Ontario iGaming Wagers Increase in March

(AsiaGameHub) -   Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue increased by 13 per cent compared to the previous month. Canada.- iGaming Ontario reported that online gaming wagers in the province reached CA$9.59 billion in March. This marks a rise from CA$7.96 billion in March 2025 and reflects a 10 per cent increase from February 2026. Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) amounted to CA$387 million, up 13 per cent from the prior month. Online casino gaming represented 87 per cent of total wagers, totaling CA$8.32 billion—a 9 per cent increase from February. Its NAGGR was CA$318.5 million, rising 16 per cent. The sports betting segment accounted for 11 per cent of wagers, amounting to CA$1 billion, which is up 14 per cent month-over-month. NAGGR stood at CA$61.6 million, increasing by 1 per cent. Peer-to-peer poker contributed CA$183 million, up 36 per cent from the previous month. NAGGR reached CA$6.9 million, marking a 28 per cent gain. Digitain recently announced it has been approved to operate in Ontario as a Gaming-Related Supplier – Manufacturer. 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.

Spain Imposes Fine on Reality TV Website for Promoting Unlicensed Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) -   Zona Gemelos was found to have promoted affiliate links and commercial communications for unlicensed gambling in Spain. Spain.- The Spanish gambling regulator, the DGOJ, has announced a sanction against Make Money Now, S.L., for promoting unlicensed gambling. It said the operator of the reality TV live stream site Zona Gemelos (Twin Zone) website had committed a “serious infraction”. The site is known for live streaming reality shows such as The Twins’ House and The Twins’ Prison. The DGOJ says it promoted unlicensed gambling operators through affiliate links and commercial communications on social media platforms such as Instagram, Kick, X and Discord. The regulator said the activity represented breaches of Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation. It issued a fine of €10,000, which the company was able to reduce to €6,000 by accepting responsibility and making early payment, as permitted under Article 85 of the LPACAP (Law on the Legal Regime of Public Administrations and Common Administrative Procedure). The reduction also recognises that content was removed promptly following an initial request for information. €10.2m in fines for Spanish gambling breaches in Q1 The Ministry of Consumer Affairs issued fines totalling over €10.2m to nine companies in the online gambling and betting sector in Spain during the first quarter of 2026. Of the nine resolutions issued by the Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ), two were for “very serious infractions”, for a combined €10m, while seven for serious infractions, totalling €290,500. The two companies sanctioned for very serious infractions are foreign online gambling operators that operate without a Spanish licence. Perfect Storm B.V. and Rossobash SRL were each fined €5,000,000. In addition to the financial penalty, the sanctions entail the disqualification of these operators for a period of two years. The remaining serious infractions targeted operators who operate with a licence but commit an infraction specified in Article 40 of Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation. The six operators sanctioned were WHG Ceuta S.A., Tombola International Malta PLC, Emotiva CLM SL, Beatya Online SA, DZBT Deportes SA, and TSG Interactive Spain SA. The amount of the fines varies depending on the infraction committed. The latest amendment to Spain’s Gambling Regulation Law established that serious and very serious infractions that have been definitively resolved through administrative channels will be published on the DGOJ website. In compliance, the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 has published the sanctioning resolutions that have become final since July 2021. Since then, the number of published sanctions amounts to 221 and has imposed fines totalling more than 506 million euros. The Spanish government’s Consumer Affairs Department, to which the DGOH belongs, stressed the importance of strengthening oversight of content and platforms with large young audiences. It sees this demographic as particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with online gambling, which it says are amplified when illegal operators fail to implement measures to ensure a safer digital environment. Andrés Barragán, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs and Gambling, has said that the government intends to centralise safer gambling tools and introduce several new restrictions this year. Speaking at the annual conference of FEJAR, an association of rehabilitated gamblers in January, he said Spain currently had an irregular support framework and needed more coordination among national agencies to tackle gambling-related harms. 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.

Dutch gaming trade body appoints former MP Rosemarijn Dral as director

(AsiaGameHub) -   Dral served as the VVD’s spokesperson on gambling and other legal matters. The Netherlands – The Dutch gaming trade association VNLOK has appointed former parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral as its new director. Dral was a member of parliament for the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) from July 2024 until November 2025. Dral’s political background may prove beneficial to the association amid ongoing calls for reforms in online gaming. While in office, she acted as the party’s spokesperson on gambling and other legal issues. The VVD is part of the coalition government formed after the October 2025 elections, alongside Democratic 66 (D66) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). Challenges facing the Dutch gambling industry include the revised tax framework, which increased the gross gambling revenue (GGR) tax rate from 30.5 per cent to 34.2 per cent in January 2025 and further to 37.8 per cent at the start of this year. This led operators such as LiveScore Bet and Tombola, a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, to exit the market. The regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has observed a decline in tax revenues due to the increase. Gambling companies are currently prohibited from sports sponsorships and from using public figures like footballers in promotional campaigns. A new proposal aims to impose a complete ban on gambling advertisements in the Netherlands, while the previous government had considered raising the minimum age for online casino gaming to 21. Dral’s appointment follows VNLOK’s merger with the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) last year to streamline industry representation. Commenting on her new role, she said: “The regulation of online gambling involves significant societal themes such as consumer protection and law enforcement. I view it as my mission to collaborate with members, the government, and regulators to develop policies that genuinely support responsible and safe gaming in practice. VNLOK strives to be transparent in this area, maintain open dialogue, and contribute to political decision-making and implementation with factual insights.” VNLOK Chairman Björn Fuchs remarked: “Rosemarijn Dral demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility, backed by extensive experience in political and administrative affairs. This enhances VNLOK’s position in a rapidly evolving market where cooperation is vital to effectively protect consumers and combat illegal supply. With Rosemarijn, we are advancing an important step toward the further professionalisation and heightened visibility of VNLOK.” 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.

PlayCity introduces digital platform for public complaints

(AsiaGameHub) -   The new system allows the public to report illegal gambling advertisements to PlayCity. Ukraine – The Ukrainian gambling regulator, PlayCity, has launched a new digital complaints platform designed to make it easier for the public to report illegal gambling advertisements. The online complaint form is now available in the ‘For Citizens’ section of PlayCity’s website, providing Ukrainian citizens with a direct way to help monitor and prevent illegal gambling advertising. The system enables individuals to report suspected violations across various platforms, including social media, websites, television, radio, outdoor billboards, and other public spaces. Users submitting a complaint must specify the type of platform, provide a direct link to the advertisement, and include supporting evidence such as screenshots or video clips. The platform is engineered to automatically save submissions and capture temporary content like social media “stories,” allowing regulators to review material even after it has been removed. PlayCity staff will review each complaint to determine whether the content violates Ukraine’s advertising regulations. If violations are confirmed, the regulator can request that platforms such as Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch remove the content. PlayCity may also seek to suspend social media accounts that repeatedly share unlawful gambling promotions, impose fines on responsible parties, or refer cases to law enforcement when identities cannot be verified. The statutory penalty for illegal gambling advertising is set at UAH 5,188,200 (approximately €100,900). This new enforcement framework stems from Law No.9526d, the legislation that replaced the previous gambling regulator KRAIL. After the Ministry of Digital Transformation took over regulatory responsibilities last year, PlayCity assumed oversight of gambling and lottery operations. The regulator states that it has already issued nearly UAH 80 million in fines and blocked more than 500 social media pages associated with prohibited gambling content. In March, PlayCity began operating an automated system developed with the Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence to block military personnel from accessing online gambling during martial law, aiming to reduce problem gambling risks among service members. Additionally, the regulator has introduced the new Diia portal, enabling online applications for gambling licenses in Ukraine, eliminating the need for paper documents or in-person visits. 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.

March Sees Rise in Las Vegas Visits

(AsiaGameHub) -   The city welcomed 3.45 million visitors, marking a 1.9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. U.S.—The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced that 3.45 million individuals traveled to Las Vegas in March, reflecting a 1.9 per cent year-over-year growth and exceeding the 3.03 million recorded in February. According to the latest data, hotel occupancy reached 84.8 per cent, rising by 1.9 percentage points. The average daily rate (ADR) stood at $206.7, up 12.4 per cent from the previous year. Weekend occupancy climbed to 93.3 per cent, an increase of 2.5 points, while midweek occupancy improved to 81.9 per cent, gaining 2.2 points. On the Strip, occupancy was 87.4 per cent, up 1.6 points. Convention attendance surged by 33.4 per cent, totaling 712,000 participants, driven by events such as the NASCAR Pennzoil 400, college basketball conference tournaments including March Madness, and the return of the triennial CONEXPO tradeshow. In the first quarter of the year, Las Vegas experienced a 0.4 per cent rise in visitor numbers, reaching 9.74 million. The convention sector saw nearly 2 million attendees, representing a 12.3 per cent increase. In 2025, the city received 38.5 million tourists, down 7.5 per cent year-over-year. Hotel occupancy that year was 80.3 per cent, a decline of 3.3 points. In March, the National Football League (NFL) confirmed that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029. The 2024 event drew 330,000 visitors and contributed over $1 billion to the local economy. 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.

Virginia sports betting handle experiences year-over-year decrease in March

(AsiaGameHub) -   The handle decreased 2.4 per cent year-over-year but increased by 17.1 per cent from February. US.- The Virginia Lottery has released its report on sports wagering activity for March. The handle was $672.8 million, a decrease of 2.4 per cent year-over-year but an increase of 17.1 per cent from February. Adjusted gross revenue (AGR) totalled $60.1 million. Of the total, mobile operators reported $59.8 million and retail $307,766. Winnings totalled $609 million with a combined 9.49 per cent operators’ win percentage. Of the twelve mobile operators and three casinos, ten reported net positive AGR, leading to $9 million in tax payments. Casino revenue totalled $100.1 million in March. That’s an increase of 17.5 per cent year-over-year and marks the first time monthly revenue has exceeded $100 million. Virginia governor vetoes bill to legalise skill games Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger recently vetoed Senate Bill 661, which sought to legalise electronic skill gaming devices in the state. She said that SB 661 would strain an already fragmented system and introduce more machines without a comprehensive regulatory structure. The governor pointed to data collected by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) during the period when skill games were allowed to operate legally in the state between 2020 and 2021. She said this illustrates a concentration of machines in communities with higher percentages of residents living below the poverty line, from minorities and with lower education levels. 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.

SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Secures Top Honors at SBC Awards Europe 2026

(AsiaGameHub) -   This accolade underscores the product’s role in assisting operators via scalable content offerings, consistent operational performance, and innovative user engagement tools. Press release.- The SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator has earned the title of Game Aggregator of the Year at the SBC Awards Europe 2026. This recognition highlights how the product supports operators through extensive content libraries, reliable performance, and new engagement solutions. The SBC Awards Europe honor top performers across the European sports betting and gaming sector, including leading operators, affiliates, suppliers, payment service providers, and game developers. The awards ceremony was held on April 30, bringing the SBC Summit Malta to a close. Boasting more than 40,000 games from over 300 content providers across 24 regulated jurisdictions, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator stands as one of the largest content hubs in the market. It maintains 99.999 per cent uptime, guaranteeing steady performance even during periods of peak user traffic. Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of Operations at SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, commented: “Malta is widely recognized as the capital of iGaming, so it is a great honor to secure a win here at the SBC Awards Europe. This recognition reflects the hard work our team puts in to make the Game Aggregator as practical as possible for operators, from scalable content options to the everyday tools they rely on.” The SBC Awards Europe win comes after the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator rolled out two new tournament features: the Tournaments Report and Instant Tournaments. The Tournaments Report compiles all campaign performance metrics into a single unified view, so operators can compare different tournament runs and adjust their strategies without having to switch between multiple tools. Instant Tournaments is a new engagement mechanic that sees players compete to hit a pre-set target multiplier, instead of collecting points over an extended time frame. SOFTSWISS continues to expand its product suite to match the evolving needs of operators. Most recently, the B2B provider launched its Prediction Markets Platform, a fixed-odds solution that offers event-based wagers on real-world developments across politics, economics, and technology. 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.

BGaming challenges players to dare take on the immortals in its latest release, Clash of Gods: Anubis vs Hades

(AsiaGameHub) -   BGaming presents an epic battle beneath the underworld in its latest release, Clash of Gods: Anubis vs Hades. Press release.- BGaming plunges players into a high-stakes confrontation with the launch of Clash of Gods: Anubis vs Hades. The mythological rulers of Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt clash in a legendary struggle for dominance. This captivating slot, developed in collaboration with Golden Goat Gaming, the studio that co-created the hit title Zeus Goes Wild alongside BGaming, brings gods from two great civilizations to life. Each spin in this 5×5 slot offers the chance to activate a dramatic showdown between the two central deities. When a VS symbol lands within a winning combination, it expands across the reel, prompting the gods to duel, with the victorious deity applying a multiplier to wins—creating chaos on the reels and significantly increasing winning opportunities. Fans of BGaming’s portfolio will recognize this thrilling duel mechanic from their popular game Joker vs Joker. Scatter symbols intensify the battle, as three or more trigger one of the game’s free spins modes. In a player-friendly enhancement, super free spins can be activated if at least one super scatter appears among the triggering scatters. During these rounds, players are challenged to choose their allegiance: select Anubis mode for sticky Expanding Wilds or opt for Hades mode, which guarantees Duel symbols on every spin. Players also have direct control over the action through five alternative buy bonus options, including bonus hunt spins and dueling spins, with the latter ensuring Duel symbols appear on every spin. The Clash of Gods feature requires a wager of 800× the stake and elevates volatility to its highest level. This round floods the reels with additional Wild and VS symbols, dramatically increasing the likelihood of massive payouts. Delivering the most intense gameplay, this mode is ideal for experienced players and content creators. 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.

Meet the 2026 SBC Awards Europe Winners

(AsiaGameHub) -   The gala event was held on April 30 at Malta’s Xara Lodge, where renowned sports broadcaster Alison Bender presided over the presentation of 36 awards, celebrating the industry’s top-tier operators, affiliates, and suppliers. Press release.- The SBC Awards Europe 2026 served as the grand finale for the SBC Summit Malta, with Kaizen Gaming emerging as the night's top performer by collecting three trophies. Held on April 30 at Xara Lodge in Malta, the event gathered industry leaders to honor the organizations and individuals who are advancing the sector and establishing new benchmarks for sports betting and gaming throughout Europe. The evening was anchored by sports broadcasting veteran Alison Bender, who distributed 36 awards to recognize excellence among the industry’s leading operators, affiliates, and suppliers. Rasmus Sojmark, founder and CEO of SBC, remarked: “The industry continues to elevate its standards every year, and this edition was no exception. The winners represent the teams, individuals, and products that have not only kept pace with industry shifts but have also demonstrated the agility to adapt and push boundaries even further.” It was a landmark evening for Kaizen Gaming, which secured the Sportsbook Operator of the Year, Casino Operator of the Year, and Operator Innovation in Gaming titles, reflecting its robust growth and operational success. Within the affiliate sector, Flashscore successfully defended its title as Sports Affiliate of the Year, while Gentoo Media was honored as Casino Affiliate of the Year. Additionally, 1xBet received recognition for its affiliate program, winning the Best Affiliate Programme award. In the supplier categories, Delasport was named Sportsbook Supplier of the Year, and BGaming took home the Casino Supplier of the Year award. EveryMatrix was distinguished as Platform Provider of the Year, while Sportradar and Fast Track were recognized for Sports Data Product and Industry Innovation of the Year, respectively. Highlighting leadership and corporate culture, Betsson Group was named Employer of the Year. The Leader of the Year award was shared by Alexandre Tomic (CEO, Alea) and Elena Rousseva (CEO, Playtech), while Yaroslav Soloshenko (Business Development Team Lead, ELA Games) was honored as Manager of the Year. Excellence in game design remained a focal point of the SBC Awards Europe, with Peter & Sons winning Game Studio of the Year (Small) and Best Game Soundtrack. Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming were also celebrated in the Game Studio of the Year categories, while Play’n GO claimed Game of the Year for Reactoonz 100. Further honors went to Creedroomz for Game Design & Art Direction and TaDa Gaming for Game Feature/Mechanic of the Year. Regarding payments and compliance, Yaspa was awarded Payment Solution of the Year, and GBG was named Compliance & KYC Partner of the Year. Gaming1 was also acknowledged for its dedication to safer gambling, receiving the Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year award. The ceremony also featured several Rising Star categories to highlight emerging industry talent. 18Peaches was named Rising Star in Casino, while Odds88 won Rising Star in Sports Betting among suppliers. In the operator categories, 247Bet (by Casimba Gaming) was recognized in sports betting, and Impressario Casino took home the casino award. “I would like to extend my gratitude to our headline sponsors, 1xBet and Spribe, and our Official Partner, Gaming Malta, as well as all our supporting sponsors. Their contributions were vital in creating such a memorable celebration of industry achievements,” added Sojmark. The awards concluded the final day of the SBC Summit Malta, which hosted 6,000 industry professionals at the InterContinental Hotel, Malta, from April 28-30. 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.

NBA Stays Highly Focused on Integrity During Prediction Market Talks With CFTC

(AsiaGameHub) -   While the NBA continues discussions with a U.S. federal derivatives regulator regarding an integrity framework for prediction markets, the league submitted public comments this week in connection with a comment period for proposed rulemaking. In a four-page letter submitted to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the NBA restated its position that sports-event contracts should be subject to comprehensive regulations aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport. Dated 30 April, the letter from Dan Spillane, the NBA’s assistant general counsel for league governance & policy, was submitted on the final day of the public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning prediction markets. “There is no higher priority for the NBA than protecting the integrity of our games and preserving public confidence in our league and in our sport,” Spillane wrote. The NBA sent the letter just days after Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the league had held discussions with the CFTC on a potential integrity framework for prediction-market trades involving basketball. Like several other professional sports leagues, the NBA’s willingness to potentially partner with the CFTC would mark a shift from its previous stance on prediction markets. A Focus on Official Data Typically, sports event contracts are listed on Designated Contract Markets (DCMs), otherwise known as regulated exchanges that facilitate trading of futures, options and swaps. Spillane supports requirements for DCMs that would bar athletes, game officials and other league and team personnel from trading any contracts tied to their league’s games and events. Additionally, he emphasized that DCMs should be mandated to cooperate with integrity-related investigations carried out by national sports governing bodies. For probes into suspicious trading activity, the NBA has urged the CFTC to require DCMs to share specific traders’ identities with the league conducting the inquiry. Earlier this week, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who won roughly $400,000 on a Polymarket trade centered on the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to using classified intelligence for that transaction. This trade serves as a prime example of the risks tied to insider trading. On Thursday, Polymarket announced it has selected blockchain data platform Chainalysis to enforce its market integrity rules across the DCM’s DeFi platform. Shortly after the landmark PASPA ruling, Spillane traveled across the country to inform state legislators about the importance of using official league data throughout the bet settlement process. In his letter, Spillane referenced officially verified league data on multiple occasions. To maintain consumer confidence, he wrote, DCMs should be required to use official league data to settle sports-related contracts. Silver Praises CFTC’s Commitment to Integrity Speaking at an Associated Press Sports Editors event on 27 April, Silver lauded the CFTC for collaborating with sports leagues to prioritize integrity. While the NBA has yet to finalize an integrity framework with the agency, Silver noted that a potential partnership would likely mirror the Memorandum of Understanding the CFTC signed with Major League Baseball in March. Once completed, this framework could pave the way for the NBA to potentially sign a marketing deal with a leading prediction market operator such as Kalshi or Polymarket. “We aren’t necessarily adverse to entering into licensing deals with them,” Silver said. “But again, the league’s number one role is to ensure the integrity of the competition. And that’s what we’re most focused on right now.” Silver made these comments during the same week that two NBA-associated figures appeared in Brooklyn federal court in connection with a widespread illegal betting scandal. On Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Farrell told a judge that prosecutors will likely file additional charges against former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. During a hearing before U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall, Rozier learned he could face charges of honest services fraud and sports bribery later this month. Rozier is facing charges in U.S. v. Earnest, a case involving a scheme to defraud several leading U.S. sportsbooks. Damon Jones, another defendant in the case, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Jones, a former unpaid assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, admitted to providing inside information to a group of bettors to defraud a sportsbook out of money. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced next January. Matt RybaltowskiMatt leads long-form feature coverage of complex sports betting scandals. He also reports on finance, M&A and other technological advancements. 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.

PlayCity Introduces Online Complaints Tool to Deal with Illegal Gambling Ads in Ukraine

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ukraine’s gambling regulatory body, PlayCity, unveiled a new online complaint system aimed at speeding up public reports of illegal gambling ads, the agency stated on Thursday. The online tool enables users to report potential violations across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, TV, radio, outdoor ads, and other public spaces. PlayCity took on the role of the official state agency overseeing gambling and lotteries after policy functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its forerunner, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was shut down in April 2024—this came after the regulator repeatedly failed to issue gambling licenses promptly. How does the tool work? Those filing complaints need to indicate the type of platform, provide a direct link to the ad, and upload supporting proof like screenshots or videos. Notably, the system automatically stores submitted content and is designed to capture and save temporary ad materials—like social media "stories"—at the moment of submission. This lets regulators examine content even after it’s been taken down or expired. Once submitted, complaints are first reviewed by PlayCity’s team to check if the reported material breaks Ukraine’s gambling advertising rules. In cases where ads are found to be illegal, the regulator will take the following steps: Ask major digital platforms (including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch) to remove the content. Block social media pages that repeatedly share illegal gambling ads. Issue fines to identified responsible parties, or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement if identities can’t be verified via official state records. The statutory administrative penalty for illegal gambling ads in 2026 is fixed at UAH5,188,200 (equivalent to $118,069). Ukraine’s ongoing enforcement Tougher enforcement against illegal gambling ads was rolled out under Law No.9526d—the same legislation that dissolved KRAIL. The launch of the online complaint tool is part of PlayCity’s ongoing digitalization initiatives to boost regulatory supervision in Ukraine’s gambling industry. Since it was set up 11 months ago, the regulator says it has imposed nearly UAH80 million in fines for illegal gambling ads, and blocked over 500 social media pages sharing forbidden content. These enforcement numbers reflect a wider tightening of Ukraine’s regulatory framework after gambling was legalized in 2020. PlayCity recently started overseeing an automated system that blocks military personnel from accessing online gambling services. Launched by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence in March, this system aims to reduce problem gambling among service members during the current martial law period. The complaint form is now live and accessible to all Ukrainian citizens via the PlayCity website. It allows the public to actively contribute to monitoring and regulating illegal gambling ads. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislative matters. She’s a proud North Walian, fluent in Welsh, and a lifelong Wrexham FC supporter—long before Hollywood took notice. 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.

India’s Government releases a framework outlining classification and regulation of various online games

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Government of India has finalized a regulatory structure to supervise the nation’s online gaming industry. These regulations were rolled out less than a year after the country outlawed real-money online gambling through the 2025 Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill. The framework has set up a central regulatory body and detailed rules intended to govern and distinguish between online money games, esports, and social games.  The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act 2025, paired with the supporting Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026, took effect on 1 May 2026 following its first public release on 22 April 2026. Legal definitions The new rules lay out an unbiased, time-limited assessment process to categorize games into one of two groups: Online money games: games in which users pay fees or place stakes while having a reasonable expectation of earning monetary returns, which will be banned; Permissible social games or e-sports: games permitted under the legislation that come with specified protective measures. The Online Gaming Authority will be responsible for issuing licenses and approvals. The criteria the regulator will take into account include the type of fees or stakes involved and users’ expectation of financial winnings. It will also evaluate the game’s revenue structure, as well as how rewards or in-game assets can be converted to cash outside of the game ecosystem. Classification rulings will be issued within 90 days of a fully completed application or notification being submitted. This centralized framework is being rolled out at a time when India’s wider gambling industry has been under growing regulatory and political scrutiny. India prohibited real-money iGaming in August 2025, after data indicated that one third of the country’s population was losing a combined $2.3 billion annually on bets. The bill made both participation in such online games and their advertisement criminal offenses, carrying punishments including fines and prison sentences of up to five years. While India’s Minister of Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the bill “stops a major ill that was seeping into society”, opponents argued that the legislation would only push bettors to use unregulated overseas platforms. Over the first 90 days after the ban was implemented, real-money gaming (RMG) platforms reportedly posted asset write-downs exceeding $840 million. Establishment of OGAI A core component of the new framework is the formation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which will function as a subordinate office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).  Based in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Authority will be a small, cross-departmental body. It will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of MeitY, with support from Joint Secretary-level delegates from other government ministries. The Authority will keep an official register of online money games, which are classified as harmful due to their associated financial and social risks. Its remit will include conducting investigations, issuing official guidance, and setting industry codes of practice. It will also handle user appeals against grievance rulings made by platforms, and coordinate with various financial regulatory agencies.  Registration and user safety for esports Only games or game categories flagged by the central government – assessed based on user risk (particularly for minors), scale, financial transaction volumes, and country of origin – are required to register under the new framework. Any games applying for official esports recognition will also need to complete registration. Successfully registered providers will be issued a digital Registration Certificate that remains valid for a maximum of ten years. Notably, games categorized as online money games will not qualify for esports recognition under the National Sports Governance Act 2025. The rules mandate that service providers put in place user protection measures such as age verification and access gating, usage time restrictions, and parental controls. Requirements also cover in-app reporting tools, counselling support services, and systems to guarantee fair play and operational integrity. When submitting registration applications, platforms will be obligated to provide details of both these safety measures and their internal grievance resolution procedures. Grievances and enforcement A two-stage grievance resolution system has also been launched as part of the framework. First, users who are unhappy with a ruling can file an appeal with the relevant platform within 30 days of the grievance being addressed; if the issue is not resolved, users can escalate the matter to the Online Gaming Authority, which targets a 30-day turnaround for case resolution. A subsequent appeal can be filed with the Secretary of MeitY, who acts as the Appellate Authority, with a target resolution window of 30 days. Most investigations and enforcement proceedings will be carried out digitally, with the goal of closing all cases within 90 days of a complaint being filed. Penalties will be tailored to be proportional, with assessments taking into account factors including profits earned from the violation, harm caused to users, whether the offense is repeated, its severity, and any steps taken by the entity to remedy the issue. The Authority has the power to issue civil penalties based on these assessments. The Act aims to stop regulated financial institutions and payment networks from processing transactions connected to banned online money games. This will require closer collaboration between the Online Gaming Authority and financial regulators, and could reshape the current structure of in-app purchases, token systems, and cash withdrawal mechanisms. Once it is fully operational, the Authority is set to release the official list of banned online money games, and begin processing classification decisions and registration applications under the new regulatory system. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on short-form breaking news, with a core focus on legislation across the EMEA region and the United States. A proud native of North Wales, she is a fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong supporter of Wrexham FC – well before the club gained Hollywood fame. 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 penalizes production company for promoting unlicensed gambling operator

(AsiaGameHub) -   Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) has imposed a €10,000 penalty on Make Money Now SA— the production firm behind the popular online reality show channel Zona Gemelos— for promoting an unlicensed gambling operator. Announced on Thursday, this fine is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on the betting sector in the first quarter of 2026, during which over €10 million in penalties were levied. Make Money Now SA, known for livestreamed content like The House of the Twins and The Prison of the Twins, was found by the DGOJ to have engaged in affiliate-style promotion of a gambling operator not licensed by Spanish authorities. The regulator stated that this activity constitutes a “serious” violation of Spain’s Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation. Investigations revealed that commercial communications and affiliate links to the unlicensed provider were shared across multiple social media platforms used by Zona Gemelos, including Instagram, Kick, X, and Discord. Protecting youngsters from gambling harms The DGOJ had specific concerns about such gambling promotions appearing on platforms with significant youth viewership, raising issues about the risks posed by unregulated operators that fail to comply with mandatory consumer-protection standards. Following initial inquiries by the regulator, Make Money Now swiftly removed the infringing advertisements. The company acknowledged responsibility and made a voluntary regulatory settlement payment. These factors, along with prompt remedial action, allowed Make Money Now to benefit from procedural penalty reductions under Spain’s administrative procedure law (LPACAP). As a result, the DGOJ reduced the original €10,000 fine to €6,000. Last month, the DGOJ published its Safe Gambling Programme 2026-2030, aiming to adopt new measures to protect youngsters from gambling harms. This includes researching the influence of social media on gambling patterns and developing a standard mechanism to detect risky online gambling behaviour. One of many The fine against Zona Gemelos is part of an enforcement initiative carried out by the DGOJ in early 2026. The regulator issued nine final rulings against online betting and gambling entities, cumulatively imposing fines of €10.29 million. Among these nine cases, the DGOJ deemed two to be “very serious”, accounting for €10 million of the total penalties. These two entities had operated offshore in Spain for two years and were found to have illegally offered betting services without the required Spanish licences. Since a 2021 amendment to the Gambling Regulation Act mandated the publication of administrative sanctions, the DGOJ has increased transparency and publicised enforcement actions more proactively. Since July 2021, the DGOJ has issued 221 sanctions with total fines exceeding €506 million, reflecting intensified regulatory oversight over both licensed operators and illegal foreign entities targeting Spanish consumers. Kathryn EvansKathryn covers concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan—long before Hollywood came calling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

A study by Cambridge University intensifies the debate on gambling ads in Ireland

(AsiaGameHub) -   This study examined the “staggering” reach of gambling advertisements across social media platforms. Ireland. — A new study from the University of Cambridge has stoked the ongoing debate about gambling advertising in Ireland. Conducted in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, this analysis looked at gambling advertisements on social media. Leveraging Meta’s Ad Library, the research team analyzed advertisements on Facebook and Instagram, with a focus on demographic reach. The study reviewed 411 adverts from 88 licensed Irish gambling operators. Study results revealed that young men were 2.3 times more likely than women to come across these ads, even though they were not explicitly targeted. Adults aged 25–34 made up roughly one-third of all unique accounts reached by the ads, which generated 6.2 million total impressions. One Betfair campaign reached 1.32 million accounts — equivalent to 26 percent of Ireland’s total population. Dr Elena Petrovskaya from Cambridge’s Department of Computer Science and Technology stated: “Even in a country as small as Ireland, the number of accounts these ads reached was staggering. “We selected Ireland as a case study of an environment where a modern gambling regulatory framework had not yet been adopted.” Gambling regulations in Ireland are currently undergoing a major overhaul, with the newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) taking over oversight duties under Ireland’s 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. Still, much like across the Irish Sea in the UK, this regulatory review has not quietened demands for stricter rules on gambling advertising. Leader of the Labour Party Ivana Bacik has been calling for a complete ban on gambling advertising in Ireland. This new research could lend further support to her arguments, particularly around the impact on vulnerable young men. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has cut ties with gambling sponsors, citing social responsibility concerns. In contrast, the League of Ireland has been reluctant to abandon these kinds of partnerships. Dr. Deirdre Leahy of MTU, a co-author of the study, said the research “provides valuable insights that establish a baseline for the reach of gambling advertising on social media in Ireland before the introduction of a regulatory framework. This baseline will be essential for assessing the impact of reforms under the Gambling Regulation Act.” In Ireland, men aged 25-34 have the highest rate of problem gambling, with 1.3 percent of this age group exhibiting this behavior compared to just 0.2 percent of women in the same age group. The analysis found that 91 adverts (22 percent) targeted men only, and no adverts targeted only women. Across all 411 adverts, 12.6 million men were reached, compared to 5.4 million women. In total, adverts targeting some part of the age group 25-44 reached 59.4 percent of all accounts reached. 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.

Survey reveals UK student gambling losses nearly double

(AsiaGameHub) -   The number of students losing over £50 per week to gambling has doubled. UK—A recent study indicates that UK university students who gamble are currently losing an average of over £50 per week. This figure is nearly twice the amount recorded the previous year. In December 2025, the fifth annual Student Gambling Survey polled 2,000 students. Censuswide carried out the research for the self-exclusion service Gamstop and the responsible gambling charity Ygam. Approximately 65 per cent of participants reported gambling at least once during the previous year. A five-year study involving 10,000 students identified a wider trend: overall participation dropped from 78 per cent in 2022 to 65 per cent in 2026. It appears that while fewer students are gambling, those who do are spending more. Regarding demographics, male students were significantly more likely to gamble (75 per cent) than female students (55 per cent). Only half of Asian students reported gambling, compared to 72 per cent of White students. The National Lottery remained the most frequent activity (31 per cent), followed by online sports betting (29 per cent). There was a notable gender gap in sports betting: 41 per cent of men versus 17 per cent of women. Engagement frequency varied by activity: sports bettors played an average of 116 days annually, online slot players 103 days, and lottery participants 65 days. Weekly expenditure surged to £50.33, nearly doubling the £27.24 recorded in 2024. Three-quarters of student gamblers spent over £10 a week, and nearly 25 per cent spent more than £50. Men’s spending (£64.89) was considerably higher than women’s (£30.93). Motivations for gambling have also changed: 53 per cent of participants said they gambled "to make money," an increase from 45 per cent the previous year. Other factors included excitement and socialising, while 4 per cent confessed they gambled because they were unable to stop. Furthermore, 18 per cent of student gamblers were identified as problem gamblers via the PGSI screening tool: 30 per cent were at moderate risk, and 16 per cent at low risk. Men and students from Black, Asian, or Mixed backgrounds had higher risk scores. Almost half reported that gambling negatively affected their university experience, citing issues like difficulty buying food (15 per cent), missing social gatherings (14 per cent), and academic problems. Seven per cent applied for hardship loans, and 6 per cent thought about leaving or deferring their studies. Primary funding sources were wages (52 per cent), savings (37 per cent), and student loans (21 per cent). Fiona Palmer, CEO of Gamstop, remarked: “The Annual Student Gambling Survey shows a concerning lack of awareness regarding gambling risks among students and the consequences for those who struggle to maintain control, though the increased awareness of support services is a positive sign.” She emphasized that self-exclusion is essential, noting that nearly 60,000 people under 25 are registered with Gamstop—a 75 per cent increase over five years. Gamstop saw a 40 per cent rise in registrations for 16-24-year-olds during the latter half of 2025, with 58,675 new sign-ups between July and December, averaging 319 daily. Awareness of campus support services has grown slightly, with 58 per cent of student gamblers now aware of available help (up from 53 per cent). Outside of traditional gambling, 37 per cent of students reported investing in cryptocurrency (51 per cent of men compared to 25 per cent of women). About 85 per cent played video games, and 75 per cent of those had purchased loot boxes or similar randomized items, an increase from 66 per cent the previous year. More than half of these students viewed such purchases as a type of gambling. A recent study by the Nationwide building society revealed that the top 10 per cent of UK gamblers wagered approximately £745 each month. 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.

Isle of Man’s Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill moves forward for royal assent

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Isle of Man's updated gambling legislation will roll out new vetting procedures for industry personnel and financial penalties for regulatory violations. UK.- The House of Keys, the lower chamber of the Isle of Man’s parliament Tynwald, has approved a major reform of the territory’s gambling regulations in its final vote. The lower house endorsed revisions to the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill proposed by the Legislative Council, moving the bill forward to receive royal assent. The new measures are expected to enter into force in the summer. This legislative overhaul is designed to strengthen statutory rules governing employment and economic activity in the gambling sector. Key clauses include a new "fitness and propriety" requirement for individuals involved in gambling operations, alongside the establishment of a civil penalty system to address regulatory non-compliance. The fitness and propriety test will add competency and financial checks to the existing character-focused assessments for operators. Meanwhile, the penalty framework grants regulators the authority to impose fines in cases where violations occur via deliberate approval, negligence, or collusion. To guide the rollout of the rules, the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has launched two public consultations, open until Monday May 25, to solicit feedback on both the new regulatory standards and the penalty regime. These consultations build on stakeholder engagement work carried out throughout 2024. Treasury Minister Chris Thomas, who guided the bill through its passage in the House of Keys, highlighted the collaborative nature of the reforms. "I’d like to thank many professionals in the e-gaming field who continue to offer insights into the implementation and impact of these changes, as well as GSC and treasury officers for developing this bill that is of great significance for this key sector," he said. He also acknowledged amendments put forward by members Ms Lord‑Brennan MHK, Mr Clueit MLC, and Mrs August‑Phillips MLC, which incorporated input from industry representatives. The push for tighter regulation comes after the GSC assessed the Isle of Man’s money laundering risk at a "medium high" level. 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.

Sweden’s gambling regulator revises self-exclusion rules for operators

(AsiaGameHub) -   Spelinspektionen has verified the rollout of a broader prohibition on credit-based gambling. Sweden.- Spelinspektionen, the Swedish gambling authority, has introduced updated rules regarding how licensed operators must verify players against the national self-exclusion database, Spelpaus.se. These requirements pertain to operators mandated to register participants under Chapter 12, Section 1 of the Gambling Act (2018:1138). Under the revised guidelines, operators are required to utilize specific login credentials provided by the authority when conducting Spelpaus.se inquiries. Furthermore, they are obligated to use the application programming interface (API) designated for the specific type of check being performed. The updated rules also specify that a verification process is deemed finished once it determines the individual's current suspension status from gambling activities. These new requirements are set to take effect on August 1, 2026. In addition, the broadened ban on gambling with credit in Sweden is scheduled to start tomorrow (May 1). This restriction, established via an update to the 2018 Gambling Act, is designed to protect players from accumulating debt through gambling. The comprehensive credit prohibition dictates that operators and gaming representatives are forbidden from permitting credit-funded gambling. They are also required to implement necessary safeguards to block such transactions. This rule covers every type of licensed gaming, irrespective of the delivery method. 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.

Red Rock Resorts Shares Q1 Financial Growth with Boosted Net Revenue

(AsiaGameHub) -   Year-on-year, revenues saw a 1.9 per cent rise. US.- Red Rock Resorts announced its financial performance for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026. Total net revenue reached $507.3m, representing a 1.9 per cent growth compared to the first quarter of 2025. Net income fell by 3.8 per cent to $82.7m, and adjusted EBITDA declined by 1.2 per cent to $212.6m. Operations in Las Vegas produced $499.5m in net revenue, a 0.9 per cent year-over-year improvement. Adjusted EBITDA for this segment dropped 1.5 per cent to $232.4m. Native American operations contributed $4.7m in net revenue and $2.9m in adjusted EBITDA, stemming from development and management fee activities. Red Rock Resorts, which holds an indirect equity stake in and manages Station Casinos, recorded net revenues of $2.01bn in 2025, a 3.7 per cent annual increase. During that year, net income climbed 22.1 per cent to $355.7m. 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.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission resumes sports betting licensing process

(AsiaGameHub) -   This move came in response to a petition from Bet365. US.- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) has unanimously voted to reopen the application window for sports betting licenses. The action follows a request from Bet365, which is seeking to obtain a Category 3 Sports Wagering Licence. Firms wishing to seek a licence must file a Notice of Intent with the Commission by May 15. The form is available on the MGC’s website. Sports wagering licences fall into three categories. Category 1 covers in-person betting at a casino, category 2 is for retail wagering at a racetrack, and category 3 is for online sports betting. Category 3 licenses may be tied to a category 1 or 2 licensee or operate independently. When sports betting first went live in the state, 16 companies submitted licence applications. Three later pulled out, one submission was considered incomplete, and two operators stopped their activities after being licensed. In March, Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), MGM Springfield (MGM), and Encore Boston Harbor (EBH) posted $107.8m in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a 2.6 per cent increase from the previous year. The seven online and three retail sports betting licensees produced $65.4m in taxable sports wagering revenue (TSWR). The total sports betting handle reached $699m, comprising $690.7m wagered online and $8.3m placed at physical venues. The MGC also recently introduced PlayWell, a new responsible gambling and player wellness program that will succeed its former GameSense effort. 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.

Nevada’s March Gaming Revenue Sees Uptick

(AsiaGameHub) -   Revenue saw an 11.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year. US. - The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has announced that the state's casinos reported $1.43 billion in revenue for March. This represents an 11.8 per cent year-over-year increase, up from the $1.23 billion generated in February. Clark County, encompassing areas such as the Strip, downtown Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, the Boulder Strip, and surrounding regions, brought in $1.3 billion, marking a 12.7 per cent rise from the same period in 2025. The Las Vegas Strip alone accounted for $780 million, an increase of 14.4 per cent. In Washoe County, which includes casinos in Reno, Sparks, and North Lake Tahoe, revenue reached $87.8 million, a 7.3 per cent increase. South Lake Tahoe generated $17.6 million, up 19.7 per cent, while Elko County reported $35.3 million, a decrease of 4.8 per cent, and the Carson Valley Area saw $12.2 million, an increase of 5.3 per cent. The state collected $93 million in percentage fees, which is a 17.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025. During March, Boyd Gaming inaugurated Cadence Crossing in Henderson, Nevada. This new property is situated adjacent to the Jokers Wild Casino, near the intersection of Boulder Highway and Warm Springs Road. 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.