Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Aviator Studio Brazil has successfully obtained two back-to-back court rulings in São Paulo, Brazil, that have blocked SPRIBE's efforts to secure an injunction against its business activities. On April 16, the São Paulo Court of Appeals (2nd Reserved Chamber of Business Law) issued rulings that largely favored the defendants. The court denied the request for an injunction against the group, permitting Aviator Studio Brazil to maintain its market operations alongside partners like Foggo Entertainment (Blaze) while the wider trademark dispute proceeds through standard legal channels. Contextualising Separate Proceedings This win in the group litigation comes after SPRIBE announced on April 15 a distinct case involving NSX Betnacional. Aviator LLC stated that initially, neither the firm nor the operator had knowledge of those specific legal actions. Upon becoming aware of the separate issue, Aviator Studio Brazil promptly moved to take charge of defending the brand's lawful use, supplying NSX Betnacional with necessary legal assistance. Key Court Findings The Court of Appeals grounded its ruling on the following primary observations: Lack of likelihood of success on the merits: Although SPRIBE asserts it holds exclusive rights to the “AVIATOR” trademark, the court noted significant debate regarding the legitimacy of these claims within Brazil and abroad. Absence of irreparable harm: The court concluded that there is no immediate or irreparable damage present to warrant urgent judicial intervention. Valid licensing: The court highlighted that Aviator Studio Brazil is conducting business under the “AVIATOR” name pursuant to a licence from Aviator LLC, the specifics and validity of which will be assessed during the trial. Protecting the AVIATOR Ecosystem By meeting all indemnification and defence requirements stipulated in its Software Licence Agreement, Aviator Studio Brazil entered the proceedings to back its operator partners, such as Foggo Entertainment (Blaze). The company has declared its complete support for its partners, accepting the duty to defend, indemnify, and protect them concerning the utilization of the AVIATOR brand and product. This action underscores the firm’s enduring dedication to safeguarding its partners and the stability of the AVIATOR ecosystem. Regarding the situation with NSX Betnacional, Aviator LLC verified that neither party was initially aware of the legal proceedings. Once informed, Aviator Studio Brazil acted swiftly to assist its partner Betnacional and take on the responsibility of protecting the authorized use of the AVIATOR brand. International Context Aviator LLC remarked that these results bolster its established view that motions for preliminary injunctions do not accurately represent the case's merits. This aligns with prior events in the UK High Court, where an interim injunction secured by SPRIBE was characterized as a limited procedural measure unrelated to ownership or the dispute's ultimate resolution. With no rulings against Aviator LLC’s fundamental rights in Brazil and courts refusing to grant emergency relief, the firm persists in its operations, staying assured of its legal standing as lawsuits advance in various jurisdictions. Commenting on the decision, George Pruidze, CEO at Aviator Studio, said: After securing two successive wins in the São Paulo trial and appellate courts, it is evident that the urgent measures SPRIBE seeks are unfounded. Aviator Studio Brazil continues to operate legally under licence, and we remain dedicated to backing our partners and upholding the AVIATOR brand wherever needed. As SPRIBE’s similar actions continue to spark litigation in Brazil, including the current case with Betnacional, we will stand by our partners to ensure the rightful use of the AVIATOR brand is upheld. We are confident that our legal stance and the facts will continue to succeed as these cases move forward. 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) - Push Gaming further strengthens its leadership team by naming Jonathan Moretta as its Head of Account Management. He enters the position with over six years of experience in the igaming industry, having established partnerships with major brands and driven success in crucial international markets. Jonathan Moretta, Head of Account Management at Push Gaming, stated about his new role: Push Gaming collaborates with many high-quality partners, and I am eager to continue strengthening these vital relationships. The exceptional standard of Push Gaming's products is clear, and my aim is to ensure this quality is mirrored in our communications with key accounts, whether by promoting established favourites or introducing new games from our future pipeline. This appointment reinforces Push Gaming's strategic objectives for 2026, aligning with other enhancements to its commercial and operational framework. Alistair Johnston, CCO at Push Gaming, also shared his thoughts on Jonathan's appointment, stating: I am delighted to welcome Jonathan to the team. He will play a key role in executing Push Gaming's commercial strategy, providing front-line leadership with a demonstrated approach. Jonathan possesses a global network of important industry contacts, supported by a unique aptitude for forging the strong relationships that fuel rapid growth. 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) - On Tuesday, the Gambling Commission published an analysis examining consumer interaction with unlicensed online gambling platforms. The report draws attention to shifting activity patterns and new risks to data accuracy, driven by growing uptake of anonymity tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs). This update came after a panel discussion focused on illegal gambling took place at the Commission’s Spring Evidence Conference hosted in Birmingham in March. Industry representatives, the Dutch gambling regulator, and HMRC gathered to discuss enforcement practices and data-related challenges. No sustained structural increase recorded over 21 months Tuesday’s update expands on findings released in November 2025, when the UKGC acknowledged it could not produce reliable estimates of how much players were spending with unlicensed operators. The regulator found none of the three available approaches — time-based, channelisation, and survey-focused methods — suitable for the task. The Commission admitted at that time that its measurement methodology still required further refinement. Six months later, the regulator has released a new update, though the full picture of the market remains far from clear. The Commission’s latest 21-month data series has been updated to include figures through February 2026. It uses estimated total minutes users spent on illegal gambling sites as an indicator of consumer engagement. The data shows highly unstable user activity, with no distinct seasonal patterns or consistent long-term growth. A notable spike in consumer engagement recorded in autumn 2024 did not repeat in the following year. This indicates fluctuating activity rather than sustained growth of the illegal gambling market. Online Safety Act drives higher VPN adoption, obscuring market data Rising VPN use among consumers, particularly after the rollout of the Online Safety Act in July 2025, has made the enforcement landscape more complex. While a 30% adjustment factor was previously applied to account for traffic hidden by VPNs, recent data suggests an even larger share of illegal gambling activity may be going uncounted. Data from Ofcom and app analytics provider Similarweb shows VPN uptake began increasing in July 2025. It levelled off at roughly 40% higher than pre-July 2025 levels, according to Ofcom’s figures. This led the Gambling Commission to integrate two separate VPN usage scenarios into its trend analyses, resulting in wider confidence intervals for all data from mid-2025 onward. Trends can be identified, but exact volume figures remain out of reach The Commission stressed that its figures are derived from web traffic estimates, which carry inherent margins of error. What is more, web traffic analysis does not capture all channels used to access illegal gambling, such as dedicated apps or direct connections. As a result, these estimates are better suited to indicating broad trends than calculating precise engagement volumes. “We are continuing to refine our methodology, and are seeking input from other international regulators and licensed operators to help validate and improve existing data sources, as well as to identify additional datasets that can enhance our understanding of the illegal market,” said Tim Livesley, head of the UKGC’s Data Innovation Hub. Additionally, the regulator is also strengthening its data collection work via its Gambling Survey for Great Britain and the Consumer Voice research programme. Enforcement success depends on closing existing data gaps Accurate measurement of the illegal market is critical to targeting enforcement resources effectively and evaluating the success of interventions including payment blocking, domain takedowns, and partnerships with financial institutions and advertising platforms. “The Commission continues to treat illegal gambling as a top priority, and we will be releasing further updates on how we are scaling up our disruption and enforcement activity,” Livesley added. The Commission’s recognition of VPN-related measurement challenges reflects wider difficulties faced by regulators across the world. VPNs designed to protect consumer privacy are proving to be a similarly significant challenge for regulators and payment processors working to detect illegal 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) - FDJ United has pledged to reverse its fortunes in the UK and Netherlands, following ongoing tax-related challenges that impacted its Q1 performance. The group’s Q1 2026 earnings, published on Tuesday, showed a 1% year-over-year rise in GGR to €2.175 billion, though revenue dropped 3% to €895 million—held back by a €24 million hit from gaming taxes. FDJ’s online betting and gaming division, which comprises its Kindred operations, recorded a 1% decline in GGR to €342 million, with revenue falling 8% to €213 million. However, if we exclude the UK and Netherlands—where gambling tax rates were increased in 2025 and 2026—FDJ’s Q1 GGR from its online betting and gaming division climbed 6%, and revenue only dipped by 1%. Kindred’s UK revenue fell by 24.1%. Over in the Netherlands, revenue dropped 19.9%—though FDJ pointed out this was a “notable improvement” compared to the 42.1% decline seen in FY2025. The operator has already initiated measures to strengthen its standing in these critical markets, including updating its betting platform. In February, Pascal Chaffard moved from his role as CFO to lead the online gaming and betting division, replacing Kindred CEO Nils Andén, who departed to “pursue new opportunities”. On Tuesday, FDJ revealed that Dan Lévy—previously with Ipsos—would take over Chaffard’s former position as CFO. The company stated that its new management team is “fully dedicated” to reviving the online betting and gaming division’s performance, particularly in the UK and Netherlands. FDJ cuts FY26 guidance In FY2025, FDJ saw year-over-year declines across most of its business units, as the company was significantly impacted by higher taxes. Chairwoman and CEO Stéphane Pallez once more identified tax increases as an ongoing challenge. “In a landscape still influenced by tax hikes and stricter gaming regulations, the group is intensifying its focus on operational efficiency, synergies, and financial discipline. Our goal is to return to sustainable, value-generating growth starting in the second half of the year, for the benefit of all our stakeholders,” Pallez stated. Based on its Q1 results, FDJ now anticipates a slight rise in GGR for 2026, but also forecasts a small drop in revenue due to additional annual gaming tax increases totaling around €90 million. The company’s recurring EBITDA margin is projected to range from 23% to 24%, a slight decrease from the earlier FY26 target of 24.5%. FDJ sees mixed Q1 performance in France FDJ’s French lottery and retail sports betting division also delivered mixed outcomes. The division’s GGR remained steady at €1.74 billion, but revenue fell another 2% to €627 million, affected by a €15 million hit from higher taxes. FDJ attributed the French performance to temporary factors at the end of Q1, including less appealing sports events and a high payout ratio for retail sports betting. France-based point-of-sale revenue decreased by 3% to €546 million, while online lottery revenue inched up by 1% to €81 million. Even though its French lottery and retail sports betting division saw no growth, FDJ still expects annual revenue growth for this segment as it navigates past the temporary issues faced in Q1. Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, coming from the sports journalism sector, and later became a senior reporter focused on 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) - Edson Fachin, Chief Justice of Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF), has removed Extraordinary Appeal No. 966,177 from the court docket; the case was scheduled to be heard this Thursday to rule on whether the criminalisation of gambling, as set out in the 1941 Criminal Offences Act, aligns with the 1988 Constitution. The dispute originated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the Public Prosecutor’s Office is challenging a ruling from the Appeals Panel of the state’s Special Criminal Courts. The panel ruled that the 1941 Act was not integrated into the 1988 Federal Constitution, and that operating gambling is not a crime. While the Supreme Court’s heavy caseload was cited as a reason for pulling the matter from the trial calendar, other factors also contributed to the postponement. The Supreme Court has faced widespread criticism from the media, the public, and some members of the political establishment. Addressing such a controversial topic now could further harm the court’s already tarnished reputation, and this is widely believed to have factored into the decision. Criticism of the sports betting and online gaming sectors, especially from President Lula, must also have weighed on Edson Fachin’s decision to wait for a more opportune moment to open the issue for discussion. Potential favourable ruling on gambling The prevailing view among lawyers closely tracking the General Repercussion case proceedings at the Supreme Court is that the justices have already concluded that the Federal Constitution does not enshrine the criminalisation of gambling in Brazil. By postponing the ruling, the Supreme Court avoids taking a public stance on the issue, as it is understood that gambling will be legalised in any case, pending only the approval of operating legislation and general regulations. The core question at hand is the validity of Article 50 of the Criminal Offences Act, which punishes anyone who sets up or runs gambling in a public place or a place open to the public with three months to one year of imprisonment. If the Supreme Court upholds the ruling of Rio Grande do Sul’s Appeals Panel of the Special Criminal Courts, gambling will no longer be classified as a criminal offence. Therefore, there will be no legislation banning gambling in Brazil, as the activity will no longer be prohibited, but will instead remain unregulated. As a result, the government will need to regulate the land-based gambling sector, and it will fall to the National Congress to approve formal legislation for the activity. Luiz Fux, the Justice presiding over the appeal, noted that the issue is controversial and involves constitutional matters of economic, political, social, and legal significance, extending beyond the individual interests of the case. “The issue submitted to this Federal Court for consideration is eminently constitutional, since the lower court rejected the criminal nature of gambling based on constitutional principles for free enterprise and fundamental freedoms,” stated Fux, who acknowledged back in 2016 that the matter should be discussed under the General Repercussion doctrine. 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) - New research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) reveals gambling operators are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) across various areas of their business. Key applications of AI involve tailoring marketing offers to individual customers and detecting suspicious activity. The technology is also being used to spot potential signs of gambling-related harm among users. This trend signifies a substantial change in the promotion and oversight of gambling services under Australian regulations. Operators deploy AI across customer touchpoints Although the technology offers advantages for customer protection, the regulator warned that business goals may prioritise boosting user interaction and profits over harm reduction. The study, which examined AI use among major operators, noted that Sportsbet uses an AI chatbot to manage more than a third of customer queries independently. The Flutter-owned company stated the chatbot has an accuracy rate of around 94%. In another case, Tabcorp worked with Mindway AI to roll out behavioural analytics tools. These platforms function as "virtual psychologists," scrutinising betting patterns to identify users who may be at risk. How AI is rewiring the wagering engine Predictive analytics driven by AI have also transformed the way companies set prices for betting markets. While licensed operators have used machine learning for odds compilation for some time, the sophistication of this technology has increased. AI now allows operators to analyse live data, including player injuries and in-play betting trends, with little human input. Betfair Australia cited a 22% gain in odds accuracy due to AI. Fanatics, the parent company of PointsBet, demonstrated its commitment to this area by purchasing algorithmic trading specialist Banach Technologies for $43 million in 2021. This firm specialises in live betting and odds generation. Beyond improving price precision, AI has made it feasible for operators to confidently offer odds on an expanding array of micro-markets and outcomes specific to individual players. Australian regulator flags AI as a frontline tool against fraud The ACMA report also pointed to the gambling industry's expanding use of AI for purposes other than marketing and betting. Real-time analytics powered by AI lets wagering sites constantly monitor transactions and user activity. This significantly improves the ability to detect possible fraud, money laundering, or improper account use. AI has also enhanced identity verification by employing intelligent document scanning and biometrics, helping to curb fraudulent or duplicate accounts. Supporting these advancements is what the ACMA identified as a potentially major evolution: agentic AI. These autonomous systems can link predictive and generative AI functions without requiring human supervision. For regulators, determining who is responsible for outcomes becomes much harder. Accountability is unclear when an automated system manages the entire customer experience. On the other hand, AI has been linked to the expansion of the illegal market. A recent Investigate Europe probe found that widely available AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Grok often steer users toward unlicensed offshore gambling sites. Some chatbots even advised on how to circumvent age checks and self-exclusion programs. Rules under pressure as AI outpaces regulatory framework Australia's current gambling regulations are largely based on the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. The ACMA noted that this framework was not designed with contemporary, advanced AI in mind. It stated that these new applications of AI are challenging the existing rules. The report highlighted, for instance, that Spain's Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling is creating its own AI system to watch licensed operators' activities in real time. The ACMA explained that the report's goal is to stimulate policy discussion and does not constitute an urgent demand for new laws. 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 Office for Gambling (ONJN) has launched its inaugural call for funding through the “Aware and Free” initiative, providing €5 million for programs aimed at preventing gambling-related harm. The submission period began on 20 April and concludes on 11 May, after which the regulatory body will review eligibility and release preliminary results by 26 May. Following an independent evaluation, final outcomes are expected on 8 July. After the resolution of any appeals, confirmed participants should be announced by 28 July, with initiatives starting in early August and running until the end of 2026. ONJN president Vlad-Cristian Soare, stated: We gave our word that these initiatives would be realized. Despite previous challenges, these projects will proceed and, most importantly, provide support to vulnerable people. We are securing the first-ever funding in the history of the ONJN for this type of program, while also establishing the regulatory groundwork for future grants. The €5 million allocation is divided into three categories. The largest portion, €3.6 million, will fund prevention, education, treatment, research, digitalization, and responsible gambling efforts. Another €1.2 million is dedicated to infrastructure, such as building or improving treatment centers, and is available exclusively to public authorities. The remaining €200,000 will support research and impact assessments to inform policy development. This move comes during a difficult start to 2026 for the iGaming market in Romania. The industry experienced a notable contraction, with the Blask Index falling 24.4% over January and February, marking one of the weakest year-to-date performances in a decade. 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) - PlayCity has revealed a fresh collaboration with YouTube to accelerate the deletion of unlawful gambling advertisements. According to the regulator, this partnership will facilitate quicker identification of infractions and the prompt removal of banned material. The organization announced via its official Telegram account: We have started working with YouTube to enhance our response speed and restrict unauthorized gambling ads. By linking its surveillance systems with YouTube's resources, PlayCity anticipates a major reduction in the time elapsed between spotting and eliminating illicit advertisements. The joint effort is already yielding outcomes. Officials verified that a channel boasting over 3,000 followers was shut down for endorsing gambling, and a video for an unlicensed casino was taken down from a channel with more than 133,000 subscribers. Representatives noted that this project is part of an extensive strategy to increase oversight of gambling content and bolster enforcement, complementing current actions like penalties for ad breaches. Concurrently, Ukraine is transitioning its licensing process to a digital format. In partnership with PlayCity, the Ministry of Digital Transformation has transferred all gambling permit applications to the Diia portal. Businesses can now sign up, provide documentation, and complete forms digitally, with permits granted in just a few minutes. 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) - Betting activity linked to Singapore has risen on the Polymarket platform, persisting despite the site being prohibited in the region since December 2024. According to Singaporean media, some users are bypassing restrictions to access the platform and wager on local events. Recent trends include betting on daily temperatures, with average daily wagers surpassing $100,000 throughout April. By the evening of April 17, nearly $125,000 had been staked, with the majority of participants betting on a peak temperature of 33°C. Singaporean authorities officially blocked Polymarket in December 2024 due to the platform's provision of unauthorized gambling services. Singapore maintains strict regulations on remote gambling, designating Singapore Pools as the sole entity permitted to offer online betting. Government efforts to enforce regulations against illegal wagering have intensified. The Polymarket website has previously been utilized for betting on significant Singaporean events, including the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the presidential election, and the 2025 parliamentary election. 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) - Defy the Odds (DTO) and BettingStartups have announced a strategic partnership designed to enhance the role of startups within the iGaming and sports betting sectors. This collaboration unites two organizations that share the conviction that early-stage companies are vital for the industry's future and require improved access to networks, funding, and collaborative opportunities. DTO, which provides support to founders in iGaming, sports betting, sportstech, and fintech, will integrate its advisory network with BettingStartups’ global ecosystem. This aims to effectively bridge the gap between startups and the broader industry, addressing common obstacles such as limited visibility, fragmented networks, and difficulties in securing sector-specific investment. By combining their efforts, the two platforms intend to establish more robust avenues for startups to gain exposure, secure funding, and forge connections with operators, investors, and industry experts. This will provide investors with enhanced access to emerging ventures, while established companies will gain earlier insights into new products and innovations. The partnership is structured around three core principles: community, collaboration, and capital. It will focus on knowledge exchange, fostering meaningful partnerships, and preparing startups for investment. Both organizations will assist founders with pitch preparation, financial modeling, and introductions to active investors. Kelly Kehn, Co-Founder of DTO, stated: Innovation thrives on connection, idea sharing, and mutual encouragement among founders. This is the essence of community. Our partnership with Bettingstartups is about bringing more startups together and ensuring the wider industry recognizes their contributions. The future of our industry is being shaped by these founders. The inaugural joint initiative of this partnership will occur at the SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale, taking place from June 9–11. During the event, they will organize startup-focused activities and facilitate connections between early-stage companies and key stakeholders. Additional initiatives are planned for 2026. Jesse Learmonth, founder of BettingStartups, commented: Our core mission has always been to provide founders with high-signal infrastructure for scaling. This partnership with DTO strengthens that commitment by connecting our audience with a community that genuinely opens doors. Beginning with the startup zone at SBC Americas, we are offering founders a direct and accessible channel to the operators and investors who shape this industry. 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 Korea’s Kangwon Land has been fined for failing to properly verify and report 11 casino transactions conducted between 2022 and 2024, in violation of anti-money laundering regulations. South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) issued a total fine of KRW564 million (approximately $382,400) to parent company Kangwon Land Inc. The transactions made by seven patrons had a combined total value of at least KRW110 million, or roughly $74,500. The FIU also cited Kangwon Land for data management inconsistencies. During the 2022 to 2024 period, the casino failed to retain nearly 30,000 financial transaction records. The company did not retain more than 43,000 customer identification documents for the legally required minimum timeframe. Additionally, per the FIU, Kangwon Land failed to complete due diligence checks to identify non-members in nearly 68,000 cases. The FIU has ordered the company to improve its know-your-customer (KYC) protocols and maintain financial reports in compliance with mandatory requirements. Joining the battle against illegal online gambling In related news, Kangwon Land has agreed to collaborate with South Korea’s Game Rating and Administration Committee (GRAC) and Gangwon police to stamp out illegal online gambling. According to reporting from Inven Global, the partners signed an agreement announced on April 15, under which they will share intelligence, collaborate on enforcement efforts, and work together on public awareness campaigns and player protection initiatives. On April 15, representatives from South Korea’s Game Rating and Administration Committee, Gangwon Provincial Police and Kangwon Land joined forces to combat illegal online gambling. "Illegal gambling directly causes harm to users," stated GRAC Chairman Seo Tae-geon. "Meaningful results can only be achieved when institutional oversight, law enforcement, and on-site protection efforts work in unison. Through this agreement, we will combine our respective roles to strengthen cooperation and build a safe, healthy gaming environment for the general public." Kangwon Land, situated in remote Gangwon Province, is the only casino in South Korea open to local gamblers. To expand its customer base, the resort secured government approval in 2024 to add a second casino, upgrade its existing resort facilities and build a new KRW2.5 trillion luxury hotel. The first phase of this project is set to be completed in 2028. Marjorie PrestonMarjorie launched 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) - In 2025, the illegal gambling market in the Netherlands exceeded the legal sector in revenue, as stringent player protection rules are driving gamblers toward the black market. The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has expressed concern over channelisation, which dropped from 51% at the close of 2024 to 49% in H1 2025. Its annual report for 2025, released on Tuesday, cautioned that the illegal market has now overtaken the licensed sector based on operator Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Unlicensed operators now represent the majority of casino spending in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the total revenue from licensed operators stayed relatively flat in the second half of 2025 compared to the prior year, amounting to €602 million. The implementation of stricter player protection measures over recent years, including deposit limits and higher gambling taxes, has caused a decrease in channeling. This decline indicates that close to half of all gambling expenditure is moving to unlicensed operators. Last October, the regulator imposed deposit limits of €700 for players over 24 and €300 for those aged 18 to 24. While these rules were designed to foster safer gambling, they have instead curbed spending on legal platforms. These deposit restrictions, established by the authority in October of the previous year, were initially meant to encourage safer gambling. However, the policy has led to a reduction in the amounts players wager on regulated sites. Despite 1.38 million player registrations in H2 2025, the average spending per player on regulated sites fell compared to H1 2025. The high number of registered players has not translated into higher spending, as deposit limits and legal compliance have caused a decrease in the average gambling amount per individual. KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen has stated that the regulator will combat illegal operators and their support networks through innovative strategies, instead of targeting individual illicit sites sequentially. The KSA reports that the illegal online gambling market was valued at approximately €617 million in H1 2025, while licensed operator activity remained at a comparable level of around €600 million. The authority also noted that the player channelisation rate remains high at 94%, meaning most registered players maintain accounts with licensed providers but have started using unlicensed options, both online and offline. Reports of illegal gambling to the KSA increased by 34% year-over-year in 2025, totaling 2,005. In response, the regulator has launched a new collaborative effort named Project Disconnect. 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) - Broadway Platform, the comprehensive iGaming platform, has received a B2B supplier licence from the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA). This authorises the firm to deliver its reliable technology solutions to licensed operators in Lagos State and across the broader Nigerian market. The licence encompasses Broadway Platform's complete, AI-driven product suite, which is engineered to facilitate quick market entry and sustainable expansion. This ecosystem contains its casino and sportsbook infrastructure, payment solutions, CRM, risk management, affiliate tools, and fully adaptable back-office systems. Furthermore, the licence also approves BroadHub, SPRIBE’s advanced content aggregation platform, allowing operators to tap into a library of thousands of premium slots, table games, and live dealer titles from over 120 top providers. This endorsement further solidifies Broadway Platform’s standing as a one-stop provider for operators wanting a swift and smooth market entry, especially in one of Africa’s most vibrant regulated gaming markets. This certification signifies a further milestone for the company as it extends its presence throughout Africa’s rapidly growing markets. Given the high demand for regulated gaming solutions in Nigeria and an upcoming schedule of major sporting events, Broadway Platform is ideally equipped to assist partners aiming to introduce and enhance sportsbook and casino services in Lagos and other regions. Giorgi Samkharadze, Director of Broadway Platform, said: Securing our LSLGA supplier licence is a crucial move in our pledge to function within strong local regulatory structures. Nigeria is a pivotal growth market for our business, and this authorisation guarantees that our partners can run their operations with complete assurance in the compliance and reliability of their platform infrastructure. 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) - Prepare to immerse yourself in a new dimension of cluster pays with the arrival of RetroVerse! This latest exciting release builds upon the popular Retro Series—following in the footsteps of Retro Sweets and Retro Tapes—featuring enhanced mechanics and vibrant arcade-style graphics. Expected launch date:Available now!Reel count:6RTP% (recorded/theoretical):85.32% – 96.24%Variance/volatility:High Volatility 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) - Adventurers climb the Mountain of Dragons, a legendary summit where a primordial Fire Dragon staunchly protects its trove—a collection of radiant Orbs and magical Dragon Eggs concealed inside the rock. Go-live date (expected):28th May 2026Number of paylines:243Number of reels:5×3RTP% (recorded/theoretical):95.98%Variance/volatility:Medium-High Volatility 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 B2B iGaming platform provider, has secured a spot on the shortlist for four categories at the 2026 EGR B B2B Awards. The nominations highlight the company’s prowess in technology, product rollout, and commercial success spanning mobile solutions, casino software, end-to-end platform delivery, and individual contributions. Soft2Bet’s nominations span the following categories: Innovation in mobile Innovation in casino software Full service platform of the year – over 5 years Individual achievement award for Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet These nominations underscore Soft2Bet’s B2B commitment to developing tech and solutions that enable operators to outshine competitors in critical markets. Its platform integrates a mobile-first user experience, localization, compliance features, and engagement tools to facilitate smooth launches, better market alignment, and enhanced commercial results. This provides partners with the adaptability to meet local regulations while boosting user acquisition, conversion, and retention rates. At the heart of Soft2Bet’s B2B platform lies MEGA, the firm’s in-house gamification technology designed to boost player engagement and loyalty. Tailored for casinos and sportsbooks, MEGA introduces missions, challenges, and progression systems that help operators craft more immersive player experiences. As an integral part of the broader Soft2Bet platform, MEGA works in tandem with CRM, payment, content, and risk management tools to deliver more personalized user journeys and encourage repeat visits. The innovation nominations acknowledge Soft2Bet’s excellence in mobile and casino software, while the full-service platform nod spotlights a cohesive B2B solution that assists partners in launching quickly, adapting to local market demands, and thriving in competitive landscapes. This balance between player experience and operational control is a cornerstone of Soft2Bet’s strategy, and Yoel Zuckerberg’s nomination recognizes his role in transforming gamification into a distinct edge for operators. Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer at Soft2Bet, stated: Making the shortlist in four categories at the 2026 EGR B2B Awards is a powerful testament to the work our teams are doing across product development, technology, and commercial execution. Our focus is on providing operators with intuitive, flexible technology designed to meet the demands of highly competitive markets. It’s also fantastic to see Yoel recognized in the new Individual Achievement Award category—this honor is well-earned. These nominations contribute to Soft2Bet’s expanding industry acclaim, coming on the heels of its earlier win at the 2026 EGR Europe Awards for European Casino Platform Supplier. This further emphasizes the robustness of its B2B platform and its dedication to helping operators launch smoothly, compete more successfully, and achieve stronger results in 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Playson, the established digital entertainment provider, has partnered with Hommerson Casino, a seasoned operator in both land-based and online Dutch markets, to further its swift expansion in the area. Under this deal, Playson’s distinguished slot lineup—featuring titles like Royal Joker: Hold and Win, Thunder Coins XXL: Hold and Win, and Energy Coins: Hold and Win—will be incorporated into Hommerson’s website using Relax Gaming’s aggregation platform. Playson’s titles are favored by European gamers for their consistent performance, data-centric mechanics, and interactive play. Operating for over 130 years with 10 venues in the Randstad region, Hommerson Casino is recognized as one of the most reliable casino brands in the Netherlands. The firm moved into online gaming in 2024, focusing on responsible gaming, with the goal of establishing a new standard for top-tier digital casino experiences. Conor Jenner, Senior Sales Manager at Playson, said: Hommerson holds a deep history in the Dutch sector and possesses a strong online footprint that engages a vast number of players. We have successfully realized major growth in the Netherlands lately and are pleased to widen the availability of our well-liked catalog through this new alliance. This partnership enables Hommerson Casino to upgrade its digital game selection and offer users the immersive gameplay that Playson is famous for delivering across Europe. Jesse Pas, Head of Marketing & Product at Hommerson Casino, said: Playson’s content consistently thrills and engages players globally, and we are delighted to include them in our diverse range. We strictly choose the most responsible and premium suppliers for our lobby, and Playson has clearly demonstrated that its games adapt to evolving player trends. With engaging themes and visuals to data-supported progressive jackpots and bonus features, we are excited to present these top-tier games to our audience. 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 crowd is roaring. The banners are snapping. At the very center of it all stands a battle-hardened commander with a simple rule for this arena: gold talks. In Legion Gold Reckoning, every crest, claw, and wing on the reels feels like a mark of rank. Game type:Generic (Slots)Go-live date (expected):23rd April 2026Number of paylines:25Number of reels:5RTP% (recorded/theoretical):84.2% – 96.2%Variance/volatility:Medium Volatility 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) - John O’Reilly, a veteran executive with deep experience in the UK betting and gaming sector, is set to become a non-executive director of the UK Tote Group, starting 1 May. The company, which runs the nation's well-known pool betting services, made the announcement on Monday. UK Tote Group Chairman John Williamson described the appointment as a key move to strengthen the board's capabilities. "John will offer significant support to the Tote team, especially concerning product development and customer experience," Williamson stated. Williamson also mentioned the recent appointment of Andrew Weir to the board in April, seeing these moves as elements of a wider board renewal plan. These domains are strategic focuses for the Tote as it aims to expand its pool betting operations both in the UK and overseas. Commenting on his new position, O’Reilly said he considers it "a very valuable role" for the Tote in influencing the future of horse racing in the UK, Ireland, and worldwide. Citing recent company innovations and growth as signs of positive momentum, he voiced optimism about the future. “By making further improvements to the pool product and cultivating stronger international partnerships, I believe the Tote's greatest days are yet to come,” O’Reilly continued. Decades of industry experience O’Reilly contributes over three decades of senior-level industry experience to the position. He resigned from his role as CEO of Rank Group PLC earlier this year, following a seven-and-a-half-year leadership period at the casino and bingo operator. CFO Richard Harris assumed the role of interim CEO while the company seeks a permanent replacement. Before his time at Rank Group, he occupied senior roles at leading UK gambling operators, including Ladbrokes and William Hill. Beyond the commercial world, O’Reilly currently serves as the chairman of Weatherbys, a horseracing body. He also acts as a trustee for the New Bridge Foundation charity. 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) - Step into the most intense kitchen imaginable, where the walls glow, the air vibrates with heat, and chili peppers are in full celebration. In Spice Spice Baby!, flavor is the star of the show, and the rule is clear: it isn’t ready unless it’s sizzling. Category:Slots (Generic)Expected launch:28th April 2026Paylines:243Reels:5RTP range:84.15% – 96.18%Volatility:Medium 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.