Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Cambodia is nearing the enactment of a specialized telecom fraud law—the first of its kind in the region—which could impose life imprisonment as a penalty. According to Koet Rith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, the Anti-Telecom Fraud Law has been approved by the cabinet and is now under review by the National Assembly’s legislative and judicial committee. Government officials state the law was drafted in response to the growing number of scams and fraudulent activities in the telecommunications sector and aims to prevent criminals from regrouping following recent crackdowns. Under the draft legislation, operators or managers of scam centers may face lengthy prison terms. Those who establish or run such facilities could be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison. However, if the operation involves unlawful detention, extortion, or homicide, the sentence could range from 30 years to life imprisonment. The bill will set penalties for those who recruit or train individuals for fraudulent operations and hold landlords and property owners responsible for leasing premises to such operations. The legislation will define offenses for five categories of individuals. This initiative follows multiple public remarks by Prime Minister Hun Manet, who emphasized that the government is undertaking a genuine and ongoing effort to address telecom fraud, not merely a superficial one. The Prime Minister has noted that this issue is not only a domestic problem but has also damaged Cambodia’s international reputation, meaning the reform carries political weight. The pace at which the bill is processed by relevant committee(s) to reach the National Assembly will shape the immediate next steps. The severity of life sentences and heavy fines for those involved in serious fraud cases underscores the government’s heightened efforts to shut down Cambodia’s top fraud hub and target its backers. 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) - South Africa’s gambling sector has been drawing significant attention recently due to the high volume of annual license issuances, according to new parliamentary statistics. A parliamentary response from Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana confirmed that 3,135 licenses were issued for the 2024/2025 financial year—marginally down from 3,174 in the prior year and slightly below 3,186 in 2022/2023. The approval of such a large number of licenses has raised questions about whether the government can adequately monitor the gambling industry’s growth. Most licenses were granted to limited payout machines and bookmakers, which account for the majority of the sector’s growth. Police have stated that oversight in the gambling sector is insufficient. Questions have been raised about whether provincial boards have the appropriate resources to consistently enforce regulations related to consumer protection, responsible gambling, and financial reporting. There is growing concern that oversight from provincial boards is inconsistent across provinces, with some boards having significant resources and others having very few. Police reported a total of 32,938 illegal gambling cases over the last five financial years, with approximately 100% originating from land-based gambling establishments. During the same period, 36 online gambling cases were reported, resulting in 39 arrests and 22 convictions. Due to these issues, many legislators are calling for increased coordination between national and provincial authorities. Several proposals have been made to improve 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) - More than 17,000 individuals have signed onto a class action suit targeting Norsk Tipping, marking the biggest class action case ever recorded in Norway. Legal firm SANDS launched the action following confirmation that glitches in the Lotto and Eurojackpot draw systems had impacted participants' winning probabilities. The cutoff date for joining the legal action was February 16, 2026. Norway's gambling regulator reports that these malfunctions impacted numerous drawings carried out across several years. Lars Tormodsgard, a partner at SANDS, maintains that the issues caused players to face poorer chances than what was promoted, representing a critical defect in how these games functioned. Plaintiffs are demanding reimbursement for all wagers placed before the issue was discovered. Bets made during the affected timeframe stretching from 2015/2016 through 2025 span from minimal to substantial amounts. While the overall case value remains undetermined, the sheer number of participants suggests it could reach significant proportions. While Norsk Tipping has conceded that technical problems occurred, it rejects any legal responsibility. The company argues that the glitches only impacted supplementary draws and does not justify returning all stakes for every drawing. The operator has announced its intention to contest the claims in court. The lottery operator is also facing separate legal proceedings, alongside various regulatory penalties imposed in recent years that have accumulated to NOK 119 million (about $14 million) for assorted technical and operational breakdowns. This includes a NOK 46 million penalty specifically for drawing mistakes. Officials indicate this particular bug may have persisted for up to a decade, potentially giving organized betting groups a major advantage over solo players. Court proceedings are set to commence on August 25-26, 2016. The verdict will carry substantial financial consequences for Norsk Tipping and could establish a significant benchmark for addressing gambling industry mistakes within regulated 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) - Playtech’s FY2025 results indicate that managing the restructuring and the sale of Snaitech proved challenging, leading to decreases in both revenue and earnings. Compared to FY2024, Total Group Revenue for FY2025 fell by $763.6 million (10%). Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $197 million (9%), which was slightly above initial forecasts thanks to better-than-anticipated operational performance in the US. Playtech also saw a decline in profitable operations, with post-tax profit from continuing operations dropping 28% to $44.2 million. The company reported a net loss attributable to operations of €169.5 million for the full year. However, total profit for the year reached €120.7 million when discontinued operations were included. The notable year-over-year difference in total profit stemmed from the absence of one-off gains that had been recorded in the previous fiscal year. Revenue from Playtech’s core B2B division fell by 9% to €688.3 million, and EBITDA fell by 36% to €141.4 million. These decreases were mainly driven by modifications to the Caliente agreement, which shifted earnings from revenue to investment income. If these changes are excluded, B2B revenue from regulated markets actually increased by 6%, accounting for more than 80% of total B2B revenue. After finalizing the €2.3 billion sale of Snaitech, Playtech’s financial standing has strengthened considerably, moving from a net debt position to a net cash position of €28.5 million. Alongside bolstering its finances, the company returned approximately €1.8 billion to shareholders via special dividends and share buybacks. The Snaitech deal has also realigned Playtech’s strategy to focus more on B2B and lower its overall exposure. 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) - Building on its progressive stance towards online gambling and blockchain regulation, Malta is now initiating an exploration of the optimal ways to regulate prediction markets. Drawing on insights from regulatory analyses in other jurisdictions, the Maltese government is preparing an initiative to establish a framework for overseeing prediction markets. Prediction markets facilitate the trading of outcomes for real-world events, such as elections, economic indicators, and sporting events. This sector has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in the United States. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen remarkable growth, with industry trading volume projected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars between 2023 and 2025. The European Union currently lacks a unified regulatory framework for prediction markets. Member states have adopted varying approaches; some permit these markets, while others are still determining their regulatory classification—whether as a gambling service, a financial instrument, or a hybrid of both. Malta's move to develop a regulatory structure aligns with its broader objective of becoming a hub for emerging digital sectors like online gaming and blockchain. This initiative also aims to offer legal clarity for operators seeking to enter the European market. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The recently restructured IGT announced layoffs on Monday, impacting approximately 700 employees, which represents about 10% of its global workforce. The gaming company has become the latest to implement job cuts amidst prevailing macroeconomic challenges. Specific details regarding the affected roles and locations were not disclosed. According to an internal memo reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, IGT CEO Hector Fernandez informed staff that the layoffs were not performance-related. Instead, he stated they were "part of an initiative to streamline our organizational framework, eliminate redundancies, and enable us to operate with enhanced clarity and speed." "Our current focus must be on how we collectively advance: by mutually supporting each other, concentrating on our key objectives, and persisting with the efforts that will shape our company's future," Fernandez continued. "We united to establish a company capable of leading in a swiftly changing industry, and I maintain my belief in that prospect and in the capabilities of our team." IGT recently finalized its $6.3 billion merger with Everi Holdings, with the resulting combined enterprise now operating as a private entity under Apollo Global Management. The two providers had initially consented to an autonomous merger before Apollo intervened to acquire both. Under the terms of the agreement, IGT’s gaming operations were integrated with Everi’s financial technology division, while IGT’s former lottery segment was divested into an independent public company named Brightstar Lottery. These layoffs were not entirely unexpected, given that the intricate merger was anticipated to bring about more transformations beyond just the lottery spin-off. However, they serve as the most recent evidence that gaming firms are experiencing financial pressure as the initial quarter of 2026 concludes. Widespread Market Instability Since US President Donald Trump commenced his second term last January, the American economy has experienced significant fluctuations, driven by factors such as elevated tariffs, government closures, persistent inflation, and, most recently, the escalating conflict with Iran. In a consumer discretionary sector such as gaming, these repercussions affect almost every facet. Tariffs lead to higher construction expenses for operators and increased production costs for suppliers; government shutdowns and geopolitical events influence consumer travel and expenditure for operators; and persistent inflation maintains high interest rates, thereby hindering mergers and acquisitions and debt refinancing across the industry. Presently, gaming companies exhibit lower enterprise multiples and elevated debt-to-EBITDA ratios compared to the market average, as per data from New York University. For suppliers such as IGT, predicting future performance or achieving strong results becomes progressively challenging when material and trade costs are subject to constant unpredictability. While reducing staff is one response to this uncertainty, it also carries the risk of being a short-term solution. Daron Dorsey, CEO of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, informed iGB last October, "The difficulty lies in our inability to plan six, nine, or twelve months ahead. The long-range consequences [of tariffs and economic instability] remain undefined." He continued, "No one can definitively say when conditions will stabilize and become more predictable. Consequently, long-term strategic choices are not being made, as circumstances could shift again in just a few months. Such changes could then nullify actions taken today. This is the reality they are currently navigating." Job Reductions Across Several Companies This Year Beyond IGT, several other prominent companies within the industry have also declared layoffs this year. Underdog's decision to cut 20% of its staff in late February was arguably the most substantial in scale. The emerging fantasy sports company is shifting its focus to prediction markets, which, being national offerings, necessitate fewer personnel compared to state-specific operational models. Underdog CEO Jeremy Levine stated, "It is simply a distinct operational approach, and the adjustments we implemented are integral to that transformation." Similarly, DraftKings also announced job cuts in February, though the exact numbers were not revealed. In a press release, the company indicated it had "opted to restructure certain teams to more effectively align their personnel with the company's paramount priorities and investment areas." Citizens analyst Jordan Bender, in his research note, estimated that 5% of DraftKings’ workforce was affected, potentially saving the company approximately $30 million. Bender communicated to investors, "We believe this current phase of restructuring might have been more extensive or had a greater impact on the business model, had it not been for the company's move into prediction markets, influenced by the CEO's drive to integrate AI across the organization for both internal and external operations." Within the iGaming sector, supplier Bragg Gaming reduced its staff by 12% in January. This action was aimed at "realigning" the company for subsequent expansion, simultaneously generating cost efficiencies of roughly €4.5 million. Bragg CEO Matevz Mazij stated, "Our strategic reorganization is intended to leverage our robust groundwork. It will place us in an exceptionally strong position for organic expansion and simultaneous market consolidation prospects." Casino Sector Stable, Yet Obstacles Persist While the brick-and-mortar casino industry has largely sidestepped widespread job cuts to date, the future remains unclear, particularly in Las Vegas. During the fourth quarter of last year, UNLV’s Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index reached its lowest point since the Great Recession, influenced by subdued hiring confidence and diminished future projections. Although no significant operators have declared extensive layoffs this year, southern Nevada has experienced an overall decline in employment. Data from the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation indicates that the Las Vegas metropolitan area concluded 2025 with almost 10,000 fewer jobs compared to December 2024. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 5.2%, marginally surpassing the national average of 4.4%. Several Las Vegas casinos confirmed job reductions between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Among these were the Rio Hotel and Casino, the Venetian and Palazzo, and Resorts World Las Vegas. Furthermore, MGM Resorts discontinued concierge services at six of its nine Strip properties last April. MGM CFO Jonathan Halkyard stated during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call, "The reality is that we consistently manage our labor expenditures, and what you're observing is a manifestation of that." Jess MarquezJess has reported on the international gaming sector since 2022. Hailing from Reno, Nevada, he wishes to emphasize the pronunciation as Ne-va-da, not Ne-VAH-da. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has issued a $100,000 fine to BetMGM after finding the operator’s know-your-customer (KYC) protocols to be insufficient. The regulator stated that these shortcomings permitted ongoing fraudulent behavior across its digital wagering sites. On Wednesday, the board explained that these security gaps allowed for the establishment of multiple accounts using stolen or fraudulent personal details and payment options. Inquiries revealed that more than $2 million in betting activity was tied to four distinct fraud rings operating over periods of 25 to 34 months. One specific group created 1,567 illicit accounts, while others were responsible for hundreds of accounts and substantial wagering volumes. The PGCB noted that its persistent enforcement actions are intended to uphold responsible gambling standards within the state's regulated industry. This development follows the PGCB's report of an 11.6% year-on-year growth in gambling revenue for the month of January. Systemic exploitation facilitated by verification flaws Findings from the board highlighted systemic weaknesses in BetMGM’s processes for customer identification and payment verification. These failures allowed for recurring account access without proper identity checks, leading to extended exploitation by fraudsters. The PGCB concluded that these issues stemmed from general operational deficiencies rather than isolated instances of human error. This fine follows previous disciplinary measures regarding BetMGM’s compliance. In early 2025, the board finalized a consent agreement requiring BetMGM to pay $260,905 for allowing individuals on the self-exclusion list to gamble online. The PGCB confirmed that the fraudulent accounts involved in the latest case were closed immediately. The operator chose not to comment on the most recent penalty. Exclusion orders expanded as part of enforcement The PGCB also revised its involuntary exclusion lists, adding 16 individuals who are now prohibited from entering Pennsylvania casinos, using online betting platforms, or visiting video gaming terminal sites. Four of these cases involved adults leaving children unattended to gamble. The board reiterated the goals of its “Don’t Gamble with Kids” initiative, highlighting that such behavior jeopardizes the safety of minors. The regulator is scheduled to hold its next public meeting on 29 April in Harrisburg. 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) - World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has signed an agreement with Philippine iGaming platform DigiPlus to launch a new series of games specifically for Filipino players. Recognized for popular iGaming platforms such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, DigiPlus dubbed the development a “new round” for Philippine-based digital entertainment, offering “a robust ecosystem crafted to enhance the Filipino player experience”. The collection features nine Pacquiao-themed games, “meticulously crafted to reflect Pacquiao’s accomplishments and unyielding fighting spirit”. Leading titles include Super Ace Pacquiao, Pacquiao Fortune and Fortune Gems Pacquiao. Pacquiao will also serve as “the new face of DigiPlus’ top-tier sportsbook and elite card and table game tournament hub,” the company noted. Leveraging the name value of a sports icon Pacquiao is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history and a Philippine national icon. Known in the ring as “Pacman,” he served in the Philippine Senate from 2016 to 2022. He later ran for president, losing in 2023 to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. However, the Pacquiao name still holds significant influence. DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco stated that the new partnership merges “the legendary tale of our boxing hero with a strong technological framework, [to create] an innovative, secure, and genuinely local experience”. This will make DigiPlus and its platforms the first official gaming partners of MannyPay, a Pacquiao-branded payment platform licensed by the Philippine Central Bank. “This partnership with DigiPlus is special because it was developed with our fellow Filipinos in mind,” said Pacquiao. “Whether through the games that share my story or managing transactions with MannyPay, we are demonstrating to the world what Filipinos can achieve.” Marjorie PrestonMarjorie started her career in gaming in 2007 and has concentrated on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside work, 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) - The Swedish government has revealed the appointment of Peter Knutsson as the new director general of the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen). Knutsson, who presently serves as the advertising ombudsman, is set to take on the role on 17 August 2026. He will hold the six-year position until 31 August 2032. Knutsson will bring a breadth of experience in public administration, consumer protection, and regulatory roles. Since August 2024, he has been overseeing advertising standards in Sweden as part of his ombudsman responsibilities. Previously, he held the post of Head of Unit at the Ministry of Finance and has worked with the European Commission. Additionally, Knutsson has provided advisory support to the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. A qualified lawyer with more than 20 years of managerial experience, Knutsson specializes in consumer legislation and related policy areas. ‘This will be very good for the authority’ The appointment takes place during a period of intensified scrutiny of Sweden’s gambling market, with recent data showing that nearly one in six Swedes engaged in online gambling activities in 2025. Concurrently, the government has been advancing amendments to the Gambling Act aimed at strengthening its capacity to target unlicensed operators. Authorities have also taken more direct action against illegal gambling, with police recently dismantling an unlicensed operation. Madelaine Tunudd, chairwoman of the Gambling Authority, welcomed Knutsson’s appointment. “With the strong experience Peter Knutsson brings from, among other areas, the Ministry of Finance, consumer affairs, and most recently the Advertising Ombudsman, this will be very good for the authority.” Johan Röhr, the current acting director general, confirmed he would manage the transition and assist Knutsson to ensure a smooth start in his new role. “I welcome the government’s decision on a new director general for the Swedish Gambling Authority and will ensure that Peter Knutsson receives a thorough introduction during my handover as acting director general.” Knutsson will take over from the acting leadership that has steered Spelinspektionen through recent periods of regulatory and enforcement activity. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The National Bureau of Investigation-National Capital Region (NBI-NCR) announced on Monday that it is investigating allegations of rural land theft in Bataan Province, with the land reportedly transferred to a company linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had banned the country's POGO industry, which has been associated with crime, in 2024, mandating their exit by 2025. Over a year later, the repercussions of POGO operations continue to be felt. Local farmers have stated that the rural land parcels were transferred illegally, without the authorization of the Department of Agrarian Reform, to a holding company connected to Harry Roque. Roque, an attorney and self-proclaimed human rights advocate, previously served as the spokesperson for former president Rodrigo Duterte. Last year, prosecutors filed charges of qualified human trafficking against Roque in connection with a POGO operation in Pampanga. Shortly thereafter, Roque reportedly left the Philippines and is now believed to be residing in Austria. According to the NBI-NCR, "preliminary information indicates the possible falsification of documents" in relation to the land transfers, raising "serious concerns about the validity and legality" of the process. The bureau has committed to a thorough investigation of the land-grab allegations and will pursue prosecution if warranted. The rise and fall of POGOs POGOs were legalized in 2016 during the Duterte administration and generated substantial government revenue, amounting to PHP5.17 billion (US$86 million) in 2023, with projections of PHP7 billion for 2024. The industry began to face scrutiny following raids on several POGO establishments that uncovered evidence of criminal activities, including online love and crypto scams, as well as forced labor. In his 2024 State of the Nation address, President Marcos stated that "disguising as legitimate entities, the operations have ventured into illicit areas furthest from gaming," listing offenses such as "financial scamming, money laundering, prostitution, human trafficking, kidnapping, brutal torture – even murder." Based on these allegations, he ordered the shutdown of all POGOs, both legitimate and otherwise, by the end of the year. In October of that year, as the industry was ostensibly winding down, police raided Central One Bataan Inc., a business process outsourcing company allegedly operating as a front for a POGO. This company was not registered with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the regulatory body for the domestic gaming industry. Central One has denied the allegations. POGOs also linked to drug trade In related developments, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated at a press briefing on Tuesday that Chinese nationals associated with POGOs are responsible for leading most of the active drug syndicates in the country. At a Tuesday press conference, Philippines Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Chinese nationals connected to POGOs brought most of the active drug syndicates to the country. Remulla described POGOs as "a plague on the Philippines," telling reporters that the country is "paying for the effects of those POGOs" from 2016 to the present. He added that "almost all the syndicates we’ve caught here are led by Chinese nationals using visas from POGOs." On Tuesday, Remulla, alongside representatives from national law enforcement, participated in the burning of PHP4.56 billion worth of illegal drugs in Trece Martires City. This amount represents the drugs confiscated in illegal drug cases over the past six months alone. Marjorie PrestonMarjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, 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) - Ukraine's Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence have unveiled plans to implement an automated system designed to block military personnel from using online gambling platforms. The initiative, disclosed on the ministry's official Facebook page this week, seeks to curb gambling addiction among service members while martial law remains in effect. The mechanism will operate by verifying login attempts on gambling sites against two critical databases: a register of prohibited individuals and the armed forces personnel list. When the system identifies a user with restricted status, it will automatically deny access to online gambling services. According to ministry officials, gambling operators will only receive a simple "yes/no" response regarding access permission, without receiving any personal or military-specific data. A preventative measure against gambling addiction This measure is part of a wider, coordinated campaign to address gambling addiction. "We are continuing our systematic battle against gambling addiction. Our objective is to safeguard military personnel and their families from the dangers and fallout of gambling addiction," the announcement stated on Tuesday. The statement also highlighted joint efforts with the Ministry of Defence to restrict Ukraine's defenders from engaging in gambling while martial law is in place. This new system builds on legal limitations implemented earlier in 2024, which prohibited service members from accessing online casinos during martial law and introduced stricter controls on gambling advertisements. PlayCity’s enforcement action PlayCity, the platform appointed as the state authority overseeing gambling and lotteries after policy responsibilities shifted to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the login restriction mechanism. Ukraine is already cracking down on illegal gambling operations. In 2024, following the ministry's request, Apple and Google eliminated dozens of unlicensed casino applications from their platforms. Moreover, Ukrainian state authorities have shut down thousands of illegal gambling websites. The program is component of an extensive digital reform designed to bring a large underground gambling market under control. It aims to minimize damage to at-risk groups, including military members. Officials have also signaled upcoming plans to strengthen advertising limitations, prevent exploitation via multiple accounts, and enhance technical tools to combat illegal operators. PlayCity reported significant enforcement activity during the past year and will incorporate this log-in screen restriction into broader market supervision responsibilities. 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) - Playtech has initiated a strategic review of its UK-based white label Sun Bingo operation, Chief Financial Officer Chris McGinnis informed analysts on the company's full-year 2025 earnings call. McGinnis stated the business is projected to become unprofitable once the new 40% remote gaming duty takes effect in the UK this April. Elaborating on the review, McGinnis expressed a long-term belief in Sun Bingo's place within Playtech, noting that while it is customer-facing, the operation exhibits more business-to-business than business-to-consumer traits. Playtech took over from Gamesys as the supplier for Sun Bingo in 2015. The company reported in its second-quarter 2025 results that Sun Bingo and other B2C activities were affected by stricter UK regulations. These regulatory shifts were a factor in a 17% revenue drop and lower adjusted EBITDA at that time. Playtech's overall B2C revenue fell 20% year-on-year in 2025 to €78.5 million, a decrease primarily attributed to the divestment of its German Happybet operation. The supplier expressed significantly greater optimism for prospects in Brazil and the wider Latin American region, even after encountering challenges there in 2025 from Colombia's temporary betting VAT and Brazil's move to a regulated market early in the year. Playtech bullish on Brazil Caixa bank opportunity Chief Executive Mor Weizer showed strong enthusiasm for a potential partnership with Brazil's state-owned Caixa Economica Federal bank to introduce a betting brand. Playtech won the tender to supply its platform in 2025, but Caixa's intended launch was postponed in November following political pressure within Brazil. Senator Damaras Alves strongly criticized Caixa in October, calling its plans a "contradictory, dangerous and profoundly irresponsible move". Although the initiative remains on hold for now, Caixa's betting aspirations may find new life as Brazil approaches a general election in October. Commenting on the deal, Weizer cautioned against over-optimism but suggested the Caixa tender might represent "one of the most significant opportunities for Playtech for the coming years". He stated: "This is one of the largest banks in a country with 150 million adults; it has 140 million registered customers. The market access and brand recognition are unmatched." Weizer is confident that a Caixa betting product has the potential to quickly become the market leader in Brazil. On broader Brazilian operations, Playtech executives indicated the market will need additional capital expenditure in the upcoming year. The Americas region was a notable performer for Playtech in 2025, driven by robust growth in the US (revenue increased around 100%) and an updated agreement with Caliente in Mexico. Playtech anticipates a further boost in the region during 2026 from the World Cup, which will be partially hosted in Mexico, Caliente's home base. Playtech revenue dipped 10% in 2025 The group's total revenue for 2025 decreased by 10% from the prior year to €763.6 million, with EBITDA also falling 9% to €197 million. B2B revenue was down 9% year-on-year to €688.3 million, while adjusted EBITDA declined 36% to €141.4 million. Playtech said this was anticipated, resulting from the impact of the new Caliente Interactive contract. Despite facing increased taxation in several markets, the group forecasts its full-year 2026 performance will exceed current market expectations. Nicole MacedoNicole cut her teeth in local news rooms at home in Gibraltar, and helped to establish the peninsula’s first online-only broadcaster. 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, a leading iGaming affiliate directory and events firm, has received a €1.3 million investment from VenturePapa investors to accelerate the growth and expansion of its AffPapa Conference and Events division. This milestone is a major achievement for AffPapa, signifying the first external investment ever in the company’s history. The funding highlights strong belief in AffPapa’s vision of creating impactful networking opportunities for affiliates, operators, and B2B providers worldwide. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa, commented: This is a key milestone for AffPapa, achieved via a thoughtful and strategic choice. Since we’ve been self-funded from the start, we’ve grown the business steadily over the last six years without outside investment.We’ve successfully created the largest affiliate directory along with affiliate management services and industry media coverage, eventually moving into the events and conferences sector – all while sustaining strong, consistent YOY growth. But to make the next jump and speed up the company’s expansion, we realized we needed strategic investment.This investment will go toward our conferences and events division, allowing us to increase the size of our 2027 events, enter new markets, and establish dedicated sales, operations, and marketing teams. It will also let us book premium venues and provide a top-quality experience for our attendees. I’m extremely grateful for our investors’ trust in our project and super excited about what’s to come. In 2025, the AffPapa Conference entered the LATAM market, successfully holding the first international iGaming conference in Cancun, Mexico. Looking forward, the company plans to boost its global footprint with two major 2026 conferences — one in Madrid and another in Cancun — reaffirming its commitment to linking key players in both established and emerging 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) - As Spanish gaming firm Codere is said to be on the market, M&A specialist Christian Tirabassi anticipates several major gambling companies might compete to acquire it—though private equity firms are the most probable purchasers. Per a report by Spanish publication Expansión, Codere is being offered for sale at a value exceeding €2 billion (equivalent to $2.3 billion). The goal is said to be finalizing a purchase deal before the August summer break. The transaction is also said to include Codere Online, the group’s digital arm that operates mainly in Spain and Latin America. Tirabassi—founder and senior partner at M&A consultancy Ficom Leisure—describes Codere’s sale as “very much a private equity opportunity.” That said, he also notes that several global gambling behemoths might throw their hats in the ring for Codere, even though he doesn’t identify any “obvious natural buyer.” “Lottomatica will check it out, DraftKings will look into it, Entain will explore it,” Tirabassi tells iGB. “This is a deal for the major players, as it opens doors to multiple markets.” Tirabassi’s views align with those of Ed Birkin, managing director of H2 Gambling Capital, who told iGB on Wednesday that he considers Allwyn International or Flutter Entertainment the most probable buyers, with private equity as another viable choice. Is Codere’s €2 billion valuation too steep? Birkin stated that the proposed €2 billion valuation for Codere might put it beyond the reach of most operators not in the top tier. Tirabassi also thinks the figure is too high, but he posits that the leaked price is an intentional strategy. “Look, this is public relations,” Tirabassi goes on. “They obviously leaked the details to establish the price in the market. I don’t buy it.” “To give you context, we have a thorough grasp of every market they operate in, their revenue in each, and their capital expenditures. There’s no way to justify the valuation that was cited.” Codere urgently needs investment Codere is owned by around 84 investment funds, and Tirabassi notes that this sale process is clearly a result of the owners ending up in an unforeseen situation. “Obviously, the bondholders or debt holders became owners of Codere without actually wanting to,” Tirabassi clarifies. “They never anticipated being shareholders of this firm.” “So, they likely tried to figure out what to do with it. They realized it wasn’t their cup of tea, so they put it up for sale. It’s that straightforward.” This lack of interest has resulted in a critical shortage of investment in Codere, leaving the business what Tirabassi calls “fatigued.” Tirabassi says Codere is currently like a “ship without a compass or anyone at the helm.” “It’s underinvested and undercapitalized, and now it’s struggling due to competition in every market it operates in,” Tirabassi states. “The business needs someone with a clear strategic plan to revitalize it.” “It needs a lot of attention, capital, and a roadmap. Everywhere you look, it seems like no one has invested any money into it—like everything has been stuck in time for five years.” Codere still has value to unlock Even with Codere’s challenges, Tirabassi believes there’s still an opportunity to generate value in the business—provided substantial investment is injected. This suggests it could draw interest from gambling operators, as the acquisition would be worthwhile even with the associated “headaches.” “There’s no doubt that a lot of value can be created moving forward,” Tirabassi asserts. “They operate in all segments except lottery, and in theory, they have a unified digital brand.” “So, this could be attractive to anyone looking to establish a strong presence in Spanish-focused markets, and their Italian operations are also quite robust, even in a competitive landscape.” While much of the gambling industry is shifting more toward digital, Tirabassi notes there’s still a genuine demand for businesses that are mainly land-based. “First off, land-based operations are profitable— that’s obvious,” he adds. “It does need to be streamlined, and the chain of control needs to be integrated, but it’s a money-making business.” “Second, if you effectively combine digital and land-based operations, it’s a very strong offering. It works exceptionally well. It also shields you from additional advertising restrictions. When you have land-based presence, you’re naturally less concerned about ad limits—which I think will keep popping up in many markets.” Will Codere Online be part of the sale? But Tirabassi also points out that omnichannel offerings need to maintain various synergies to stay profitable—a key area where he believes Codere is significantly deficient. A large part of the response to Codere’s sale news stemmed from reports that Codere Online would be included in the transaction. Codere Online was spun off in 2021 and listed on the US Nasdaq exchange, though Codere Group still holds a majority stake. Tirabassi insists Codere Online must be part of any deal, stating: “Today, Codere is essentially two separate entities with distinct profit and loss statements. They collaborate via a commercial agreement, but it’s not effective.” “The decision to carve out the digital arm was, in my opinion, very odd—if not outright ill-advised—from the start.” “Obviously, it has to be part of the package. And I’m certain the seller wants to highlight the digital component to boost the valuation multiple—even if I’m not sure how many buyers will buy into that. That’s exactly what I’d do if I were the seller.” Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, coming from sports journalism, and later became a senior reporter for iGB focusing on Latin America. 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) - This week, Malta's Economy Minister Silvio Schembri announced that the country is "actively exploring the emerging field of prediction markets, a sector gaining rapid global traction and offering considerable opportunities for innovation." He noted that any legislative amendments would require "a clear, forward-looking framework that allows the sector to grow responsibly and at scale." Minister Schembri stressed the vital role of user trust. "We understood from the outset that for this industry to expand, users must feel secure, which necessitates maintaining the highest levels of transparency and compliance." According to Business Now, he made these remarks during the inauguration of Blockchain.com's new Malta offices on wednesday. Strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving market The global prediction markets industry has demonstrated considerable growth recently. In December 2025, monthly trading volumes hit a record high of over $18 billion, with platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket fueling much of this growth. Prediction markets operate similarly to financial exchanges but for real-world events, where participants trade contracts linked to particular outcomes. Regulators face the challenge that prediction market platforms do not align with current gambling compliance frameworks, while operators largely contend that their offerings should be regulated as financial contract trading. How the underlying data for settling contracts is sourced and the methods for verifying outcomes have become key focus areas for regulators. In most of Europe, authorities currently view prediction markets as either illegal gambling or unlicensed financial instruments, since no dedicated regulatory frameworks are yet in place. Numerous European jurisdictions, including Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Poland, have moved to block access to Polymarket, claiming the platform provides gambling services without proper licensing. Malta may become the first European jurisdiction to establish a dedicated framework for 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) - AffPapa is pleased to announce that Live Vegas has signed on as a sponsor for the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. Live Vegas offers a variety of live dealer games designed to improve the player experience, featuring live tables, professional dealers, and seamless streaming that delivers an authentic Vegas atmosphere online. The company prioritizes reliability, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring its systems remain stable and trustworthy for operators. The company will also have a presence at the AffPapa Conference Madrid, exhibiting at booth #5. The Live Vegas team said: Live Vegas is thrilled to be sponsoring the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. We take great pride in the impact our premium experiences have delivered, and we continuously seek innovative ways to help our partners thrive through flexible, easily integrated solutions. Our commitment to quality and performance has established us as a reliable partner for operators. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with AffPapa and forging enduring partnerships. The AffPapa Conference Madrid is set to take place from May 18–20 at the Novotel Madrid Center. Anticipated to attract over 1,500 participants, the attendee breakdown will be 40% affiliates, 40% operators, and 20% B2B companies. The conference offers two full days of networking through speed-dating sessions, panels led by industry experts, evening receptions, and the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026. It will feature its inaugural padel tournament as a side event, wrapping up with a closing party headlined by EDM DJ Kryoman. Yeva Avagyan, Head of Commercial at AffPapa, commented: We are delighted to welcome Live Vegas as both sponsor and exhibitor for this year's Madrid conference. They have developed a robust product, and it's excellent to include companies that deliver quality offerings and prioritize long-term partnerships. Participate in AffPapa's largest affiliate-driven conference and explore sponsorship opportunities 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.