the gambling sector. In March 2025, she revealed a significant player data breach across German gaming platforms operated by Merkur Gaming. The breach exploited unsecured APIs, exposing approximately 800,000 player accounts through an unprotected endpoint. At that time, she wrote in a blog post that she utilized a GraphQL query to access highly sensitive player data, including financial information and sign-up details. The incident prompted scrutiny regarding the security measures operators and their third-party providers should employ to protect players. The German regulator (GGL) did not take a strict enforcement approach against the companies involved at the time. Wittmann, however, warned of the risk that the GGL could be implicated if hackers used the breached information to steal further player data from the regulator itself. 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 Kentucky House of Representatives has approved House Bill 904, a comprehensive legislative proposal designed to overhaul sports betting within the state, notably by increasing the legal age from 18 to 21. This bill, championed by Republican Representatives Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, garnered substantial backing with a 79-15 vote and has now advanced to the Senate for review. House Bill 904 introduces several significant amendments intended to enhance consumer safeguards and maintain the integrity of sports betting in Kentucky, further developing a market that has demonstrated considerable initial growth since its inception. Among its primary stipulations, the bill elevates the legal age for sports wagering to 21, an increase from the existing age of 18. Furthermore, the legislation aims to ban prop bets involving athletes participating in Kentucky collegiate sports. Meredith contended that these restrictions would mitigate the potential for bribery or harassment targeting student athletes. “It would also prohibit prop betting on collegiate athletes within the state, specifically those playing for Kentucky teams. This measure would eliminate any motivation for bribery or for harassing a player for failing to achieve a specific outcome,” Meredith stated, as reported by the Interior Journal. Legislators broaden focus to include fantasy, prediction markets, and compliance Beyond its provisions for sports betting, the bill would also bring fantasy sports contests under the regulatory purview, licensing, and taxation authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Additionally, it establishes a tax structure for prediction markets, provided that federal courts allow these markets to legally operate in the future—a domain of evolving regulation that mirrors wider discussions about gambling expansion within the state. Moreover, the proposal considers legalizing fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, a practice presently restricted by Kentucky law. It further mandates the formation of a study task force to investigate oversight procedures for charitable gaming operations across the state. Presently, certain sports betting operators impose limits on customers' winnings; HB 904 would outlaw this practice. Should the bill be enacted, bookmakers who decline to pay out substantial winning bets would no longer be permitted to enforce such restrictions. The legislation also includes a clause to prevent individuals with over $1,000 in outstanding child support from engaging in sports wagering until their arrears are settled. The attorney general’s office would be responsible for compiling a roster of these delinquent payers and distributing it to the gaming regulator and operators for enforcement. The House's approval of HB 904 occurs with only seven legislative days remaining in Kentucky’s 60-day session. While this timing suggests considerable progress for the bill, it does not assure its ultimate passage into law. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   With the 2026 Major League Baseball season's Opening Day nearing, Polymarket secured a landmark commercial agreement with the league this week. Polymarket revealed on Thursday that it has partnered with MLB, becoming the league's sole prediction market exchange partner. This move places MLB alongside the NHL, MLS, and UFC as North American sports leagues that have established commercial ties with prediction markets. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had previously informed team owners about a potential deal with such an exchange last month. “Our foremost priority is, and always will be, safeguarding the integrity of the game,” Manfred stated. While engaged in a dispute with multiple state regulators, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has declared it holds sole authority to regulate sports event contracts. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has repeatedly emphasized the need to foster integrity in derivative markets since his confirmation. Prior to the partnership announcement, MLB and the CFTC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday. This agreement creates a structure for the two entities to consult, collaborate, and share information on mutual interests, such as preserving the integrity of professional baseball and prediction markets, according to a CFTC statement. “This partnership equips the CFTC with more resources to shield our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other misconduct. We appreciate MLB and Commissioner Manfred for collaborating with us to ensure the integrity of these expanding markets,” Selig posted on X. Arizona files criminal charges vs Kalshi Kalshi has encountered a surge of lawsuits in U.S. state and federal courts in recent months. However, an indictment made public this week in Arizona established a new precedent. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes brought criminal charges against KalshiEx LLC and Kalshi Trading LLC on Tuesday for running an unlicensed gambling operation in the state. The 20-count indictment, comprising solely misdemeanors, marks the first instance of Kalshi facing criminal charges in the United States. The charges include four counts related to election betting, covering wagers on the 2028 U.S. presidential election, the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race, the 2026 Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary, and the 2026 Arizona secretary of state race. Arizona statute forbids operating a betting business without a license and also explicitly prohibits wagering on elections. “While Kalshi may call itself a 'prediction market,' it is effectively conducting an illegal gambling enterprise and accepting bets on Arizona elections, actions that both break Arizona law,” Mayes stated. “No company can choose which laws it wishes to obey.” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour denounced the charges, posting on X: “The Arizona attorney general's allegations are unfounded and a definite overstep. This is political maneuvering by a candidate seeking re-election.” In unrelated news, a Bloomberg report on Thursday indicated that Kalshi secured over $1 billion in a new funding round, valuing the company at $22 billion. This figure is twice the $11 billion valuation the exchange attained in December. Kalshi $1 billion tournament challenge In 2014, renowned investor Warren Buffett presented a nearly unattainable challenge: a $1 billion prize for anyone who could accurately predict all 63 games in the NCAA tournament. Now, over ten years later, Kalshi is reviving this contest. Considering the frequent upsets during March Madness, the chances of a perfect bracket are a staggering 1 in 120 billion. Despite the odds, Kalshi is offering the same prize to any customer who achieves this unlikely accomplishment. During Thursday's opening round, 16th-seeded Siena came close to defeating top-seeded Duke in an East subregional game. Siena, the MAAC tournament champion, began with a 1% win probability on Kalshi. The Saints shot well early, building a 33-22 first-half lead and an 11-point advantage at halftime. Siena's odds peaked at 23% in the second half. Duke responded with an 11-0 run early in the second half to narrow the gap to two points. The Blue Devils limited Siena to 22 points after halftime, securing a 71-65 victory. This comeback preserved the brackets of many Kalshi users. Duke is the most popular pick among users to win the tournament, followed by Arizona, Michigan, and Houston. Roughly 37.3% of all participants selected the Blue Devils to claim the championship. As of 1:30 p.m. ET, Kalshi reported 83 perfect brackets still active in the challenge. The promotion is financially supported by SIG Parametrics, LLC, a member of the Susquehanna International Group of Companies, according to Kalshi. Matt RybaltowskiMatt is primarily responsible for long-form feature coverage on complex sports betting scandals. He also provides coverage on finance, M&A and other technological developments. 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 Advocate General (AG) at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has concluded that national gambling licensing mandates within EU member states must be respected, provided they align with EU free movement regulations. AG Emiliou issued this opinion concerning a player-losses lawsuit filed against German operator Tipico at the ECJ in 2024. Germany's Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice) referred the case to the ECJ in July 2024. Interpreting the EU's frequently debated Article 56 of the TFEU framework, the AG stated: “If a member state mandates a license for specific services within its borders, and this requirement itself complies with Article 56 TFEU, then national authorities, including judicial bodies, are permitted to enforce this requirement against an operator that has offered services without the necessary license.” A central issue in the case was whether Germany's regulatory structure at the time violated EU freedom of movement provisions. The AG's opinion indicated that EU member states are responsible for establishing their own regulations concerning games of chance. He attributed this to “considerable moral, religious, and cultural disparities among member states” regarding gambling. “National authorities retain the right, within their national territory, to implement regulatory measures they deem suitable for safeguarding consumers against these risks, provided the principle of proportionality is upheld,” the AG declared in their opinion on Thursday. What is the background of the case? This case is among several prominent player loss disputes currently before the ECJ. A player initiated legal action against the operator in German courts, seeking to recover losses sustained prior to the implementation of Germany's State Treaty on Gambling. The plaintiff contended that the agreement between the player and the operator should have been deemed invalid because the operator lacked a local gambling license in Germany at that period. Conversely, Tipico asserted that the German framework was unjust and opaque. Tipico had also attempted to secure a German license during the period in question. The ECJ's opinion deferred several issues for the referring court to resolve. This case, along with others, was escalated to the EU level to ascertain whether operators providing gambling services without a local license were in breach of European law. Many uncertainties persist regarding the future of comparable player loss cases throughout Europe. Some anticipated a more conclusive ruling from the AG, hoping it would help curb the increasing prevalence of such cases in markets including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. 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) -   Allwyn International is looking into other acquisition possibilities for a proprietary sports betting technology platform after its Novibet deal fell through. During Allwyn's FY25 earnings call on Thursday, CEO Robert Chvátal fielded questions about the breakdown of the company's proposed Novibet acquisition, which had been announced earlier this month. Allwyn pulled out of the acquisition after receiving feedback from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), with iGB learning that several potential remedies that were examined could not preserve the deal's value. A key element of the transaction was to supply Allwyn with a proprietary sportsbook platform, though Chvátal stated that Allwyn respected the HCC's concerns. He indicated that the group had already begun examining alternative options. "This interest in sportsbook technology remains on Allwyn's radar," Chvátal commented. "We have already begun investigating other opportunities regarding sportsbook technology, potentially to strengthen our sportsbook position in certain Allwyn markets." Making sportsbook technology internal is a priority for Allwyn Allwyn CFO Kenneth Morton provided additional details on the company's broader technology strategy, noting that a major priority was to internalize its sportsbook technology. According to Morton, the company views proprietary technology as an "important differentiating factor and long-term driver of success." "We currently have nearly everything we consider important for user experience and our long-term success already in-house on the lottery side, though it hasn't necessarily been deployed across our entire portfolio," Morton stated. "Sports betting is the one area we don't currently have in-house, which we believe is strategically important. So we definitely see advantages to bringing it in-house, but as Robert mentioned, there are many other approaches we can take to accomplish that." PrizePicks' advantages in customer acquisition In September last year, Allwyn agreed to purchase a majority stake in daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks. The agreement to acquire a 62.3% stake in PrizePicks involved an initial cash payment of $1.6 billion, with further payments contingent on specific performance metrics over the subsequent three years. PrizePicks has also broadened its offerings beyond existing products by entering the expanding US prediction markets sector. With Allwyn's acquisition finalized in January this year, Morton believes PrizePicks is well-positioned to gain traction in the prediction markets sector due to its extensive national user base and recognizable brand. "PrizePicks doesn't operate in a situation where it must acquire numerous customers to either tackle churn or expand into new regions to seize the prediction markets opportunity," Morton explained. "We can't provide specifics, but I would say that PrizePicks is definitely better positioned than other companies in the broader North American gaming entertainment space in that respect." Morton noted that PrizePicks' capability to integrate its DFS, sports betting, and prediction markets offerings within a single app was essential from a customer acquisition standpoint. "Several operators have actually launched with three separate apps for DFS, OSB, and predictions," Morton continued. "Essentially, to some degree you're forced to acquire the same customer three times over. "That's not true for PrizePicks. From day one they launched predictions within their DFS app, which is clearly better for user experience, but also significantly better from a customer acquisition cost perspective." Allwyn's net revenue saw modest growth in FY25 Allwyn's net revenue increased by 4% year-over-year in its FY25 results to €4.1 billion, while adjusted EBITDA also grew 4%, approaching €1.6 billion. Allwyn anticipates finalizing its merger with OPAP this month following shareholder approval in February. The merger is projected to create a combined entity valued at €16 billion. Chvátal characterized 2025 as a "pivotal year" for Allwyn, voicing his confidence in the company's prospects. "The major steps taken this year further reinforce our platform and position us favorably to deliver sustainable long-term value as a publicly traded company," Chvátal stated. Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, transitioning from sports journalism to become a senior reporter covering Latin America for 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) -   Saskatchewan’s provincial government has revealed a substantial boost in funding for Indigenous communities, fueled by all-time high gaming revenues. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, a total of $153.5 million will be allocated to First Nations and Métis organizations. This funding increase follows strong earnings reported by key players in the province’s gaming sector, including the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), SaskGaming properties, and the online platform PlayNow.com. Industry analysts link these gains to gaming facility upgrades, venue expansions, and improved online service offerings—all of which have raised gross gaming receipts. SIGA delivered a standout performance in the 2024–25 fiscal year, generating a record-breaking $378 million in revenue and distributing $146 million in income. This underscores the growing financial importance of gaming operations in supporting Indigenous communities. Online gambling has been legal in Saskatchewan since November 2022, with similar developments taking place in neighboring provinces. Alberta, for example, is currently exploring a regulated framework for iGaming and sports betting. Structured Allocation Based on Existing Agreements Funding will be distributed according to protocols outlined in the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and relevant provincial legislation. Allocations will go to the First Nations Trust, Community Development Corporations, and Métis economic funds, supporting areas such as housing, education, cultural preservation, and local infrastructure development. Eric Schmalz, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs, said: “At a time when community strength is more vital than ever, these agreements ensure funding flows to the places where Indigenous people gather, celebrate, and build strong futures.” Provincial officials noted that the steady stream of gaming revenue will support a wide range of projects within Indigenous communities—from small-scale local initiatives to larger economic development ventures. This funding strategy marks a continuation and expansion of Saskatchewan’s commitment to using gaming proceeds as a key source of economic support for First Nations and Métis communities across the province. 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) -   Estonian remote gambling operators have thus far voluntarily paid over €1.4 million ($1.62 million) to the Ministry of Finance following a legislative drafting mistake that temporarily eliminated their 2026 tax duties.  These payments, made in February and March 2026, are meant to cover the amounts the government would have received if the Gambling Tax Act had been implemented as initially planned.  ERR News reports that Ministry spokesperson Siiri Suutre said: “February donations—including income tax—totaled roughly €815,000, and as of now in March, about €595,000 has come in. The March number isn’t final, and we expect more donations.”  The tax exemption stemmed from December 2025 amendments that accidentally left games of chance out of the taxable base. This legislative mistake meant remote gambling wasn’t taxed at the beginning of 2026.  MP Aivar Kokk pointed out the error’s impact: “Games of chance and remote gambling were excluded from this year’s taxes, so online casino games aren’t taxed in 2026.”  After the issue came to light, parliament quickly fixed the text by passing a technical amendment that restored a 5.5% flat tax on remote gambling starting 1 March 2026. The Riigikogu Finance Committee confirmed the correction aligns tax assessment with existing monthly reporting processes.  Cautious expectations on reimbursement The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators proposed a voluntary donation program. To date, only a small number of the 41 licensed remote operators have contributed.  Finance Ministry’s Evelyn Liivamägi noted varying company attitudes. She was cautious about fully recouping lost tax revenue: “Life usually shows people are more eager to make promises than keep them.”  Based on January and February declared income, the ministry estimates the two-month tax liability would have been around €3.5 million—slightly less than the earlier €4 million guess. Previous budget plans projected remote gambling tax revenue could hit €27 million for the year. Officials say they’ll only confirm the final shortfall after annual returns are done.  The Ministry of Finance is still tracking voluntary payments, and the updated Gambling Tax Act is now active.  This incident comes amid Estonia’s broader policy of positioning itself as a competitive iGaming market. The government has expressed goals to make the country a regional online gambling hub.  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) -   On Thursday, Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to appoint Anutin Charnvirakul as the kingdom’s 32nd prime minister, following his victory in the February general election. The leader of the Bhumjaithai Party secured 293 votes, comfortably beating People’s Party candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who received 119 votes. Anutin first took office on an interim basis last September, after former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted over ethics charges. His return dashes hopes for reviving the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, a policy his predecessor had vigorously advanced. Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra — a prominent Thai power broker and former prime minister — viewed casinos as a way to boost post-Covid tourism, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. Her administration planned five casinos in the first wave of development: two in the capital city of Bangkok, plus one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The call that killed the IR bill This plan fell apart after Paetongtarn called Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to discuss a deadly border skirmish between the two nations. The 17-minute call, which was later leaked to the public, saw her criticize her own country’s military and address Hun Sen as “uncle”. She stated, “If you want anything, just tell me, and I’ll take care of it.” A fateful call to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen led to the downfall of former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the chief proponent of the kingdom’s entertainment complex initiative. The call sparked nationwide public outrage. Thousands of protesters gathered at Bangkok’s Government House to demand Paetongtarn’s resignation. Her approval rating dropped to a flat 9.2%, and within months she was removed from office, with Anutin taking her place. From the outset, the new prime minister declared that Thailand would have to “wait for another prime minister” to see legal casinos established. Unlike supporters of the IR bill, he argued that legal gaming would actually hinder Thailand’s primary tourism market: China. During a November 2025 meeting with Xi Jinping, he assured the Chinese president that the casino plan would be off the table for as long as he held office. In return, Xi pledged to support increased visitation to Thailand by Chinese travelers. Support for Thailand casinos seen as ‘political suicide’ Lured by the potential THB263 billion ($8 billion) market, the world’s top gaming operators had been poised to submit bids for Thai casino licenses. The list included all six Macau concessionaires: SJM, Melco, Galaxy, MGM Resorts, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands. At least one of these firms, Melco, had opened a Bangkok office to prepare its bid campaign. Others were more skeptical. In mid-2025, Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen shared that his company had “zero interest” in a Thailand integrated resort due to “instability”. Macau gaming consultant Ben Lee shares this perspective. The managing partner of IGamix told iGB, “The Thai gaming initiative is dead in the water for now. The longstanding social antipathy toward gaming among this predominantly Buddhist citizenry has not only persisted, but made backing the issue politically suicidal.” 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 cinema, 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) -   Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG), headquartered in Prague, has reached an agreement to purchase a 70% share in TOPsport, a Lithuanian betting operator. This acquisition signifies FEG’s debut in Lithuania—the most populous Baltic region—and aligns with the group’s wider goals of strengthening its standing in regulated European markets. As Lithuania’s leading online sports betting and gaming company, TOPsport holds roughly 50% of the country’s betting market share. It also maintains a strong physical footprint via a national retail network of 54 locations. Established in 2002, the company recorded an EBITDA of €65 million in 2025, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 30% since 2020 and consistent EBITDA margins exceeding 50%. It employs a total of over 200 staff. “The Baltics are a region with significant growth potential for FEG, and entering Lithuania by acquiring the market leader is a key step in our ambitious long-term growth strategy. This is a wise, forward-thinking investment, and we anticipate it will generate considerable value for our business in the years ahead,” stated Dieter John, group CEO of FEG. A slam dunk partnership TOPsport’s strong market position is bolstered by major sponsorship agreements, including its partnership with BC Žalgiris—Lithuania’s only EuroLeague basketball team—as well as its title sponsorship of the top-tier domestic football league (TOPLYGA) and collaborations with the Lithuanian Football Federation. Gintaras Staniulis, co-founder and strategic consultant of TOPsport, commented on the deal: “After more than two decades, TOPsport has become an integral part of Lithuania’s sports and entertainment landscape. FEG brings global scale, technological expertise, and responsible gaming standards that will elevate the business to new heights.” Sustained growth in gambling revenue underscores Lithuania’s resilience within the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. The transaction has not yet undergone regulatory approval in Lithuania. 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 South Carolina Senate Finance Committee voted 12-6 to move forward with a proposed bill that would legalize mobile betting on live in-state horse races. Sponsored by Senator Michael Johnson, this bipartisan legislation aims to deliver economic support to the state’s struggling equine sector while ensuring gambling is restricted to South Carolina events. Called the Equine Advancement Act, the bill allows residents to place bets through state-approved mobile apps only when they are physically present at designated racecourses. Geolocation technology built into the apps verifies this on-site requirement. Importantly, betting would be limited to a select list of South Carolina horse races. This includes iconic events like the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup in Camden, as well as the spring and fall steeplechases in Aiken and Charleston. The latest version of the bill narrows its scope from an earlier draft that permitted wagers on any live race across the country. That provision was removed due to concerns about expanding gambling beyond in-state events. The equine economy A 2019 study from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, developed in partnership with the University of South Carolina, estimates the state’s equine economy generates between $1.9 billion and $2 billion in annual economic activity. The sector supports roughly 28,500 to 29,000 jobs and includes about 73,600 horses involved in racing, showing, and recreational activities. According to local reports, bill sponsor Senator Johnson described the legislation as a reinvestment in the equine community. “The goal is to take the proceeds from this and pump that directly into our equine industry, horse training, horse farms, horse racing, all of those things, so that they have an opportunity to compete with the other states that already have this,” Johnson said. Not all united at the starting gate Despite backing from Senate Finance Chairman Harvey Peeler, the path to full legislative approval remains uncertain. South Carolina’s long history of caution toward gambling fuels skepticism among many lawmakers and interest groups. Religious organizations and family-values advocates actively lobby against expanding gambling measures. Governor Henry McMaster, a long-time opponent of gambling, is expected to veto any proposals seen as overly broad—including this bill if it grows beyond its current limits. Senator Greg Hembree (R–Little River), a supporter of the bill, cautioned, “We just have to be vigilant and watch it and see how it evolves and be ready to come back if somebody figures out a way to take advantage.” The nation races ahead The Equine Advancement Act is a targeted effort to tap into wagering revenue from South Carolina’s significant horse racing tradition, without opening the door to full-scale casino gambling or statewide remote betting. This approach aligns with broader discussions in the state. An earlier Senate hearing this year highlighted growing support for legal sports betting in South Carolina. At the same time, developments in other states reflect a national momentum toward expanding online wagering. In Wisconsin, lawmakers have advanced proposals to extend sports betting beyond tribal casinos to include online platforms. Against this backdrop, South Carolina’s bill stands out for its intentionally narrow design. It balances economic support for the equine sector with the state’s traditionally cautious stance on gambling 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.