Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - I caught up with Mark Hutchinson, an igaming strategy consultant who’s led operational prep for three consecutive World Cups at a top European operator, earlier this week. He told me most of the operators he’s advising are overprioritizing traffic stability right now, while overlooking the far bigger risk of inflexible tools that can’t keep pace with this year’s expanded format. A lot of teams are sticking to static pricing and promotion models built for the old 32-team tournament, and they’re going to start losing users fast once group stage upsets throw those pre-set plans out the window. That lines up exactly with what we’re hearing from vendors building the tools these operators run on. Edmond Ghulyan, Chief Product Officer on Sportsbook and Centrivo Product Solutions at Digitain, recently walked through the key considerations for operators gearing up for kickoff. The expanded format brings far more matches and engagement windows, especially through the group stage, while the later knockout rounds, structured to keep top ranked teams apart until the final stages, will draw the biggest audiences and strongest margins. That upside only applies to operators willing to adapt, though. More teams from Africa, Asia and CONCACAF mean far less historical data to work with for market pricing. Operators that play it too safe with conservative margins will turn users away quickly, so trading teams need tools that let them adjust dynamically instead of relying on a single static model. Right now, operators should be wrapping up stress tests of their platforms, prepping market templates, making sure trading and support teams are covered across all time zones, and auditing existing promotion and bonus terms to avoid unexpected exposure when surprise results hit. Digitain has built several tournament-specific features to cover these pain points, from Bore Draw Money Back and two-goal early payout options, to group stage focused engagement mechanics. They also rolled out an AutoBet feature that lets users set preferred odds and bet conditions in advance, so the system places the bet automatically even if the user is offline or asleep when the match kicks off. The team also supports operators with stable infrastructure, flexible trading tools, and customizable engagement features to handle traffic spikes, varying user behavior across different regions, and time zone gaps without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. Ghulyan expects plenty of underdog stories through the group stage this year, with traditional football powerhouses eventually dominating the later knockout rounds, a mix that makes for ideal viewing and engagement for both fans and operators. This World Cup is shaping up to be a clear inflection point for the entire sportsbook sector. For years, operators could get by with generic, pre-planned tournament strategies built around predictable matchups and mature market data, but that’s no longer feasible as the sport’s global reach expands and tournament formats evolve to include more teams from more regions. Modular, easily adjustable platform tools will become table stakes for all operators over the next couple of years, not just a premium offering for top-tier players. We’ll also see far more investment in dynamic trading systems that can price less mainstream markets accurately in real time, as audiences for underrepresented national teams continue to grow across emerging markets. The shift to prioritize user experience that works across time zones and different levels of fan familiarity with teams isn’t a one-off for this tournament, it’s the new baseline for every major global sporting event going 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) - Dr. Amirul bin Mohd Noor, Senior Analyst iGaming di TechInsight Malaysia, tidak minum air liur ketika bercakap tentang abuse bonus. "Banyak operator masih anggap ini masalah kecil—tapi realitinya, ini kumpulan terkoordinasi yang menggunakan teknologi untuk cari celah. Operator yang bergantung pada semakan manual atau hanya fokus pada bonus welcome akan terus rugi. EveryMatrix punya pendekatan yang tepat: bukan hanya tangkap penipuan, tapi desain promosi yang tahan abuse. Ini adalah langkah mustahak untuk survive di industri yang semakin kompetitif." Berdasarkan laporan Sumsub, angka-angka ini tidak boleh diabaikan: 64% penipuan di iGaming berasal dari abuse bonus, dan ini menyebabkan operator rugi 10-20% pendapatan. Lebih parah, 83% operator melaporkan bahawa abuse bonus semakin buruk setiap tahun. Untuk memecahkan mitos-mitos yang masih dipegang oleh banyak operator, iGaming Expert bertemu dengan Stian Enger Pettersen (Head of Casino EveryMatrix) dan Tetiana Dychenko (Chief Product Officer Casino EveryMatrix). Mereka bahas 5 mitos utama yang perlu diubah pandangan: Pertama, mitos bahawa abuse bonus adalah kos yang boleh diramalkan. Tetiana berkata, abuse sekarang adalah kumpulan terkoordinasi yang scalable—celah yang ditemukan akan cepat disebarkan ke seluruh jaringan, menyebabkan kerugian eksponensial. Kedua, mitos semakan manual cukup. Tetiana menjelaskan bahawa manual tidak boleh proses ribuan isyarat perilaku (seperti pola deposit atau permainan yang tidak normal) dalam masa nyata. AI membantu filter kes yang perlu diperiksa, mengurangi blind spot. Ketiga, mitos abuse hanya berlaku pada bonus welcome. Tetiana berkata, abuse berlaku sepanjang lifecycle pemain—kumpulan canggih akan membina kepercayaan dulu sebelum eksploitasi. Keempat, mitos abuse bonus adalah kejahatan perlu. Stian menyarankan promosi seperti cabaran atau turnamen yang menarik pemain sebenar tapi tidak menarik abuser (yang mencari wang tunai cepat). Kelima, mitos semua GGR adalah baik. Stian berkata, GGR tanpa konteks menyesatkan—nilai sebenar pemain adalah selepas tolak kos bonus, bayaran, dan affiliate. Industri iGaming sedang beralih dari pendekatan reaktif ke proaktif. AI dan analytics perilaku akan menjadi standard untuk monitor pemain sepanjang journey. Operator perlu menggabungkan desain promosi yang anti-abuse dengan tools pengesanan real-time. Kumpulan abuser akan terus mencari celah, jadi operator yang tidak upgrade sistem akan menjadi sasaran mudah. Masa depan iGaming adalah tentang keseimbangan antara menarik pemain dan melindungi diri dari penipuan. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Dr. Amirah Mohd Noor, analis senior iGaming di Gametech Insights Malaysia, melihat langkah Betty memasuki UK saat ini sebagai langkah berani tapi terhitung. “Saya telah mengamati pasar iGaming selama 10 tahun, dan langkah Betty ini adalah yang paling menarik belakangan ini. Kebanyakan perusahaan mengurangi operasi di UK karena kenaikan pajak dan beban kepatuhan, tapi model franchise terdesentralisasi Betty mengubah ini menjadi peluang. Dengan membiarkan tim lokal menjalankan operasi mereka sendiri dengan kepemilikan signifikan, mereka tidak hanya mengurangi risiko—mereka juga memanfaatkan keahlian lokal yang tidak dimiliki oleh perusahaan lama dengan sistem warisan. Latar belakang Adele Barker di Crab Sports memberi Betty UK keunggulan dalam memahami perilaku pemain UK, yang penting di pasar di mana pemain mencari opsi baru yang patuh.” Betty, perusahaan gaming Amerika Utara yang ingin menjadi “McDonald’s of iCasino”, telah meluncurkan layanannya di UK meskipun pasarnya sedang menghadapi kondisi sulit. Perusahaan ini dikenal dengan operasinya di Ontario, Kanada, yang baru-baru ini berganti nama menjadi Betty Canada di bawah kepemimpinan pendiri Chavdar Dimitrov. CEO Grup Justin Park mengkonfirmasi peluncuran di UK melalui LinkedIn. Strategi ekspansi Betty menggunakan model franchise terdesentralisasi—setiap entitas baru (seperti Betty UK) memiliki merek, teknologi, proses akuisisi pengguna digital, panduan operasi, dan modal awal sendiri. Setiap franchise memiliki CEO dengan kepemilikan signifikan; Betty UK dipimpin oleh Adele Barker, yang bergabung dari Crab Sports pada Januari. Di Ontario, Betty telah meningkatkan basis pemain aktif dari 45.000 menjadi 134.000 pada tahun 2025, dengan pendapatan naik dari $9,4 juta menjadi $27,3 juta (yang setara dengan $328 juta per tahun). Perusahaan ini juga mengajukan lisensi untuk pasar iGaming Alberta yang akan segera dibuka. Pasar UK memang menantang: pajak gaming jarak jauh naik menjadi 40% pada April, dan pajak taruhan umum 25% akan mulai berlaku pada 2027. Pemerintah dan GC masih sedang menerapkan tahap akhir White Paper Perjudian 2023, termasuk penilaian risiko keuangan yang banyak dikritik. Eksekutif Entain dan Flutter memprediksi konsolidasi pasar karena perusahaan kecil akan kesulitan menghadapi tekanan keuangan. Tapi Park mengatakan Betty UK memiliki awal yang bersih, sehingga bisa fokus pada pengalaman pemain daripada memperbaiki sistem warisan, memberi mereka kesempatan untuk mendapatkan pangsa pasar saat yang lain mundur. Industri iGaming saat ini berada di persimpangan jalan. Penegakan peraturan di pasar seperti UK memaksa perusahaan lama untuk memotong biaya dan memperbaiki sistem, sementara pendatang baru yang fleksibel mengambil peluang. Model franchise Betty bisa menjadi standar baru—dengan memberdayakan tim lokal dengan kepemilikan, ini menyelaraskan insentif dan memungkinkan adaptasi lebih cepat ke peraturan lokal. Untuk pasar Asia Tenggara, model ini mungkin sangat berguna. Negara seperti Malaysia memiliki nuansa peraturan sendiri, jadi pendekatan terdesentralisasi bisa membantu perusahaan menavigasi aturan yang bervariasi sambil tetap memprioritaskan inovasi yang berfokus pada pemain. Jika Betty UK sukses, kita mungkin akan melihat lebih banyak perusahaan iGaming global mengadopsi model serupa untuk mengembangkan ke pasar yang menantang tanpa mengambil risiko berlebihan. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Tindakan undang-undang kelihatan telah dikenakan ke atas salah seorang pengendali terkemuka Kenya, Betika, berikutan analisis komunikasi WhatsApp forensik DCI yang menandakan 'kompromi sistemik data pelanggan'. Mahkamah Tinggi persekutuan di Kenya pada 13 Mei memutuskan bahawa seorang pengadu bernama Benedict Kabugi Ndungu telah melaporkan pelanggaran data Safaricom kepada polis pada tahun 2019, dan kepada beberapa badan kawal selia, termasuk Pengarah Siasatan Jenayah, Mohamed I. Amin, dan Ketua Pengarah Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya (GRAK). Betika, yang beroperasi di bawah nama dagangan Shop and Deliver Limited, telah memperoleh data daripada Safaricom, mendedahkan maklumat peribadi sehingga 29.9 juta pelanggan. Pengasas George Mburu dan Chris Mwirigi, kedua-duanya telah terlibat dengan pihak berkuasa tempatan, kini ditahan polis sementara menunggu proses undang-undang. Data tersebut mengandungi maklumat yang sangat sensitif – termasuk nama penuh pengguna, nombor kad pengenalan negara, sejarah transaksi M-pesa, data geo-lokasi, nombor IMEI, corak pertaruhan, serta maklumat mengenai deposit dan pengeluaran. Kedua-dua Betika dan pemiliknya yang ditahan menghadapi implikasi undang-undang yang signifikan, kerana pendedahan itu mendakwa keputusan untuk mendapatkan data daripada bekas pekerja Safaricom adalah untuk mencipta pangkalan data audiens yang direka khas untuk pemasaran predator. Tuduhan yang mereka hadapi termasuk: kes mengendalikan data pengguna curi, aktiviti penipuan berkaitan komputer yang membawa hukuman penjara sekurang-kurangnya 20 tahun pengubahan wang haram konspirasi untuk melakukan jenayah. Ini berlaku selepas siasatan forensik serupa telah menyebabkan pengendali utama Kenya yang lain, Odibets, menghadapi pendakwaan jenayah. Andrew Alingula dari Odibets juga telah ditangkap dan ditahan polis berhubung kesalahan ini; beliau didakwa sebagai penerima data tersebut yang diperoleh khusus untuk tujuan komersial antara Jun 2018 dan Mei 2019. Allan Mzungu dari MMS Advocates, Rakan Kongsi Kanan di firma guaman yang berpangkalan di Nairobi, memberitahu iGaming Expert: “Tidak pernah berlaku sebelum ini pengarah syarikat-syarikat ini boleh menghadapi hukuman jenayah untuk kesalahan berkaitan data. Terdapat kemungkinan besar pertuduhan jenayah terhadap pengarah syarikat pertaruhan ini. “Tahap penguatkuasaan undang-undang ini, melalui prosiding jenayah, jika pengarah didakwa adalah bukti betapa seriusnya kerajaan, pengawal selia dan juga penjudit memandang serius penguatkuasaan undang-undang,” tambah Mzungu. Reformasi perjudian baru-baru ini di Kenya jelas telah mengetatkan pengawasan, kerana pihak berkuasa baharu GRAK kini diamanahkan untuk menjalankan pemeriksaan yang kredibel, kelayakan dan uji wajar ke atas semua operasi perjudian, termasuk pemegang lesen, pemegang saham, pengarah, pemilik dan kakitangan. Kerajaan persekutuan terus berusaha sedaya upaya untuk memastikan perjudian tidak membahayakan warganya dalam apa jua cara, menandakan bahawa sebarang bentuk perjudian yang tidak diminta adalah kesalahan yang sangat boleh dihukum. Dengan Presiden William Ruto di barisan hadapan reformasi ini, beliau baru-baru ini mendedahkan: “Kami sedang mencipta peraturan untuk perjudian kerana ramai orang tertekan. Lima juta orang adalah jumlah yang sangat besar. Ia tidak boleh dibiarkan berterusan di mana-mana. Kita tidak boleh terus seperti itu sebagai sebuah negara.” Kini nampaknya malah kehakiman turut mengikut jejak langkah, dengan tindakan keras terhadap dua pengendali terbesar di negara Afrika Timur ini. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Prediction platform Polymarket has kept up its marketing blitz leading up to the World Cup, with its latest move being a collaboration with football media firm OneFootball. This partnership represents a major distribution opportunity in mainstream sports media for the New York-headquartered business, which has grown rapidly by enabling users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events—including politics, economics, and sports. The announcement comes as prediction markets continue to draw increasing attention from sports fans and media companies, though regulatory scrutiny remains intense in several jurisdictions. OneFootball noted that Polymarket experiences will only be introduced in eligible markets and in compliance with local laws and platform requirements. Polymarket cannot operate in OneFootball’s home country A key caveat of the partnership is that Polymarket is unable to operate in Germany—the nation where OneFootball is based. Polymarket is currently regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the U.S., but many jurisdictions, including Germany, have banned prediction market platforms from operating unless they meet the same regulatory standards as gambling operators. This has led Polymarket and its prediction market peer Kalshi to face challenges outside the U.S., with the latest legal action against the companies coming from Spain. La Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), Spain’s gambling regulator, launched legal proceedings against the firms last week for operating without the required licenses, joining a long list of European jurisdictions that have taken similar steps. However, this has not stopped Polymarket from securing partnerships with European-focused businesses. Last month, it signed a multi-year deal with Serie A USA to become the Italian league’s official and exclusive prediction market partner in the U.S. This mirrored a similar agreement made in April with LALIGA North America. It will be interesting to see if regulators in Germany, Italy, or Spain investigate these partnerships, given the situation in March involving Eden Hazard’s collaboration with Stake. The Belgian Gambling Commission, Kansspelcommissie (KSC), reportedly launched an investigation into that deal to ensure it was not targeting Belgian players, as Stake does not hold a license in the jurisdiction. Hazard could face legal prosecution, including an administrative fine potentially reaching €700,000 (£605,000) if the deal is deemed to target Belgian consumers. SBC News has not observed any similar action taken against Polymarket for the mentioned dealings so far. The company often faces accusations of running an illegal gambling platform, though—with the Spanish regulator being the latest to pursue action against it. OneFootball to expand its Web3 strategy The rollout is expected to align with a busy summer football schedule, giving both companies an opportunity to test how prediction-based engagement resonates with large-scale football audiences. For OneFootball, this marks its most significant Web3 collaboration to date and brings prediction-market experiences directly into its global football ecosystem. The agreement will allow eligible OneFootball users to access Polymarket prediction markets linked to football matches, transfer activity, and major tournament outcomes. The integration is set to appear across match centers, editorial content, and personalized fan journeys, with future development potentially extending to live prediction widgets, odds-driven content, and interactive experiences embedded in football broadcasts. It builds on the recent launch of OneFootball Credits ($OFC), further expanding the company’s strategy to incorporate blockchain-based products and fan participation tools into its platform. OneFootball said the collaboration could eventually reach its network of over 645 million monthly football fans across owned media channels, social platforms, and partner distribution networks. “For years, OneFootball has focused on one mission: making football more accessible, engaging, and relevant for fans everywhere,” said OneFootball’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Fischer. “Today, fan expectations are changing faster than ever. They don’t just consume content—they want to participate, interact, and be closer to the moments that matter. That’s why I’m particularly excited about our new partnership with Polymarket.” “By bringing prediction experiences into the OneFootball ecosystem, we’re taking another step toward a more interactive future for football fans—one where content, community, and participation come together in a seamless experience.” “A huge thank you to the teams at Polymarket and OneFootball for making this happen.” 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) - Baru-baru ini, data yang dikeluarkan oleh jabatan berwajib di Macau menunjukkan bahawa wilayah ini tetap berdaya tahan walaupun menghadapi tekanan geopolitik global. Saya sempat bertanya pandangan kepada Dr. Wan Muhammad Arif bin Abdul Rahman, pensyarah senior di Jabatan Pengurusan Perniagaan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, pakar industri permainan dan pelancongan serantau. Beliau menyatakan, “Saya terkejut dengan daya tahan Macau walaupun ketegangan Timur Tengah menekan harga minyak dan menekan belanja pilihan penduduk global. Berbeza dengan Filipina yang mengalami penurunan pendapatan permainan pada suku pertama tahun ini, Macau tidak hanya bergantung pada pelancong antarabangsa, sebaliknya memanfaatkan cuti Buruh China untuk meningkatkan pendapatan dalam bulan Mei. Ini menunjukkan bahawa strategi pelancongan serbaguna yang dibangunkan oleh kerajaan Wilayah Pentadbiran Khas Macau sudah mula membuahkan hasil, bukan hanya bergantung pada industri permainan sahaja.” Pada Mei 2026, Jabatan Pemeriksaan dan Penyelarasan Permainan Macau melaporkan pendapatan permainan kasar (GGR) sebanyak 22.6 bilion MOP, meningkat 6.7% berbanding bulan yang sama pada 2025. Sehingga lima bulan pertama tahun ini, jumlah GGR mencapai 108.4 bilion MOP, peningkatan 10.9% berbanding tahun lepas. Mei ini adalah bulan ketiga pada 2026 di mana GGR melebihi 22 bilion MOP, dengan peningkatan ini disokong oleh cuti Buruh China yang berlangsung dari 1 hingga 5 Mei. Selain pendapatan tinggi, Jabatan Statistik dan Bancian mencatatkan peningkatan 11.3% kedatangan pelancong pada April 2026. Berbeza dengan prestasi Macau, Filipina mengalami penurunan pendapatan permainan pada suku pertama tahun ini. Pengerusi dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PAGCOR, Alejandro Tengco, melaporkan pendapatan turun 15.87% berbanding tahun lepas menjadi 104.12 bilion P, dengan menyifatkan belanja pilihan pemain menjadi lebih lemah. Pada acara Manila After Dark pada April, Tengco memberi amaran bahawa semua wilayah permainan di seluruh dunia akan merasakan kesan krisis minyak yang dicetuskan oleh konflik antara AS, Israel dan Iran, termasuk negara maju seperti Singapura, Macau dan AS. Untuk mengatasi masalah pelancong yang terjejas oleh pengurangan penerbangan dari Timur Tengah dan Eropah ke Hong Kong akibat perang di Iran, Pejabat Pelancongan Kerajaan Macau sedang mempertimbangkan untuk menutupi kos pengangkutan dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Guangzhou Baiyun ke Macau. Saat ini, mereka sudah mempunyai skema serupa untuk pelancong yang mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Hong Kong. Pada Pameran Industri Pelancongan Antarabangsa Macau, Setiausaha Ekonomi dan Kewangan, Tai Kin Ip, menyatakan bahawa kerajaan akan terus mempelbagaikan produk pelancongan, menganjurkan acara besar, meningkatkan infrastruktur sokongan dan memperkuat pengiklanan dan promosi. Pada tahun 2025, Macau melaporkan pendapatan permainan kasar keseluruhan sebanyak 30.8 bilion USD, meningkat 9.1% berbanding 2024 dan melebihi sasaran kerajaan sebanyak 29.9 bilion USD. Hasil positif pada lima bulan pertama tahun ini meneruskan momentum kuat yang dicapai pada separuh kedua tahun 2025. Dari perspektif industri, ketegangan geopolitik Timur Tengah telah menekan harga minyak, menyebabkan belanja pilihan penduduk global berkurang, terutama di wilayah yang bergantung pada pelancong antarabangsa. Namun, Macau dapat menahan tekanan ini kerana hubungan rapat dengan China Mainland, yang menyediakan aliran pelancong yang stabil, terutama semasa cuti umum. Selain itu, langkah kerajaan untuk mempelbagaikan produk pelancongan bukan hanya permainan, seperti pameran industri dan acara budaya, telah membantu mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai destinasi pelancongan serbaguna, bukan hanya wilayah permainan sahaja. Untuk tahun 2026, jika Macau dapat mengekalkan momentum ini, ia akan mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai wilayah permainan dan pelancongan terkemuka di Asia Tenggara, dan kembali ke tahap sebelum pandemik COVID-19. Wilayah lain seperti Filipina perlu menyesuaikan strategi mereka, seperti menumpukan pada pelancong serantau yang tidak terjejas oleh pengurangan penerbangan dari Eropah dan Timur Tengah, serta meningkatkan insentif untuk menarik lebih banyak pelancong. Langkah Macau untuk mempertimbangkan menutupi kos pengangkutan dari lapangan terbang utama di China Mainland juga merupakan langkah bijak untuk meningkatkan kedatangan pelancong semasa cuti umum. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Ikon EDM global Tiësto akan menjadi aksi utama edisi ketiga INFINITY Lisbon, menutup SBC Summit 2026 dengan persembahan cemerlang di MEO Arena. Dengan karier yang menjangkau lebih tiga dekad, beliau kekal sebagai salah satu figura paling berpengaruh dalam muzik elektronik. Sepanjang karier beliau, Tiësto telah dan terus membentuk budaya tarian global melalui lagu yang menentukan genre, hits yang menduduki carta teratas, dan kolaborasi dengan beberapa artis terbesar dunia, membina katalog yang telah mempengaruhi generasi pengeluar muzik dan pematinya. Tiësto akan mengambil alih MEO Arena Lisbon pada Khamis, 1 Oktober, disertai oleh duo Belanda BlasterJaxx untuk malam persembahan langsung yang penuh tenaga, menyatukan industri ini di luar lantai pameran. Sejak kali pertama diadakan di Lisbon pada 2024 dengan persembahan hebat daripada Miss Monique, Don Diablo, dan Darude, parti INFINITY dengan cepat menjadi acara asas SBC, dan telah berkembang ke Rio dan Miami. Menggabungkan artis bertaraf dunia dengan penerbitan berkualiti tinggi, acara ini menyampaikan pengalaman gaya festival EDM yang tulen untuk industri pertaruhan sukan dan igaming global. Aksi utama sebelum ini termasuklah Afrojack, Alok, Darude, Dubdogz, Galantis, Steve Aoki, Timmy Trumpet, dan Öwnboss. “SBC Summit adalah acara utama kami, jadi Infinity Lisbon layak mendapatkan aksi utama sekaliber ini,” kata Rasmus Sojmark, Pengasas dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SBC. “Tiësto adalah salah satu nama terbesar dalam muzik elektronik, dan kami sangat gembira untuk menjemputnya. Ia akan menjadi malam yang sangat hebat.” Tiësto secara konsisten mentakrif semula, membentuk semula, dan menghidupkan semula muzik elektronik, memberi impak kepada budaya popular sepanjang perjalanan beliau. Terkenal dengan lagu antarabangsa multiplatinum, persembahan yang mencipta sejarah, dan kreativiti yang tidak terbatas, mustahil untuk membayangkan genre ini tanpa pengaruh beliau. Ikon antarabangsa pemenang Anugerah GRAMMY® ini telah berjaya mempelopori "residensi DJ Las Vegas" seperti yang kita kenal sekarang, menjadi "DJ pertama yang membuat persembahan di Sukan Olimpik," dan menghasilkan banyak lagu popular sepanjang tiga dekad yang lalu. Jumlah jualan album sepanjang karier beliau melebihi 40 juta; beliau telah memperoleh lapan hits dalam Billboard Hot 100, mengumpul lebih 30 bilion strim, dan mendapat lebih sedozen pensijilan RIAA untuk single multiplatinum, platinum dan emas. Pada musim kreatif ini, beliau telah berjaya mengunjungi semula bunyi melodic deep house yang beliau bantu cipta, melengkapkan perjalanan karier beliau. Dikenali sebagai salah seorang DJ/pengeluar yang paling berpengaruh dan kreatif sepanjang zaman, Tiësto terus memecahkan sempadan dan mengangkat muzik elektronik ke tahap yang tidak dapat ditandingi. Malam ini juga akan menampilkan persembahan daripada duo Belanda yang lain BlasterJaxx, yang akan membawa bunyi signature big room dan electro house mereka ke atas pentas.Dibentuk oleh Thom Jongkind dan Idir Makhlaf pada 2010, pasangan ini menjadi terkenal di seluruh dunia dengan lagu antem 'Faith,' yang menduduki carta di seluruh Eropah pada 2013. Pada tahun yang sama, mereka mengeluarkan 'Loud & Proud,' yang menarik perhatian Tiësto, yang kemudiannya menandatangani lagu itu ke label milik beliau, Musical Freedom. Lebih sedekad kemudian, dengan katalog yang mempunyai berjuta-juta strim, mereka telah menjadi artis tetap dalam litar festival global, terkenal dengan set persembahan yang berkuasa dan mengujakan penonton, yang telah mengukuhkan kedudukan mereka antara aksi terkemuka dalam EDM moden. Infinity Lisbon akan menjadi acara penutup SBC Summit edisi 2026. Acara utama ini akan menyatukan 40,000 profesional industri selama tiga hari kandungan industri dan pertemuan rangkaian, berserta dengan lantai pameran 800 syarikat, program acara sampingan selama seminggu, dan agenda persidangan enam peringkat, termasuk Super Stage di MEO Arena. Akses ke INFINITY Lisbon adalah dikhaskan secara eksklusif untuk pemegang Pas VIP, Networking, Affiliate, Operator, Sponsor, dan Exhibitor. Jika anda ingin menghadiri parti rangkaian malam, termasuk INFINITY Lisbon, anda boleh menaik taraf tiket anda dengan menghubungi upgrade@sbcgaming.com. Cuma sertakan jenis tiket semasa anda dan jenis naik taraf yang anda ingin tambahkan. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Stake has officially debuted in Argentina’s betting sector, launching operations in the province of Buenos Aires as it presses ahead with a global push into regulated markets. The Argentina entry comes four weeks after the Australia-founded, Curaçao-headquartered online sportsbook and casino launched in Mexico, and just shy of three months after it expanded into Denmark. The launch also lands ahead of the FIFA World Cup kicking off next week, with Argentina expected, as always, to turn in a strong performance – a run that will likely energize large numbers of sports fans and bettors across the country. “Argentina is an important market for us and a natural next step in our expansion across Latin America,” said Diana Otalora, Stake’s General Manager for Latin America. “The country has an incredibly passionate sports culture, a large and digitally active population, and strong long-term potential for the Stake brand.” Stake targets growth across LatAm Over the past few years, Stake has built a reputation as one of the world’s biggest online sportsbooks and casino operators, though this reputation has not come without controversy. For some time, the firm has held an extensive footprint in grey markets via its Curaçao license. Founded in Australia, the company is a subsidiary of Easygo Group Holdings, which also runs streaming platform Kick. Steps taken by Stake from 2026 onward make clear the firm is eager to secure more local licenses as it grows globally – though a marketing controversy in Denmark has already shown this expansion will not be entirely smooth. Latin America is a key region for Stake. The launch in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province follows the previously mentioned entry into Mexico, and the firm already operates in Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Stake is confident it can capitalize on the deep sports culture in Buenos Aires province, alongside the region’s status as Argentina’s largest economic region that is home to around 17 million people. “We’ve continued to build momentum across Latin America in recent years, and this launch reflects our ambition to establish Stake as the leading entertainment brand in the region,” Otalora added. “Argentina is a dynamic market with a unique identity, and we’re excited to bring our world-class sportsbook and casino experience to players through stake.bet.ar.” The launch of this new regulated platform is expected to be welcomed by local regulators in Argentina, where worries about illegal gambling and prediction markets have mounted in recent months. The City Lottery of Buenos Aires (LOTBA) is the regulator of betting and gaming for the Argentine capital, which is a separate legal jurisdiction from the province where Stake has just launched. LOTBA’s case against Polymarket made Argentina the first country to take enforcement action against prediction markets, and shortly after the case, the regulator told SBC News that it considers cracking down on the black market one of its most pressing regulatory priorities. 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-renowned EDM legend Tiësto is set to headline the third installment of INFINITY Lisbon, wrapping up SBC Summit 2026 with a memorable performance at the MEO Arena. Boasting a career spanning over three decades, he remains one of the most influential figures in electronic music. Throughout his career, Tiësto has shaped—and continues to shape—global dance culture through genre-defining tracks, chart-topping hits, and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest artists, building a catalogue that has influenced generations of producers and fans alike. Tiësto will take the stage at Lisbon’s MEO Arena on Thursday, 1 October, accompanied by Dutch duo BlasterJaxx for an electrifying night of live performances, uniting industry professionals beyond the show floor. Since launching in Lisbon in 2024 with standout sets from Miss Monique, Don Diablo, and Darude, the INFINITY parties have quickly become a cornerstone of SBC events, expanding to Rio and Miami. By combining world-class artists with high-quality production, the event delivers an authentic EDM festival-style experience for the global sports betting and igaming industry. Previous headliners have included Afrojack, Alok, Darude, Dubdogz, Galantis, Steve Aoki, Timmy Trumpet, and Öwnboss. “SBC Summit is our flagship event, so Infinity Lisbon deserves a headline act of this calibre,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “Tiësto is one of the biggest names in electronic music, and we’re thrilled to have him. It’s going to be a huge night.” Tiësto has consistently redefined, transformed, and revitalized electronic music, leaving a mark on popular culture in the process. Renowned for his multiplatinum international anthems, history-making performances, and boundless creativity, the genre would be unrecognizable without his influence. The GRAMMY® Award-winning global icon pioneered the modern “Las Vegas DJ residency” as we know it, became the first DJ to perform at the Olympics, and has delivered hits across the past three decades. His career album sales have surpassed 40 million; he has earned eight Billboard Hot 100 hits, amassed over 30 billion streams, and collected more than a dozen RIAA certifications for multiplatinum, platinum, and gold singles. In his current creative phase, Tiësto has triumphantly revisited the melodic deep house sound he helped innovate, bringing his career full circle. Enshrined as one of the most influential and inventive DJ/producers of all time, he continues to break boundaries and elevate electronic music to unparalleled heights. The evening will also feature a performance from fellow Dutch duo BlasterJaxx, who will bring their signature big room and electro house sound to the stage.Formed by Thom Jongkind and Idir Makhlaf in 2010, the pair rose to global fame with the anthem ‘Faith,’ which charted across Europe in 2013. That same year, they released ‘Loud & Proud,’ catching Tiësto’s attention—who signed the track to his Musical Freedom label. Over a decade later, with a catalogue boasting millions of streams, they have become regulars on the global festival circuit, known for powerful, crowd-driven sets that have cemented their place among the leading acts in modern EDM. INFINITY Lisbon will mark the finale of the 2026 SBC Summit. The flagship event will unite 40,000 industry professionals for three days of sector-led content and networking, alongside a show floor of 800 companies, a week-long programme of side events, and a six-stage conference agenda—including the Super Stage at the MEO Arena. Access to INFINITY Lisbon is reserved exclusively for VIP, Networking, Affiliate, Operator, Sponsor, and Exhibitor Pass holders. If you’d like to attend evening networking parties (including INFINITY Lisbon), you can upgrade your ticket by contacting upgrade@sbcgaming.com. Simply include your current ticket type and the upgrade you’d like to add. 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) - Seorang lelaki dan seorang wanita telah ditangkap selepas polis menyerbu sebuah den perjudian haram yang disyaki di Manchester. Polis Greater Manchester berkata mereka menemui meja perjudian, cawan perjudian, buku akaun dan alkohol di tempat yang terletak di Chester Road. Siasatan itu dijalankan bersama Gambling Commission (GC) dan Pasukan Lesen Majlis Bandaraya Manchester. PC Nial Vivian berkata: “Perjudian haram boleh menyebabkan banyak isu – dari pertikaian tentang wang tunai hingga pengubahan wang haram – dan adalah penting untuk kita menutupnya setiap kali kita menemui mereka. “Adalah penting untuk semua perniagaan mematuhi undang-undang yang ditetapkan, dan itulah sebabnya kita mengambil tindakan di pusat bandar.” Semasa serbuan serupa yang dijalankan di Birmingham tahun lepas, pihak berkuasa telah menangkap empat lelaki dan menemui senjata dan dadah, bersama dengan peralatan perjudian. Pada masa itu, polis memberi amaran tentang sifat eksploitatif premis-premis ini, mengeluarkan video yang menunjukkan bahawa kamera inframerah digunakan untuk mengenal pasti kad yang ditandakan khas. GC membentuk pasukan tugas perjudian haram Industri perjudian UK telah semakin memfokuskan pada kehadiran pasar gelap yang semakin meningkat kerana pihak berkepentingan mengemukakan kebimbangan bahawa perubahan kawal selia, seperti pelaksanaan potensi pemeriksaan kebolehcukupan yang dibincangkan secara hangat, akan mendorong pemain meninggalkan sektor yang dikawal selia. Walaupun kebimbangan terutamanya berkaitan platform perjudian haram dalam talian, Pengarah Eksekutif Operasi GC, Sue Young, berkata bahawa ‘menangani semua bentuk perjudian haram adalah fokus untuk Suruhanjaya’, dan memuji kerjasama dengan Polis Greater Manchester. Pada awal tahun ini, GC memperkenalkan Illegal Gambling Taskforce dalam usaha untuk menyatukan pihak berkepentingan untuk melawan pengaruh pasar gelap. Khususnya, pasukan tugas ini berusaha untuk meningkatkan penguatkuasaan silang agensi dengan bekerjasama dengan syarikat seperti Google, Meta dan Visa untuk menyasarkan pengiklanan dan pembayaran di pasar haram. Kumpulan ini dipengerusikan oleh Menteri Perjudian Baroness Twycross, yang ketika bercakap di AGM Betting and Gaming Council, menjanjikan ‘tindakan cepat dan berkesan’ daripada pasukan tugas. GC juga telah diberikan alokasi tambahan £26 juta untuk melawan pasar gelap sebagai sebahagian daripada Belanjawan Musim Gugur Parti Buruh. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Kerajaan dan agensi ekonomi Sepanyol telah mula menjejaki pergerakan harga perjudian dalam talian untuk menentukan bagaimana perubahan inflasi boleh memberi kesan kepada perbelanjaan pengguna dalam ekonomi digital. INE, Institut Perangkaan Sepanyol, mengumumkan bahawa perjudian dalam talian kini akan disenaraikan sebagai kategori baharu untuk pemantauan, yang menjadi sebahagian daripada Indeks Harga Pengguna (IPC) baharu, yang pertama kali dibentuk pada tahun 2025. INE telah menerima pakai "model garis dasar" baharu untuk mengira faktor inflasi yang memberi kesan kepada perbelanjaan pengguna Sepanyol. Model ini mengiktiraf peningkatan penglibatan pengguna dalam perbelanjaan dalam talian dan bahawa harga dipengaruhi oleh ketidaktentuan global. Walaupun perjudian telah dipaparkan dalam "bakul harga" Sepanyol sejak 2017, ini adalah kali pertama trend perjudian dalam talian dimasukkan secara langsung ke dalam metodologi tersebut. Produk dan kategori baharu yang ditambah ke dalam IPC termasuk perkhidmatan penstriman, langganan digital dan aktiviti dalam talian yang lain. Subkategori tambahan yang diperkenalkan di bawah metodologi Base 2025 termasuk perabot taman dan perkhemahan, karavan dan rumah motor, treler serta perkhidmatan sewa kenderaan tanpa pemandu. Perubahan ini mencerminkan semakan berterusan INE terhadap corak perbelanjaan bagi memastikan ukuran inflasi mencerminkan dengan tepat bagaimana isi rumah Sepanyol memperuntukkan perbelanjaan mereka. Metodologi Baharu Untuk menyokong perubahan ini, INE telah menerima pakai teknik pengumpulan data digital baharu. Harga kini diperoleh daripada pengendali pertaruhan utama melalui web scraping, satu proses yang secara automatik mengekstrak maklumat daripada pelbagai laman web yang berbeza untuk dianalisis. Pegawai INE menyatakan: “Integrasi perjudian dalam talian telah dilaksanakan dengan mendapatkan harga daripada pengendali pertaruhan utama menggunakan teknik web-scraping.” “Langkah ini menyelaraskan perjudian dengan bilangan kategori pengguna yang semakin meningkat yang kini dipantau melalui saluran digital dan bukannya kaedah pengumpulan lapangan tradisional.” Agensi ekonomi Sepanyol telah menyatakan sokongan mereka terhadap perubahan dalam model IPC dan maklum balas datanya, dengan menyatakan bahawa ia akan membolehkan kerajaan dan agensi ekonomi menyelaraskan tindakan dengan lebih baik terhadap penurunan perbelanjaan pengguna. Semua pilihan untuk menurunkan inflasi Kemas kini ini dibuat pada masa inflasi kekal sebagai kebimbangan ekonomi utama di Sepanyol. Angka awal menunjukkan bahawa kadar inflasi harmoni Sepanyol meningkat kepada 3.6% pada Mei 2026, melebihi purata zon euro sebanyak 3.0% dan 2.7% di Jerman – walau bagaimanapun, ia kekal selaras dengan 3.3% di Itali. Sepanyol menyertai kumpulan bidang kuasa yang agak kecil yang memasukkan perjudian dalam pengiraan inflasi rasmi. Di seluruh Eropah, agensi perangkaan telah mula mengemas kini metodologi untuk mengambil kira permainan peluang dan aktiviti pengguna digital yang lain. Walau bagaimanapun, beberapa pasaran utama, termasuk UK dan Ireland, terus mengecualikan perbelanjaan perjudian daripada indeks inflasi utama mereka. Keputusan Sepanyol meletakkannya dalam kalangan sebilangan kecil negara Eropah yang berusaha untuk menangkap kepentingan ekonomi perjudian dalam talian dalam ukuran aktiviti pengguna yang lebih luas. Langkah ini menunjukkan bagaimana agensi perangkaan semakin menyesuaikan penunjuk ekonomi tradisional untuk mencerminkan realiti ekonomi pengguna yang mengutamakan digital. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Peranan perjudian dalam masyarakat bakal diheret ke dalam perdebatan kebajikan politik apabila pemimpin Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, dijadualkan mengumumkan rancangan Parti Konservatif untuk menyekat golongan penjenayah daripada membelanjakan wang bantuan kerajaan untuk perjudian. Perbelanjaan kebajikan telah menjadi subjek perbincangan politik yang hangat sejak kebelakangan ini, dengan bil perbelanjaan meningkat akibat geseran dalaman dalam Labour Party dan pemansuhan had bantuan dua anak. Perkara ini telah membawa kepada banyak kritikan daripada pihak kanan politik British, dengan pembaharuan kebajikan kini dilihat sebagai isu berterusan yang akan terus didebatkan seiring dengan evolusi landskap politik. Walau bagaimanapun, dengan rancangan terbaharu Badenoch, perjudian bakal diheret ke dalam perbincangan ini, memandangkan Conservative Party telah membentangkan apa yang disifatkan oleh Setiausaha Dalam Negeri Bayangan, Chris Philp, sebagai “dasar kebajikan yang pintar dan mampan”. Bercakap kepada BBC, Philp membentangkan rancangan untuk melarang pesalah/penjenayah yang berada di bawah lesen dan mereka yang menjalani hukuman khidmat masyarakat daripada menggunakan wang bantuan untuk membeli alkohol, rokok atau berjudi dalam talian. Philp menyatakan: “Ia adalah untuk tempoh hukuman gantung atau tempoh lesen ditambah setahun selepas itu, sekurang-kurangnya, tetapi kami akan mengkaji sama ada prinsip sebegini boleh digunakan secara lebih meluas.” Beliau juga mendedahkan bahawa mereka sedang mempertimbangkan sama ada penerima bantuan lain akhirnya boleh dikawal perbelanjaan mereka, satu langkah yang menyokong fleksibiliti rancangan semasa, yang boleh diperluaskan. Cadangan tersebut bermakna pesalah yang layak akan menerima bantuan melalui “kad pembayaran terhad” dan bukannya tunai. Kad tersebut akan menyekat transaksi yang berkaitan dengan perjudian, alkohol dan produk tembakau, di samping menghalang pengeluaran tunai dan pemindahan kepada pihak ketiga. Perdebatan mengenai kebajikan menjadi lebih penting minggu lalu apabila didedahkan bahawa pengangguran belia terus meningkat pada kadar yang membimbangkan. Alan Milburn, bekas menteri kabinet Labour Party, mengeluarkan laporan interim yang memperincikan betapa signifikannya krisis tersebut, memberi amaran tentang potensi kehilangan satu generasi apabila pengangguran belia melonjak. Menurut Milburn, isu pengangguran belia bakal menelan kos £125 bilion setahun kepada ekonomi UK, dan meningkatkan perdebatan mengenai perbelanjaan kebajikan ke dalam naratif politik. Langkah Conservative Party ini meletakkan tanggungjawab kepada Reform dan Labour Party untuk menyatakan pendirian mereka mengenai isu ini. Dengan pertandingan kepimpinan Labour Party yang mungkin berlaku dalam beberapa bulan akan datang, terdapat kemungkinan besar calon pemimpin mungkin akan didesak mengenai isu ini dan terpaksa menyatakan pendirian mereka. Walaupun agak menyekat dan menghadapi kritikan, rancangan ini tidak terhad kepada pasaran UK sahaja, dengan Brazil sebelum ini mengesahkan bahawa penerima Bolsa Familia dan Continuous Cash Benefit adalah antara kumpulan yang dilarang daripada mengambil bahagian dalam pertaruhan sukan berodds tetap. Menurut peraturan di Brazil, syarikat mesti merujuk Sistem Pengurusan Pertaruhan (Sigap) untuk mengesahkan sama ada pengguna termasuk dalam pangkalan data penerima manfaat semasa pendaftaran pelanggan, dan pada log masuk pertama setiap hari. Jika pengguna tersebut termasuk dalam senarai, pendaftaran pemain mesti disekat, akaun mereka ditutup, dan sebarang deposit dipulangkan kepada mereka. Salah satu cabaran utama dan suara pembangkang di Brazil menyatakan bahawa rancangan tersebut terlalu sukar untuk dikuatkuasakan; walau bagaimanapun, rancangan yang dikemukakan di UK, dalam banyak cara, lebih mudah untuk dilaksanakan, dengan penyekatan kad perbelanjaan berbanding pangkalan data di Brazil. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - William Hill owner evoke has appointed Janice Duncan as Group Finance Director as speculation about a potential takeover continues to circulate. Duncan, who joined after stepping down from her position as Chief Financial Officer at Casumo, brings 13 years of industry experience to the LSE-listed firm, including previous roles at William Hill. She began her career in banking, holding multiple roles at National Australia Group before moving to the Royal Bank of Scotland and subsequently RBC Insurance, which has since been rebranded as Direct Line Group. Duncan later transitioned into the iGaming sector in 2013, spending close to five years at Coral before joining William Hill in 2018. After working her way up to become the company’s Finance Director in 2019, she departed at the end of 2020 to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Rank Interactive, meaning all of her work at that firm took place before evoke’s 2022 acquisition of William Hill’s assets. Duncan spent two years at Rank Interactive before joining Casumo in 2023. “I’m thrilled to announce that I have joined evoke as Group Finance Director,” she shared. “I want to express my gratitude to the team at Casumo. Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to work alongside outstanding colleagues, tackle complex challenges, and support meaningful growth and transformation. “I’m eager to join evoke at this pivotal moment in its journey. The chance to work with skilled teams, advance strategic projects, and help guide the business through its next chapter is one I’m looking forward to with considerable enthusiasm. “I’m enthusiastic about what lies ahead and ready to help support the ongoing success of the business and its staff.” Janice Duncan. Photo credit: LinkedIn New takeover speculation surrounding evoke The announcement of Duncan’s appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for evoke, which has just one week left to decide on the takeover proposal from Bally’s Intralot. Earlier in April, evoke confirmed that it was “engaged in talks with Bally’s Intralot about a potential offer to purchase all of the company’s existing and newly issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share”, equating to a total value of roughly £225 million. The company, which also owns the 888 and Mr Green brands, acquired William Hill for £2.2 billion in 2022, when it operated under the name 888 Holdings. Selling the entire evoke business for £225 million would be viewed as a devastating loss. An initial deadline of 18 May was set for this decision, but on that date, evoke announced it was extending the deadline to 8 June as negotiations continued. A key point of debate surrounding the potential deal is the debt the combined company would take on: £1.9 billion from evoke and £1.5 billion from Bally’s Intralot, totaling roughly £3.4 billion. This issue could be in the process of being resolved as we speak, and per Sky News this morning, a subsidiary of private equity firm TPG plans to provide up to £800 million to fund the takeover. Funding from TPG Credit could make a proposed deal more feasible, although a representative for the firm declined to comment to Sky News about the matter. This news also arrives as evoke faces ongoing struggles on the London Stock Exchange. The company first made a bid for William Hill in September 2021, when its shares were trading at roughly £4 each. As of now, its share price sits at just 38.4 pence, with a market capitalization of £170.7 million. Many industry observers have noted that even a sale at this relatively low price could be the best path forward for evoke. No matter the outcome, it’s clear that Duncan will have a packed schedule right from her first day at the company as we wait for updates on the Bally’s Intralot takeover process. 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) - Pihak berkuasa di Thailand sedang menyediakan serangan besar terhadap platform perjudian dalam talian haram menjelang Piala Dunia FIFA bulan ini. Menurut laporan dari Bangkok Post, polis telah mengenal pasti 309 laman web perjudian dalam talian sebagai sasaran keutamaan untuk tindakan pada Mei dan Jun, dengan beberapa penangkapan telah dibuat berkaitan platform-platform tersebut. Leftenan Jeneral Trairong Piwpan, Timbalan Pengarah Pusat Penindakan Jenayah Teknologi, berkata polis telah diarahkan untuk memantau dan menghalang orang muda daripada terlibat dalam perjudian dalam talian semasa turnamen yang akan bermula pada 11 Jun. Thailand bergabung dengan Indonesia dan Hong Kong dalam mengeluarkan amaran mengenai potensi Piala Dunia untuk mempercepatkan perjudian pasar hitam di seluruh Asia. Turnamen ini dijangka memecahkan rekod untuk pertaruhan, dengan lebih daripada $60 bilion dianggarkan akan dipertaruhkan pada turnamen tersebut, menurut H2 Gambling Capital, peningkatan 71% berbanding Piala Dunia 2022 di Qatar. Pihak berkuasa Thailand berkata mereka telah menyekat lebih daripada 717,000 URL antara Oktober 2025 dan Mei 2026, termasuk beberapa di Facebook dan TikTok, dan akan terus melakukan demikian sepanjang sisa tahun ini. Skala serangan dan tindakan meluas ini menunjukkan betapa signifikan ancaman pengendali pasar hitam semasa turnamen pada musim panas, kerana penonton baru terlibat dengan pertaruhan. Serangan ini berlaku ketika data dari Pusat Penindakan Jenayah Teknologi menunjukkan bahawa lebih daripada 4 juta warganegara Thailand berumur 15 hingga 25 tahun, yang didefinisikan sebagai Gen Z, telah terlibat dalam perjudian dalam talian. Pusat itu berkata influencers sedang digunakan untuk menyasarkan pemain dengan janji menggunakan perjudian untuk menjana kekayaan yang signifikan. Ia juga menyatakan bahawa platform-platform ini telah beralih daripada menggunakan akaun keldai (mule accounts) untuk memindahkan wang untuk perjudian, sebaliknya menggunakan akaun korporat, perantara merentas sempadan dan kripto mata wang. Pasar hitam Thailand dianggarkan bernilai 1.1 trilion Baht (£25.1 bilion) setiap tahun, dengan pertaruhan bola sepak menyumbang bahagian terbesar pada 270.4 bilion Baht (£6.16 bilion). Piwpan berkata polis telah menggunakan AI untuk mengesan kandungan perjudian haram, membolehkan pihak berkuasa menyasarkan platform pasar hitam dengan lebih berkesan. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - In May, the iGaming sector saw a raft of first-quarter earnings releases, a delay to a major potential takeover, confirmed discussions of a possible large-scale delisting, and a host of major investor shifts that shook up share prices for many of the industry’s biggest listed companies. The month also brought a delay to the UK Gambling Commission’s plan to roll out financial risk assessments (FRAs). If the policy is ultimately approved, it could lead to further profit declines for London-listed firms Flutter Entertainment, evoke, Entain and Rank Group. Meanwhile, prediction markets continued to gain both new supporters and new opponents across the globe. Spain launched disciplinary proceedings against Kalshi and Polymarket, before US President Donald Trump stated that it was critical for prediction markets to “thrive”. These platforms have more recently been named as a drag on revenue for publicly traded gambling companies. The fallout from allegations of illegal activity involving Sportradar continued to unfold, and a Financial Times report found that short sellers earned at least £1.7bn in 2026 by betting against gambling PLC stocks. But who were last month’s winners and losers, and what drove their share price movements? Genius Sports on the road to recovery It’s no exaggeration to say that Genius Sports’ performance on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was nothing short of disastrous in the first few months of 2026. The firm’s $1.2bn (£900m) February acquisition of sports and entertainment digital media platform Legend fell completely flat with investors, pushing shares down so far that the company’s total market capitalization dropped below the value of the deal itself. This share price drop led company leadership to defend the acquisition, noting that the lack of market confidence stemmed from a misunderstanding: investors incorrectly label Legend as just an affiliate business, while Genius argues it is far more than that. The post-acquisition share price dip extended a worrying trend for the company in 2026. Genius shares traded at around $11 at the start of the year, but had plummeted below the $4 threshold by April. However, the release of its Q1 2026 results and growing broader market confidence in the business pushed its share price up nearly 35% in May. Genius Sports stock now trades at $5.86 – still far off its all-time highs, but clearly on a path to recovery. This uptick aligns with predictions from analysts, who remained confident in a turnaround even in April after reviewing the company’s financials. A leadership shakeup at Flutter Entertainment However, May was far from a positive month for Flutter Entertainment, one of the world’s largest publicly traded online gambling companies. Its Q1 results did little to restore investor confidence, which has eroded significantly over the past 12 months. A 17% year-on-year rise in corporate revenue to $4.3bn was not enough to offset concerns over a leadership reshuffle and a 38% drop in net income to $209m. May also saw leading Flutter investor Kenneth Dart increase his stake in the firm to 27%, but the company’s overall share price still fell 8.62% over the month to settle at $96.98. While, just like Genius, analysts remain bullish on Flutter thanks to its strong underlying fundamentals, fears of further prediction market growth – even though Flutter already operates in the space via FanDuel Predicts – and growing tax headwinds have deterred investors. Flutter’s Q1 results also confirmed that the company is reviewing its listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), meaning it could become the latest high-profile firm to delist from the exchange. Top investor changes do little to lift Entain Speaking of the LSE, Entain’s shares turned in a poor performance on the exchange throughout May. A 6% monthly drop pushed the company’s share price down to 533.8p, following a series of shifts to its investor base and board-level changes. While the impact of higher remote gaming duty and calls for a full ban on unlicensed gambling operators advertising in English sports remained top talking points for Entain in May, the firm also saw the closure of one of its largest shareholders, Eminence Capital. This led to Eminence’s Ricky Sandler stepping down from his role as Non-Executive Director – he was later replaced by Sheila Bangalore – and 6.5% of Entain’s stock returned to the open market. JPMorgan Chase quickly bought up this available stake, increasing its total holdings in Entain to 7%, but the US financial giant has been selling down the position ever since completing the purchase. The planned closure of Ladbrokes stores in Ireland is another factor discouraging investors, who are still waiting to see the full impact of the aforementioned tax increase reflected in the firm’s H1 2026 results. Deal or no deal for major UK gambling PLC? Even though evoke’s share price rose from 36.9p to 39.7p in May, it is clear that investor confidence in the firm is not at an all-time high. The owner of William Hill has a pending takeover offer from Bally’s Intralot valued at 50p per share, or £225m total. However, as noted, the company’s shares remain well below that 50p offer price, and evoke extended the deadline for the deal in mid-May, pushing it from 18 May to 8 June. Both companies hold well over £1bn in combined debt, which has raised questions about how the merged entity would pay down this liability. All eyes will be on the deal next week, when investors may finally get clear answers about what will happen… Other notable share movers in May DraftKings – $24.49 (+6.48%) MGM Resorts International – $43.67 (+13.43%) Kambi Group – 175.2 SEK (+14.96%) Evolution AB – 696.4 SEK (+9.02%) Super Group – $12.45 (-3.41%) Sportradar Group – $13.21 (-0.38%) Rank Group – 98p (+2.08%) Playtech – 356p (-2.84%) Gentoo Media – 5.6 SEK (-13.98%) FDJ United – €22.75 (-1.52%) Banijay Group – €8.78 (+3.29%) Bally’s Corporation – $14.18 (+7.1%) Bally’s Intralot – €1.15 (+5.41%) Aristocrat Leisure – AU $50.10 (+4.92%) This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - A special resolution to establish so-called 'blank check preferred stock' did not receive complete support from Flutter Entertainment shareholders at the annual general meeting. The global gambling operator is undergoing restructuring, which includes changes to its senior leadership. Despite maintaining its position as the world's third-largest gambling firm by market capitalisation, its share price has declined 55% since the start of the year. Had it passed, resolution 3(c) would have amended Flutter's Articles of Association to permit "the issuance of preferred shares with rights and preferences to be determined by the Board from time to time". This mechanism is known as a 'blank check preferred stock'. The Flutter board would have had sole authority to set the terms of such stock, granting it greater control over shares than other stakeholders, as a tool to raise capital or deter certain shareholders. Being a special resolution, 3(c) needed 75% shareholder approval, whereas the 13 other resolutions required a simple majority. A majority of stakeholders did support resolution 3(c), but it failed to reach the required threshold, with 53% in favour and 47% opposed. Flutter late to the predictions party? Flutter Entertainment's 2026 performance has been varied. In terms of business results, the company posted a strong Q1 2026 revenue of $4.3bn (£3.5bn), a 17% increase from $3.66bn the previous year. Nevertheless, net income dropped 38% to $209m (Q1 2025: $335m), attributed to increased operating expenses, amortisation costs from acquisitions such as NSX in Brazil and Snai in Italy, and US restructuring charges. As noted, the company's share price has also dropped significantly, from nearly £240 per share last year to £72 at the time of writing. Uncertainty in the prediction platform sector and its effect on the US betting market may be one contributing factor. Flutter has moved into the predictions arena with the launch of FanDuel Predicts, a companion to its FanDuel sportsbook—one of the two biggest online betting platforms in the US, along with DraftKings. However, there is speculation that its entry may be belated, as Fanatics and DraftKings both debuted their prediction platforms earlier. External factors, such as new tax systems in the UK and Brazil, may have also impacted investor confidence. Flurry of trading around Flutter shares During this period, trading activity around Flutter shares has been intense. Some investors clearly view the company as a promising long-term hold, such as American billionaire Kenneth Dart, who now controls 27% of voting rights, primarily through his Cayman Islands entities. Although speculative, Dart's steady accumulation of voting rights over the past year could signal a long-term takeover strategy. The creation of blank check preferred shares would have provided Flutter's board with a defence against such a move. Concurrently, London's Parvus Asset Management raised its stake in Flutter to 10%, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce increased its holding to 5.3%, and US investment heavyweight BlackRock also boosted its shareholding past the 5% disclosure level. Not all are bullish on the business, however. US-based Capital Group cut its stake from 14.9% to 9.9% in March, while the Irish Independent reported that four major hedge funds have taken short positions against Flutter stock on the London Stock Exchange worth £640m. The board's drive to institute blank check preferred shares indicates a desire to secure more control over the company's financial tools amidst volatile trading. It may also reflect the firm's ongoing strategic shift towards the US markets. The US has been the company's primary revenue source for some time, and its main listing shifted to the NYSE in 2024, with a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange. Blank check preferred shares are a financial instrument characteristic of the US. While a UK equivalent exists in the preference share, Flutter's effort to create such shares during a review of its LSE listing is potentially significant. 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) - Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is set to introduce stringent regulations regarding how state benefits are utilized by offenders and criminals, as welfare reform emerges as a central theme for the upcoming UK general election. Over the weekend, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp conducted a series of media interviews to outline the party’s vision for a “smart and sustainable welfare policy,” focused on incentivizing employment and increasing oversight of how taxpayer-funded benefits are spent. In discussions with the BBC and GB News, Philp detailed proposals to ban individuals on licence or serving community sentences from using benefit payments for gambling, alcohol, or tobacco products. “Hardworking families are heavily taxed to support a welfare system that is being exploited by criminals,” Philp remarked. “The Conservatives have had enough, and we have a clear strategy to stop this absurdity by preventing offenders from using taxpayer money on gambling and alcohol.” Conservatives campaign on toughest reforms Under this plan, qualifying offenders would receive their benefits via a “restricted payment card” instead of cash. This card would be programmed to decline transactions for gambling, alcohol, and tobacco, while also prohibiting cash withdrawals or transfers to third parties. Philp noted that these restrictions would remain in effect throughout the duration of an offender’s licence or community sentence, and for at least one year thereafter. The shadow minister further suggested that extending similar limitations to other welfare recipients is “worth considering, and could form part of a broader overhaul of the welfare system” promised by the Conservatives. These measures align with Badenoch’s “Get Britain Working Again” initiative, which is positioned as the primary mandate for the Conservative Party’s next election campaign. Party officials contend that the UK welfare system is currently unsustainable due to rising levels of economic inactivity. Furthermore, they have accused the Labour government of failing to conduct adequate due diligence regarding the surge in sickness claims and expanded benefit provisions. The next UK general election must take place by 15 August 2029. However, the government retains the power to call an election at any time before that date, and there is growing speculation that Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, might trigger one if he succeeds in replacing Keir Starmer as party leader and Prime Minister. While the full details of the Conservative reforms have yet to be released, the party is expected to focus on the mechanisms and eligibility criteria of the Universal Credit system. Official data indicates that 9.2 million working-age individuals in England and Wales are currently benefit recipients, a trend the Conservatives point to as evidence of deepening welfare dependency. Conservative estimates suggest that roughly 500,000 Universal Credit claimants are former offenders, accounting for approximately 6% of the total claimant population. The party claims it has identified up to £23bn in potential savings through welfare reform, which includes stricter eligibility criteria for disability and sickness benefits, alongside a restructuring of Universal Credit to prioritize work incentives and reward those who transition into employment rather than relying on long-term state aid. The Conservatives have also linked these welfare reforms to broader goals, such as tax cuts, economic growth, and increased defense spending. Badenoch and her shadow cabinet argue that curbing welfare dependency will provide the fiscal space needed to lower taxes and fund national priorities without the need for additional borrowing. Conversely, critics argue that Universal Credit is already highly selective, governed by rigorous eligibility assessments, thresholds, and conditionality. Opponents claim the Conservatives are merely reviving “austerity-era policies” that unfairly reduce support for the UK’s most vulnerable households. Currently, Universal Credit provides a standard allowance of roughly £85 per week for a single adult over 25, and about £317 per week for a household with children, excluding housing and other support. Critics maintain that these payments are already minimal and that further restrictions would penalize those in greatest need, while arguing that Badenoch and the Conservatives lack a plan to address the root causes of economic inactivity. Labour: Youth unemployment tops welfare concerns Welfare reform has become a major point of contention in Westminster following an independent review by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which warned that the UK is facing a “generational fault line” regarding youth employment. The review revealed that over one million people aged 16 to 24 are classified as NEET (Not in education, employment or training), the highest level since 2008. This demographic has been described by the British media as a “lost generation.” Milburn cautioned that young people are increasingly becoming economically inactive rather than unemployed, with approximately 613,000 neither working nor seeking work, compared to about 400,000 who are actively job hunting. Young men were identified as the group most impacted by economic inactivity, and the review also raised alarms regarding declining mental health and the long-term effects of disengagement from education and the workforce. Amidst these parliamentary debates, British bank Nationwide released research ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning that “one in 4 young Brits gamble to pay bills as World Cup fuels betting surge.” Milburn warned that failing to address the youth workforce crisis could cost the UK economy as much as £125bn in lost economic activity. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged immediate action, with the Labour government forming a specialized taskforce within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This initiative will be led by Marc Bolland, the former chief executive of Marks & Spencer, who has been tasked with reconnecting young people with training and employment opportunities. As of 2026, welfare reform has become further intertwined with the ongoing debate over UK gambling policy. It joins other unresolved issues, including affordability checks, the structure of the Gambling Harms Levy, advertising restrictions, and the authority of local constituencies to implement their own gambling regulations. Political progress remains stalled as the UK gambling sector continues to lack a clear long-term regulatory settlement. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) - SBC Summit Canada kembali ke Toronto minggu lepas, menyatukan seluruh industri pada detik penting bagi sektor perjudian Kanada, apabila pelancaran pasaran terkawal yang akan datang di Alberta mempercepatkan perbincangan mengenai peraturan, perjudian bertanggungjawab, pembaharuan pengiklanan, keselamatan siber dan pengembangan pasaran masa depan. Diadakan di Pusat Konvensyen Metro Toronto dari 19-21 Mei, acara ini menandakan edisi pertama di bawah nama SBC Summit Canada selepas penjenamaan semula daripada Canadian Gaming Summit. Rasmus Sojmark, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif & Pengasas SBC, berkata: “Acara tahun ini menunjukkan betapa pentingnya Kanada dalam perbincangan industri perjudian global. Tahap perbincangan, kaliber hadirin dan kesegeraan topik seperti Alberta, peraturan dan perlindungan pemain menunjukkan sebuah pasaran yang berkembang dengan pesat. Sepanjang tiga hari, sidang kemuncak ini menyatukan pengendali, pembekal, pengawal selia, wakil kerajaan, sekutu, buku sukan, organisasi perjudian bertanggungjawab, penyedia pembayaran dan syarikat teknologi untuk apa yang ramai gambarkan sebagai titik pertemuan utama industri di Kanada. Masa acara tahun ini meletakkan Alberta dengan tegas di tengah perbincangan industri, dengan Menteri Service Alberta dan Pengurangan Jalur Merah Dale Nally menyampaikan ucaptama bertajuk “Melancarkan Masa Depan iGaming Selamat dan Terkawal Alberta.” Pasaran baharu Alberta kekal sebagai salah satu tema utama sepanjang sidang kemuncak, dengan wakil daripada Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) dan AGLC turut hadir, manakala Dan Keene, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AiGC, menyertai Martin Lycka untuk edisi langsung The Safe Bet Show bagi membincangkan rangka kerja pengawalseliaan wilayah yang berkembang dan pendekatan bertanggungjawab untuk pelancaran pasaran. Keene berkata acara ini memainkan peranan penting dalam membantu pihak berkepentingan industri bersedia untuk perbincangan pelancaran. “Kami bukan di sini untuk mengembangkan pasaran perjudian, kami di sini untuk menyalurkan pasaran haram ke ruang sah dan terkawal,” katanya. Dia menambah: “Jika jadual saya sejak dua hari lepas menjadi petunjuk, semuanya sangat hebat. Ia adalah mesyuarat dan penglibatan berturut-turut. Sangat memuaskan dan penuh dengan hubungan yang bermakna.” Sepanjang agenda persidangan, perbincangan banyak tertumpu pada cabaran pengawalseliaan dan operasi yang membentuk fasa pertumbuhan industri seterusnya. Panel meneroka pembaharuan pengiklanan, AI, keselamatan siber, pematuhan, perlindungan pemain, pembayaran dan strategi omnichannel yang berkembang, bersama-sama dengan peluang yang dibawa oleh Piala Dunia FIFA 2026. Tom Burdakin, Naib Presiden Pemasaran di FanDuel, berkata: “Semua orang sangat teruja dengan Alberta dan Piala Dunia, dan saya fikir setahun dari sekarang, apabila kita semua kembali ke sidang kemuncak ini, kita akan melihat kembali kedua-dua detik itu sebagai detik yang sedikit banyak mengubah industri.” Burdakin juga menonjolkan profil acara yang semakin antarabangsa, dengan menyatakan: “Sungguh menakjubkan berapa ramai orang yang datang dari AS, dari Eropah, untuk menghadiri acara ini di Toronto.” Walaupun 64.6% hadirin berpangkalan di Kanada, sidang kemuncak ini juga menarik penonton antarabangsa yang ketara, mengukuhkan kepentingan Kanada yang semakin meningkat dalam perbincangan industri perjudian global. Lantai pameran menampilkan syarikat yang merangkumi teknologi buku sukan, pembayaran, pematuhan, pemasaran, AI, data, loteri dan penyelesaian kasino, mencerminkan keluasan ekosistem perjudian Kanada dan sifat industri yang semakin saling berkaitan. Tracy Parker, SVP, Akreditasi, Nasihat & Cerapan di Responsible Gambling Council, berkata acara ini mencerminkan sifat industri Kanada yang semakin kolaboratif. “Kolaborasi merentas sektor adalah sesuatu yang saya lihat berlaku dalam kandungan kreatif dan program,” katanya. “Terdapat campuran yang sangat rancak antara pihak berkepentingan perjudian darat, iGaming, perjudian amal dan loteri di sini.” Thomas Metzger, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Lotto.com, berkata: “Anda benar-benar boleh menonjolkan nama anda, anda boleh ceritakan kisah anda, anda boleh mengadakan dialog produktif mengenai hala tuju industri dengan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif lain.” Paul Pellizzari, Naib Presiden – Tanggungjawab Sosial Global di Hard Rock International, berkata: “Ini adalah satu-satunya acara di Kanada di mana anda akan mendapat perwakilan seimbang dari semua jenis pemain dalam industri.” Hampir separuh hadirin memegang jawatan pembuatan keputusan kanan, mengukuhkan kedudukan sidang kemuncak sebagai forum perniagaan dan dasar peringkat tinggi untuk pasaran Kanada, dengan eksekutif, pengawal selia dan pemimpin industri menggunakan acara ini untuk memacu perbincangan strategik dan membina perkongsian baharu. Amanda Brewer, SVP Dasar & Komunikasi di Canadian Gaming Association, berkata: “Apabila anda melihat jenis acara rangkaian yang berlangsung di sini dan kaliber orang yang hadir, anda pasti melihat banyak tahap VIP C-suite dan ke atas.” Jeff Laniado, Pengarah Jualan di Optimove, menonjolkan keluasan perwakilan seluruh industri, sambil menambah: “Awal hari ini, saya bertemu dengan eksekutif peringkat C daripada pengendali peringkat satu, jadi benar-benar semua orang dari setiap saiz pengendali dan setiap bidang syarikat ini nampaknya diwakili.” Mark Wrigley, Ketua Pertaruhan di F1, berkata kekananan hadirin adalah kunci kepada nilai acara: “Adalah penting kita bercakap dengan pembuat keputusan di peringkat tinggi itu kerana itulah akhirnya tempat kita mengadakan dialog tersebut, benar-benar memacu perkara ke hadapan, dan mendapatkan persetujuan daripada seluruh syarikat.” “SBC Summit Canada telah menjadi tempat di mana industri berkumpul untuk membincangkan apa yang akan berlaku seterusnya, dan kami sangat berbangga untuk menyediakan platform ini,” tambah Sojmark. Dengan pelancaran pasaran Alberta yang semakin hampir dan perhatian industri semakin tertumpu pada landasan pengawalseliaan Kanada yang berkembang, perbincangan dan perkongsian yang dibentuk di Toronto dijangka akan membentuk fasa pertumbuhan seterusnya sektor ini jauh melebihi sidang kemuncak itu sendiri. SBC Summit Canada akan kembali ke Toronto dari 15–17 Jun 2027. Untuk pertanyaan penajaan dan pameran, hubungi sales@sbcgaming.com. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Kebimbangan semakin meningkat di seluruh Asia Tenggara bahawa kumpulan perjudian haram beralih tumpuan dari Kemboja di tengah-tengah tindakan keras kerajaan terhadap pusat penipuan. Outlet Thailand The Nation melaporkan bahawa 106 warga Thailand telah ditangkap di Laos atas syak terlibat dalam penipuan pusat panggilan dan operasi perjudian dalam talian yang berpangkalan di wilayah Bolikhamxay negara itu. Awal bulan ini, pihak berkuasa di Sri Lanka turut mendedahkan bahawa mereka telah menahan lebih 1,000 warga asing atas jenayah siber pada tahun 2026, peningkatan mendadak berbanding tahun-tahun sebelumnya. Pegawai di Sri Lanka berkata kebanyakan warga asing yang ditangkap adalah dari China, Vietnam dan India, dan mengaitkan peningkatan itu dengan tindakan keras terhadap aktiviti sedemikian di pusat tumpuan Kemboja dan Myanmar, menyebabkan penjenayah mencari tempat lain untuk menempatkan operasi mereka. Kemboja telah berulang kali dikritik kerana kurangnya tindakan terhadap pusat penipuan yang dikaitkan dengan kasino negara itu, yang dilaporkan telah menipu mangsa berbilion dolar. Berikutan tekanan itu, kerajaan Kemboja meluluskan undang-undang jenayah siber pertamanya yang khusus menyasarkan pelaku penipuan dalam talian. Mereka yang disabitkan kesalahan terlibat dalam operasi yang disasarkan akan menghadapi hukuman penjara antara dua hingga lima tahun dan denda sehingga $125,000. Sementara itu, hukuman bagi penipuan yang dilakukan oleh kumpulan atau terhadap ramai mangsa boleh dilanjutkan sehingga 10 tahun. Menurut Cambodian China Times, Timbalan Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Dalam Negeri Kemboja Sar Sokha memberitahu Duta Besar Switzerland ke Kemboja Pedro Zwhalen bahawa tindakan keras negara itu telah menyebabkan penangkapan, pengusiran atau pemergian sukarela lebih 300,000 warga asing yang dikaitkan dengan penipuan dalam talian. 91 kasino juga ditutup bulan lalu oleh pengawal selia perjudian negara itu selepas dituduh menyokong rangkaian penipuan dalam talian. Langkah itu diambil beberapa hari selepas Menteri Luar China, Wang YI, menuntut tindakan lebih tegas terhadap perjudian rentas sempadan, menyifatkan isu itu sebagai salah satu keselamatan awam. Walaupun tindakan Kemboja telah disambut baik oleh ramai pihak, kebimbangan akan mula meningkat sekali lagi jika aktiviti haram itu hanya beralih lokasi dan bukannya dibendung. Pihak berkuasa di Laos berkata mereka mengambil tindakan selepas menerima maklumat bahawa kumpulan telah membawa peralatan ke negara itu untuk mengendalikan pusat panggilan dan laman web perjudian dalam talian. Warga Thailand itu telah dihantar pulang ke negara asal mereka, dan pegawai berkata mereka akan disaring untuk menentukan sama ada mereka telah menjadi mangsa pemerdagangan manusia, satu ciri khas pusat penipuan di rantau itu. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - This week’s Sponsor Spotlight examines three distinct partnership strategies, all of which highlight a growing trend: betting companies are finding more sophisticated ways to secure visibility and build long-term connections with sports. From a media-focused football collaboration and deep-rooted local rugby ties in Wales, to a potential model for the Premier League following the upcoming prohibition of front-of-shirt gambling sponsors, these recent deals demonstrate how operators are evolving their tactics in response to significant regulatory and commercial changes. Time2play: Here We Go… Time2play.com has executed an unconventional partnership by joining forces with Fabrizio Romano, arguably the world’s most influential football journalist. This collaboration launches just ahead of the World Cup and the busy summer transfer window, providing the Gentoo Media-owned platform with access to Romano’s massive football following, his expertise in transfers, and his reputation for breaking major stories. Romano commands a massive audience—specifically 27.6 million followers on X and over 43 million on Instagram—which is an impressive feat for a journalist and makes this writer feel he needs to improve his own metrics… His signature “Here We Go” catchphrase has established him as one of football’s most recognizable media figures, and aligning with that level of influence will immediately boost Time2play’s standing among football supporters. Romano will contribute weekly transfer updates, match predictions, and football analysis to the Time2play website. DragonBet strengthens Welsh ties with rugby sponsorship DragonBet has continued its rapid growth within the Welsh sports landscape by securing a significant long-term deal with Cardiff Rugby, which is currently marking its 150th anniversary. Under the agreement, the operator will serve as both the official betting partner and official kit partner through the conclusion of the 2028/29 season, with branding appearing on Cardiff’s kits and throughout Arms Park. DragonBet will also sponsor Cardiff Rugby’s digital content, including team announcements and player signings, while gaining extensive advertising exposure on matchdays. The partnership places a clear emphasis on responsibility, with DragonBet branding omitted from junior replica kits and both organizations pledging to support community and responsible gambling initiatives. For DragonBet Co-Founder David Lovell, the sponsorship is also personal: “Cardiff Rugby has been a part of my life since childhood, from standing on the terraces to supporting my local club, so this partnership is truly special to me. “Seeing DragonBet partner with a club that means so much to me, especially during a time of such positivity, energy, and momentum for Cardiff Rugby, makes it even more exciting. “As the club celebrates its 150th year, it feels like the perfect time to unite and support the next chapter for such an iconic rugby institution.” Betway and Manchester United may have established a PL blueprint Manchester United’s reported training kit sponsorship deal with Betway could prove to be one of the most significant gambling partnerships in the history of the modern Premier League. Reports suggest the Super Group-owned operator is nearing a deal valued at approximately £20m, despite the impending ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsors starting in the 2026/27 season. The importance of this deal lies not just in its financial value, but in its structure. While gambling brands will be removed from the front of Premier League shirts, there are currently no restrictions regarding training gear, sleeve sponsorships, digital partnerships, or LED advertising. Betway appears to have realized that visibility remains attainable through alternative assets. For a club of Manchester United’s stature, exposure on training kits could offer exceptional value. Training-related content is a staple of social media, pre-match coverage, and global football media distribution, a strategy already utilized in a similar partnership between Tottenham Hotspur and BetMGM. This move could ultimately spark a broader trend across the Premier League as betting operators seek new ways to engage in football sponsorship without violating the upcoming voluntary ban. Spotlight rankings: Who’s standing out? 1. Betway / Manchester United: If finalized, this could become one of the most impactful gambling sponsorship deals in football. Betway may well set a precedent for how operators maintain high-level visibility in football after the front-of-shirt era concludes, and other betting brands will be watching closely. 2. Time2play / Fabrizio Romano: This is a major statement partnership for an affiliate brand. Romano’s reach and credibility in football media are nearly unparalleled, and the deal provides Time2play with immediate relevance heading into one of the most active football periods of the decade. 3. DragonBet / Cardiff Rugby: A very strong, though relatively smaller-scale, regional partnership that benefits both parties. DragonBet continues to establish itself as one of the most active commercial supporters of Welsh sport, while Cardiff Rugby secures a long-term local partner with deep roots in the city and the sport. This article is provided by a third-party. 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(AsiaGameHub) - SBC Summit Canada recently concluded in Toronto, serving as a crucial gathering for the industry during a significant period for the Canadian gaming sector. The impending launch of Alberta's regulated market spurred extensive discussions on topics such as regulation, responsible gambling, advertising reform, cybersecurity, and future market expansion. The event, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 19-21, marked its debut under the new "SBC Summit Canada" branding, succeeding the former Canadian Gaming Summit. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, commented: “This year’s event underscored Canada’s growing significance within the global gaming industry dialogue. The depth of discussions, the caliber of participants, and the urgency surrounding issues like Alberta, regulation, and player protection clearly indicated a rapidly evolving market.” Over three days, the summit convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including operators, suppliers, regulators, government officials, affiliates, sportsbooks, responsible gambling organizations, payment providers, and technology firms. Many attendees recognized it as the primary industry meeting point in Canada. The timing of this year’s summit positioned Alberta at the forefront of industry conversations, highlighted by a keynote address from Alberta Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally, titled “Launching Alberta’s Safe, Regulated iGaming Future.” Alberta’s forthcoming market remained a central theme throughout the summit, with representatives from the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) and AGLC also present. Notably, Dan Keene, CEO of AiGC, participated in a live edition of The Safe Bet Show with Martin Lycka, where he discussed the province’s developing regulatory framework and its measured approach to market entry. Keene stated that the event was instrumental in helping industry stakeholders prepare for launch-related discussions. “Our objective isn’t to expand the gaming market; it’s to transition the illegal market into a legal and regulated environment,” he explained. He further added: “If my schedule over the past two days is any indication, it’s been excellent. It’s been a continuous stream of meetings and engagements, very productive and rich with meaningful connections.” The conference agenda extensively covered the regulatory and operational challenges influencing the industry’s next growth phase. Panels delved into advertising reform, AI, cybersecurity, compliance, player protection, payments, and evolving omnichannel strategies, alongside exploring opportunities presented by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tom Burdakin, Marketing Vice President at FanDuel, remarked: “Everyone is genuinely enthusiastic about Alberta and the World Cup, and I believe that a year from now, when we reconvene at this summit, we will view those two events as pivotal moments that somewhat reshaped the industry.” Burdakin also emphasized the event’s increasingly international appeal, observing: “It’s remarkable how many individuals are traveling from the US and Europe to attend this event in Toronto.” While 64.6% of attendees were based in Canada, the summit also drew a substantial international audience, underscoring Canada’s growing prominence in global gaming discussions. The exhibition floor showcased companies specializing in sportsbook technology, payments, compliance, marketing, AI, data, lottery, and casino solutions, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the Canadian gaming ecosystem and the industry’s increasing interconnectedness. Tracy Parker, SVP, Accreditation, Advisory & Insights at the Responsible Gambling Council, noted that the event highlighted the Canadian industry’s increasingly collaborative spirit. “The cross-sector collaboration is evident in the creative content and programs,” she said. “There’s a truly dynamic mix of land-based gaming, iGaming, charitable gaming, and lottery stakeholders present.” Thomas Metzger, CEO of Lotto.com, commented: “You truly establish your presence, share your narrative, and engage in productive discussions about the industry’s direction with fellow CEOs.” Paul Pellizzari, Vice President – Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock International, stated: “It is the sole event in Canada that offers balanced representation from all types of industry participants.” Nearly half of the attendees held senior decision-making roles, solidifying the summit’s reputation as a high-level business and policy forum for the Canadian market, where executives, regulators, and industry leaders engaged in strategic conversations and forged new partnerships. Amanda Brewer, SVP Policy & Communications at the Canadian Gaming Association, observed: “When you consider the quality of networking events held here and the caliber of attendees, you definitely see a significant presence of C-suite, VIP, and higher-level individuals.” Jeff Laniado, Director of Sales at Optimove, highlighted the broad industry representation, adding: “Earlier today, I met with a C-level executive from a tier-one operator, so truly everyone from operators of all sizes and every area of these companies appears to be represented.” Mark Wrigley, Head of Betting at F1, emphasized the importance of attendee seniority to the event’s value: “It’s critical that we engage with those high-level decision-makers because that’s ultimately where we aim to have these dialogues, truly advance initiatives, and secure company-wide buy-in.” “SBC Summit Canada has become the essential venue for the industry to convene and discuss future developments, and we are immensely proud to offer that platform,” Sojmark concluded. With Alberta’s market launch on the horizon and increasing industry focus on Canada’s evolving regulatory landscape, the discussions and partnerships forged in Toronto are anticipated to shape the sector’s next growth phase well beyond the summit itself. SBC Summit Canada is scheduled to return to Toronto from June 15–17, 2027. For sponsorship and exhibition inquiries, please contact sales@sbcgaming.com 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) - Jdigital, persatuan perdagangan perjudian dalam talian Sepanyol, menyatakan bahawa keanggotaannya sepenuhnya menyokong keputusan untuk ‘sekatan sementara’ status pasaran ramalan daripada mendapatkan lesen. Semalam, gazette Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), mengumumkan bahawa semakan tatatertib telah dimulakan terhadap platform pasaran ramalan Polymarket dan Kalshi. Pihak berkuasa perjudian Sepanyol telah memberikan Kalshi dan Polymarket tempoh tiga dan empat bulan untuk memohon lesen perjudian dalam talian Sepanyol, dengan akses kepada kedua-dua platform digantung sehingga prosedur diluluskan. Tidak diketahui sama ada Kalshi dan Polymarket akan bekerjasama dengan permintaan DGOJ, di mana ia memperincikan bahawa pengawal selia perlu mengesahkan apa yang ditawarkan oleh pasaran ramalan dan perbezaannya daripada mekanik perjudian yang ditawarkan oleh lesen standard. Inti kepada pertikaian ini ialah persoalan yang semakin dihadapi oleh pengawal selia di seluruh dunia: apakah sebenarnya pasaran ramalan? DGOJ menegaskan bahawa “apabila pengguna mempertaruhkan wang pada peristiwa masa depan yang tidak pasti — sama ada pilihan raya, keputusan sukan atau perkembangan ekonomi aktiviti tersebut terletak sepenuhnya dalam rangka kerja perjudian negara.” Hakikat bahawa pengendali memasarkan produk ini sebagai kontrak acara atau instrumen dagangan tidak mengubah status undang-undang mereka, di bawah Akta Perjudian Sepanyol 2011. Jdigital mengalu-alukan campur tangan pengawal selia, menggambarkannya sebagai langkah yang perlu dalam melindungi kedua-dua pengguna dan pasaran perjudian yang dikawal selia di Sepanyol. Persatuan itu berhujah bahawa platform yang beroperasi tanpa lesen menjejaskan sistem di mana pengendali yang dibenarkan menghadapi kewajipan yang luas meliputi pengesahan identiti, kawalan anti-pengubahan wang haram, langkah perjudian yang bertanggungjawab dan perlindungan untuk kanak-kanak di bawah umur dan pengguna yang terdedah. “Pemain yang mengakses pengendali tanpa lesen kekal di luar polisi dan jaminan yang disediakan dalam pasaran yang dikawal selia,” kata badan perdagangan itu. Ia seterusnya memberi amaran bahawa pengguna yang menggunakan platform pasaran ramalan yang tidak berlesen tidak mempunyai akses kepada perlindungan yang diperlukan daripada pengendali yang dikawal selia, sambil menambah bahawa “mana-mana warganegara yang mengakses platform pasaran ramalan tanpa lesen tidak akan mendapat manfaat daripada jaminan ini”. Pertikaian itu juga mendedahkan rasa frustrasi yang semakin meningkat di kalangan sektor perjudian berlesen Eropah. Jdigital berulang kali berhujah bahawa pengendali yang dikawal selia menghadapi kos pematuhan yang semakin meningkat, sekatan pengiklanan dan keperluan perlindungan pengguna, sementara perniagaan luar pesisir dan yang tidak berlesen dapat menyasarkan pelanggan dengan pengawasan yang agak sedikit. Menurut EY yang dirujuk oleh Jdigital, “satu daripada empat penjudi Sepanyol telah menggunakan platform yang tidak berlesen”, angka yang digunakan sebagai bukti bahawa “pihak berkuasa Sepanyol harus meningkatkan usaha penguatkuasaan terhadap pengendali haram.” Namun pertempuran yang lebih luas adalah lebih daripada Sepanyol… Di seluruh Eropah, pengawal selia semakin meneliti perniagaan pasaran ramalan, dengan Perancis, Belgium, Jerman, Portugal, Poland dan Belanda semuanya mengambil tindakan terhadap pengendali yang cuba menawarkan kontrak berasaskan acara tanpa kebenaran tempatan. Di latar belakang, wilayah luar British Gibraltar telah pun mewujudkan laluan lesen untuk aktiviti pasaran ramalan melalui rangka kerja perjudiannya. Selain itu, minggu lalu Malta muncul sebagai bidang kuasa yang akan mengkaji bagaimana platform pasaran ramalan harus diakomodasi di bawah struktur peraturan masa depan. Di tanah air mereka di AS, pasaran ramalan dikawal oleh Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) sebagai produk derivatif dan bukannya perkhidmatan perjudian. Sektor ini juga mendapat sokongan politik yang berpengaruh. Minggu ini, Presiden AS Donald Trump menyifatkan platform pasaran ramalan sebagai penting kepada masa depan ekonomi Amerika, menambah satu lagi lapisan momentum kepada industri yang telah menarik pelaburan berbilion dolar. Bagi pengawal selia Eropah, bagaimanapun, isu ini kekal sebagai perlindungan pengguna dan integriti pasaran berbanding inovasi kewangan. Oleh itu, keputusan Sepanyol mewakili lebih daripada tindakan penguatkuasaan negara. Ia adalah isyarat terbaru bahawa pihak berkuasa Eropah tidak bersedia untuk menerima pasaran ramalan beroperasi di luar rangka kerja perjudian yang telah ditetapkan. Buat masa ini, satu lagi bidang kuasa Eropah utama telah menutup pintunya kepada Polymarket dan Kalshi. Tetapi perjuangan itu tidak mungkin berakhir di sana. Bagi usaha berisiko tinggi ini, langkah seterusnya hampir pasti adalah untuk melobi Brussels dan kerajaan negara untuk mengiktiraf kontrak acara sebagai produk kewangan dan bukannya produk perjudian. Perbezaan undang-undang yang akhirnya boleh menentukan sama ada pasaran ramalan menjadi produk kewangan arus perdana di Eropah atau kekal terkunci di luar pasaran yang dikawal selia di benua itu. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - The African gaming industry has experienced a busy week. The continent has garnered significant attention from international companies, with prominent names like Super Group, Kaizen Gaming, and Virgin Bet targeting markets there, while local firms are also pursuing new ventures. As the "gold rushes" in the US and Latin America begin to stabilize, and Europe presents new regulatory and taxation hurdles, it's not surprising that many global companies are actively exploring opportunities in Africa. H2 Gambling Capital forecasts that the online betting and iGaming market could reach up to $22 billion (£18 billion) by 2029. With this projection in mind, established African brands Sunbet and BetPawa are working to solidify their presence on their home continent. Sunbet expands into Namibia, its third market Sunbet, the online sports betting division of South African gaming and hotels conglomerate Sun International, has been planning international expansion for some time. The company launched in Botswana in 2024, having already established itself as a leading online bookmaker in South Africa, successfully competing with local rivals like HollywoodBets and Sportingbet, as well as major international players such as Betfred and Betway. This week, the company debuted in Namibia, South Africa’s neighbor, with support from Bede Gaming, a UK gaming tech firm and long-standing partner that has collaborated with Sunbet in both South Africa and Botswana. Simon Gregory, Sunbet’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Sun International is a well-respected and trusted brand in Africa, so Sunbet’s intention was always to leverage this goodwill by expanding into other African markets. “We experienced significant success after our debut in Botswana, so rolling out Sunbet to the Namibian market was the natural next step for us, especially given that Namibia is one of South Africa’s strongest trading partners.” Sunbet anticipates that Namibia – an expanding economy projected by the World Bank to grow by 2.8% in 2025, albeit a decrease from 3.7% the previous year – will further complement its standing in Botswana and South Africa, especially after Sun International generated R874 million (£36.8 million) in revenue during the first half of 2025 alone. Continued growth will be welcome news for Ulrik Bengtsson, who assumed the role of Sun International CEO last year. The Swedish businessman brings experience from other major gambling stakeholders, notably William Hill and Raketech, to his position at the South African giant. Singer’s brand betPawa pursues growth Increasing rates of mobile phone usage, internet access, and greater economic freedom and spending power across Africa have made gaming on the continent a much more lucrative industry than in previous decades. This trend has naturally led to local entrepreneurs and businesspeople becoming involved. One of the more notable new names to enter the industry is Nigeria’s Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade – better known as singer and record executive Mr Eazi. Mr Eazi chairs Choplife Gaming, a Rwanda-headquartered business that operates two brands: BetPawa and ChopWin. This week, BetPawa expanded into Mali, making it its 10th market, having already established itself in Benin, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, as reported by Business Insider Africa. Choplife Gaming’s website also indicates a pending launch in Liberia, though its list of active markets is two shorter than that reported by Business Insider Africa. Meanwhile, ChopWin is active in Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, with a launch in Namibia pending according to the Choplife website. “We are pleased to be going live with betPawa in Mali,” a Choplife Gaming statement read on LinkedIn. “The launch marks a significant milestone in our continued expansion across Africa and further strengthening our footprint in regulated African gaming markets. “Through this launch, Malian customers will gain access to betPawa’s mobile-first betting and gaming platform, designed specifically for African users with lightweight technology, localized payment solutions, and simplified user experiences.” South Africa combats the black market… and its customers Operating in Africa, like any continent or local market, involves numerous considerations. Technological aspects are quite important, such as the crucial role of local telecommunications companies and payment providers. Regulatory changes are frequent, as are taxation adjustments. In addition to all this, there is the aspect of social responsibility. While many African economies are experiencing growth, hardship remains common – despite some good progress over the past three decades, approximately 37% of South Africans live below the country’s Lower-Bound Poverty Line (LBPL), and concerns have been raised about the growth of the gaming industry there. And finally, as with any emerging or developing market, illegal gambling activities persist. South African stakeholders have informed SBC News about the extent of this issue in their domestic market. This week, the National Gambling Board (NGB) revealed that it has seized approximately R2.3 million (£105,500) in illegal gambling winnings during the 2026/27 financial year, to date. This represents a substantial increase from the R775,000 in winnings forfeited to the state during the 2024/25 financial year. The NGB is authorized to order gamblers to forfeit winnings derived from unlicensed online gambling activity under the National Gambling Act of 2004. Acting CEO of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana, stated: “The forfeiture of proceeds derived from unlawful gambling activities demonstrates the NGB’s continued commitment to enforcing the NGA and supporting lawful and accountable gambling practices in South Africa. “These enforcement measures serve to protect the public and reinforce the consequences associated with unlawful gambling activities. “This outcome further underscores the importance of a coordinated regulatory and judicial approach in protecting the public and maintaining the credibility of South Africa’s gambling industry. “We remain committed to ensuring that all gambling activities take place within a legal, regulated, and accountable environment.” Despite its challenges against the black market, South Africa remains one of the most lucrative and attractive markets for companies interested in African opportunities. Neal Menashe, Super Group CEO, elaborated on this point during an earlier appearance on SBC’s iGaming Daily podcast. 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) - bet365 telah mengukuhkan perkongsian jangka panjangnya dengan Blueprint Gaming melalui promosi putaran percuma baharu. Pendaftaran baharu yang layak ke bet365 kini boleh mengakses putaran percuma untuk empat keluaran Blueprint – Fishin’ Frenzy: Lure Em’ In, Fishin’ Frenzy: Big Catch Gold Spins, Triple Action Cash Strike dan King Kong Splash. Menurut laman web bet365, pemain yang mendaftar dan mendeposit sekurang-kurangnya £10 boleh memilih daripada tiga pilihan pada 10 hari berasingan sepanjang tempoh 20 hari, dengan setiap kali diberikan lima, 10, 20 atau 50 putaran percuma. Paul Cumbo, Ketua Permainan bet365 untuk UK dan Eropah, mengulas: “Portfolio Blueprint Gaming terus mendapat resonans kuat daripada pemain kami, dan kami amat gembira untuk menyusun pilihan beberapa permainan yang paling dikenali dan berprestasi tinggi sebagai sebahagian daripada tawaran akaun terbuka yang menarik ini. “Promosi ini mencerminkan kekuatan hubungan jangka panjang kami dan tumpuan bersama kami untuk menyampaikan pengalaman hiburan yang menarik kepada pemain.” Tajuk daripada siri ‘Fishin’ Frenzy’ Blueprint telah menjadi kegemaran kekal dalam kalangan pemain UK, yang sentiasa berada dalam carta slot bulanan bet365. Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch menduduki ranking sebagai permainan ke-5 paling popular di kalangan pemain bet365 pada bulan April. Sementara itu, Blueprint menyatakan bahawa Fishin’ Frenzy: Lure Em’ In mencatatkan ‘hujung minggu pembukaan yang memecahkan rekod’ selepas pelancarannya pada April 2026. Blueprint menyifatkan promosi baharu ini sebagai ‘menyerlahkan kejayaan berkekalan’ perkongsian pemaju ini dengan bet365, yang bermula pada tahun 2023. Jo Purvis, Pengarah Pemasaran, PR dan Acara di Blueprint Gaming, menambah: “Perkongsian kami dengan bet365 telah semakin kukuh selama beberapa tahun, dan tawaran akaun terbuka terkini ini adalah satu lagi contoh hebet bagaimana rapatnya kami terus bekerjasama. “Setiap permainan yang dipilih telah terbukti sebagai prestasi cemerlang dalam portfolio kami, sama ada melalui pengekalan pemain yang kukuh, penjanaan hasil yang konsisten atau pengiktirafan jenama jangka panjang.” Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Gentoo Media’s Chief Financial Officer, Mads Haugegaard Albrechtsen, has stepped down from his position at the company. Albrechtsen, a former Deloitte Partner, joined the Malta-based affiliate marketing firm in March 2025, just five months after Gentoo’s legal separation from Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) in early October 2024. Gentoo acknowledged Albrechtsen's important contributions since his arrival, supporting the company’s strategic and operational transformation. “We extend our gratitude to Mads for his dedication and collaboration during a period of significant change for Gentoo Media,” stated Chief Executive Officer, Jonas Warrer. “Mads was instrumental in the transformation efforts initiated in 2025, which included strengthening financial processes, backing the company’s strategic repositioning, and helping to build a more streamlined and focused organization. “As Gentoo Media now progresses into its next phase, we are engaged in productive discussions regarding the impending transition and share a mutual commitment to ensuring a stable and responsible handover for the benefit of the Company, its employees, and other stakeholders.” Gentoo’s Efficiency Drive The company affirmed its commitment to a seamless and responsible handover process, noting it is actively recruiting a new CFO while simultaneously adjusting to the profound influence of AI on the affiliate marketing industry. Having reduced its workforce from 404 to 292 employees and ceased operations in Norwich, England, the firm is now “advancing into its next stage from a more efficient and targeted foundation.” While the company’s Q1 2026 financial results indicated profitability, with a €219,000 surplus, revenues have decreased due to significant algorithmic shifts. Furthermore, its share price on the Nasdaq-Stockholm Exchange has fallen by 8.20 SEK over the last year to 5.66 SEK, representing a nearly 60% decline. Gentoo now faces the additional challenge of securing a new CFO while simultaneously contending with the adverse effects of AI and increasingly stringent regulations within the iGaming industry. Commenting on his exit, Albrechtsen stated: “I am thankful for my tenure at Gentoo Media and anticipate assisting in a smooth transition over the forthcoming period.” 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) - Austria has initiated a review of its gambling legislation and the privileges afforded to Casinos Austria, marking the start of a regulatory journey toward establishing a liberalised online gambling market. This move comes after a new Draft Bill was completed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, aiming to terminate the monopoly privileges of Casinos Austria for online sports betting and casino games, thereby allowing EU-licensed operators to access the Austrian market. The initiative has received support from the three-party coalition government, which includes the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), and the Liberal Conservatives of NEOS. The SPÖ's backing is significant, representing the first instance the party has withdrawn its traditional support for Casinos Austria's gambling monopoly. This concession was part of the agreement made by SPÖ leader Andreas Babler to facilitate government formation in 2025. The proposed bill instructs the government to create a new liberalised framework and introduce a multi-licence system by 2029, which would conclude Austria's position as the final EU country upholding monopoly privileges for online gambling. For over ten years, Austria has been involved in legal conflicts at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning the protection of the Casinos Austria Win2Day monopoly, facing ongoing allegations that its online gambling rules infringe upon EU market freedoms. The situation has been further complicated by a protracted legal dispute between Austria and Malta at the EU level regarding penalties and liabilities for Austrian customers betting with Malta-licensed sites. While the CJEU has ruled in Austria's favour, it has also advised the country to abolish monopoly privileges and align its online gambling laws with EU standards. Central controls Although the government is dedicated to market access for international firms, the draft proposal requires Austria to enforce stringent and centralised oversight of online gambling operations. Suggested regulations involve cutting the maximum online stake from €10 to €2 per spin and reducing the highest possible win from €10,000 to €2,000. Licensed operators would also need to adhere to stricter affordability checks, identity verification protocols, and centralised player protection measures managed by Austrian regulators. The tax structure is still unresolved and is anticipated to be a major point of debate during the reforms. Austrian parliamentarians have advocated for a high-tax approach to safeguard the fiscal income currently derived from the monopoly system. Nevertheless, worries have surfaced that Austria may be copying elements of Germany's Fourth Interstate Gambling Treaty. Opponents contend that Germany's mix of rigid restrictions, substantial compliance expenses, and high taxes has reduced channelisation and driven players to seek options offshore. Casinos Austria to have its say Casinos Austria has responded prudently to the liberalisation proposals, cautioning legislators not to benefit operators that historically served Austrian customers without a local licence. The company has proposed a "cooling-off period" to bar such operators from immediate market entry. Company officials have stated that Casinos Austria is ready to furnish regulators with a roster of operators it deems 'bad actors that knowingly circumvented Austrian gambling laws'. Concurrently, the firm has advised policymakers to concentrate on channelisation goals, stating that the regulated market needs to stay sufficiently appealing to rival offshore sites. Casinos Austria asserts that player safety objectives will be unattainable if customers shift to unregulated platforms outside Austrian jurisdiction. Land-based sector seeks protection The discussion also covers the land-based sector, with MPs and regional interests expressing apprehension about the fate of Austria's physical casino industry, a key provider of jobs, tourism income, and tax revenue. Sector advocates have called on lawmakers to safeguard what they term a "tax-effective" casino network that delivers reliable revenue for national and local governments. Multiple states are predicted to strongly oppose changes that might impair the competitiveness of land-based establishments or upset current tax agreements. The road to 2029 Austria is merely at the beginning of what is likely to be an extensive reform journey. Coalition members will proceed with talks on betting limits, tax levels, licensing standards, and the general framework of regulatory control. The National Council will have the final say on the legislation's form and on Austria's ability to introduce a competitive multi-licence market by 2029. The key dilemma for legislators will be finding an equilibrium between consumer safety and market competitiveness. As discussions advance, sceptics caution that if Austria mimics Germany's approach too faithfully, it may only liberalise its gambling market superficially, resulting in licensed operators being ill-equipped to challenge the illicit market the reforms aim to eradicate. 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) - Manchester United bakal mengukuhkan lagi hubungannya dengan industri perjudian apabila perjanjian lumayan bersama Betway memecutkan hubungan antara bola sepak dan perjudian ke era baharu. Laporan muncul minggu ini mengenai perjanjian tajaan pakaian latihan bernilai £20 juta bersama Betway, yang mungkin merupakan perjanjian paling penting selepas larangan sukarela Liga Perdana Inggeris terhadap penajaan di bahagian depan jersi. Walaupun Daily Mail melaporkan perjanjian itu akan menjadi antara yang paling lumayan dalam dunia bola sepak, ia menggantikan perkongsian bernilai serupa dengan firma Blockchain Tezos, yang tamat pada Jun 2025 dan dilaporkan bernilai £25 juta setiap tahun. Sebelum ini, ada yang menjangkakan kos penajaan alternatif akan meningkat akibat larangan tersebut. Namun, perjanjian terbaharu ini menunjukkan bahawa nilai pasaran dijangka kekal seperti sebelumnya dan sangat bergantung pada profil kelab. Manchester United juga sudah mempunyai perjanjian dengan beberapa syarikat pertaruhan, dan perjanjian ini hanya mengukuhkan lagi hubungan kelab dengan industri tersebut. Parimatch menandatangani perkongsian pelbagai tahun pada Ogos 2025 untuk menjadi rakan pertaruhan kelab untuk rantau Asia dan MENA. Sementara itu, Hong Kong Jockey Club dan Betfred juga disenaraikan sebagai rakan serantau di laman web Manchester United. Dengan laporan lubang hitam penajaan £80 juta yang ditinggalkan oleh larangan penajaan di bahagian depan jersi, kelab-kelab kini mencari cara alternatif untuk mereka manfaatkan perbelanjaan pasaran pertaruhan yang besar. Kelab Liga Perdana Inggeris yang lain, Tottenham Hotspur, telah membawa BetMGM sebagai penaja pakaian latihannya selama beberapa tahun, manakala sekatan tidak terpakai pada kawasan lain seperti lengan jersi dan papan penaja. Walaupun logik yang lazim adalah penaja di bahagian depan jersi paling ketara, era baharu media sosial bermakna pemain boleh dikatakan lebih kerap dilihat memakai pakaian latihan berbanding kit perlawanan mereka. Pasukan di seluruh dunia mengeluarkan berjam-jam kandungan setiap hari dari padang latihan merentas media sosial. Sementara itu, pemain Manchester United yang memanaskan badan sebelum dan semasa perlawanan sudah pasti akan mempamerkan logo Betway apabila dirakam oleh kamera TV. Skala perjanjian ini adalah unik untuk kelab sebesar Manchester United, yang kekal sebagai salah satu jenama paling dikenali di seluruh dunia walaupun melalui beberapa musim yang sukar di padang. Kandungan media sosial dan video latihan dari Manchester United akan dilihat berjuta-juta kali, menambah nilai besar kepada perjanjian Betway. Sebagai perbandingan, perjanjian Tottenham dengan BetMGM dianggarkan bernilai £10 juta. Sementara itu, kontrak Liverpool dengan AXA juga dinilai lebih £20 juta setahun; namun, ini termasuk hak penamaan bagi padang latihan kelab serta penjenamaan pada kit latihan. Bergerak ke bawah carta, kelab-kelab yang kurang terkenal tidak akan dapat menuntut yuran sebegini. Walau bagaimanapun, tidak syak lagi perjanjian serupa sedang dipertimbangkan dengan industri perjudian untuk mengurangkan kesan larangan dan membawa masuk hasil yang sangat diperlukan. Mengenai prospek penajaan lengan jersi, Russel Yershon, Pengarah di Connecting Brands, memberitahu Insider Sport: "Kesesuaian semula jadi untuk pengendali pertaruhan adalah untuk memindahkan penjenamaan mereka ke lengan jersi kelab Liga Perdana Inggeris. Aset komersial ini tersedia untuk pengendali pertaruhan, dan saya bayangkan sehingga separuh kelab Liga Perdana Inggeris akan berusaha untuk mempunyai jenama pertaruhan di lengan jersi mereka." Oleh itu, langkah ini menimbulkan persoalan sama ada larangan liga itu hanyalah isyarat kosong yang akan mengalihkan jenama perjudian ke aspek lain, seperti pakaian latihan, atau akan memberi kesan sebenar kepada keterlihatan sektor tersebut sepanjang Liga Perdana Inggeris. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - It's safe to say that Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain have experienced contrasting fortunes in their Champions League campaigns this season. Both clubs have already secured their domestic league titles and are set to compete tomorrow for Europe's most prestigious club honour. However, the differences in their Champions League journeys have been quite evident. The French champions, aiming for consecutive Champions League titles after breaking their previous drought last season, started exceptionally strong, securing three consecutive wins against Atalanta, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen, suggesting an inevitable triumph. Nevertheless, a less convincing conclusion to their Champions League group stage, with two draws and one loss in their final three matches, forced the reigning champions into a round of 32 playoff against fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco, a tie they narrowly won 5-4 on aggregate. However, their form appears to have returned to its peak. PSG's fluid attacking style has led them to convincingly defeat most opponents they've faced. Following an overwhelming 8-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea, they secured a decisive 4-0 aggregate win over two legs against Liverpool in the quarter-finals. They then overcame Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals, which included a memorable first leg in Paris where the French side emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline. In contrast, Arsenal dominated their group stage matches, achieving eight wins from eight games with only four goals conceded, comfortably topping their group. However, their knockout stage performances have been more challenging. The newly crowned English champions have won two of their three two-legged ties by a single goal, and the other by two goals – a 3-1 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, a 1-0 win over Sporting CP, and a tense 2-1 defeat of Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals. Perhaps due to these contrasting performances, betting data shared with SBC News from both bet365 and Sportradar indicates significant market confidence favouring the French champions ahead of tomorrow's final in Budapest. Champions League final markets breakdown According to bet365's trading figures, PSG has attracted 83% of outright "to lift the trophy" bets (currently priced at 4/6 on their platform), while Arsenal has received only 17% (priced at 6/5). The bookmaker also reported substantial backing for PSG star Ousmane Dembélé in player markets, with 55% of anytime goalscorer bets and 37% of first goalscorer wagers placed on the French Ballon d’Or winner. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the second most popular choice in the anytime scorer market, with one in five punters backing the Georgian to score in the Champions League final. Conversely, Arsenal players have seen considerably less betting support. Viktor Gyökeres accounts for 9% of anytime scorer bets, followed by Bukayo Saka, who holds 7% of the market. UK operator bet365 is also implementing its new “More Time to Win” feature for the final. Steve Freeth, bet365’s Sports and Trading Expert, elaborated: “It can be frustrating to see a player you backed in normal time go on to score or have a shot on target in extra time. However, our More Time to Win enhancement is designed to address this issue. “To illustrate, consider the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final where Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid 4-1. The score was tied 1-1 at the end of normal time, and typically, markets would be settled based on that outcome. However, with More Time to Win, your bets on various player markets remain active if a match proceeds to extra-time. For instance, Anytime Goalscorer bettors who backed either Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale would have won their bets in extra time, which saw three goals, seven shots on target, and five yellow cards.” Furthermore, Sportradar's Managed Trading Services, which consolidates betting activity from over 250 sportsbooks globally, revealed a similar trend favouring PSG. PSG accounted for 75% of bets in the final result and outright winner markets, reinforcing the perception that Luis Enrique’s team enters the final as favourites, despite Arsenal's strong European campaign and recent Premier League title win. Notably, Sportradar observed that long-term tournament winner bets earlier in the competition had slightly favoured Arsenal over PSG. The Gunners secured 56% of outright futures bets placed throughout the season, compared to PSG's 44%. The shift in favour of the Parisian side leading up to kickoff suggests a significant increase in bettor confidence in recent weeks, following their impressive knockout stage performances. According to Sportradar, Dembélé alone represented approximately 46% of goalscorer tickets processed through their network, with Kvaratskhelia accounting for another 28%. One Arsenal player, Gyökeres, individually accounted for over 5% of bets at 5.11%. Saka and Declan Rice are the other two Arsenal players among the most backed selections for the Gunners. In addition, players such as Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Nuno Mendes, Rice, and Achraf Hakimi are proving popular with bookmakers for anytime bookings. The overall volume of engagement with the tournament remains substantial. Sportradar reported that over 513 million betting tickets have been placed across this season's Champions League competition. All eyes are now on Budapest as the anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling Champions League final… 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 Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF) has laid out its upcoming action plan, as the newly established trade body focuses its efforts on tackling unlicensed black market gambling and improving the public reputation of the gaming sector across the Balkan region. Founded in March 2026, the BGF is a regional trade group composed of national gaming associations from across the Balkans: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UPIS RS, Bulgaria’s AOGGAB, Croatia’s HUPIS, Romania’s ROMSLOT, Montenegro’s GPIS, North Macedonia’s MAK GEJMING, and Serbia’s AGOS. Shortly after the trade body’s launch, the organization made it explicitly clear early on that cracking down on the black market is one of its highest-priority objectives. This morning, the BGF confirmed that a meeting organized by AGOS led the trade body to vote in favor of registering its official base in Croatia, while Filip Jelevic, Secretary General of HUPIS and a member of the pan-European trade body EUROMAT, was elected as the chair of its newly formed working group. Meeting hosted by Bulgarian association AGOS – Source: BGF The working group has been assigned to draft a document aligned with Croatian legislative requirements, which will be put to a formal vote during a virtual meeting of all member associations. The BGF has also initiated outreach to Balkan regulatory bodies, arranging a roundtable discussion with various national authorities to address the “regulatory, financial and administrative pressure” faced by local gaming operators, alongside measures to clamp down on unlicensed black market activity. “The sector is still judged through outdated lenses, with insufficient understanding of its economic contribution and the critical role of licensed operators,” stated Milos Lalevic, Vice President of GPIS Montenegro, former Deputy Minister of Sports and Culture, and member of Montenegro’s European integration negotiation team. “When regulations are rolled out without proper analysis, transparency, and genuine dialogue with the industry, they do not resolve existing problems, but instead weaken the legal market and create more room for the unlicensed black sector to grow.” The betting industry’s Balkan regulatory battleground Balkan betting markets have had to navigate a wave of shifts in recent years, primarily centered on tax policies and regulatory frameworks. This has occasionally pushed the sector into the focus of international public debate. In Croatia, the HDZ government announced a sweeping package of regulatory reforms last October. HUPIS was quick to criticize the proposed changes, arguing that the full overhaul could put as many as 15,000 local jobs at risk. The reforms include restrictions on gambling identification processes, new ID verification rules, the launch of a national self-exclusion scheme, and a tiered taxation model tied to player winnings. Similarly, the Romanian government has been conducting a close review of player protection requirements. The situation in Romania aligns closely with the BGF’s remarks around the sector’s public image, as the country has identified widespread underage gambling as a major pressing issue. Serbia is already advancing the BGF’s goal of clamping down on the black market, for its part. In January 2026, the Serbian government permitted domestic licensed operators to offer jackpot prizes, a policy designed to incentivize players to use regulated gambling platforms. However, as seen in the cases of Croatia and Montenegro, the industry has been critical of some regulatory efforts. In Montenegro, sector representatives issued harsh criticism of the government’s proposed tax and advertising rules, with national newspapers also joining the pushback against the advertising proposals. In Croatia’s case, EUROMAT and HUPIS argued that the government violated the EU’s TRS Directive by failing to notify the European Commission (EC) of the planned regulatory overhaul. The two organizations have called on the EC to intervene in the matter. Regarding its collaboration with EUROMAT, the BGF has been actively engaging with its continental counterpart, as well as the previously mentioned Balkan regulators. The trade body also noted that it is working alongside leading international companies and independent industry experts. The trade body will participate in EUROMAT’s annual Board of Directors meeting on 29 September, hosted by Romania’s ROMSLOT. The following day, 30 September, ROMSLOT will also host the election for the BGF’s first official President. Restating its core objectives on Tuesday, the BGF noted that it aims to bring together regional, European and international industry expertise, for the purposes of fighting illegal gambling, protecting legal market businesses, and facilitating productive, effective dialogue between the sector and relevant public institutions. 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) - Manchester United are reportedly nearing a record-breaking training kit sponsorship deal, with sources indicating the club has finalized a £20 million agreement with Betway, a company owned by Super Group. This multi-year arrangement, as reported by Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, offers an alternative marketing avenue for gambling operators who will be prohibited from front-of-shirt sponsorships starting in the 2026/27 season. Betway has been a consistent presence in Premier League sponsorships, notably partnering with West Ham United from the 2015/16 season until their recent relegation, with the deal extending through the 2024/25 season. The operator has also recently engaged in smaller collaborations with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea. However, a deal of the reported scale could prove transformative, providing a significant avenue for operators seeking some form of association with clubs in the world's most-watched football league. While a voluntary ban on gambling companies appearing on the front of Premier League shirts is imminent, there are no restrictions on other forms of club sponsorship. This has opened up opportunities for sponsorships on sleeves, training kits, social media, and pitchside LED advertising. Could Man Utd’s Betway deal trigger a wider trend? A training kit sponsorship might even offer greater value than a front-of-shirt deal. Manchester United is recognized as one of the world's premier clubs, and players are frequently seen in training kits across extensive television coverage and social media exposure. Despite the reported £20 million valuation, this figure is significantly less than the front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement Manchester United has with Snapdragon, a company owned by Qualcomm. Snapdragon is reportedly paying Manchester United £60 million annually for a sponsorship deal that commenced in 2023 and is set to run until 2029. It is anticipated that other companies within the gambling industry will follow Betway's lead and establish similar agreements with other Premier League clubs. While sleeve sponsorships and "official betting partner" designations may become more common, Betway appears to believe that sponsoring the club's training kit will yield the greatest benefits. Many Premier League clubs will still be seeking front-of-shirt sponsors for the upcoming season. Clubs including Everton, Fulham, and Sunderland will need to find alternative sponsors for next season. In the meantime, Bournemouth has secured a deal with Vitality to replace Bj88, a partnership that has existed in some capacity for many years, and Crystal Palace has replaced NET88 with the US AI firm Temporal. The removal of gambling brands from the prominent front of Premier League club kits is, of course, a necessary step. A YouGov poll conducted in 2023, the year the ban was agreed upon, revealed that over three-quarters (77%) of respondents supported such a ban. However, it was always likely that gambling companies would find ways to continue their involvement with clubs, even if front-of-shirt placements were excluded, which is precisely what Betway appears to have achieved with Manchester United. It is widely reported that gambling companies often pay above market rates for visibility through Premier League teams, and this trend is expected to persist through alternative sponsorship channels beyond front-of-shirt deals. Many have pondered how clubs will compensate for the financial gap left by departing gambling sponsors in the Premier League, with some speculation suggesting that financial services firm CMC Markets is attempting to negotiate a deal with Everton. This void could also present a significant opportunity for prediction market platforms, which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. However, this would likely raise similar concerns as gambling companies sponsoring clubs. Furthermore, there are questions surrounding the regulation of prediction markets in the UK. The Gambling Commission has indicated that it has no objections to prediction platforms operating, provided they hold a betting license. Nevertheless, it appears that Super Group has found a method to market its Betway sportsbook within the Premier League while circumventing the impending ban. This reported £20 million fee will enable Manchester United to cover the payout for former manager Ruben Amorim, which cost the club approximately £17 million. 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.