Kentucky Adopts Bill to Increase Sports Betting Age and Expand Regulatory Reform

(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.

Prediction market update: Polymarket partners with MLB; Arizona files criminal charges against Kalshi

(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.

ECJ opinion in Tipico case supports member states’ local licensing requirements

(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.

Allwyn Seeks New Sportsbook M&A Opportunities After Novibet Deal Collapses

(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.

Saskatchewan increases funding for Indigenous communities driven by record gaming revenues

(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.

Gambling operators in Estonia voluntarily pay €1.4 million following tax drafting error

(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.

Anutin’s Election Signals the End of Thai Casino Plans

(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.

Fortuna Entertainment Group expands in the Baltics through acquisition of TOPsport

(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.

South Carolina Advances On-Site Horse Race Wagering Bill

(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.

Kazakhstan greenlights four new casino zones restricted to tourists only

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kazakhstan has authorized the creation of four new casino zones, designed specifically for international visitors. This state-led project seeks to boost tourism expenditure from abroad and broaden the nation's regional leisure attractions outside of its primary cities. As per local news, the zones are situated in strategic locales recognized for their natural appeal. These encompass the Caspian Sea coast's Mangistau region, Zhetysu's Panfilov district and Lake Alakol shore, the Talgar district in Almaty region, along with the Markakol area and Zaisan district in East Kazakhstan. These sites were chosen to foster development in less mature resort areas. The goal is to promote a wider distribution of tourist activity across the country. In contrast to the two current casino zones in Konayev (Almaty region) and Shchuchinsk-Borovoye (Akmola), which are open to both residents and foreigners, the new venues are legally limited to overseas guests. This strategy differs from moves in other markets like Vietnam, where officials have tested allowing domestic patrons to gamble. Officials stated that gambling venues will be prohibited in protected nature reserves, cultural heritage locations, or on land deemed vital for national security. ‘Around 500 jobs per casino’ Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Baurzhan Rapikov, underscored the projected economic advantages of these new zones. “The anticipated benefits are roughly 500 positions per casino, yearly tax income of 2-4 billion tenge, and a rise in gambling tourists from 100,000 to 200,000,” he said. The tourism industry in Kazakhstan has seen significant expansion lately, with reported revenue near 1.25 trillion tenge and investments surpassing $2.6 billion. Current law restricts local gambling to two regulated zones. Authorities plan to adapt and apply this framework to the new foreign-only locations, aiming to draw an international audience while keeping the practice contained domestically. 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.

DCMS’s UK Research and Innovation gambling unit seeks a chief to launch operations

(AsiaGameHub) -   UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has advanced plans to create its Gambling Research Programme and is searching for a department head to develop the initiative, which will be funded by the gambling statutory levy. The role will involve overseeing the establishment of UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling, which aims to address gambling harms through collaborative, evidence-led research. Applications for the position are open until 13 April, consistent with the government’s earlier announcement that the department would launch in early 2026. By the end of the first year, the head of the Gambling Research Programme is expected to have established the department as a “credible, trusted programme across the government and research community”, according to the job description. Posted online last Sunday, the role is a 24-month fixed-term position and will be part of UKRI’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The selected candidate will report to the AHRC’s associate director of the Research Programme on Gambling. Wider aims of the statutory levy The new head of the Research Programme on Gambling will provide “leadership, direction and momentum” for the initiative and decide how statutory levy funding should be allocated. The Research Programme on Gambling is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) via the sector’s statutory levy, which took effect on 6 April last year. Twenty percent of the levy is directed to UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling. Of the remaining funds, 30% goes toward strengthening gambling harm prevention efforts, while 50% is reserved for treatment and support services. The statutory levy generated £120 million ($159.5 million) in the nine months since its implementation. The levy applies to all UK-licensed operators, with rates varying based on the type of licence held. These range from 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) for online operators and software licensees to 0.1% for family entertainment centres, pool betting licensees and machine technical licensees. The Gambling Commission warned operators their licences could be revoked if they failed to pay the levy on time. Statutory levy funding must be fair and unbiased In May last year, Better Change founder Victoria Reed warned the statutory levy needed a robust governance framework to ensure its funding was well spent. There has been industry discussion about how and where the levy will be used, particularly for research and supporting the gambling harms sector. Gambling RET funding (research, education and treatment) was brought under government oversight as part of the gambling white paper and the broader statutory levy rollout. Under the previous voluntary system, funds were distributed through GambleAware, which will cease operations by the end of this month due to the change. Prominent researchers in the gambling harms sector had previously raised concerns that the industry held too much influence over research conducted under the prior funding model. 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.

DGOJ evaluating social media’s impact on young gamblers through new consumer protection strategy

(AsiaGameHub) -   Spain's Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has this week unveiled a broad new Safe Gambling Programme designed to implement fresh safeguards protecting young people from gambling-related harm. This includes evaluating how social media marketing affects youth. Named the Safe Gambling Programme 2026–2030, the strategy was presented during a recent gathering of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling at the DGOJ's headquarters in Madrid. The programme is built on three core priorities, underpinned by six broad objectives and 24 concrete actions to be finalized in consultation with the DGOJ's advisory body, the Consejo Asesor. To establish the required foundational research for the plan, the DGOJ launched a €1 million research grant initiative in May 2025. What prompted the DGOJ to reassess consumer protections in Spain? In its programme documentation, the DGOJ pointed to several key market changes since 2019 that prompted its review of consumer safeguards. These encompass the ongoing revenue consolidation among a handful of large operators and significant demographic changes, notably a rise in online gambling activity among younger people, especially those aged 18 to 25. Concurrently, it cautioned that swift digital advancement has intensified the role of social media, video games, and artificial intelligence in the sector's marketing and product development. The authority is examining social media's effect on gambling habits and will create a standardized system for identifying risky online gambling behavior, as required by the 2023 Real Decreto. A ramp up in data, prevention and player protection push As it formulates the plan, the DGOJ intends to assemble an extensive inventory of international and regional gambling regulations. It will also analyze game design elements that might foster addictive tendencies. Work will concentrate on generating user-friendly public resources, such as educational guides on hazardous behaviors and the risks of gambling. This will also involve a listing of treatment and support options. The current player self-assessment tool for adjusting deposits and limits will also be reviewed. Enhancing cooperation with treatment services and incorporating gambling oversight into national addiction frameworks like EDADES, ESTUDES, and the Plan Nacional sobre Drogas is another stated focus. The DGOJ is arranging wide-reaching communication drives and recurring thematic conferences on subjects including artificial intelligence and loot boxes in video games. Vulnerable groups, such as young players, heavy gamers, and people previously barred from gambling, are key audiences for these awareness efforts. The programme also encourages the use of protective instruments like the national self-exclusion registry (RGIAJ), the Phishing Alert service, and the Protocol for Victims of Identity Misuse (PACS). Programme will evaluate impact of Royal Decrees These developments have occurred in parallel with heightened regulatory scrutiny in Spain, characterized by Royal Decree 958/2020 and Royal Decree 176/2023. These decrees introduced tougher rules on advertising, session and spending limits, and account suspension procedures in recent years. Last year, Spain implemented a new rule forcing online gambling sites to show addiction warnings, comparable to those in tobacco controls. The industry trade association resisted this move, stating it was enacted without prior discussion with the sector. The Safe Gambling Programme pledges to assess the effects of the 2020 and 2023 royal decrees and their compliance with European Union directives and global regulatory standards. 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.

Wisconsin Senate Approves Online Sports Betting Legislation Amid Tribal Revenue Concerns

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Wisconsin Senate has passed the AB601 bill, paving the way for the legalization of online sports betting after a 21-12 vote on Tuesday. This framework, which utilizes a "hub-and-spoke" model mandating that all online wagers be routed through servers on tribal sovereign land, is consistent with federal court rulings on tribal gaming rights. Online sports betting bill gains momentum after months of debate Legislators have pursued this goal for several months. The AB601 bill initially gained support late last year and was then carried over into the 2026 legislative session. It received bipartisan approval in the Assembly earlier this year, demonstrating a push to bring existing offshore betting into a regulated system. Nevertheless, disagreements over tribal exclusivity and how revenue is shared have been central points of debate. Tribal model raises barriers for commercial operators Proponents contend the legislation will reduce offshore betting and funnel significant revenue to regulated tribal operations. Opponents, however, warn that it could block major national sportsbook companies from entering the market and impact projected tax income. A cornerstone of the law is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's stipulation that tribes must keep a minimum of 60% of net gaming revenues under their compacts. As reported by the Associated Press, Damon Stewart of the Sports Betting Alliance testified that, “It is simply not economically feasible for a commercial operator to hand over 60% or more of its revenue to an in-state gaming entity, just for the right to operate in the state.” This condition could restrict the entry of well-known national betting brands, likely reshaping the competitive environment in Wisconsin. Political divisions and tribal consent issues remain unresolved Support for the proposed model is not unanimous among Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes. Governor Evers has raised concerns about the lack of full tribal consensus, pointing to possible divisions between the tribes. The bill has now cleared both legislative houses and awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers. Upon enactment, Wisconsin would become another state to allow online sports betting, though its unique regulatory structure may curb participation from national operators and change the state's expected revenue outcomes. 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.