Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Myanmar has conducted a significant crackdown on illegal online gambling operations. Authorities apprehended 85 Chinese nationals during coordinated raids in Muse township. In response to public complaints regarding illegal activities on March 20, multiple search operations were carried out at various locations across Kaungmu Tong, Taw Yawt, and Suan Saw wards. During these operations, suspects were located, and equipment associated with online gambling and fraud was confiscated. The investigation into the extensive network used to run these local gambling and fraud operations revealed substantial technical infrastructure. In Kaungmu Tong Ward, 286 mobile phones were seized. In Taw Yawt Ward, authorities confiscated 30 computers, 28 laptops, 46 mobile phones, and 18 gambling-related devices. Additionally, 85 mobile phones and 10 computers were seized from Suan Saw Ward. This operation is part of an ongoing initiative by the Myanmar government to combat online fraud and illegal online gambling, particularly in border areas like Muse, which has emerged as a significant hub for transnational crime. Authorities are also collaborating closely with regional partners and international organizations to dismantle these networks by targeting their operational infrastructure. Officials have stated that continuing to combat fraud and illegal online gambling will remain a primary focus for the government moving forward. The government's swift action in response to local intelligence and its efforts to bolster enforcement capabilities exemplify this commitment. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - In India, approximately 300 illegal online betting websites and mobile applications have been blocked following the introduction of the Online Gaming Act. Current restrictions represent just a portion of the efforts aimed at limiting access to unlicensed betting services. Both legal measures and technical methods are employed to shut down unlicensed betting services and safeguard consumers from potential scams or fraud. These recent actions are part of a broader enforcement initiative. So far, over 8,400 gambling and betting websites have been blocked, with roughly 4,900 of these sites being blocked subsequent to the enactment of the Online Gaming Act. The increasing pattern of blocking illegal betting sites demonstrates how the Online Gaming Act has enhanced the government's capacity to act against unregulated and non-compliant operators. By restricting access to these platforms, authorities aim to curtail the spread of illegal betting sites, even as new ones continue to surface. The reasoning behind the crackdown and ongoing efforts to restrict illegal betting is to shield consumers from risks linked to using illegal gaming sites, including financial risks. The absence of regulatory supervision over illegal betting sites leaves consumers exposed to scams and unfair practices when using these platforms, putting their money at risk with very little chance of recovering their funds. Officials have stressed that blocking access to these sites is merely one component of a broader consumer protection effort aimed at helping consumers clearly distinguish between legal gaming sites and illegal or unregulated betting platforms. 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) - Planet Hollywood Resorts International has inked a licensing deal to bring its brand to Georgia’s first fully integrated resort, set to be built in Tbilisi. The project is being developed in partnership with Orbi Group, Block Group, and Iconic Entertainment. The resort will include the 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotels and Casino and the 600-room Radisson Blu Hotels. At the center of the site will be a 50,000-square-foot casino and a 4,000-seat venue for concerts, shows, and other major events. Alongside the two hotels and casino, there will be over 70,000 square feet of retail space managed by Harvey Nichols. Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood, said: “This marks a defining step in the ongoing global evolution of the Planet Hollywood brand,” said Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood. “Tbilisi is a city with extraordinary character and momentum. Together with our partners, we’re creating a destination that combines entertainment, hospitality, and immersive experiences in a way that’s both ambitious and authentic to the market.” The entire resort is designed to give guests an integrated experience. The Planet Hollywood hotel is crafted as a fun, entertaining themed property, while the Radisson Blu hotel is designed to deliver an upscale, luxury experience for travelers and business customers. Tornike Janashvili, CEO of Block Group, stated: “This is a pivotal moment for Tbilisi. We’re introducing a true integrated resort—one that elevates the city’s global positioning, draws international visitors at scale, and sets a new standard for hospitality, entertainment, and economic impact in the region.” 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) - Wynn Macau Ltd increased its final dividend for 2025 to HK$0.223 per share, up from HK$0.185 the previous year, even as it experienced a steep drop in revenue. The company announced this alongside its full-year results, which showed net profit attributable to shareholders fell 49% to HK$1.63 billion (US$208 million). The decline in finance income was due to losses from fluctuations in the fair value of derivatives. While the reduction was primarily driven by external factors such as lower revenues from casino operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the dividend increase demonstrates that management remains committed to rewarding shareholders and sustaining returns during a highly challenging market. As of the end of 2025, total operating revenues rose by just 0.9% to HK$29.0 billion (US$3.70 billion). The gaming segment continued to be the key driver of revenue growth, expanding 3.4% to HK$24.4 billion (US$3.11 billion) due to favorable gaming conditions around the Wynn Palace. Also contributing to growth in the gaming segment’s revenues were stable earnings from mass-market table games, which increased 2.3% to HK$22.8 billion (US$2.91 billion); additionally, slot machine revenues surged 9.7% to HK$1.82 billion (US$232 million), reflecting the strength of the mass-market segment. However, the decline in revenue from Wynn Macau’s VIP and high-end gaming segment also had a negative impact. Conversely, non-gaming revenues decreased by 10.8% to HK$4.57 billion (US$583 million), reflecting the ongoing operational challenges the company faces in the hospitality, food & beverage, and retail segments. Analysts reacted positively to the dividend hike; J.P. Morgan noted that the payout was approximately 20% higher than expected, resulting in a full-year yield of 7.7%. Additionally, J.P. Morgan stated that, unlike many competitors, Wynn Macau does not use a static fixed payout ratio policy for dividends, instead focusing on returning value to shareholders through attractive allocations of funds to per-share returns. As such, if the company can maintain or raise its annual dividend payouts to HKD 0.446 per shareholder, the dividend yield would be roughly 8.4% at current share prices. While profits were negatively affected by a large loss in 2025, they were buffered from broader trends by a relatively strong revenue stream from significant gaming activity. Wynn Palace’s performance contributed to the company’s overall results; however, the firm saw slower growth from its VIP customers and non-gaming activities compared to other casinos. 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 Kentucky House of Representatives has approved House Bill 904, a comprehensive legislative proposal designed to overhaul sports betting within the state, notably by increasing the legal age from 18 to 21. This bill, championed by Republican Representatives Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, garnered substantial backing with a 79-15 vote and has now advanced to the Senate for review. House Bill 904 introduces several significant amendments intended to enhance consumer safeguards and maintain the integrity of sports betting in Kentucky, further developing a market that has demonstrated considerable initial growth since its inception. Among its primary stipulations, the bill elevates the legal age for sports wagering to 21, an increase from the existing age of 18. Furthermore, the legislation aims to ban prop bets involving athletes participating in Kentucky collegiate sports. Meredith contended that these restrictions would mitigate the potential for bribery or harassment targeting student athletes. “It would also prohibit prop betting on collegiate athletes within the state, specifically those playing for Kentucky teams. This measure would eliminate any motivation for bribery or for harassing a player for failing to achieve a specific outcome,” Meredith stated, as reported by the Interior Journal. Legislators broaden focus to include fantasy, prediction markets, and compliance Beyond its provisions for sports betting, the bill would also bring fantasy sports contests under the regulatory purview, licensing, and taxation authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Additionally, it establishes a tax structure for prediction markets, provided that federal courts allow these markets to legally operate in the future—a domain of evolving regulation that mirrors wider discussions about gambling expansion within the state. Moreover, the proposal considers legalizing fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, a practice presently restricted by Kentucky law. It further mandates the formation of a study task force to investigate oversight procedures for charitable gaming operations across the state. Presently, certain sports betting operators impose limits on customers' winnings; HB 904 would outlaw this practice. Should the bill be enacted, bookmakers who decline to pay out substantial winning bets would no longer be permitted to enforce such restrictions. The legislation also includes a clause to prevent individuals with over $1,000 in outstanding child support from engaging in sports wagering until their arrears are settled. The attorney general’s office would be responsible for compiling a roster of these delinquent payers and distributing it to the gaming regulator and operators for enforcement. The House's approval of HB 904 occurs with only seven legislative days remaining in Kentucky’s 60-day session. While this timing suggests considerable progress for the bill, it does not assure its ultimate passage into law. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - With the 2026 Major League Baseball season's Opening Day nearing, Polymarket secured a landmark commercial agreement with the league this week. Polymarket revealed on Thursday that it has partnered with MLB, becoming the league's sole prediction market exchange partner. This move places MLB alongside the NHL, MLS, and UFC as North American sports leagues that have established commercial ties with prediction markets. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had previously informed team owners about a potential deal with such an exchange last month. “Our foremost priority is, and always will be, safeguarding the integrity of the game,” Manfred stated. While engaged in a dispute with multiple state regulators, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has declared it holds sole authority to regulate sports event contracts. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has repeatedly emphasized the need to foster integrity in derivative markets since his confirmation. Prior to the partnership announcement, MLB and the CFTC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday. This agreement creates a structure for the two entities to consult, collaborate, and share information on mutual interests, such as preserving the integrity of professional baseball and prediction markets, according to a CFTC statement. “This partnership equips the CFTC with more resources to shield our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other misconduct. We appreciate MLB and Commissioner Manfred for collaborating with us to ensure the integrity of these expanding markets,” Selig posted on X. Arizona files criminal charges vs Kalshi Kalshi has encountered a surge of lawsuits in U.S. state and federal courts in recent months. However, an indictment made public this week in Arizona established a new precedent. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes brought criminal charges against KalshiEx LLC and Kalshi Trading LLC on Tuesday for running an unlicensed gambling operation in the state. The 20-count indictment, comprising solely misdemeanors, marks the first instance of Kalshi facing criminal charges in the United States. The charges include four counts related to election betting, covering wagers on the 2028 U.S. presidential election, the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race, the 2026 Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary, and the 2026 Arizona secretary of state race. Arizona statute forbids operating a betting business without a license and also explicitly prohibits wagering on elections. “While Kalshi may call itself a 'prediction market,' it is effectively conducting an illegal gambling enterprise and accepting bets on Arizona elections, actions that both break Arizona law,” Mayes stated. “No company can choose which laws it wishes to obey.” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour denounced the charges, posting on X: “The Arizona attorney general's allegations are unfounded and a definite overstep. This is political maneuvering by a candidate seeking re-election.” In unrelated news, a Bloomberg report on Thursday indicated that Kalshi secured over $1 billion in a new funding round, valuing the company at $22 billion. This figure is twice the $11 billion valuation the exchange attained in December. Kalshi $1 billion tournament challenge In 2014, renowned investor Warren Buffett presented a nearly unattainable challenge: a $1 billion prize for anyone who could accurately predict all 63 games in the NCAA tournament. Now, over ten years later, Kalshi is reviving this contest. Considering the frequent upsets during March Madness, the chances of a perfect bracket are a staggering 1 in 120 billion. Despite the odds, Kalshi is offering the same prize to any customer who achieves this unlikely accomplishment. During Thursday's opening round, 16th-seeded Siena came close to defeating top-seeded Duke in an East subregional game. Siena, the MAAC tournament champion, began with a 1% win probability on Kalshi. The Saints shot well early, building a 33-22 first-half lead and an 11-point advantage at halftime. Siena's odds peaked at 23% in the second half. Duke responded with an 11-0 run early in the second half to narrow the gap to two points. The Blue Devils limited Siena to 22 points after halftime, securing a 71-65 victory. This comeback preserved the brackets of many Kalshi users. Duke is the most popular pick among users to win the tournament, followed by Arizona, Michigan, and Houston. Roughly 37.3% of all participants selected the Blue Devils to claim the championship. As of 1:30 p.m. ET, Kalshi reported 83 perfect brackets still active in the challenge. The promotion is financially supported by SIG Parametrics, LLC, a member of the Susquehanna International Group of Companies, according to Kalshi. Matt RybaltowskiMatt is primarily responsible for long-form feature coverage on complex sports betting scandals. He also provides coverage on finance, M&A and other technological developments. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - An Advocate General (AG) at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has concluded that national gambling licensing mandates within EU member states must be respected, provided they align with EU free movement regulations. AG Emiliou issued this opinion concerning a player-losses lawsuit filed against German operator Tipico at the ECJ in 2024. Germany's Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice) referred the case to the ECJ in July 2024. Interpreting the EU's frequently debated Article 56 of the TFEU framework, the AG stated: “If a member state mandates a license for specific services within its borders, and this requirement itself complies with Article 56 TFEU, then national authorities, including judicial bodies, are permitted to enforce this requirement against an operator that has offered services without the necessary license.” A central issue in the case was whether Germany's regulatory structure at the time violated EU freedom of movement provisions. The AG's opinion indicated that EU member states are responsible for establishing their own regulations concerning games of chance. He attributed this to “considerable moral, religious, and cultural disparities among member states” regarding gambling. “National authorities retain the right, within their national territory, to implement regulatory measures they deem suitable for safeguarding consumers against these risks, provided the principle of proportionality is upheld,” the AG declared in their opinion on Thursday. What is the background of the case? This case is among several prominent player loss disputes currently before the ECJ. A player initiated legal action against the operator in German courts, seeking to recover losses sustained prior to the implementation of Germany's State Treaty on Gambling. The plaintiff contended that the agreement between the player and the operator should have been deemed invalid because the operator lacked a local gambling license in Germany at that period. Conversely, Tipico asserted that the German framework was unjust and opaque. Tipico had also attempted to secure a German license during the period in question. The ECJ's opinion deferred several issues for the referring court to resolve. This case, along with others, was escalated to the EU level to ascertain whether operators providing gambling services without a local license were in breach of European law. Many uncertainties persist regarding the future of comparable player loss cases throughout Europe. Some anticipated a more conclusive ruling from the AG, hoping it would help curb the increasing prevalence of such cases in markets including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Allwyn International is looking into other acquisition possibilities for a proprietary sports betting technology platform after its Novibet deal fell through. During Allwyn's FY25 earnings call on Thursday, CEO Robert Chvátal fielded questions about the breakdown of the company's proposed Novibet acquisition, which had been announced earlier this month. Allwyn pulled out of the acquisition after receiving feedback from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), with iGB learning that several potential remedies that were examined could not preserve the deal's value. A key element of the transaction was to supply Allwyn with a proprietary sportsbook platform, though Chvátal stated that Allwyn respected the HCC's concerns. He indicated that the group had already begun examining alternative options. "This interest in sportsbook technology remains on Allwyn's radar," Chvátal commented. "We have already begun investigating other opportunities regarding sportsbook technology, potentially to strengthen our sportsbook position in certain Allwyn markets." Making sportsbook technology internal is a priority for Allwyn Allwyn CFO Kenneth Morton provided additional details on the company's broader technology strategy, noting that a major priority was to internalize its sportsbook technology. According to Morton, the company views proprietary technology as an "important differentiating factor and long-term driver of success." "We currently have nearly everything we consider important for user experience and our long-term success already in-house on the lottery side, though it hasn't necessarily been deployed across our entire portfolio," Morton stated. "Sports betting is the one area we don't currently have in-house, which we believe is strategically important. So we definitely see advantages to bringing it in-house, but as Robert mentioned, there are many other approaches we can take to accomplish that." PrizePicks' advantages in customer acquisition In September last year, Allwyn agreed to purchase a majority stake in daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks. The agreement to acquire a 62.3% stake in PrizePicks involved an initial cash payment of $1.6 billion, with further payments contingent on specific performance metrics over the subsequent three years. PrizePicks has also broadened its offerings beyond existing products by entering the expanding US prediction markets sector. With Allwyn's acquisition finalized in January this year, Morton believes PrizePicks is well-positioned to gain traction in the prediction markets sector due to its extensive national user base and recognizable brand. "PrizePicks doesn't operate in a situation where it must acquire numerous customers to either tackle churn or expand into new regions to seize the prediction markets opportunity," Morton explained. "We can't provide specifics, but I would say that PrizePicks is definitely better positioned than other companies in the broader North American gaming entertainment space in that respect." Morton noted that PrizePicks' capability to integrate its DFS, sports betting, and prediction markets offerings within a single app was essential from a customer acquisition standpoint. "Several operators have actually launched with three separate apps for DFS, OSB, and predictions," Morton continued. "Essentially, to some degree you're forced to acquire the same customer three times over. "That's not true for PrizePicks. From day one they launched predictions within their DFS app, which is clearly better for user experience, but also significantly better from a customer acquisition cost perspective." Allwyn's net revenue saw modest growth in FY25 Allwyn's net revenue increased by 4% year-over-year in its FY25 results to €4.1 billion, while adjusted EBITDA also grew 4%, approaching €1.6 billion. Allwyn anticipates finalizing its merger with OPAP this month following shareholder approval in February. The merger is projected to create a combined entity valued at €16 billion. Chvátal characterized 2025 as a "pivotal year" for Allwyn, voicing his confidence in the company's prospects. "The major steps taken this year further reinforce our platform and position us favorably to deliver sustainable long-term value as a publicly traded company," Chvátal stated. Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, transitioning from sports journalism to become a senior reporter covering Latin America for iGB. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Saskatchewan’s provincial government has revealed a substantial boost in funding for Indigenous communities, fueled by all-time high gaming revenues. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, a total of $153.5 million will be allocated to First Nations and Métis organizations. This funding increase follows strong earnings reported by key players in the province’s gaming sector, including the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), SaskGaming properties, and the online platform PlayNow.com. Industry analysts link these gains to gaming facility upgrades, venue expansions, and improved online service offerings—all of which have raised gross gaming receipts. SIGA delivered a standout performance in the 2024–25 fiscal year, generating a record-breaking $378 million in revenue and distributing $146 million in income. This underscores the growing financial importance of gaming operations in supporting Indigenous communities. Online gambling has been legal in Saskatchewan since November 2022, with similar developments taking place in neighboring provinces. Alberta, for example, is currently exploring a regulated framework for iGaming and sports betting. Structured Allocation Based on Existing Agreements Funding will be distributed according to protocols outlined in the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and relevant provincial legislation. Allocations will go to the First Nations Trust, Community Development Corporations, and Métis economic funds, supporting areas such as housing, education, cultural preservation, and local infrastructure development. Eric Schmalz, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs, said: “At a time when community strength is more vital than ever, these agreements ensure funding flows to the places where Indigenous people gather, celebrate, and build strong futures.” Provincial officials noted that the steady stream of gaming revenue will support a wide range of projects within Indigenous communities—from small-scale local initiatives to larger economic development ventures. This funding strategy marks a continuation and expansion of Saskatchewan’s commitment to using gaming proceeds as a key source of economic support for First Nations and Métis communities across the province. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Estonian remote gambling operators have thus far voluntarily paid over €1.4 million ($1.62 million) to the Ministry of Finance following a legislative drafting mistake that temporarily eliminated their 2026 tax duties. These payments, made in February and March 2026, are meant to cover the amounts the government would have received if the Gambling Tax Act had been implemented as initially planned. ERR News reports that Ministry spokesperson Siiri Suutre said: “February donations—including income tax—totaled roughly €815,000, and as of now in March, about €595,000 has come in. The March number isn’t final, and we expect more donations.” The tax exemption stemmed from December 2025 amendments that accidentally left games of chance out of the taxable base. This legislative mistake meant remote gambling wasn’t taxed at the beginning of 2026. MP Aivar Kokk pointed out the error’s impact: “Games of chance and remote gambling were excluded from this year’s taxes, so online casino games aren’t taxed in 2026.” After the issue came to light, parliament quickly fixed the text by passing a technical amendment that restored a 5.5% flat tax on remote gambling starting 1 March 2026. The Riigikogu Finance Committee confirmed the correction aligns tax assessment with existing monthly reporting processes. Cautious expectations on reimbursement The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators proposed a voluntary donation program. To date, only a small number of the 41 licensed remote operators have contributed. Finance Ministry’s Evelyn Liivamägi noted varying company attitudes. She was cautious about fully recouping lost tax revenue: “Life usually shows people are more eager to make promises than keep them.” Based on January and February declared income, the ministry estimates the two-month tax liability would have been around €3.5 million—slightly less than the earlier €4 million guess. Previous budget plans projected remote gambling tax revenue could hit €27 million for the year. Officials say they’ll only confirm the final shortfall after annual returns are done. The Ministry of Finance is still tracking voluntary payments, and the updated Gambling Tax Act is now active. This incident comes amid Estonia’s broader policy of positioning itself as a competitive iGaming market. The government has expressed goals to make the country a regional online gambling hub. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.