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(AsiaGameHub) -   Randolph will oversee the company’s seven US properties. United States.- Century Casinos has announced that Lyle Randolph, a long-serving regional vice president and general manager, has been appointed executive vice president of operations for the US. He will be responsible for managing the company’s seven US properties, which together feature 4,701 slot machines and 93 table games. Randolph began his gaming career in 1995 at Casino Aztar in Missouri. Following the acquisition of the property by Isle of Capri Casinos, he became general manager for both Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau. Since Century Casinos acquired the Missouri properties in 2019, Randolph has served as vice president of operations for both casinos. Throughout his tenure, he has remained actively involved in civic, charitable, and industry leadership initiatives, including statewide advisory appointments and leadership positions with regional business, tourism, humanitarian, and gaming organizations. For the three months ended March 31, the company reported net operating revenue of $137.2 million, marking a 5 per cent increase year-over-year and setting a new record for a first quarter. Earnings from operations were $11.8 million, representing a 65 per cent rise. 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) -   Players classified as high-risk accounted for 60% of operators’ gross gaming revenue (GGR). France.- The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has launched a new algorithm designed to assess problem gambling in France, and early results have sparked significant concern. According to the regulator, high-risk players contributed 60% of total operator gross gaming revenue (GGR). The data revealed an increase in both the number of problem gamblers and their share of operator revenues. During the second half of 2025, the algorithm identified approximately 600,000 players with a high probability of engaging in excessive gambling. This group represented 8.7% of France’s online gambling user base across licensed operators. Of these, around 300,000 were categorized as “manifestly excessive” gamblers—a classification the ANJ stated operators must urgently identify. These high-risk individuals generated roughly €1.2 billion in GGR, equivalent to 60% of all online gambling income. The regulator noted this percentage has been steadily rising since 2023. A first in European gambling regulation While comparable initiatives are underway in Spain and the Netherlands, the ANJ asserts its new algorithm is the first operational system of its kind in Europe. Built using continuous player account data from licensed operators and scientific research, the model incorporates 23 indicators related to financial activity, betting frequency, use of self-limitation tools, and historical behavior. Based on these metrics, gamblers are segmented into four groups: Recreational players, Moderate-risk players, Excessive players, and Manifestly excessive players. Operators may voluntarily implement the algorithm alongside their own monitoring frameworks. The tool’s accuracy was tested against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, with validation conducted by a scientific committee comprising leading researchers. The French gambling authority described the findings as “concerning” and concluded that current efforts by operators to detect and assist excessive gamblers remain inadequate. It expects swift improvements in identification, especially for the 300,000 players labeled manifestly excessive. Recent measures include an updated national self-exclusion register. Although operators have shown some progress—identifying 89,000 excessive gamblers in 2025 compared to 31,000 in 2024—the regulator emphasized this falls short of expectations relative to prevalence studies. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin. Photo: ANJ ANJ President Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin remarked: “The development of this algorithm and its availability to operators marks a decisive step for the regulator. It demonstrates our capacity to create an innovative and effective instrument tailored to reflect real-world online gambling practices. “In addition to existing surveys, the algorithm enables a more objective evaluation of efforts to detect problem gamblers, which operators must continue without delay.” Speaking about FDJ United and PMU, she added: “It is crucial that this detection also occurs at retail outlets, a goal we have been urging the two monopolies to pursue since 2024.” The algorithm forms part of the ANJ’s 2024–2026 strategy, which prioritizes reducing excessive and pathological gambling. French law mandates operators to intervene with problematic gamblers via mechanisms such as bet limits, account monitoring, referrals to support services, and, if necessary, account suspension or closure. The regulator has issued a warning ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning operators against launching aggressive promotional campaigns. 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 regulator indicates that 11 Ukrainian gambling operators have already linked to the system. Ukraine.- PlayCity, the gambling regulator of Ukraine, has announced that the new State Online Monitoring System, referred to as DSOM, is currently available on a trial basis. The entity states that the initial 11 gambling operators have been connected, with others undergoing the connection process. A dedicated section regarding DSOM has been added to the PlayCity website to supply fundamental details about the system’s functionality, the connection procedure, and the regulatory structure. It also clarifies the method for using the operator portal, which requires a company manager or an authorized individual to log in with a qualified electronic signature. The DSOM is designed to facilitate monitoring of the entire Ukrainian gambling sector, granting PlayCity visibility over all gambling transactions occurring on the regulated market. It comprises two principal components: an internal section accessible to state authorities and an external section accessible to gambling operators. Access for all parties is conducted exclusively via a unique identifier. Gambling enterprises can now connect to DSOM and utilize test data to configure transaction transmission and resolve technical discrepancies in their systems. This provides them with additional preparation time for the mandatory integration, as stated by PlayCity. The integration of operators is being executed in phases to evaluate the system under real operating conditions, test the transfer of transaction data, and properly incorporate operators’ digital systems into the unified monitoring framework. The strategy involves continued testing and gradual expansion of the system to cover the entire licensed gambling market in Ukraine. Following the payment of a licence fee, data regarding a new gambling operator is entered into the register within one business day, after which the company gains access to its account. From the point when the operator’s system is integrated into DSOM, information exchange occurs automatically in encrypted form via the API. Functions of PlayCity’s DSOM Last month, the operation of DSOM was demonstrated to state and law enforcement bodies at the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Digital Transformation. They illustrated the system’s internal workings and its intended role in assisting the state to view authentic data from the gambling industry, including financial transactions, bets, payouts, and other operational metrics of operators’ activities. The DSOM is presented as a move toward data-driven regulation, aiming to provide the state with a comprehensive and reliable overview of the gambling market in a format接近实时. The system logs key operations such as bets, returns, and winnings payouts. Each operation is transmitted as a distinct transaction with a unique identifier, and the sent data cannot be altered or overwritten, according to PlayCity. The State Tax Service of Ukraine also grants access to primary transaction data for calculating GGR for gambling business taxation, as well as taxes on player winnings, the military levy, and personal income tax. The system records each user’s transactions within operators’ gaming systems but does not gather players’ personal data or monitor the movement of their funds outside of gaming activities. All data is transmitted to the State Tax Service in an anonymised format. This enables the state to analyze real market operational metrics and monitor the accuracy of tax computations, PlayCity stated. 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) -   Mohegan's net revenue increased by 2.4 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2025, driven by a record quarterly performance from Mohegan Digital. The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority has released its operating results for the second fiscal quarter, which concluded on March 31, 2026. The company reported net revenue of $429.0 million, marking a 2.4 percent increase from the equivalent period in 2025, primarily attributed to Mohegan Digital's record-setting quarterly performance. Adjusted EBITDA reached $85.4 million, an increase of $1.5 million. The company noted that if Mohegan Sun's table hold were normalized, Adjusted EBITDA would have shown an $8.3 million, or 10 percent, rise. Mohegan Digital posted record net revenue of $79.3 million, an increase of $22.7 million. Its Adjusted EBITDA also hit a record $39.7 million, up $12.9 million from the previous year's period. Within the domestic resorts segment, net revenue stood at $288.6 million, a decrease of $9.4 million compared to the prior-year period. Robust slot performance at Mohegan Sun was counteracted by an unfavorable table hold and reduced table volumes. Adjusted EBITDA for this segment was $59.7 million, down $11.5 million from the prior-year period, mainly due to decreased revenues and marginally higher operating expenses, such as elevated energy costs. International resorts recorded net revenue of $66.5 million, a decline of $0.6 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 million, down $0.9 million from the prior-year period. The reduction in adjusted EBITDA largely stemmed from lower net revenue and increased contractual lease obligations. For Corporate and development, net revenue reached $4.4 million, an increase of $0.6 million. The adjusted EBITDA loss amounted to $15.8 million, an increase of $1 million, attributed to labor savings following a recent workforce reduction. It's worth noting that the net loss in the prior-year period incorporated a $179.5 million loss from discontinued operations linked to Mohegan Inspire. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The UK has launched its largest independent centre focused on researching gambling-related harms. Announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on Thursday, the centre seeks to address persistent evidence gaps that have hindered effective policy development, treatment options, and prevention efforts. The Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre will be backed by the national funding body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), using a portion of the government-managed statutory levy. It will be led by a consortium comprising the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, and Swansea, along with King’s College London. UKRI’s 20% share of the Gambling Levy will fund the centre, amounting to £22.1 million for the 2025–2026 financial year. Earlier this year, the levy also allocated £25.4 million to organisations working on preventing gambling-related harm. With government support, GHR-UK plans to carry out a research programme examining gambling harms, grow research capacity, engage with stakeholders, and utilise public data to produce new findings. The centre will also oversee 19 ongoing Innovation Partnerships funded under the GHR-UK framework. Research areas will include gambling in sport, online and video-game-related gambling, and structural factors contributing to gambling-related harm. As part of a broader UKRI Research Programme on Gambling, the centre aligns with 32 rapid evidence reviews, complements the 19 Innovation Partnerships, and supports four UKRI policy fellows already in place, according to UKRI. The organisation expects further investment in areas such as the growing overlap between gambling and video gaming. Purpose and rationale The launch addresses longstanding concerns about a significant lack of high-quality, independent research on gambling harms. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) estimates that harmful gambling costs the UK economy around £1.4 billion each year. The consequences extend beyond financial impacts to public health and the criminal justice system, including severe personal outcomes such as depression and suicide, UKRI stated. “For too long, gambling research has been underfunded and neglected,” said Professor Heather Wardle, director of the centre and professor of gambling research and policy at the University of Glasgow. “The new funding through the levy and UKRI represents a crucial turning point, enhancing both the quality and scale of gambling harms research and ensuring that policy is grounded in rigorous, independent evidence.” She also highlighted that the centre would place strong emphasis on input from individuals with firsthand experience of gambling harm, ensuring that research remains closely tied to real-world challenges and outcomes. Emphasis on lived experience In line with this commitment, Martin Jones has been appointed as the centre’s lived-experience lead. A campaigner and charity worker who has personally experienced gambling-related suicide in his family, Jones remarked, “Research isn’t an abstract intellectual exercise conducted in isolation. “It must—and should—remain closely connected to the real harms gambling inflicts on real people,” he continued. “We must do far more to prevent these harms, and coordinating high-quality research will help achieve that, particularly by investigating complex issues such as suicide, algorithms, and financial data.” Central to the centre’s mission is maintaining independence from commercial gambling interests. UKRI stressed that a robust governance and integrity framework will safeguard its autonomy. Researchers raised concerns in April 2025 during a parliamentary health and social care committee meeting about the potential for gambling industry influence over research funded by the sector. At the time, the panel of gambling harms researchers expressed caution over how the statutory levy’s funds might be distributed, noting that in the past, many researchers had avoided accepting industry-funded grants due to ethical reservations. Speaking on the panel, Wardle said that prior gambling harms research she had been involved in often prioritised questions and viewpoints she believes were shaped by the gambling industry. The public health debate The creation of the GHR-UK Evidence Centre comes amid ongoing regulatory and public health discussions surrounding gambling harms. MPs have recently described gambling advertising as a public health concern, following a study showing that university students in the UK who gamble are now losing an average of more than £50 per week. This week, the government also outlined plans to establish an illegal gambling task force aimed at blocking payments to unlicensed operators, curbing illegal online advertising, and strengthening cross-agency enforcement. Kathryn EvansKathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Bettors wagered $836.9 million, down 5.7 percent year-over-year. US.- The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) has released sports betting figures for March. Bettors wagered $836.9 million, down 5.7 percent year-over-year and down from February 2026. The state collected $4.8 million in event wagering privilege fees for the month. There are 14 licensed event wagering operators and 14 licensed fantasy sports operators in the state. For fiscal year 2026 year-to-date, regulated event wagering and fantasy sports have generated $47.8 million in privilege fees: $46.7 million from event wagering and $1.1 million from fantasy sports. Since the launch of legal sports betting in Arizona in 2021, people have wagered $33.9 billion, generating $179.9 million in privilege fees. US District Judge Michael Liburdi recently barred Arizona from applying its gambling statutes to prediction markets. He granted a preliminary injunction on May 5, siding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), declaring that wagers on future events qualify as federally regulated "swaps." 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) -   Spain and Mexico fueled record quarterly net gaming revenue for the operator. Spain.- Codere Online reported its strongest first-quarter results to date, achieving new records in net gaming revenue (NGR) and adjusted EBITDA, driven by continued momentum in Spain and Mexico. Net NGR for the three months ending March 31 increased by 13% year-on-year to €64.4 million, while adjusted EBITDA reached a historic high of €6 million. The key markets of Mexico and Spain continued to drive performance. In Mexico, NGR grew 13% to €34 million, while Spain contributed €25.5 million. Growth was supported by a 20% rise in average monthly active players in Mexico and a 13% increase in Spain. NGR from the company’s “Other” segment, which includes Argentina, Panama, and Colombia, declined slightly by 2% to €4.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA falling 3% to €26.3 million. Codere previously paused new investments in Colombia due to the implementation of a 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) on online gambling deposits in February 2025. This tax has since been revised and replaced with a lower 16% consumption tax following legal challenges. In March, lawmakers introduced a 10% levy on online gambling revenues in Panama. Overall, Codere Online posted a net income of €7 million, marking a turnaround from a €0.7 million loss in the same period last year. CFO Marcus Arildsson described the quarter as “a clear step forward in profitability,” noting that the company ended March with €56.2 million in cash and no outstanding financial debt. Based on current performance, the company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, projecting net gaming revenue between €235–245 million and adjusted EBITDA of €15–20 million. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The new centre has stressed its independence and remit to focus on “lived and living experience” of gambling harms. UK.- The launch of the UK’s largest independent gambling harms research centre has been announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a national funding agency sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre will be funded by the new British Gambling Levy introduced last April with the aim of directing  “world-leading research on how to tackle and prevent gambling harms”. The GHR-UK Evidence Centre will work with government, health bodies, charities, and people with lived experience of gambling in an effort to generate evidence-led research. It will be led by Heather Wardle, Professor of Gambling Research and Policy at the University of Glasgow and involved partners at King’s College London, University of Sheffield and Swansea University. The remit of the centre is to: Manage a comprehensive and innovative research programme on gambling harms Build capacity in gambling harms research Collaborate with stakeholders Explore how UKRI and other data assets can support generating new evidence Coordinate the cohort of GHR-UK Innovation Partnerships Wardle described the project as a “vital reset“. “For too long, gambling research has been under-resourced and overlooked. New funding through the Levy and UKRI marks a vital reset, strengthening the quality and scale of gambling harms research and ensuring policy is driven by rigorous, independent evidence. Putting lived experience at the heart of our work, we look forward to collaborating widely to deepen understanding of and reduce the serious harms associated with gambling. Focus on lived experience UKRI stressed that the new Evidence Centre will draw on the knowledge and experience of people with lived and living experience of gambling harms. This is intended to ensure the research will not sit in isolation but actively shape prevention and treatment initiatives funded through the levy. Martin Jones has been appointed as lived experience lead. He is said to have personal insight into addictive gambling products, having directly experienced the devastating impact of gambling-related suicide. He has since been involved with a wide range of research, education and treatment organisations and charities, UKRI said. Jones said: “Research isn’t an intellectual exercise sitting in isolation, it is and should be closely linked to real gambling harms affecting real people, as many of us know all too well. We need to do much more to prevent these harms, and coordinating top quality research will support this, especially by exploring the more complex areas around suicide, algorithms, and financial data.” The GHR-UK Evidence Centre will also form partnerships, including with health agencies and charities. One of its main roles will be to coordinate a cohort of  19 GHR-UK Innovation Partnerships covering a broad range of topics, including gambling harms and sports gambling online and in videogames and the structural drivers of gambling harm Based at universities across the UK, the Innovation Partnerships will carry out research to fill gaps in the evidence base and support the development of responses to gambling-related harms. It’s intended that they will work closely to generate evidence, build research capacity, and inform policy and practice across the UK, while training the next generation of gambling harms researchers. Independence from industry interests UKRI emphasised that independence from commercial gambling interests is fundamental to the work of the centre. GambleAware, the now defunct body that previously commissioned gambling harm research, treatment and prevention in the UK, had received criticism due to its direct dependence on voluntary industry backing. “A strong governance and integrity framework safeguards this autonomy, ensuring the Centre operates without external influence and remains a credible and trusted source of research on gambling harms,” UKRI said. “As the UK’s first research Centre on gambling harms that is free from industry involvement, the Centre’s independence guarantees that the evidence produced by GHR‑UK remains protected from external commercial interference.” UK Gambling Levy structure  The Gambling Levy funding is split across three strands: treatment, prevention, and research. The Gambling Commission is responsible for collecting and administering the gambling levy under the strategic direction of the government. UKRI and the Gambling Commission are responsible for investing 20 per cent of the Gambling Levy funds in the research strand, which amounts to £22.1m for 2025-26. Meanwhile, half of the funds from the levy are administered by NHS England and equivalent bodies in Scotland and Wales for treatment and support, and the remaining 30 per cent dedicated to prevention is handled by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). Gambling harm research plans As well as the new Evidence Centre, the research stream is so far funding 32 rapid evidence reviews, 19 new Innovation partnerships, and four UKRI policy fellows. Further investments are planned for the future, including in research into the convergence between gambling and video gaming. UKRI said harmful gambling’s burden on the UK economy is conservatively estimated at around £1.4bn per year, impacting the healthcare and criminal justice systems as well as generating individual impacts. It said a lack of high‑quality independent evidence on gambling-related harms is a major barrier to effective policy, prevention, and treatment. 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) -   Press release.- Paris Saint-Germain, official partner of 1xBet, has retained its crown to claim the title of France’s top team for the 14th time in the club’s history. Captivating title race + landmark victory in Le Classique Last season’s Ligue 1 demonstrated the Parisians’ complete supremacy. Luis Enrique’s squad wrapped up the title before the season concluded, ending nearly 20 points ahead of their closest rivals. This season told a different tale, serving up loads of drama for supporters. The championship was settled at the end of the campaign via a head-to-head showdown between France’s top two sides. Lens enjoyed an outstanding season, mounting a fierce challenge against the defending champions, but the Parisians ultimately prevailed to take home their 14th league crown. Luis Enrique’s team successfully retained their title in impressive fashion, delivering thrilling, attack-focused performances in every fixture. Before the winter break, Paris Saint-Germain had already shattered the club’s goalscoring record, scoring at least once in 40 straight home matches. Meanwhile, the Red-and-Blues stayed receptive to daring tactical experiments and giving new players their first appearances. Across the first half of the Ligue 1 season, as many as 17 separate players found the back of the net for the side. Luis Enrique offered young prospects the opportunity to show what they could do, and they seized that chance completely. Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué stayed the standout performers of the Parisian setup, but this season saw Ibrahim Mbaye, Senny Mayulu and Quentin Ndjantou properly establish themselves as key contributors. Another standout moment from Paris Saint-Germain’s victorious campaign was their 5-0 demolition of Olympique de Marseille on Ligue 1’s 21st matchday. This stands as the largest winning margin the Parisians have ever recorded in a Ligue 1 Le Classique fixture. The Red-and-Blues have emerged as France’s highest-scoring team by a significant gap, and have paired their domestic league triumph with a spot in the Champions League final for the second year running. Luis Enrique’s team is widely regarded as the most aesthetically pleasing side in European football, as they don’t just pick up wins – they win in spectacular style. 1xBet extends its congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain on this thoroughly earned Ligue 1 title, and sends its best wishes to its official partner for the upcoming Champions League final! 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) -   Focus Gaming News recently spoke with Alex Bukin, CEO at ReferOn, about the company’s execution-first approach to re-engineering legacy igaming infrastructure and fostering a culture of disciplined innovation. Exclusive interview. There is a very real reason most companies leave legacy architecture alone: it is incredibly dense, and it dictates the boundaries of the entire sector. Escaping that trap means looking at a supposedly untouchable industry standard and deciding to build right through it. The ultimate differentiator is tackling the complex work the rest of the market actively avoids. Focus Gaming News recently caught up with Alex Bukin, CEO at ReferOn, to talk about this execution-first mindset, and what it actually takes to build reliable, problem-solving, everyday infrastructure. ReferOn is often described as a disruptor. From a management perspective, how do you foster a culture that is willing to ‘break the walls’ of traditional affiliate tracking? “Disruption isn’t a one-off event; it’s a byproduct of disciplined management. At ReferOn, we foster a culture that constantly challenges existing paradigms by asking the ‘uncomfortable’ questions. Our team comes from all sides of the affiliate ecosystem, which means we use our own past frustrations as the roadmap. “Our goal is to take those frustrations and engineer them out of existence, creating something intuitive and powerful. I’d call our internal engine ‘constant constructive dissatisfaction.’ We look at industry standards simply as ceilings to be broken. “From a leadership perspective, this means hiring for an ownership mindset. I want architects who want to re-engineer how the industry communicates, rather than just ‘manage’ a platform. We’ve built a high-trust environment for ‘radical testing’ and execution, where the only true failure is staying comfortable with the status quo.” “Most people think innovation is about the ‘Next Big Thing.’ I believe innovation is about the ‘Current Best Execution.’ At ReferOn, we are breaking the walls of legacy thinking by refusing to compromise on the tools our partners use to build their empires. We aren’t just participating in the industry; we are re-engineering its foundation.” Alex Bukin, CEO, ReferOn. You often speak about ‘uncompromised execution.’ In a fast-paced industry like igaming, how do you ensure that speed never comes at the expense of operational integrity? “Operational integrity is the cornerstone of trust between ReferOn and our partners. In this business, speed alone is just a faster way to hit a wall. When we mark a delivery as ‘Done,’ it reflects an uncompromising execution that meets the highest industry standards. “We’ve invested in a robust infrastructure from day one, allowing us to develop and scale at market speed while maintaining absolute stability. My mandate is clear: we prioritise the single source of truth our partners rely on over winning a quick press cycle. Integrity is the core product here; the software is the delivery mechanism for that trust. We move fast because the foundation is rock-solid, not because we’re cutting corners.” Innovation usually meets resistance. As CEO, how do you lead your team through the process of challenging ‘the way things have always been done’ in the affiliate space? “Resistance is almost always rooted in fear; fear of the unknown, or the fear of breaking a system that ‘mostly’ works for example. In our brainstorming sessions, we tackle this head-on. We are fortunate to have a team that is highly motivated to challenge the status quo, utilising rigorous POCs (Proof of Concepts) to validate our logic before a single line of production code is shipped. “My role is to give the team the runway to build, test, and refine without pressure. We want to eliminate specific, day-to-day pain points for the managers using our software. When our partners realise their reporting is suddenly instant and perfectly accurate – when we completely remove a headache from their workflow – that initial hesitation disappears. That’s the moment where friction turns into momentum.” What does it mean for a platform to be ‘uncompromising’ in 2026, and why is that mindset necessary for the next generation of igaming growth? “The current landscape is highly sophisticated. Our partners deal with massive data volumes and need absolute clarity. Delivering estimates or struggling during peak traffic simply isn’t an option anymore. “The next generation of growth belongs to the operators who treat their data like a liquid asset; it must be fluid, real-time, and 100 per cent accurate. An uncompromising mindset is necessary because the margin for error has disappeared. If your management tools are a compromise, your growth will be too. At ReferOn, we provide the infrastructure that allows our partners to scale without ever wondering if their foundation is going to crack.” “Real innovation is just exceptional execution. At ReferOn, we give our partners the exact tools they need to run their businesses with total clarity and reliable data. We aren’t just participating in the industry; we are actively re-engineering how it operates.” Alex Bukin, CEO, ReferOn. Let’s talk about your data.  “As the industry’s data demands grow, ReferOn is building a smarter, cleaner way to handle affiliate management. To see this execution-first approach in action and talk about scaling your operations, book a meeting with the ReferOn team here.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -    The firm has disclosed total quarterly revenue amounting to €25.7 million (equivalent to US$29.7 million). Press release: Bragg Gaming Group has revealed its financial performance figures for the first quarter of 2026. Q1 2026 financial highlights: Revenue growth: First-quarter total revenue reached €25.7 million (US$29.7 million): – Revenue from the Netherlands rose by 3.5% year-on-year, driven by a temporary boost from a fixed Player Account Management (PAM) contract with Entain Plc (LSE: ENTL); – Revenue in Brazil climbed 33.3% versus the first quarter of 2025, supported by ongoing expansion in provider onboarding; and – Recurring revenue in the United States grew 7.1% year-on-year, fueled by an expanded footprint of high-margin proprietary content. However, total U.S. revenue fell 12.1% because of one-time revenue in Q1 2025 linked to the company’s content and technology initiative with Caesars Entertainment for its online casino platforms; and – Overall revenue increased by 0.6% year-on-year. Operating loss, net loss, and adjusted EBITDA: First-quarter operating loss stood at €1.4 million (US$1.7 million), a €0.3 million (US$0.1 million) improvement over the €1.7 million (US$1.8 million) operating loss recorded in the same period of 2025. Net loss for the quarter was €1.2 million (US$1.4 million), or €0.05 (US$0.05) per common share— a 55% improvement from the €2.6 million (US$2.8 million) net loss (€0.11/US$0.12 per common share) in Q1 2025. Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2026 was €4.0 million (US$4.6 million), corresponding to an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 15.7%, versus €4.1 million (US$4.3 million) and a 16.0% margin in Q1 2025. Q1 2026 and recent business highlights: Extended Key Player Account Management (PAM) agreement in Europe: Bragg announced the extension of its existing end-to-end Player Account Management (PAM) platform and turnkey solution contract with Senator Group, a leading online casino operator in Croatia. Chosen as preferred content delivery partner across a multi-brand, multi-jurisdictional portfolio: Leveraging a partnership that started in 2020 and has already resulted in successful launches in Romania, Belgium, Serbia, and Brazil, Super Technologies chose Bragg as its preferred content delivery partner. This collaboration will support Super Technologies’ aggressive expansion strategy by offering quick access to high-quality content and ensuring the technical and compliance readiness required for strict regulated markets. Shortly after, Bragg revealed it played a key role in Super Technologies’ successful entry into the regulated Greek market via its flagship Superbet brand— a major step forward in Bragg’s global growth plan. Positioned for Finnish market liberalisation: Bragg entered into a full PAM platform and turnkey solution agreement with SuomiVeto, a new market player led by the founders of the successful BetCity.nl. Under this deal, Bragg will supply SuomiVeto with access to an extensive library of exclusive and aggregated casino games, a fully managed sportsbook, award-winning Fuze player engagement tools, and end-to-end managed marketing and operational services in Finland’s newly regulated igaming market— set to launch for private operators on July 1, 2027. Leapt into an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-First Future: Bragg started developing the Bragg AI Brain, a data-powered AI engine aimed at enabling smarter decision-making and intelligent products across its ecosystem. This initiative is intended to lower the company’s overall cost structure, boost EBITDA growth, and guide it toward consistent net profitability. Strengthened leadership team and changed board: Bragg appointed Morten Tonnesen as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), tasked with driving operational efficiency and executing the company’s bold AI-First transformation. It also promoted Garrick Morris to Executive Vice President of Global Content, US & Canada, with a focus on expanding content offerings. Additionally, Thomas Winter— a well-respected figure in the gaming industry— joined Bragg’s board of directors, replacing Kent Young, who retired from the board. Executed a strategic restructuring to reduce cost structure and improve operating performance: Bragg finalized a strategic restructuring, which included a roughly 12% cut to its global workforce. This move is intended to realign the organization, optimize its cost structure, accelerate EBITDA growth, and reduce the time needed to achieve long-term net profitability. In Q1 2026, the company incurred around €0.7 million (US$0.9 million) in restructuring costs linked to employee termination expenses. It expects annual cash savings from staff cuts and other restructuring measures to reach approximately €4.5 million (US$5.2 million). Ensured greater board alignment with shareholders: As of January 1, 2026, director fees are paid solely in deferred share units (DSUs) on a monthly basis, with no cash option available. Entered into agreement for a transformational acquisition: Earlier today, Bragg announced it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Drayton International (Drayton), a diversified gaming technology and content platform. Upon closing the deal, Matthew Davey— a prominent gaming entrepreneur— will join Bragg’s board as Non-Executive Chairman, enhancing the company’s leadership as it enters its next growth phase. Matevž Mazij, chief executive officer for Bragg, commented: “We maintained strong execution across our business in the first quarter. However, in many respects, I think we’re just getting started as we work to finalize our potentially game-changing acquisition of Drayton. This deal, we believe, will position Bragg to lead the global gaming industry’s future— with the right team, top-tier technology, a refreshed brand, and a clear ‘games-first’ focus.” 2026 Outlook Bragg Gaming Group reaffirms its full-year 2026 guidance: revenue is expected to range between €97.0 million and €104.5 million, with Adjusted EBITDA of €16.0 million to €19.0 million (corresponding to an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 16.0% to 18.0%). The company noted that these projections do not account for any potential revenue or Adjusted EBITDA effects from the planned Drayton acquisition. 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 3×3 video slot immerses players in a vibrant world filled with chilli peppers, glowing coins, and juicy fruit symbols. Press release.- Onlyplay proudly unveils Pepper Coins, an electrifying 3×3 video slot where bold visuals and straightforward mechanics combine on every spin. The game plunges players into a vivid universe of chilli peppers, shimmering coins, and ripe fruit icons. Everything is fast-paced, colorful, and easy to understand from the very first spin. The gameplay remains simple yet engaging—each symbol holds value, and every spin counts. With an RTP of 95.50%, a HIT rate of 11.50%, and medium volatility, the game delivers a well-balanced experience. Players enjoy consistent action with ample potential for significant wins. Central to the game is the Hold and Win feature, where coins lock in place and build suspense progressively. Bonus symbols appear instantly with values ranging from 1x to 15x the bet, providing quick rewards. The Collect symbol gathers all Bonus and Jackpot values displayed on the reel, consolidating separate wins into a powerful payout. The Bonus Game intensifies the focus—it activates when Bonus or Jackpot symbols land on reels 1 and 3, accompanied by a Collect symbol on reel 2. During this feature, only Bonus, Collect, and Jackpot symbols are present. This design keeps the action clear while emphasizing larger rewards. Jackpot symbols—Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand—add depth to the gameplay. Each tier heightens excitement and offers opportunities for higher payouts. Every spin within the Bonus Game feels meaningful and fuels anticipation. The Chili Feature introduces unpredictability—it can trigger both in the base game and during the Bonus Game. It may award multipliers, jackpots, or additional Bonus symbols, instantly enhancing the round. Wild symbols support the base game by replacing regular symbols, helping create more winning combinations and maintaining smooth gameplay flow. “Pepper Coins is a clean, fast, and visually compelling slot that captivates players without overwhelming them with complexity. If you’re seeking a bright, dynamic game with clear mechanics and genuine win potential—this is a standout choice to explore,” concluded the OnlyPlay team. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   SOFTSWISS will be represented by its senior leadership at NEXT Valletta 2026, where they will discuss strategies aimed at driving growth in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Press release.- SOFTSWISS is set to bring its top executives to NEXT Valletta 2026 to examine how effective brand positioning and sportsbook engagement strategies can fuel growth ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Valentina Bagniya, chief marketing officer at SOFTSWISS, will begin the Marketing Hub with a keynote on establishing resilient brands in mature markets. Meanwhile, Olga Resiga, chief business development officer at SOFTSWISS, will participate in an industry panel focused on sportsbook audience engagement and retention leading up to the World Cup 2026. The event, NEXT Valletta 2026, will take place from May 27–28 at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. On May 27, Valentina Bagniya will deliver a keynote titled “Everyone Talks About Brand in Mature Markets – Few Actually Invest in It,” which will delve into why brand strategy becomes essential as acquisition costs rise and product differentiation diminishes. Drawing from SOFTSWISS’ real-world experience, the session will explore how operators can maintain long-term brand consistency while adapting to rapidly evolving market conditions. Valentina Bagniya, chief marketing officer at SOFTSWISS, remarked: “While the industry frequently discusses branding, companies often cut back on it when markets become challenging. Many iGaming firms still view brand as merely decorative rather than a core business asset. This mindset no longer works in mature markets, where consumers face countless product choices and switching costs are nearly nonexistent. Building strong brands requires consistency and deliberate decisions, not just short-term creative campaigns.” On May 28, Olga Resiga will join a panel discussion titled “The Battle for the World Cup Fan,” which will center on sportsbook engagement during one of the most active betting periods in the industry. The conversation will focus on how operators can manage increased traffic, attract new players, and retain users after the tournament concludes. Olga Resiga will share insights on how the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook team prepares for major events like the World Cup 2026—covering infrastructure readiness, audience engagement, and post-tournament player retention. Earlier this year, SOFTSWISS launched a new API testing tool designed to help operators prepare for high-traffic periods during major sporting events. Additionally, the company received the Best Sportsbook Innovative Feature award at the SiGMA Awards South America 2026 for its Sportsbook Network Jackpot feature. Olga Resiga, chief business development officer at SOFTSWISS, stated: “The 2026 World Cup will represent more than just a surge in traffic for operators—it will serve as a true test of product capability, infrastructure strength, and long-term player strategy. The brands that succeed during major tournaments aren’t always those spending the most on acquisition; instead, they are the ones who can convert temporary excitement into lasting engagement. In today’s environment—where players have endless options and shorter attention spans—retention, personalization, and seamless user experiences truly define competitive advantage.” SOFTSWISS representatives will be available throughout NEXT Valletta 2026 to meet with operators and industry partners. 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) -   Play’n GO has unveiled Manta Mayhem, a character-driven underwater slot featuring a protective guardian. The game follows a chaotic group of thieves as they attempt to outwit an irritable Manta Ray. Press release.- A shimmering treasure bay, a possessive Manta Ray, and a group of highly unqualified marine animals clash in Manta Mayhem, Play’n GO’s newest oceanic story focusing on trouble, competition, and attractive distractions. Deep in a remote part of the sea lies a stash of magical shells, left alone for a specific reason. The bay is protected by a stingy, irritable Manta Ray who treats the location like his own private museum, meticulously arranging every peculiar item he has gathered over time. It is a domain with strict rules, and one clear warning to intruders: do not touch the shells. Naturally, this is what draws trouble. In a nearby trench, a mismatched crew of strange sea creatures devises a scheme that sounds smart until you hear the specifics. They desire the shells, they desire the fame, and they are convinced they can outwit a territorial guardian using only guts and something suitably glittery. Their agenda is charmingly disorganized: distract the Manta Ray, seize the shells, and "look menacing" (a work in progress, but they are getting close!) Manta Mayhem embraces lighthearted underwater storytelling, trading heroic bravado for frantic improvisation as this aspiring heist group navigates reefs, avoids watchful eyes, and attempts to prevent the operation from becoming a watery disaster. It is a vibrant, character-driven caper where curiosity creates issues, greed breeds resentment, and the ocean keeps track. Magnus Wallentin, games ambassador at Play’n GO, stated: "We enjoyed creating a cast that is more bold than skilled, then placing them in a treasure bay guarded by a Manta Ray who never forgets a missing trinket. Manta Mayhem is full of character – it is colorful, humorous, and fueled by that classic 'bad plan turning into a mess' energy." Regardless of whether players side with the guardian or the potential thieves, Manta Mayhem offers an underwater narrative where the ultimate reward is the journey's chaos. 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) -   Boasting a 5×3 grid with 10 fixed paylines, the game offers a maximum win potential of 10,000x. Press release.- Booming Games has today (May 14) launched Diamond Forge: Link & Loot, a modern twist on a classic slot game. The title features a 5×3 grid and 10 fixed paylines, delivering a maximum win potential of up to 10,000x. Set against a traditional diamond-themed backdrop, the game includes two high-energy bonus features designed to deliver an engaging and exciting experience. Each collected Diamond contributes to charging the Diamond Boost feature, which can be activated either during the base game or while playing free spins. This feature can activate unexpectedly at any time, adding up to eight additional Diamonds to the reels—potentially triggering the powerful Link & Loot mechanic immediately. When players gather six or more Diamonds, they are awarded five Link & Loot spins. During these spins, adjacent Diamond symbols merge together to form larger clusters. Players have the opportunity to create Colossal symbols measuring 2×2 or bigger, which award a special Colossal spin. These spins increase the chances of landing higher-value prizes, including Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand jackpots. The ultimate achievement comes with the formation of a full 5×3 Colossal Diamond, unlocking the most substantial rewards possible. In addition, landing three or more Scatter symbols triggers eight Free Spins, during which there is an enhanced probability of activating the Link & Loot feature again. Players can strategically deploy large Diamonds throughout the session, aiming for that coveted 10,000x maximum payout. Craig Asling, director of games at Booming Games, commented: “Diamonds truly are a player’s best friend! Diamond Forge: Link & Loot brings a fresh take to a well-loved theme, and we are confident it will enjoy widespread popularity, just like other titles in the Link & Loot series. Its innovative bonus mechanics, combined with the familiar 5×3 layout, create an immersive gameplay experience with impressive winning potential. Start playing Diamond Forge: Link & Loot today!” 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) -   Strong results as esports drives sustained 91,4 per cent GGR growth across partners. Press release.- DATA.BET has announced a significant acceleration in esports betting. Building on the trends shared in the Sportsbook Report, which highlighted growing player interest in niche tournaments, Q1 2026 confirms the vertical’s continued upward trajectory. The latest results point to: Deepening market demand Disciplined trading operations Growing player engagement across partner platforms Substantial revenue growth and commercial impact Esports delivered standout results across every major benchmark. Compared to Q1 2025, GGR nearly doubled, and turnover grew sharply by 70,6 per cent, supported by a meaningful improvement in margin efficiency. Player activity strengthened across the board, with placed bets climbing 33,2 per cent and combo bets posting an even more pronounced jump of 72,1 per cent — a clear signal that users are shifting towards more sophisticated betting behaviour. The active player base expanded substantially, and the average single bet size also grew, pointing to higher confidence and deeper involvement from users. Combo bet growth was reinforced by recent UX improvements to our Single Page Application (iFrame), which now makes building multiples easier and improves the display and presentation of available events, while higher-value bets from premium-segment partner platforms contributed meaningfully to the rise in average bet size. Across major esports titles, performance dynamics show how player preferences and event calendars shaped the quarter. The top four disciplines – CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant – all posted strong double-digit growth across profit, turnover, bet counts, and active users. Niche disciplines collectively delivered a striking 245 per cent increase in profit compared with Q1 2025, demonstrating the depth of the company’s esports portfolio. This is a trend we first spotted while preparing the Sportsbook Report and one that continues to surprise the wider market, which still tends to underestimate the commercial potential of disciplines outside the established top tier. Rainbow Six stood out as a particular success story, driven by the addition of new markets, including combined Total Over + Win and Win First Half + Win Map, alongside a sharp expansion in match coverage. The discipline has found its audience in Latin America, where DATA.BET has solidified its position as a premium sportsbook solution supplier. Rocket League continues to confirm its status as one of the most promising esports disciplines for betting, with even greater potential to unlock should official data coverage expand in the future. Despite Q4 2025 hosting the FIFAe World Cup, typically the year’s headline event, Rocket League still delivered QoQ growth with turnover up 85,3 per cent, bet counts rising 18,7 per cent, and active players climbing 50,1 per cent. This was driven primarily by the largest and almost unique market offering in the industry, alongside a 94 per cent live coverage conversion rate. Between the regional VCT Kickoff and Masters Santiago, Riot Games experimented with a new format – Valorant EMEA Clash 2026, inviting teams that missed out on Santiago qualification, alongside second-tier squads from regional Challenger leagues. By filling a short gap in the calendar, the tournament posted strong YoY growth across core metrics and emerged as a notable driver of new-player acquisition, with newcomers making up 68.6 per cent of all new players and 55.4 per cent of total bets placed. According to Bohdan Holovnov, head of esports at DATA.BET, this performance reflects deliberate product and trading enhancements aligned with player behaviour: “High margin efficiency has been a real catalyst this quarter. Partners have increasingly recognised that esports can deliver meaningful commercial returns, encouraging them to scale up promotional campaigns and drive more traffic into the vertical. That feeds directly into more new users, higher turnover, and stronger margins. At the same time, we continue to offer the broadest match and discipline coverage on the market, and the impact is also reflected in the rapid growth of combo bets across our partner platforms.” The official data events were up 5.2 per cent YoY, with the overall event calendar climbing even higher to 10.8 per cent, reinforcing the breadth of DATA.BET’s coverage. Top-tier events outperformed low-tier events by a wide margin in turnover, profit, and bet count, yet the volume of low-tier events also grew, particularly in CS2, as Valve’s restructured Major qualification system has prompted tournament organisers to fill the calendar with new qualifying events. Holovnov added, “Q1 of 2026 set a new benchmark for what esports betting can deliver. GGR nearly doubling year over year, combined with a player base growing by more than 56 per cent and increasingly sophisticated betting patterns, suggests the vertical is maturing in exactly the right direction. We’re entering the rest of 2026 with strong momentum, an expanding market portfolio, and partners who are seeing tangible commercial impact quarter after quarter.” 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) -   Ukraine’s PlayCity has rolled out the pilot stage of the state-operated Online Monitoring System (DSOM), which will track activities of both players and operators across the nation’s licensed gambling market.  In an update published this week, the regulator stated that the initiative is designed to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve tax compliance within the country’s licensed gambling sector.  To date, 11 licensed gambling operators have been onboarded to the platform as part of the trial run. This represents a key step toward the digital transformation of gambling industry supervision. DSOM is a centralised transaction-monitoring platform built to capture and aggregate betting activities across the country’s regulated gambling landscape in near-real time.  The system will log key activities, including placed bets, winnings and payouts, as separate, tamper-proof transactions, each allocated a unique identification code. What is DSOM and why it is important The platform will specifically focus on transactional data, with a processing capacity of up to 10,000 transactions per second. While it records each user’s in-game transactions, authorities confirmed the system does not collect players’ personal information, nor does it track funds after they leave the gaming ecosystem. The regulator noted that its objectives for the platform include obtaining a full operational overview of the market. It also aims to boost tax compliance and enable data-backed supervision.  PlayCity stated that the State Tax Service will be granted access to the monitored data to help it accurately calculate gross gaming revenue (GGR) and associated taxes, including the military levy and personal income tax. Notably, DSOM’s architecture will block overwriting of submitted transaction records to guarantee data integrity. It comes with two separate interfaces: an internal interface for use by state regulatory bodies, and an external one for gambling operators.  New operators will get access to DSOM upon securing a gambling licence, and their details will be registered within one working day.  Ukraine legalised gambling in 2020. PlayCity was named the designated state agency responsible for regulating gambling and lotteries after policy functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its predecessor, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was disbanded in April 2024, following the regulator’s repeated failure to issue gambling licences in a timely manner.   This pilot system was launched just one month after PlayCity unveiled a new online complaints platform designed to speed up public reporting of illegal gambling advertising.  On Monday, a municipal court in Kyiv convicted three men of running an illegal gambling operation masked as a legitimate commercial business.  Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on short-format breaking news with a core focus on EMEA and US legislative developments. A proud North Walian, she is a fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan, having supported the club long before its high-profile Hollywood takeover. 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) -   Stake’s LatAm General Manager Diana Otalora says the company’s launch in Mexico ahead of the World Cup fits into the company’s long-term vision in the region, with further expansion opportunities being monitored. Stake launched in Mexico earlier this month, operating as an agent under the intermediary Uno Capali’s licence agreement with the nation’s gambling regulator SEGOB. The operator already holds licences in three other LatAm markets, having launched in both Colombia, Peru and Brazil since 2023. With its Mexico operations now up and running, Otalora hints at further expansion as regulation evolves across LatAm, in an interview with iGB. “LatAm is a strategic priority for us and there are other markets we’re actively monitoring,” Otalora tells iGB. “Stake is committed to redefining entertainment at scale – and that means bringing our product to more players.” Stake is adopting a localised approach in each of its four regulated markets in LatAm, a necessary strategy given the cultural diversity across the continent. “Every market is different, which makes Latin America very special,” Otalora continues. “The regulatory environments differ, user behaviour differs, sports preferences differ. “That nuance is what makes regional experience genuinely valuable, and it’s why we approach each market slightly differently.” Mexico ‘had everything’ Stake was looking for In announcing its Mexico launch, Stake Director Jarrod Febbraio said the market marked the “natural next step” in the operator’s LatAm expansion due to its long-term potential. Otalora echoes Febbraio’s thoughts, adding: “Mexico has everything we look for in a new market opportunity: a deep sports culture, a large and passionate population and accelerating digital adoption. “We’ve always taken a long-term view in LatAm, and entering Mexico ahead of a major tournament it is co-hosting reflects our broader growth trajectory in the region.” Febbraio said launching ahead of the World Cup reflected the company’s precision in entering valuable markets at the right moment. But while the World Cup was a factor in the launch’s timing, Mexico has long been in Stake’s plans. “Expanding our presence in LatAm and building a genuine connection with each local community is key to our growth,” Otalora states. “Mexico was already on our roadmap as a priority market. “The World Cup created a compelling moment to move, but Mexico was already a priority – the long-term opportunity here is significant and we’re excited to bring our products to Mexican customers.” Sponsorship set to play a key role Stake’s global strategy has often involved sponsorship. The operator currently serves as the front-of-shirt sponsor of English Premier League club Everton. The operator also served as the title sponsor of Sauber’s F1 team for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Sponsorship will likely again serve as an important tool for Stake as it looks to build brand awareness in Mexico. “Sponsorship has always been central to how we build brand presence in markets where we operate and Mexico certainly has a rich sporting culture we can lean into,” Otalora concludes. “We are always interested in activating locally and globally through relevant talent and means.” Kyle GoldsmithKyle has been with Clarion since December 2023, joining from the world of sports journalism, subsequently becoming a LatAm-facing senior reporter with iGB. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   1spin4win has released Lucky 1spin4win Hold and Win to commemorate its fifth anniversary, following a 2025 financial year that saw a 56.62 per cent increase in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Press release.- 1spin4win marks five years of steady growth with the launch of Lucky 1spin4win Hold and Win, a special title inspired by the studio’s most successful games. On May 14, 2026, 1spin4win achieved a major milestone — five years since entering the iGaming market. The company’s anniversary theme, “The Gold Standard of Classic Slots,” reflects its transformation into a respected name within the classic slot segment, built on years of industry experience and a commitment to authentic gambling entertainment. Today, the provider offers a portfolio of over 200 games that blend timeless appeal with advanced mathematics and strong market performance. In 2025, 1spin4win recorded a 52.06 per cent rise in total bets placed and a 56.62 per cent growth in GGR compared to 2024. This progress has enabled the provider to earn the trust of more than 1,000 operators worldwide, including prominent brands such as SOFTSWISS, EveryMatrix, Alea, SoftGaming, Digitain, and BetConstruct. In celebration of this milestone, 1spin4win introduces Lucky 1spin4win Hold and Win, a special slot featuring the studio’s flagship titles and beloved characters. Set on a vibrant 3×3 grid, the game includes traditional symbols like fruits, bells, and sevens, along with Wild symbols designed as red bezel-set diamonds. When activated, these Wilds illuminate the “5 Years” sign, reinforcing the game’s anniversary theme. The slot delivers an engaging experience enhanced by rewarding features. Landing nine matching symbols doubles the player’s win, while three or more Coins trigger the popular Hold and Win Bonus round. Starting with three respins, players have the opportunity to win two festive Jackpots — the x100 Minipot Coin and the x1000 Megapot. To honor the 5th anniversary, 1spin4win is also launching exclusive promotional campaigns in partnership with MOSTBET, Olymp, and Selector. These promotions will offer players additional ways to join the celebration, with exclusive promo codes available through the partners and to registered users of the provider’s Players Room platform. Olga Hlukhovskaya, business development director at 1spin4win, commented, “Reaching five years in the industry marks a significant achievement for 1spin4win. Since 2021, we have evolved into a trusted iGaming brand relied upon by top global companies. Moving forward, we aim to expand further into African and Latin American markets, strengthen relationships with regional operators, and reinforce our presence across Europe. This milestone is not only about celebrating past accomplishments but also about shaping the next phase of 1spin4win’s journey.” Olga Bogdanova, art director at 1spin4win, added, “Lucky 1spin4win Hold and Win celebrates the studio’s fifth anniversary in the casino industry. The game’s design brings together iconic characters and signature symbols from our previous releases, which are well-known to both our players and partners. The result is a dynamic product combining engaging Hold and Win mechanics with the distinctive 1spin4win classic style. We invite everyone to join the celebration, test their luck in the slot, compete for festive jackpots, and revisit their favorite 1spin4win games!” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In the following article, Dean Mascari, Head of Risk at Pronet Gaming, examines how real-time data, behavioural segmentation, and dynamic pricing are reshaping risk management approaches for online betting operators, especially in rapidly expanding Asian markets. Opinion.– Risk management in online betting has evolved beyond static controls and fixed limits. Today, risk is fluid, instantaneous, and deeply embedded across all aspects of an operator’s operations. In this piece, Dean Mascari, Head of Risk at Pronet Gaming, explores how advancing markets and technology are redefining risk frameworks—particularly for online platforms operating in Asia, where growth is swift and competition fierce. From static to dynamic risk Traditionally, sportsbooks set odds well in advance and made limited adjustments based on factors like injuries or team performance. Settlements occurred only after events concluded. The rise of live betting, micro-markets, and real-time trading has fundamentally altered this model. Odds now fluctuate constantly, and risk evolves continuously alongside market movements. Real-time data serves as the foundation of this transformation. Operators no longer rely on delayed daily reports to assess exposure; instead, they process continuous streams of information tracking events, market conditions, and customer behaviour as they unfold. Protecting operators and shaping markets Real-time risk management safeguards operators against sudden, significant exposures—especially during in-play betting scenarios. Wagering volumes can shift dramatically following key moments such as goals, red cards, or player injuries. Without immediate analytical insights, operators face heightened volatility risks. It also enables operators to fine-tune pricing and betting limits according to shifting market demand. This capability proves crucial in Asia, where consumer preferences differ significantly by region and sport. Operators can tailor their offerings to local tastes while maintaining oversight over global risk exposure. Behavioural segmentation Advanced risk systems allow operators to categorise players based on behavioural patterns, historical activity, and current market engagement. Distinguishing between casual bettors, knowledgeable punters, or automated bots helps operators determine which markets to modify or restrict, thereby preserving market integrity and profitability. This adaptability proves essential in Asian markets, where regulatory environments vary widely across countries such as the Philippines, Japan, and Singapore. Operators can configure their systems to comply with local regulations without undermining overall operational stability. From defensive to proactive Risk management is transitioning from a reactive stance to an active role in market development. Operators can influence capital flows through dynamic margins and limit adjustments—similar to prediction markets where prices reflect collective participant actions. Mastering this real-time interplay is now a critical competency. Hybrid products such as betting exchanges introduce added complexity. Here, prices emerge from user interactions rather than being set directly by operators. Balancing liquidity provision with exposure control ensures markets remain viable while mitigating undue risk. In Asia, where exchanges are gaining traction alongside traditional sportsbooks, operators leveraging real-time intelligence to adjust odds gain a decisive edge. Granular reporting and strategic advantage Real-time markets necessitate detailed analytics. Dashboards now display exposure and performance metrics updated every minute, empowering managers to anticipate potential stress points. Operators can drill down into specific segments—whether particular markets or individual player groups—to detect anomalies that may signal fraud or collusion. Demonstrating robust risk practices sets apart operators in Asia. It reassures regulators focused on player protection and financial risk oversight, while also strengthening confidence among partners and investors amid increasing transaction volumes. Embracing risk as strategy The evolving nature of betting risk mirrors broader technological and behavioural shifts. Real-time markets require equally responsive strategies. Operators who view risk not merely as a compliance requirement but as a strategic tool will be best positioned to succeed. At Pronet Gaming, we invest in solutions and processes that empower operators not just to manage change, but to thrive within it. By embedding risk capabilities throughout our platform and delivering real-time visibility and control, we help define the future of online betting experiences. 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.