Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), a casino operator exclusively for foreign patrons, recorded casino revenue of KRW32.0 billion (approximately US$21.2 million) in March. This figure represents a 22.8% decrease compared to the previous year, yet an increase of 16.0% from February. This decline in revenue is somewhat unexpected, considering that the total drop amount—the sum of money wagered by customers—actually grew by 13.5% year-over-year and 18.8% month-over-month, reaching KRW339.3 billion ($225 million). Revenue from table games saw a 26.0% year-over-year reduction, totaling KRW28.4 billion ($18.8 million). Conversely, electronic (machine) revenue rose by 17.8% to KRW3.54 billion ($2.3 million), when compared to March of the previous year and February of the current year, respectively. GKL has announced casino revenue of KRW425.3 billion (US$294 million) for the fiscal year ending 2025. This report comes after the company decided to discontinue its plans to purchase the land housing the Seven Luck Casino in Seoul’s Dragon City development. GKL presently operates three casinos in South Korea under the Seven Luck brand, with establishments situated in both Seoul and Busan. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - India has announced the blocking of a further 8,376 gambling and gaming websites, as offshore platforms remain a persistent issue for the nation. Following the implementation of the 2025 Online Gaming Act, over 4,800 of these targeted URLs have been taken down. This legislation prohibits online gambling for money and is now a central component of the government's strategy to fight online betting and gambling. A survey by CUTS International in the Delhi NCR region last December revealed that the proportion of users on offshore sites rose from 68.3% before the ban to 82% after it, marking a 20.1% overall increase. The data further showed daily users of these platforms jumped from 3.4% of users pre-ban to 42.3% post-ban. Beyond more frequent access, users are also spending more time on these sites and increasing their monthly expenditures. Individuals have circumvented Indian legal restrictions using mirror domains and local payment methods such as UPI. Another CUTS International survey in Tamil Nadu in early January found that engagement with offshore gambling sites there has grown by 15.2% since the ban, indicating their continued prevalence across many states despite a stricter legal framework. The scale of the offshore gambling industry was highlighted during a MediaNama panel on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (2025) in September 2025. Dhruv Garg, a Partner at IGAP, noted the industry's total value is approximately $20 billion, stressing that this capital is leaving the country untaxed. He estimated the resulting government tax loss at over $4 billion, which exceeds the revenue generated by India's legal gambling sector. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A Romanian court has issued a ruling upholding the Romanian Gambling Office’s decision to keep Polymarket on its national blacklist. The court rejected Polymarket’s request to suspend an earlier ONJN ruling, which found the platform was operating without a valid license. ONJN President Vlad Cristian Soare celebrated the result in a LinkedIn post, stating: Today we secured our first major win in the Polymarket case. There’s been a lot of speculation around this decision. In truth, the issue was never just about Polymarket—and still isn’t. The real goal is to protect the legal framework governing gambling and close a dangerous loophole: rebranding betting under the seemingly innocent label of ‘prediction platform’. According to the ONJN, the court’s ruling reinforces the Gambling Office’s authority and strengthens its legitimacy to take action against Polymarket. Romania was one of the first jurisdictions to blacklist the platform in October 2025. Since Romania blacklisted Polymarket, the platform has also been banned by several other European jurisdictions, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Germany, and Italy. Polymarket first faced issues with the ONJN after the office cited an “exploited surge” in activity during Romania’s 2025 election period. Total trading on Pepsin exceeded $600 million during the presidential election and $15 million from Bucharest’s local elections. The Office stated at the time: Allowing counterparty betting to be reclassified as trading would set a reckless precedent. The ONJN determined that Polymarket acts as a counterparty betting provider—even though it presents itself as a prediction market—because it lets customers wager on event outcomes and charges them a commission for doing so. Based on this finding, the ONJN concluded Polymarket is subject to existing gambling laws. Soare emphasized this stance, adding: Whether you bet in lei or crypto, if you’re putting money on a future outcome in a counterparty bet scenario, it’s gambling that requires a license. The ONJN will not allow blockchain to become a shield for illegal gambling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Amnesty International has reported that a dozen casinos in Cambodia are currently licensed to run online scam operations, with serious ongoing human rights implications. Despite the Cambodian government's claims of a cybercrime crackdown, the report states that "at least a dozen casinos" have been "directly linked to scamming and abuse" involving individuals who are "tortured, forced into labour, used for child labour, or trafficked for sex." The report specifically names three casinos allegedly operated by Kok An, who is reported to have strong ties to former government officials. In business records, he is listed as having worked for the Anco Group, an umbrella corporation for many Cambodian businesses. Using data from the commercial gambling regulator, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission, the report shows that all casino operators run their facilities through on-site offices and that twelve casinos have supplied evidence of documented abuse. Authorities in Cambodia have reported arresting nearly a thousand people as part of an anti-cyber-crime initiative initially focused on "pig-butchering" scams. Additionally, close to 190 casino-linked scam operations have been closed, and gaming licenses have been revoked from some major firms, including Prince Group Holdings. Cambodian regulators state these measures demonstrate the government's commitment to "enforce stronger regulation of commercial gaming and to guarantee legal operations." Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director at Amnesty International, stated the research "clearly links Cambodia's licensed casinos to its scamming compounds." Ferrer added that while officials claim to be dismantling the industry, "the evidence indicates it is concurrently approving plans for casino properties where abusive scam compounds operate." This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Even though the Cambodian government has recently made widely publicized claims that it is rooting out illegal online scam compounds, a new report from Amnesty International tells a different story. The international human rights organization maintains that “a dozen casinos” across Cambodia are “directly connected to scamming compounds”. Within these properties, severe crimes including “torture, forced labour, child labour and human trafficking have been carried out”. Three of these linked casinos are owned by Kok An, an alleged top cybercrime figure. The Sino-Cambodian businessman and politician, who the Thai Examiner has called the “gangster sidekick” of former prime minister and current Senate President Hun Sen, owns the Phnom Penh-based large business group Anco Brothers Co Ltd. The report, which was released Thursday, draws on official licensing paperwork from Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC). The documents show casino owners directly control “at least 12 separate sites” where investigators have recorded human rights violations. “Our findings back up the testimony from compound survivors, who explained they were held and abused while on casino-owned land,” the report noted. The casinos in question are reportedly based in Sihanoukville and border towns such as Poipet, which cater mostly to Thai visitors. Findings Undermine Government Claims of Cybercrime Crackdown Starting in 2025, Cambodia says it has made thousands of arrests as part of its cybercrime crackdown, targeting the notorious “pig butchering scams”. These online scams combine romance baiting and cryptocurrency fraud to target unaware victims, slowly building their trust over time. Scammers then convince victims to give up their money, usually by pushing them to invest in fake get-rich-quick schemes. Between January and February this year, Cambodia reportedly closed 190 scam centres across the whole country. This included 44 casinos accused of involvement in “fraudulent activity conducted through technological systems”. Authorities also revoked the licenses of four casinos tied to Prince Group Holdings, which is reported to run one of the largest online fraud operations in the world. At its peak, Prince Group’s scams pulled in an estimated US$30 million per day. In January, Cambodian law enforcement detained the group’s leader Chen Zhi and deported him back to his home country of China, where he faces charges of fraud, money laundering, human trafficking and torture. The CGMC said this enforcement work shows its commitment to “strengthen regulation of the commercial gaming sector … and ensure all operations are run lawfully”. Report: New Scam Centres Are Replacing Dismantled Old Ones But the Amnesty International report casts doubt on this stated commitment. Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director of the watchdog, said the group’s research “proves a clear connection between Cambodia’s licensed casinos and scamming compounds. At a time when the government says it is taking apart the scamming industry, evidence shows it is simultaneously approving plans for casino properties that house abusive scamming compounds.” Recently, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime praised Cambodia for stepping up its battle against cyberfraud, a growing global threat that generates an estimated US$40 billion in illegal profits every year. But Ferrer says Cambodia must do more. “If the government is serious about ending this slave-driven industry, it has to investigate every scamming compound in the country,” he said. Marjorie PrestonMarjorie started her career in the gaming industry in 2007, and has focused on covering Asian gaming markets since 2020. When she’s not working, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - AffPapa has announced 22Bet Partners as the Signature Sponsor for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026. 22Bet Partners operates an affiliate program specializing in gambling, betting, and crypto-casino offerings, serving over 150 markets with both traditional and cryptocurrency brands. The program is recognized for its customized deals (CPA, RS, hybrid), dedicated local affiliate teams, and efficient, hands-on onboarding process, enabling agreements to be finalized within 24 hours of application. In a statement, 22Bet Partners commented: "We are pleased to participate in the AffPapa iGaming Awards this year," stated 22Bet Partners. "It presents an exceptional chance to showcase excellence within the affiliate community and engage with numerous inspiring partners." Scheduled for May 20, the concluding day of the AffPapa Conference Madrid, the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 will be held at the Novotel Madrid Center. This ceremony, serving as the conference's grand finale, will gather affiliates, operators, and B2B providers to honor the industry's leading achievers. Now in its fifth year, this annual industry event acknowledges excellence, innovation, and enduring influence throughout the iGaming ecosystem. The 2026 awards edition will feature the theme "The Test of Time" and introduce four new exclusive categories. Yeva Avagyan, AffPapa's Head of Commercial, remarked: "We are pleased to welcome 22Bet Partners as a Signature Sponsor this year," said Avagyan. "The Awards aim to unite the industry and acknowledge those performing exceptional work, and given their long-standing presence in the sector, it's fitting that our partners are involved." The official registration deadline for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 is March 30, with a brief extension offered until April 3. Affiliates, operators, and B2B providers are encouraged to nominate their brands, including entries for the newly introduced categories. Interested companies and industry professionals can register for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 via the official website. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Kalshi is under intense scrutiny over its U.S. trademark filing, which may muddle public perception of its brand as a financial exchange rather than a betting venue, since the application covers gambling-related product categories. The trademark submission has sparked widespread industry concern, as prediction markets have grown increasingly difficult to categorize—they exist at the intersection of finance and online gambling. The issues stem from Kalshi’s attempt to register a “prediction market” trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office across both gambling and financial product classes, resulting in a filing that extends beyond its actual business operations. Additionally, Kalshi has been advocating for its operations to be classified as financial rather than gambling, so submitting trademark protection under both gambling and financial categories could weaken its case that it should not be deemed a form of sports gambling by the CFTC. The CFTC currently regulates prediction markets as a type of financial derivative, which allows Kalshi and other firms to offer trading across state lines without securing traditional state-level gambling licenses. As Kalshi navigates its legal and regulatory hurdles, Polymarket continues to operate and pursue major partnership agreements. Most recently, Polymarket entered into a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball (MLB) that is reportedly valued at up to $150 million. Additionally, Polymarket has struck a partnership with LaLiga, Spain’s premier professional soccer league, further cementing its position in the future of sports gambling and prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - To tackle match-fixing and safeguard the integrity of sporting competitions, Brazil has rolled out a new national framework. This policy was established via Inter Ministerial Ordinance No 1, dated March 25, 2026. The Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice and Public Security will collaborate on this initiative, which is named PNPEMR. This policy will bring enhanced oversight to Brazil's rapidly expanding betting marketplace. Licensed operators are now required to monitor and submit reports of suspicious betting activity to regulators in real time. The framework centers on four core areas: Regulation, Prevention, Monitoring, and Enforcement. This measure is designed to align Brazil with global integrity standards and improve cooperation between involved authorities and relevant industries. The Ministry of Finance will take charge of overseeing adherence to betting regulations, while the Federal Police will lead investigations into sports fraud, including cross-border fraud cases. A dedicated Steering Committee will also be set up to supervise the implementation of this framework, with members drawn from law enforcement, regulatory bodies and licensed operators. The overarching goal of this new national policy is to build a more transparent and secure sports betting environment across Brazil. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Following failed efforts to sell its Irish retail portfolio, Entain has announced plans to shut down 39 Ladbrokes betting shops. This move marks the largest contraction of a retail footprint by any business operating in Ireland. The closures, scheduled to be finalized by August 31, 2023, will result in the loss of approximately 226 jobs. Following these cuts, Ladbrokes will continue to operate 66 locations across Ireland, employing roughly 350 people. A Ladbrokes spokesperson stated: We regularly assess our retail portfolio to maintain financial viability and competitiveness. Our current focus is on working closely with our staff throughout the consultation period, prioritizing redeployment opportunities where they exist. Ladbrokes maintains its commitment to the Irish market and to operating a sustainable retail business. Entain’s decision follows the breakdown of talks with Bar One Racing, which had been considering the acquisition of Ladbrokes' entire Irish operation. The spokesperson further commented: Closing these shops in the Republic of Ireland is a difficult decision, driven by ongoing cost challenges, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition from unlicensed operators. These closures coincide with broader industry trends, including recent reports of Evoke shutting down roughly 200 UK retail sites and Flutter Entertainment’s announcement that it will close 57 Paddy Power locations. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A practical AI workshop, powered by createIT, will be held at the AffPapa Conference Madrid on May 20 at 11:00, giving iGaming operators a realistic perspective on applying AI in actual business situations. Bartek Borkowski, CEO & Co-founder of createIT, will lead the session, drawing on more than two decades of expertise in iGaming development and technology. Moving beyond trends and hype, the workshop will concentrate on daily operational choices, helping participants identify where AI offers tangible benefits and where its impact might be limited. Attendees of the workshop will investigate: Areas where AI can truly enhance performance within iGaming operations Situations where deploying AI might not yield a significant return on investment Ways straightforward automation can conserve time without interfering with current workflows Immediately applicable, real-world use cases Adopting a return-on-investment-first strategy, the workshop is designed to deliver practical takeaways—actionable insights that operators can utilize without overhauling their existing systems. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa, shared in a statement: We’re happy to have createIT running this workshop. At the end of the day, operators don’t need more theory; they need insights they can actually use. It’s always better when sessions are practical and straight to the point. Scheduled for May 18-20 at the Novotel Hotel Madrid, the AffPapa Conference Madrid will provide over 1,500 attendees with a variety of activities focused on intensive affiliate-led networking. The complete agenda features a padel tournament, speed-dating sessions, panel discussions, evening networking drinks, the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 ceremony, a closing party with DJ Kryoman, and additional events. You can secure your place at AffPapa's largest affiliate-led conference yet and inquire about sponsorship options on the official AffPapa Conference Madrid website. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A significant legal conflict is taking shape in the sports betting industry as Altenar initiates legal proceedings against Sportradar in both London and New Jersey. The core of the case revolves around access to essential sports data, with Altenar asserting it was unjustly prevented from obtaining key data feeds provided by IMG Arena. The firm is pursuing considerable monetary compensation, accusing Sportradar of anti-competitive practices. Altenar claims that Sportradar leveraged its market dominance to stop Altenar from renewing its contract with IMG Arena for official sports data. This allegation goes beyond a mere commercial disagreement and violates competition laws intended to ensure fair access to the marketplace. The dispute emerged shortly after Sportradar’s acquisition of IMG Arena—an deal that was reviewed and approved by regulatory authorities. However, Altenar alleges Sportradar interfered with its right to official data before the acquisition closed, even though both companies were expected to operate independently and in compliance with regulatory conditions. Altenar spokesperson said: Sportradar is trying to hold onto its market leadership by unfairly eliminating competitors. It’s using its sports data monopoly to crush businesses with competing offers, despite previously criticizing other companies for doing the exact same thing. We remain open to discussions with Sportradar, but its one-sided and aggressive actions have left us no choice but to take legal action. Both parties have taken firm stances on the matter. According to Altenar, Sportradar is attempting to strengthen its control over high-value sports data and limit competition by denying smaller sports data suppliers access to this information. Sportradar, on the other hand, denies the allegations, stating they are without basis, and has announced it will vigorously defend itself in court. The case reflects ongoing concerns about the concentration of sports data suppliers, where a small number of firms control access to official feeds from major sports leagues. The outcome could have significant and lasting impacts on competition, partnerships, and data distribution across the global betting marketplace. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Entain is preparing to shut down more than a third of its Ladbrokes betting shops in Ireland, following reports that it has abandoned negotiations to sell its entire retail portfolio in the region. As first reported by The Irish Times, Entain has confirmed it will close 39 of its roughly 100 Irish Ladbrokes locations, accounting for over 33% of its local estate. These closures put 226 jobs at risk, pending the outcome of a consultation process. The company has initiated formal consultations with the affected staff and expects to finalize the closures by the end of May 2026. A representative for Ladbrokes stated to iGB: “We regularly assess our retail operations to ensure the business remains financially viable and competitive. “Our current focus is on working constructively with our team members throughout the consultation period, with a strong emphasis on finding redeployment opportunities wherever possible. Ladbrokes remains dedicated to the Irish market and to maintaining a sustainable retail presence.” Following these closures, Ladbrokes will continue to operate 66 shops in Ireland, employing over 350 people. Rumoured collapse of Ladbrokes retail estate sale Last year, Entain engaged in talks with Bar One Racing regarding a potential divestment of its Irish retail betting business. However, as reported by The Racing Post on 31 March, those discussions ended without a deal. Regarding the decision, the spokesperson added: “Closing these shops in the Republic of Ireland is not a step we take lightly. It is a response to persistent cost pressures, long-term shifts in consumer habits, and the increasing competitive threat posed by the unlicensed sector.” The reduction of Ladbrokes’ retail footprint reflects a broader trend across the betting and gaming industry in the UK. Just this week, Evoke informed employees of plans to close approximately 200 of its UK retail outlets in May, citing a strategic review and the recent increase in remote gaming duty. Additionally, last October, Flutter Entertainment announced the closure of 57 Paddy Power shops, which placed nearly 250 jobs at risk of redundancy. These UK retail closures were anticipated following the government’s announcement that remote gaming duty would rise from 21% to 40%, effective as of this Wednesday. Having experienced stagnation in recent years, the UK retail betting market is now bearing the brunt of these measures as operators look to mitigate the impact of the tax hike. Kyle GoldsmithKyle has been with Clarion since December 2023, joining from the world of sports journalism, subsequently becoming a LatAm-facing senior reporter with iGB. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Soft2Bet, a prominent provider of iGaming turnkey solutions, recently hosted an exclusive two-day golf and padel event at Scotland's Gleneagles Hotel, bringing together industry associates. The gathering aimed to foster relaxed enjoyment of golf and padel, facilitate meaningful discussions, and create shared experiences in an inspiring environment, underscoring the company's commitment to connection and community. Set within one of Scotland's renowned sporting estates, the event blended competitive play with the valued camaraderie and shared spirit inherent in sports. Attendees had the opportunity to play on Gleneagles' prestigious Ryder Cup & Solheim courses, where the relaxed atmosphere encouraged authentic connections and mirrored the supportive environment that made the event particularly memorable. Gleneagles proved to be an ideal location for the occasion. With over a century of golfing heritage, three championship courses, and a reputation for exceptional hospitality, it stands as a premier golf destination in Scotland. Its PGA Centenary Course has hosted both the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup, making Gleneagles the sole European golfing venue to have hosted both prestigious events. Harrison Barrett, VP of Business Development at Soft2Bet, stated: Hosting industry professionals at a venue like Gleneagles allows us to move beyond daily operations and concentrate on the core drivers of success, all while enjoying golf and padel. Events like this provide a platform to align on our vision, exchange insights, and celebrate our collective progress. This event aligns with Soft2Bet's philosophy that strong relationships are built on shared objectives, trust, and collaboration. By creating opportunities for in-person interaction, the company aims to strengthen these connections and foster long-term success. Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, remarked: The time spent at Gleneagles, experiencing the exceptional courses and engaging in genuine, strategic conversations, was a definite highlight. It is through events like these that the trust and collaborative spirit central to our relationships are reinforced. This gathering reflects Soft2Bet's broader strategy for engaging with the iGaming community, focusing on creating avenues for enhanced collaboration and supporting growth across key markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.