(AsiaGameHub) -   The Philadelphia Flyers face the Pittsburgh Penguins this evening for Game 2 of their first-round playoff matchup. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, with the game broadcast live on ESPN. DraftKings lists the Penguins as -155 favorites at home, with a total set at 6.5. Currently, 66% of the moneyline handle and 73% of the total tickets are backing Pittsburgh. Philadelphia holds a 1-0 series lead following their 3-2 victory in Saturday's series opener. Best Bet: Flyers vs. Penguins Team Total Pittsburgh OVER 3.5 Goals (+105) During Game 1, Philadelphia employed the gritty road style characteristic of head coach Rick Tocchet during his playing days with the Flyers. Can they replicate that performance tonight and push the Penguins into a 0-2 deficit before the series shifts to Philadelphia? The Penguins ranked third in the NHL for scoring during the regular season, averaging 3.54 goals per contest. We anticipate a strong response tonight from Sidney Crosby and his teammates in Game 2. In their regular-season meetings, the Penguins finished 2-0-2 against the Flyers. Pittsburgh secured convincing 5-1 and 6-3 wins, while Philadelphia’s victories came via shootouts. This series appears destined to be a long, physical battle. Back the Penguins to rebound effectively tonight and level the series. Best Player Props for Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby Anytime Goal Scorer (+165) Historically, Crosby has dominated against Philadelphia. He has recorded more goals (60) versus the Flyers than against any other franchise, by a significant margin. For comparison, he has 44 goals against the Islanders. After being kept off the scoresheet in the first game, look for “Sid the Kid” (now 38!) to find the back of the net this evening. Evgeni Malkin OVER 2.5 Shots (+135) Evgeni Malkin led the Penguins with a goal and an assist in the opener, though he was limited to just one shot on goal. Note that Malkin has only cleared the 2.5-shot mark once in his previous six outings. We are banking on the "due factor" here, as we expect Pittsburgh to fire plenty of pucks on net to even the series tonight. Best Player Props for Philadelphia Flyers Dan Vladar UNDER 22.5 Saves (-125) Dan Vladar made his postseason debut in the series opener, recording 15 saves. While he is likely to face more pressure in Game 2, we do not anticipate him reaching 23 saves. This projection aligns with our primary wager on the Penguins to exceed 3.5 total goals. Trevor Zegras OVER 1.5 Shots on Goal (-120) Trevor Zegras achieved career highs in goals (26) and points (67) this season, but his shot volume is what catches our attention tonight. He cleared this mark with two shots in the playoff opener and recorded four shots against Carolina in the final game of the regular season. We are sticking with the player in form. 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 Carolina Hurricanes are hosting the Ottawa Senators tonight for Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center, with live coverage on ESPN2. Carolina secured a 2-0 shutout victory on Saturday, giving them a 1-0 series lead. For tonight's matchup, DraftKings has set the Hurricanes as -155 home favorites with a total of 5.5. The betting market shows 81% of the moneyline handle and 83% of tickets are favoring Carolina. Best Bet: Senators vs. Hurricanes (UNDER 5.5) In Game 1, the Hurricanes' goals were scored by Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall. They also received a strong performance from veteran goaltender Freddie Andersen, who made 22 saves to record his sixth career playoff shutout. While goaltending was a question mark for Carolina heading into the playoffs, Andersen has overcome his regular-season struggles. A FIGHT TO START THE PLAYOFFSBrady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal immediately dropped the gloves pic.twitter.com/LBokHjzq6B— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2026 Game 1 began with a fight between team captains Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal, and this physical intensity is expected to persist throughout the series. Carolina continues to impede opponents by clogging up the neutral zone. Ottawa's goalie Linus Ullmark played well in Game 1, stopping 27 of 29 shots. If both goaltenders maintain their performance levels tonight, another UNDER outcome is likely. Carolina has seen the UNDER hit in their last four games. Ottawa has gone 4-1 to the UNDER in their past five games. Best Player Prop Bets for Carolina Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov OVER 2.5 Shots on Goal (+100) Andrei Svechnikov started the playoffs strong with six shots on goal in the opening game. His aggressive approach is anticipated to continue in Game 2 tonight. Jordan Staal OVER 0.5 Points (+165) Jordan Staal's integration into Carolina's power play has provided a boost when they have the man advantage. Staal, still effective at 37, scored four power-play goals during the regular season. Staal is relied upon for his faceoff prowess. Requiring only a goal or an assist to meet this prop, Staal has a good chance of succeeding tonight. Best Player Prop Bets for Ottawa Senators Linus Ullmark OVER 25.5 Saves (-115) There is a strong connection between this prop bet and our prediction for the UNDER tonight. Carolina tends to shoot the puck frequently. The Hurricanes recorded 2,637 shots on goal during the regular season, ranking second in the NHL behind only Colorado (2,766). The high volume of shots is expected to continue, giving Ullmark a strong opportunity to exceed this save total for the second consecutive game. Tim Stutzle Anytime Goal Scorer (+230) Tim Stutzle led Ottawa with 34 goals and 83 points during the regular season. Stutzle needs to find his scoring touch after the Senators were shut out in the opener. This was an unusual occurrence, as Ottawa was only shut out once during the regular season, a 1-0 loss to the Kings on November 15. 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) -   Authorities in Mogilev, Belarus, are intensifying their efforts to combat gambling-related offenses following allegations that a local businessman gambled away a private loan on an online platform. According to the media outlet Mogilev News, law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation into the 42-year-old business owner. Officials stated that the entrepreneur approached a 53-year-old associate to request financial assistance. He reportedly claimed the funds would be used for business expansion and guaranteed a "timely repayment." The associate, trusting the businessman, provided 28,000 Belarusian rubles (approximately $10,000). However, once the money was received, the entrepreneur allegedly ceased all contact. Fraud Charges for Belarusian Businessman Police investigations later indicated that the owner "had no plans to return the funds" and had instead "squandered the entire amount at an online casino." The suspect is expected to be charged with fraud-related crimes by investigators. This incident follows a recent case where the Mogilev branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs accused a corporate accountant of stealing from her employer to fund online gambling habits. The 42-year-old defendant served as the head accountant for a private firm located in Mogilev. A statue in central Mogilev, Belarus. (Image: Alexander Fastovets) Campaign Against Gambling Crimes Ministry representatives informed the news site Onliner that the accountant possessed access to the organization's electronic financial systems. Investigators reportedly uncovered evidence of numerous transfers from the company's accounts to her personal ones, frequently disguised as "bonus payments." Because she was in charge of financial reporting, she was allegedly able to "submit fraudulent data" and "conceal the budget gaps," officials noted. The accountant is accused of embezzling a total of 185,000 Belarusian rubles, exceeding $65,000. Law enforcement stated that she lost the full amount through unsuccessful online casino wagers. The ministry intends to prosecute her for "large-scale embezzlement through abuse of office." If found guilty, she could be sentenced to as many as 12 years in prison. Additionally, in Minsk, a self-proclaimed cryptocurrency investment expert was reported to have stolen and spent thousands of dollars of client money at physical casinos during the previous year. 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 UK Tote Group has recruited a prominent figure in the British gambling industry, naming former Rank Group CEO John O’Reilly as a Non-Executive Director. O’Reilly, who is set to join the 98-year-old organization at the start of next month, marks his second major career move of 2026, having been appointed Chair of the horse racing governing body Weatherbys this past March. He brings more than 35 years of expertise in the gaming, betting, and horseracing sectors, having only stepped down as CEO of Rank Group at the end of January. At the time of his retirement, he remarked to iGaming Expert: “To be honest, I never considered stopping. I have always felt I held the best job in the world, across every role I have undertaken. “I turn 66 in May and I still feel like I’m in my twenties. I continue to work 70 hours a week and have plenty of energy left, but I recognize that now is the right time to move on.” That energy is now being directed toward the Tote Group, which recently announced a partnership with the rugby league club Wigan Warriors, despite a general trend of reduced marketing expenditure among UK operators. O’Reilly’s extensive industry background includes nearly two decades as Executive Director of Ladbrokes (1992–2011), Managing Director of Gala Coral Group (2011–2015), and Non-Executive Director roles at TelecityGroup (2007–2016) and William Hill (2017–2018). Regarding his new appointment, he stated: “Like many who are deeply involved in horseracing and gambling, I have maintained numerous connections with, and hold fond memories of, the Tote over the years. “While the Tote boasts a century of history, I am convinced it has a vital role to play in the future of horseracing, both within the UK and Ireland and on an international scale. “The Tote has a compelling narrative of growth and innovation in recent years, and through further improvements to its pool products and the expansion of global partnerships, I believe the company’s best days are ahead. “I am thrilled to have the chance to join the UK Tote Group board and contribute to the company’s future success.” O’Reilly latest addition to Tote board O’Reilly is the newest appointee to the Tote Group’s board, which has seen several leadership changes in recent weeks. Just over a week ago, Chief Operating Officer Dave Hammond departed the company after three years with the Greater Manchester-based firm, including eight months in his final role. Additionally, former KPMG executive Andrew Weir was recently named a Non-Executive Director. O’Reilly joins the Tote Group during a period of sustained pressure on the horse racing industry, which serves as the Tote’s core business. The sport’s relationship with the gambling sector was tested during debates surrounding tax hikes last year, and it remains dependent on media rights, sponsorship, and the racing betting levy for financial stability. However, the sport has avoided the most severe tax increases, having been exempted from this year’s rise in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) and the upcoming increase in General Betting Duty (GBD). John Williamson, Chairman of the UK Tote Group, commented: “We are pleased to welcome John to the UK Tote Group board. “As one of the most respected and experienced leaders in the betting sector, John will offer valuable support to the Tote team, particularly regarding customer experience and product development. “We are delighted to have John join the team, alongside Andrew Weir, who joined the UK Tote Group board earlier this month.” 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) -   Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has initiated a comprehensive campaign to eliminate illicit gambling content from its video-sharing service. According to a report by Chinese media Jiemian News, the company states it is removing more than 10,000 accounts per day as part of this cleanup effort. Douyin reports it has identified criminal organizations attempting to evade its security reviews and automated systems designed to flag gambling-related material. It is reported that many dishonest creators avoid detection by sharing "coded messages" that slip past the platform's surveillance. However, Douyin noted that some of these messages contain links directing users to third-party gambling websites. The platform confirms it has begun enforcing measures against accounts that violate its policies. To date this year, Douyin says it has sanctioned 55,000 live-streaming accounts for permitting gambling promoters to disseminate these "coded messages." It has also permanently suspended live-streaming capabilities for approximately 14,000 accounts. Douyin: Gambling Crackdown The company stated it collaborates with police and law enforcement agencies to help bring suspected online gambling promoters to justice. Since the previous year, Douyin says its tips to authorities have led to 148 arrests. Law enforcement has also broken up six criminal gangs engaged in gambling activities based on information provided by Douyin. Douyin emphasized it "strictly forbids users from utilizing its platform services to arrange gambling, solicit participants, or conduct any other unlawful or criminal acts." The platform added it will persist in banning and reporting accounts that post instructional videos on "gambling strategies, cheating methods, or tools for defrauding [online casino platforms]." ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, introduced Douyin in 2016. Both apps feature nearly identical designs, but their systems are separate, meaning content posted on one does not appear on the other. Most Users are Young Urbanites Douyin was created specifically for the Mainland China market and adheres to local laws. The service also operates as an e-commerce hub, enabling users to purchase items directly via videos or live streams through integrated Douyin Stores. The platform boasts about 766 million monthly active users, with a similar figure for daily active users. Most of its user base is under the age of 35 and resides in large cities. In a related development earlier this month, Hong Kong police conducted a raid on an illicit arcade that allegedly offered cash rewards to top-scoring players. Authorities detained the arcade's owner along with a number of alleged customers. 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) -   Prosecutors in Akita Prefecture have stated that a sitting Japanese judge developed an addiction to online gambling and misappropriated funds designated for civil servants to finance his habit. According to a report by Japanese broadcaster AAB News, public prosecutors have indicted Akifumi Morimoto, a 52-year-old judge at a summary court in Niigata. Niigata’s Bandaibashi Bridge, in Japan’s Akita Prefecture. (Image: DAI-nk [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Morimoto faces charges including habitual gambling, embezzlement, and other related offenses. The Akita District public prosecutors revealed that the judge used his smartphone and other internet-connected devices to engage in baccarat games on online casino platforms. Japanese Judge Placed 60,000 Bets on Baccarat Games Investigators reported that Morimoto made at least 60,000 bets, with his gambling activities reportedly beginning in 2023. During that period, Morimoto was also responsible for overseeing the bank accounts of the management association for a national civil servants’ dormitory located in the city of Yokote. Prosecution officials indicated that between April 2023 and May 2025, Morimoto embezzled approximately 2.79 million yen (close to $18,000) from these accounts. Investigators stated that the judge transferred funds from the dormitory accounts into his personal accounts. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has not disclosed whether Morimoto has confessed to or denied the charges. Online casinos are prohibited in Japan, and accessing overseas-based online casinos is a criminal offense. Courts possess the authority to imprison habitual illegal gamblers and impose substantial fines. Across the country, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that several active-duty police officers have engaged in gambling during their work hours this year. In February, Japanese prosecutors indicted a 35-year-old police lieutenant from the Okinawa Prefectural Police force on suspicion of habitual gambling on horse races through unregistered online casino sites. Furthermore, in January, a detective at Hanyu Police Station admitted to stealing valuable trading cards from an evidence room. The detective explained that he sold the cards and used the proceeds to bet on horse races. During questioning by investigators, he stated, “I couldn’t control my desire to gamble.” 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) -   Three leading gambling firms, bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity, are confronting legal action in New Zealand following allegations of providing unlawful gambling services within the nation. The three legal claims have been filed as a collective action. Presiding judge Ian Gault noted the proceedings “involve at least one of the same plaintiffs and raise the same or similar issues.” Nevertheless, the cases are not being consolidated currently. Judge Gault additionally imposed a suppression order to keep the plaintiffs' identities confidential. New Zealand enacted fresh gambling legislation last year. The updated regulations essentially ban companies with offshore licenses from conducting business in the country. SkyCity Denies Responsibility SkyCity acknowledged it was served notice of the lawsuit last month. The firm stated the claim is “seeking to test the lawfulness of the online gaming operations operated by Silvereye on behalf of an overseas subsidiary of SkyCity”. Silvereye, which is part of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), is licensed in Malta. SkyCity refuted any responsibility for GiG's actions. A spokesperson declared, “SkyCity denies any such liability and will actively defend the proceedings.” As reported by the New Zealand Herald, the company divested its equity stake in GiG in June 2024 but maintained it still had a “valuable relationship” via its connection to SkyCity Online. The legal action aims to reclaim gambling losses incurred on SkyCity Online from February 2020 to February 2026. While SkyCity runs physical casinos in New Zealand, the country has not formally authorized online casino operations. New Zealand Set To Legalize Online Casinos New Zealand may introduce regulated iGaming later this year, with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) anticipated to grant approximately 15 licenses. The proposal has drawn a varied response, with critics cautioning it could exacerbate gambling addiction. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized that the new law is designed to regulate, not grow, the gambling sector. She commented, “My goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders to play casino games more safely.” bet365 Objects to Proceedings Judge Gault also mentioned that bet365 and associated defendants “object to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts to hear and determine this proceeding.” The lawsuit names the company’s subsidiaries, Hillside (Gaming) Enc and Hillside (Sports), along with CEO Denise Coates. Hillside is headquartered in Malta and possesses licenses from the UK and Gibraltar. Super Group, the parent entity of betting brands Betway and Spin, has several affiliated companies listed as defendants: Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree (Alderney), and Baytree Interactive. CasinoBeats reached out to the plaintiffs' counsel, Davey Salmon, KC, and the gambling operators' lawyer, David Cooper, KC, but has not received a reply from either. 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) -   Casino operator Bally’s, based in the US, has tabled a £225 million ($303 million) bid to acquire Evoke. The betting group, whose leading brands are 888 and William Hill, is reported to have granted Bally’s the status of preferred bidder. Evoke initiated a strategic review in December that opened the door to a potential sale. Following news of the possible acquisition by Bally’s, the company's share price has surged more than 30% in the past week. The price is currently 40.76 GBX, a significant increase from 20.95 GBX at the beginning of December. According to Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, the share price increase “suggests the market is sceptical this is a winning bid”. “Shareholders aren’t in a strong position to demand more money,” he continued. “Bally’s doesn’t need to be generous with an offer because it holds the advantage in negotiations. Evoke is in such a weak position, and its long-term viability is uncertain if it cannot find a buyer for part or all of the business.” William Hill Takeover Straddled Evoke With Debt Evoke is currently burdened with approximately £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) of debt, largely stemming from its £2.2 billion ($2.97 billion) purchase of William Hill in 2021. This deal did not include William Hill’s US operations, which were acquired by Caesars Entertainment that same year. “This massive debt load presents Bally’s with two choices,” Coatsworth stated. “It can purchase the entire business and gradually reduce the debt, or it can buy Evoke and promptly break it up to recoup cash and speed up repayments.” The company's challenges have been worsened by recent tax increases in the UK. Since the start of April, the government has been taxing online casino revenue at 40%, a sharp rise from the former rate of 21%. Evoke estimated the new tax regime would result in an annual cost of between £125 million and £135 million (approximately $170 million). In response, William Hill has shuttered hundreds of its betting shops. “We have moved quickly and decisively to execute on our mitigation plans, including the closure of retail stores that are no longer sustainable as well as broader cost savings, and we will update shareholders on our progress and updated strategic plan in due course,” Evoke CEO Per Widerström commented while presenting the firm’s most recent financial results. Users Fighting Evoke Over Online Casino Glitch Compounding the issues from UK tax hikes, a system malfunction at Evoke created turmoil for its customers. A technical error in the company’s Jackpot Drop games led to thousands of players winning large amounts, but 888 and William Hill subsequently invalidated those payouts. A number of users are now threatening to sue the company, asserting that their winnings should be paid. One Canadian player, James Kotylak, who won over CA$1 million (around $940,000) on 888, expressed his intention to speed up legal action. He fears the potential takeover could jeopardize his opportunity to seek compensation. Kotylak condemned both the decision to void his winnings and the company's handling of communications, claiming he was repeatedly misled and provided with incorrect details. “To have a life‑changing win like that erased by a vague ‘glitch’ with no evidence has been devastating,” Kotylak told CasinoBeats in an interview this month. “I’m not asking for special treatment — just for the casino to be held to the same standard of proof and accountability that they expect from their players.” 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) -   Ranging from Italy's full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation.  To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry's next phase of growth. Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability. Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy's new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework. “UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives. A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta's evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners). “Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe's largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany's current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing). “The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands' gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl). “Finland's Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country's transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz). Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry's next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners). SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600.  Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. 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 Netherlands' gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has stated that the country's illegal gambling sector is expanding further. In its most recent review, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen noted that primary metrics for the legal market—such as licensee count, player figures, and total revenue—have stayed mostly flat over the past six months. This stagnation demonstrates the effect of rules enacted in 2024 and 2025, which encompassed deposit restrictions, advertising rules, and increased tax rates on gambling. Even with the market's lack of growth, the KSA indicated that average player losses have kept dropping, declining to approximately €120 (£104) per month in the latter half of 2025—a reduction of over 25% from the year before. Nevertheless, the KSA expressed renewed alarm over the scale of the illicit market. The proportion of gross gaming revenue (GGR) attributed to licensed operators decreased from 56% early in 2025 to 53% in the second half, implying close to half of all gambling expenditure now goes to unlicensed sites. Michel Groothuizen. Credit: LinkedIn “Research indicates the illegal market's global share is increasing, a pattern we observe in other European nations too,” Groothuizen stated. “Several technological advances, like AI, and trends such as cryptocurrency gambling are factors. In the Netherlands, this movement might also stem from our own actions to enhance player safety at legal operators, like the implemented deposit limits. “Whereas half a year ago we had not seen deposit limits per operator leading to multiple accounts, we now notice a slight rise in accounts per player. “Consequently, it is plausible that the financial capacity check triggered above a specific amount motivates individuals to open another legal account elsewhere to avoid it, or to move completely to illegal options.” As Groothuizen highlighted, illicit market growth is not confined to the Netherlands. Regulators worldwide appear to be struggling to manage the surge of unlicensed operators within their borders. For instance, a recent YieldSec report revealed 62% of gambling activity in South Africa occurred via unlicensed sites not regulated domestically. South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) CEO Sean Coleman informed SBC News that the country's regulators are “lacking resources and skill sets to deal with the illegal market”. This sentiment is likely common among experts in many countries, supported by a study for Flutter Entertainment detailing how UK black market operators function effectively without significant consequences. Regarding this, researcher Alex Wood remarked it would be “impossible” to legally confront these operators because of cross-border challenges. The KSA’s future plans For the future, Dutch authorities are evaluating a comprehensive deposit limit to stop players from hopping between licensed operators. Although this could limit avoidance within the legal market, Groothuizen recognized it might also drive some players to illegal alternatives. The KSA also reaffirmed its dedication to rigorous duty-of-care standards, underscoring persistent worries about high-risk gambling. Approximately 6% of Dutch adults engage in online gambling, and it has been highlighted that the country has “no age group that has as many gambling accounts, relatively speaking, as 18-year-olds”. Groothuizen cautioned that relaxing player safeguards would be unsuitable, emphasizing that protecting at-risk users is a foremost concern. Only last week, the KSA allocated additional money to its Addiction Prevention Fund to combat problem gambling. Although the regulator is often highlighted globally for addressing gambling harm and illegal operations, it continues to face extensive challenges—issues that extend beyond the Netherlands. Groothuizen ended his remarks by stating: “Strict compliance with the duty of care thus remains a key priority for the legal market. “It is self-evident that the illegal sector has no concern whatsoever for the potential harm from gambling.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Romanian regulator, the ONJN, is allocating €5 million (£4.3m) in grants to tackle problem gambling. This financing is being distributed under the National Public Interest Programme 'Conscious and Free', a commitment formalized by the ONJN and published in the Official Gazette in December 2025. The grants will provide non-reimbursable funding for non-profit initiatives, drawn directly from the ONJN's 2026 budget earmarked for promoting socially responsible gambling. The allocation is divided into three key areas. The majority of the funds, €3.6 million, is designated for prevention, education, safeguarding minors, treatment, counselling, research, digitalisation, and the promotion of responsible gambling. An amount of €1.2 million is set aside specifically for establishing or expanding specialised treatment centres, a category of funding exclusively available to public authorities. The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments to guide the development of future public policies and intervention strategies. A complete timeline has been announced, outlining four distinct phases. The deadline for application submissions is 11 May, with eligibility assessments to be published on 15 May. A window for appeals will run from 18-20 May, followed by the release of final resolutions and compliance results between 21-26 May. On 8 July, the ONJN will publish the findings of an independent analysis along with the report from a specially appointed ONJN Evaluation Commission. These preliminary results can be challenged until 13 July, with the definitive results scheduled for publication on 28 July. The concluding phase involves finalising funding contracts from 29-31 July, with a target start date for all projects set for 3 August. Each initiative is planned to run for a four-month period, concluding in December 2026. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, stated: “I promised that these projects would materialize. Despite all the obstacles in the past, the projects will exist and, most importantly, they will help vulnerable people. “We are thus ensuring the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of programs and, at the same time, the necessary regulatory framework has been created for funding in the coming years. “I would like to remind you that, in order for these fundings to become possible, a collective effort was needed by ONJN, the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, an effort that involved: amending the law; reforming the internal responsible gaming service existing at the level of ONJN; building the legal mechanism and adopting two orders of the President of ONJN that established the methodology and the applicant’s guide; public consultations; creating a platform for submitting projects; approving the State Budget Law; publication of the program and the announcement.” 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.