SPRINGVILLE, UT, Apr 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sisel International�today announced that it has appointed Pamela Ferry as General Manager of Australia and New Zealand as the company accelerates its expansion and transitions to full market operations across the region.Ferry brings more than 20 years of experience in the global direct selling industry, with a focus on international market expansion, distributor growth, and leadership development, including experience supporting the relaunch of underperforming markets and driving renewed growth. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles focused on building strong teams, developing field leaders, and fostering long-term organizational success. An experienced presenter, trainer, and events professional, Ferry is recognized for her ability to connect with audiences and translate strategy into practical field execution. Her strengths in relationship building and education position her to play a key role in developing Sisel's distributor network and establishing a strong foundation in the region.The appointment comes at a pivotal stage as Sisel expands into the Australian market, with a focus on building infrastructure, enabling�distributor growth, and introducing its science-driven wellness solutions to new audiences. Ferry will lead efforts to develop market operations, strengthen field support, and drive sustainable growth across Australia and New Zealand."Australia represents an important opportunity for Sisel as we continue our international expansion," said Tom Mower Jr., CEO and Co-Founder of Sisel International. "Pamela brings not only deep industry experience, but a proven ability to develop leaders and build strong distributor networks. Her leadership will be instrumental as we establish a long-term presence in the region."About Sisel International Sisel International is a global health and wellness company dedicated to developing high-quality, science-driven products designed to support healthier living. Co-founded by Tom Mower Sr. and led by CEO Tom Mower Jr., Sisel creates supplements, personal care, home care, and wellness solutions formulated without harmful or unnecessary ingredients. Guided by its founding principles, the company is committed to innovation, safety, and quality while empowering individuals to pursue health, longevity, and personal success worldwide.Media Contact:Sisel InternationalMarketing TeamEmail:�marketing@sisel.netWebsite: www.sisel.netSOURCE: Sisel International Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
NEW YORK, Apr 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - FastX today announces the official launch of its platform, a next-generation exchange built for professional and active traders who require institutional‑grade tools without surrendering custody or control of their assets. FastX goes live globally on 5 May, with traders able to access the platform directly at fastx.co.FastX combines deep on‑chain liquidity, multi‑asset perpetual futures markets, and an advanced copy-trading engine designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the decentralized digital asset ecosystem. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform delivers low‑latency mirroring of trades across major decentralized networks worldwide—while keeping users in full control of their own wallets and risk."FastX was created by traders for traders," said Adelene, Chief Executive Officer of FastX. "We've spent our careers on Wall Street desks and in crypto markets, and we've seen the same problems repeat: opaque execution, misaligned incentives, and copytrading systems that ask users to blindly outsource decisions. FastX is our answer—a decentralised, transparent infrastructure layer where traders keep custody, and technology works to augment, not replace, their edge."Backed by a team of veteran traders with more than 50 years of combined experience across top Wall Street institutions and leading crypto trading firms, FastX is built from the ground up as a decentralised protocol. Users connect their own wallets, maintain self‑custody at all times, and interact with smart contracts that execute trades on‑chain, rather than relying on a centralised broker or custodial exchange.At launch, FastX will offer:Deep, on‑chain liquidity across a wide range of perpetual markets, designed to support serious position sizes with tight spreads and minimal slippage.A fast, intuitive trading interface accessible directly via fastx.co, allowing traders to plug in with their preferred wallet and start trading in minutes.A transparent affiliate and points system that shares a meaningful portion of platform fees with the community and rewards traders and partners who help grow liquidity and volume.The flagship feature of FastX is its next‑generation copytrading system. Unlike traditional social trading products that mirror orders on a single venue with unpredictable delays, FastX's engine is designed to route and synchronise copy trades across major decentralised exchanges, layering those capabilities on top of FastX's own liquidity.The result is a copytrading experience that aims to:Minimise latency between lead and follower execution.Mitigate structural risks such as slippage, desync, and obvious forms of manipulation.Exploit decentralised advantages, such as transparent on‑chain track records and programmable risk controls, without turning the platform into a centralised black box."Copytrading has always been typecast as a blind, autonomous disaster waiting to happen," Adelene added. "FastX takes the opposite stance. We use technology to bring more transparency, not less—on‑chain track records, built‑in risk parameters, and infrastructure that reduces front‑running and execution games wherever possible. Over time, our goal is to layer AI‑driven intelligence on top of this foundation so that users can benefit from advanced analytics and risk management, rather than just 'follow and hope'."FastX is currently seed‑funded by a network of angels deeply embedded in the global crypto trading ecosystem. These backers share a common view that the next generation of markets will be built on open, verifiable rails and that traders deserve better, more transparent instrumentation for expressing and managing risk. FastX is assembling a strong advisory board of experienced traders, market makers, and technologists to guide the exchange through its next phase of growth.As a decentralised protocol, FastX does not take custody of user funds and does not operate as a traditional broker. All positions, liquidations, and fee flows are visible on‑chain, giving traders clear, verifiable insight into how the system behaves under all market conditions."Our vision is simple," said Adelene. "We want professional‑grade perpetuals and intelligent copytrading to live where they belong: on transparent, decentralised infrastructure, not in a black box. Launching FastX on 5 May is the first step. From here, we'll continue to ship faster execution, smarter tooling, and AI‑enhanced copytrading that helps traders survive and thrive in 24/7 markets."Traders can learn more and access the exchange at https://fastx.co.About FastXFastX focuses on building decentralised financial infrastructure and tools for professional traders and sophisticated market participants. The company backs products that prioritise self‑custody, transparency, and robust risk management in rapidly evolving digital asset markets.Media ContactBrand: FastX Perpetuals ExchangeContact: Ella HuangWebsite: https://fastx.co/ Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
(AsiaGameHub) - Partnering with renowned sports organizations is a standard brand awareness tactic for sports betting and online casino operators seeking to acquire new customers.
1xBet, an international sports betting company holding over 35 local licenses, is an example of a firm that has leveraged alliances with some of the globe's most famous sports entities to boost its international brand recognition.
The company is assembling a sponsorship portfolio that mirrors the scope and variety of international sport. From teams like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to leagues such as LaLiga and Serie A, the emphasis has been on collaborations with significant sporting relevance and fan engagement. However, associating with such prominent brands and their devoted, frequently impressionable supporters carries a heightened degree of responsibility.
Why do operators sponsor major sporting brands?
Chris Bird, a media expert recently hired as a consultant for 1xBet, states that firms must view these collaborations as opportunities for reputation building alongside commercial gains.
“You cannot engage in a sponsorship of this nature with a sole focus on the financial benefits,” Bird stated.
“These alliances offer immense visibility and clout, which also introduces an obligation to safeguard the reputation of the sport, the sponsoring company, and the fans.
“Every action must be founded on doing the correct thing, in the proper manner, communicating transparently, and proving that sports sponsorships can be executed with genuine integrity.”
Bird possesses experience from both perspectives of the sponsorship dynamic. In addition to counseling operators like 1xBet and Betfred, he formerly held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Manchester City FC from 1999 to 2003.
In the time since, the connection between professional sports and the gambling industry has often been under scrutiny, frequently accompanied by critiques from advocacy groups who contend that betting firms have grown excessively prevalent in sports.
However, Bird observes that the merging of sport, entertainment, and betting mirrors an authentic demand from enthusiasts.
“It is undeniable that sport, entertainment, and wagering have become increasingly intertwined over the past twenty years,” he elaborated.
“The explanation for this is straightforward: a segment of sports fans likes to bet on match results.
“When you spend time among the fans, as I did during my years following and working for Manchester City and in football generally, you understand that for many supporters, it is simply a component of the matchday ritual.
“This convergence has occurred because the fan communities themselves have merged. Supporters desire thrill and involvement around the game, and betting companies have progressively provided that through more interactive and engaging methods.”
What does responsible gambling sponsorship look like?
Bird is collaborating extensively with 1xBet to advise the company on responsible gambling protocols and how these tenets should influence its sponsorship strategy.
His function, he clarified, focuses on preserving integrity within sports partnerships.
“My collaboration with them is essentially about guaranteeing that integrity is the core of every sports sponsorship,” he remarked.
“It involves posing the correct questions: Is this alliance suitable? Are the communications responsible? Are we safeguarding the audience while also promoting the brand?”
Bird’s viewpoint is also informed by his role as CEO of the Raheem Sterling Foundation, where he has backed programs that work with people and families impacted by addiction.
“That involvement provides a very tangible comprehension of the consequences when situations deteriorate. It underscores the importance of detecting potential issues early and, more critically, concentrating on prevention instead of remediation.”
Due to that experience, Bird is convinced that integrity must be the foundation of any venture he participates in.
“In my view, any partnership in this arena must be grounded in integrity and fundamental decency,” he continued. “My observation of 1xBet is of a company that treats player protection seriously and is considerate about integrating these principles into its marketing.”
He contends that education is pivotal to this methodology.
“Their philosophy acknowledges that education must be a top priority,” he said.
“If you visualize sponsorship as a pyramid, the commercial aspect may be at the peak, but the base must be integrity and protection.
“As you ascend that pyramid, all elements are linked. It is impossible to construct a robust commercial framework without a solid foundation of integrity supporting it.”
What is the future of gambling sponsorship in sport?
It is widely reported that the Premier League is implementing a voluntary prohibition on gambling sponsorships on the front of shirts starting next season.
Many anticipate these deals will transition to alternatives like perimeter advertising or training kit sponsorships, though these agreements are not expected to equal the monetary worth of shirt-front partnerships.
Although the shift may affect Premier League clubs, Bird thinks the repercussions could be more substantial for clubs lower in the football hierarchy.
“For clubs in lower divisions, from the Championship down to non-league, the scenario becomes far more complex,” he noted.
“If a club such as Accrington Stanley or Hyde United gets a sponsorship proposal from a betting firm and that revenue enables them to cover staff wages, support athletes, upgrade infrastructure, and fund grassroots football, that money can truly contribute to securing the club's longevity.
“The ensuing question is, should they be obliged to reject that chance outright?”
Bird is of the opinion that complete prohibitions might not always be the most efficient method for fan protection.
“There remains a role in sports for credible betting companies that function responsibly and ethically,” he concluded.
“However, those companies need to show they are committed to education, player safety, and a duty of care. If these principles are firmly established, then betting sponsorships can continue to have a place in sports in a manner that is both responsible and sustainable.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Partnering with prominent sporting institutions is a tried-and-true brand awareness strategy for sports betting and online casino operators looking to attract new customers.
1xBet, a global sports betting operator holding over 35 local licenses, is among these firms that have leveraged partnerships with some of the world’s most recognizable sporting groups to boost its worldwide brand recognition.
This operator is building a sponsorship portfolio that mirrors the scale and diversity of global sports. Ranging from clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to competitions including LaLiga and Serie A, the focus has been on partnerships with strong sporting relevance and fan engagement. However, collaborating with these high-profile organizations and their loyal, often impressionable fan bases comes with an elevated level of responsibility.
Why do sports betting operators partner with top sporting brands?
Chris Bird, a media expert recently appointed as a consultant for 1xBet, states that companies should approach these partnerships as equally much reputation-building opportunities as commercial ones.
“You shouldn’t enter into a sponsorship like this only focusing on the financial upside,” Bird shared.
“These partnerships come with massive visibility and influence, so they also carry a responsibility to protect the reputation of the sport, the sponsor and the fans.
“Every action you take must center on doing what’s right, in the proper manner, communicating transparently, and demonstrating that sports sponsorship can be conducted with genuine integrity.”
Bird has firsthand experience from both sides of the sponsorship dynamic. In addition to advising operators such as 1xBet and Betfred, he previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Manchester City FC between 1999 and 2003.
Since that time, the relationship between professional sports and the gambling industry has frequently made headlines, often facing criticism from advocacy groups who argue that betting companies have grown overly dominant in the sports space.
Yet Bird notes that the growing overlap between sport, entertainment and betting reflects genuine fan demand.
“There’s no doubt that over the last two decades sport, entertainment and betting have become more closely connected,” he explained.
“But the reason for that is quite simple: a share of sports fans enjoy betting on match outcomes.
“When you spend time on the terraces, as I did during my years supporting and working at Manchester City and in football more broadly, you realize that for many supporters, betting is simply part of the matchday experience.
“This convergence has happened because the fan communities themselves have merged. Fans want excitement and engagement around the game, and betting companies have increasingly delivered that through more interactive, entertaining methods.”
What does responsible gambling sponsorship entail?
Bird is working closely with 1xBet to help guide the company on responsible gambling practices and how those principles should shape its sponsorship activity.
His role, he clarified, focuses on upholding integrity across all sports partnerships.
“My work with them is all about ensuring integrity lies at the heart of every sports sponsorship,” he shared.
“It’s about asking the right questions: Is this partnership appropriate? Are our messaging responsible? Are we protecting the audience as well as promoting the brand?”
Bird’s perspective is also shaped by his work as CEO of the Raheem Sterling Foundation, where he has supported initiatives that engage with individuals and families affected by addiction.
“That experience gives you a very real understanding of what happens when things go wrong. It reinforces the need to identify potential problems early and, more importantly, to focus on prevention rather than cure.”
Given this background, Bird believes integrity must underpin any project he becomes involved in.
“For me, any partnership in this space has to be rooted in integrity and basic decency,” he added. “What I’ve seen from 1xBet is a company that takes the issue of player protection seriously and is thoughtful about how those principles are built into its marketing.”
Education, he argues, is central to that approach.
“Their thinking recognises that education has to sit right at the top of the agenda,” he said.
“If you imagine sponsorship as a pyramid, the commercial element might sit at the top, but the foundation has to be integrity and safeguarding.
“As you move up that pyramid, everything is connected. You simply cannot build a strong commercial structure without strong integrity underneath it.”
What lies ahead for gambling sponsorship in sports?
It is well documented that the Premier League is introducing a voluntary ban on front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship from the start of next season.
Many expect those partnerships to shift toward alternatives such as perimeter advertising or training kit sponsorships, although these deals are unlikely to match the financial value of shirt-front partnerships.
While the change may impact Premier League clubs, Bird believes the consequences could be more significant further down the football pyramid.
“For clubs lower down the leagues from the Championship through to non-league the situation becomes much more complicated,” he said.
“If a club like Accrington Stanley or Hyde United receives a sponsorship offer from a betting company and that income allows them to pay staff, support players, improve facilities and invest in grassroots football, that funding can genuinely help secure the club’s future.
“The question then becomes, should they automatically have to turn that opportunity down?”
Bird believes that outright bans may not necessarily provide the most effective route to protecting fans.
“There is still a place in sport for reputable betting companies that operate responsibly and with integrity,” he concluded.
“But those companies must demonstrate that they are serious about education, player protection and duty of care. If those principles are clearly embedded, then betting partnerships can still exist in sport in a way that is both responsible and sustainable.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Sportradar has declared its firm intention to dispute accusations of its involvement with illicit gambling activities, following a significant drop in its share price due to these claims.
Reports from two investment research companies, Callisto Research and Muddy Waters, allege that Sportradar has been supplying services to unlawful operators, even as it offers integrity services to legitimate businesses and sports bodies.
Both Callisto and Muddy Waters have taken short positions on Sportradar's stock, effectively wagering on a decrease in its value.
These two firms operate as short sellers, establishing short positions in companies and then releasing critical research and allegations, which typically result in a fall in share price.
This strategy has proven successful for the pair concerning Sportradar. By 4pm BST on April 22, 2026, Sportradar’s stock price on the New York Nasdaq had decreased by 22.75% to $13 per share, a notable drop from its average of $16-$18 over the preceding five days.
Allegations from Short Sellers
The accusations from Muddy Waters and Callisto Research are extensive, but fundamentally charge Sportradar with hypocrisy: offering its integrity monitoring services to regulated entities while simultaneously selling other services to unlawful operators.
Muddy Waters asserts that it dispatched representatives to Sportradar’s booth at the ICE trade show in Barcelona earlier this year. These representatives posed as members of a newly established betting firm targeting Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China.
Online sports wagering is prohibited in three of these four nations, and in Vietnam, it is limited solely to horse racing, greyhound racing, and international football fixtures.
Muddy Waters claims that “not a single Sportradar salesperson declined” their inquiry, and that their representatives were later directed to a Sportradar salesperson specializing in Asia.
Callisto, for its part, alleges that between 30% and 40% of Sportradar’s revenue might originate from unregulated markets. It also claims to have presented its findings to European and North American regulators, stating that three of these have initiated investigations.
“We contend that Sportradar will face a choice: either forgo its earnings from illegal operators or risk losing its licenses in Europe and North America,” Callisto states.
Sportradar Responds
Sportradar holds integrity partnerships with numerous prominent sports organizations, such as FIFA, UEFA, the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB).
Accusations of collaboration with illicit firms—operators frequently linked to match-fixing—pose a significant danger to Sportradar’s global integrity operations. This also emerges as regulators and governments worldwide are dedicating increased resources to combating the black market.
For instance, the UK has established a taskforce against illegal gambling. Leading operators such as Flutter Entertainment and Entain have openly advocated for stricter measures against black market activities, and the involvement of Asian-focused, non-UK licensed bookmakers in the English Premier League has sparked debate in the nation.
Claims that Sportradar is engaging with companies in this sector could harm the Swiss firm’s relationships with some of the largest licensed gambling operators. It is anticipated that the company will vigorously contest these allegations.
A statement from Sportradar asserted, “The short reports released today contain numerous factual inaccuracies regarding Sportradar, and we unequivocally dispute these claims.”
“These reports exhibit a profound misinterpretation of our business and the industry, and were penned by short sellers aiming to diminish shareholder value and profit from market volatility.”
“Sportradar collaborates solely with licensed operators, adheres to stringent global compliance and due diligence protocols, and we uphold our independently audited financial statements, risk disclosures, and the information supplied to investors and regulators.”
“We conduct our operations in accordance with the highest ethical standards, consistent with Sportradar’s policies and all relevant laws and regulations.”
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TOKYO, Apr 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced a strategic collaboration with Anthropic PBC (Anthropic, *1) to accelerate the utilization of AI in the Japanese enterprise sector.Through this collaboration, NEC becomes the first Japan-based global partner of Anthropic. Both companies will begin joint development of secure industry-specific AI solutions for the Japanese market, leveraging "Claude Cowork" (*2), an AI agent for desktop use. As a first phase, initiatives for the financial, manufacturing, and local government sectors will include the development of solutions that combine the expertise of customers in their respective industries and operations. In addition, the partnership further enhances NEC’s next-generation cybersecurity service (*3).NEC will advance the utilization of Claude within "NEC BluStellar Scenario" (*4, *5), which underpins NEC's value creation model "NEC BluStellar." The deployment of Claude will also be promoted across the NEC Group globally, aiming to build one of Japan's largest AI-native engineer teams, and comprising approximately 30,000 members worldwide.Through these initiatives, both companies aim to accelerate the social implementation of safe and reliable AI technology, contributing to business transformation and enhanced competitiveness for Japanese companies and public administration.BackgroundIn recent years, AI and AI agent technologies have advanced rapidly, finding broad applications in businesses and public administration, including automating tasks, supporting decision-making, and improving customer service. However, many organizations face hurdles such as a shortage of IT talent, insufficient accumulation of operational know-how, stringent security requirements, and compliance with unique laws and regulations. Especially in highly trusted domains like finance, public administration and cybersecurity, establishing a secure and transparent AI foundation and introducing AI agents tailored to on-site operations are key to accelerating digital transformation (DX).In recent years, NEC has treated itself as its own first client through its "Client Zero" initiative. In this endeavor, NEC has primarily utilized AI agents in its internal development processes, from design to testing, to advance its operations and revolutionize productivity. This collaboration further accelerates these efforts and supports the full-scale adoption and implementation of AI in the Japanese market.Key Collaboration Details and Plans1. Joint Development of Industry-Specific AI Solutions for the Japanese Market: Jointly develop secure industry-specific AI solutions for customers in demanding sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and local government, which call for strict requirements, including high security, compliance with unique laws, and high quality. Through joint development that integrates customer and on-site expertise, both companies will promote the rapid deployment and implementation of these solutions.Furthermore, in the field of cybersecurity, NEC is leveraging Anthropic's cutting-edge AI technology in its Security Operations Center (SOC) services to protect the digital infrastructure of companies operating both in Japan and globally against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Going forward, NEC will utilize the technology and expertise gained through this collaboration to further enhance its next-generation cybersecurity service and deliver it to customers.2. Utilization of Claude in NEC BluStellar Scenario: Utilize Claude (Claude Opus 4.7)/Claude Code within NEC BluStellar Scenario to accelerate customer transformation. Specifically, NEC will begin by utilizing Claude with two scenarios from the BluStellar Scenario suite— "Scenarios for Data-Driven Management" and "Scenarios for Customer Experience Transformation"—and will gradually expand its application to other scenarios.3. Large-Scale Deployment of Claude Across the NEC Group: To swiftly realize the joint development and deployment of the aforementioned AI solutions and the integration of Claude into versions of NEC BluStellar Scenario, Claude will be introduced to approximately 30,000 NEC Group employees globally. This will strengthen the development of AI-native talent capable of creating advanced value. Furthermore, as part of the Client Zero initiative, the utilization of Claude Cowork in internal business operations will be promoted to accelerate the efficiency of development work. In addition, NEC will establish an internal Center of Excellence (CoE) with the aim of developing highly skilled AI professionals, utilizing technical support and training provided by Anthropic. By leveraging the latest agent-based AI development tool, "Claude Code," NEC will advance the construction of one of Japan's largest AI-native engineering teams.Comment from Paul Smith, CCO of Anthropic"We are deeply honored to collaborate with NEC, one of Japan's leading technology companies. Since its founding, Anthropic has advanced its research guided by the conviction that building trustworthy AI is the path to building truly great AI. We are deeply grateful for the trust extended to us by our customers, partners, and government stakeholders across Japan, and we regard this collaboration as a meaningful step in our long-term commitment to shaping the future of AI in Japan together. By bringing together the strengths of both companies, we are dedicated to delivering safe and secure AI agents that Japanese enterprises can adopt with full confidence."Comment from Toshifumi Yoshizaki, Executive Officer and COO of NEC Corporation"This long-term partnership with Anthropic enables NEC to maximize the potential of AI in the Japanese market and further strengthen our capabilities in AI and AI agent implementation through large-scale deployments and collaboration. By bringing together the technology and expertise of both companies, we aim to jointly create solutions that meet the high safety, reliability, and quality standards demanded by companies and public administration, and play a central role in supporting the transformation of our customers through AI utilization."(*1) Anthropic PBC: https://www.anthropic.com/(*2) Claude(Claude Opus 4.7)/Claude Code/Claude Cowork: Claude is Anthropic’s general-purpose AI assistant (This collaboration utilizes the latest model, "Claude Opus 4.7".) Claude Code is a coding agent for developers, and Claude Cowork is a desktop application for business users.(*3) NEC’s cybersecurity:https://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/cybersecurity/index.html(*4) "NEC BluStellar" is a value creation model that leads customers into a brighter future by realizing business model innovation and solving social issues and customer management issues. This is accomplished through advanced cross-industry knowledge backed by proven results and NEC's cutting-edge technology honed through years of development and operation. https://www.nec.com/en/global/necblustellar/index.html(*5)"NEC BluStellar Scenario" is a value-creation framework designed to solve our customers' challenges. By combining consulting, products and services, offerings, and integration, we create value for our customers.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
(AsiaGameHub) - New Zealand’s legislation to govern online gambling has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle and is now awaiting Royal Assent.
The existing Gambling Act, which dates back to 2003, has long been a point of contention due to a regulatory gap that permitted domestic users to access offshore online gambling platforms.
The incoming regulatory structure paves the way for a market launch featuring 15 online gambling permits, fostering a competitive landscape similar to other established international gaming jurisdictions.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden stated: “The Bill…supports the coalition agreement by closing the gambling tax loophole and requiring licensed online casino operators to pay tax, just like any other business operating in New Zealand.”
The legislation introduces requirements for player protection systems, tax structures for permit holders, and legal consequences for non-compliance, including fines reaching up to NZ $5m (£2.1m) for significant or recurring violations.
“Under the new framework, up to 15 licences will be available through a competitive process. Licensed operators will be required to exclude problem gamblers, and meet strict harm prevention and consumer protection requirements,” van Velden added.
“These tools will ensure that New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in New Zealand, regardless of where operators are located, closing off avenues for avoidance and strengthening the regulator’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance by international operators.”
Furthermore, following extensive advocacy from Labor MPs, the bill incorporates mandatory requirements to allocate a portion of the revenue generated by licensed online operators toward community initiatives across New Zealand.
“Submissions on this Bill made it clear that New Zealanders also want the benefits from the online casino gambling to flow back to local sports clubs, community groups, and grassroots organisations. This Bill delivers on that expectation,” the Minister noted.
Royal Assent is anticipated on 1 May. The current schedule aims to begin accepting licence applications on 1 December, with the 15 successful bidders slated to commence operations on 1 July 2027.
At present, Entain possesses an exclusive permit to provide sports betting via TAB NZ’s local operations. The international gambling firm has previously indicated its intention to secure three of the 15 available licences.
Conversely, SkyCity Entertainment Group, the nation’s primary land-based casino operator, may be less optimistic. The firm had previously communicated its reservations to van Velden regarding the introduction of a multi-licence online casino market.
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Kawasaki, Japan and Pittsburgh, USA, Apr 23, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) today announced the launch of the Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center. At the Center, Fujitsu and CMU will jointly advance research and development of core technologies to enhance the capabilities and scalability of physical AI, with the aim of serving as a global research hub that drives the social implementation of these technologies.Research focus and objectivesPhysical AI is expected to contribute to addressing key societal challenges—such as improving productivity, mitigating labor shortages, and ensuring safety—by enabling AI systems to operate in the real world and interact with people and their environments, thereby driving the automation and optimization of operations across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, construction, infrastructure, and healthcare.However, realizing this vision requires the integration of expertise and technologies across multiple domains, including robotics, AI, simulation, human–robot interaction, and ethics and social acceptance. This makes not only advancements in individual fields essential, but also interdisciplinary collaboration and efforts that bridge academic research with real-world deployment.Fujitsu and CMU established the Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center to address these challenges through an integrated research approach that brings together interdisciplinary expertise and connects academia and industry .A multidisciplinary collaborationAt the Center, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of physical AI, faculty members from CMU across a wide range of disciplines—including robotics, machine learning, language technologies, human–computer interaction, electrical and computer engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and philosophy—participate in the joint research. Researchers will work alongside Fujitsu scientists, engineers, and technicians to develop physical AI systems designed to tackle real-world challenges. This close collaboration with industry informs and inspires new research directions to meet critical demand.Participating researchers include:Yonatan Bisk, Assistant Professor, Language TechnologiesFernando De La Torre, Research Professor, RoboticsTim Dettmers, Assistant Professor, Machine LearningLaszlo Jeni, Assistant Research Professor, RoboticsKris Kitani, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsDavid Lindlbauer, Assistant Professor, Human-Computer InteractionYorie Nakahira, Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer EngineeringGraham Neubig, Associate Professor, Language TechnologiesJean Oh, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsSean Qian, Professor, Civil and Environmental EngineeringSebastian Scherer, Associate Research Professor, RoboticsPeter Spirtes, Department Head and Professor, PhilosophyKun Zhang, Professor, PhilosophyFujitsu and CMU will advance research and development through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates their respective expertise, focusing on areas such as action generation and learning, spatial perception and environmental understanding, multi-robot coordination and optimization, human-robot collaboration and the integration of simulation and real-world environments.The Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center will leverage CMU’s new Robotics Innovation Center, which opened in February of this year. The 14,000-square-meter facility at Hazelwood Green in Pittsburgh bridges Carnegie Mellon’s fundamental research and commercial deployment. The Robotics Innovation Center will provide specialized facilities and collaborative space to test physical AI in real-world environments.Fujitsu Kozuchi Physical OSFujitsu aims to realize a physical AI platform that can be applied to mission-critical domains supporting social infrastructure, leveraging its strengths in providing integrated AI, computing, and networking capabilities.By delivering a unified infrastructure from cloud to edge, Fujitsu seeks to ensure real-time performance, reliability, and safety, while addressing data sovereignty and governance requirements. Through these efforts, Fujitsu contributes to the development of a sustainable social foundation in which humans and robots can collaborate safely and seamlessly.As a concrete initiative, Fujitsu is developing Fujitsu Kozuchi Physical OS, which integrates robots, sensors, systems, and physical spaces (Figure 1). The platform enables the coordinated operation of multiple robots and systems in accordance with operational instructions by combining two capabilities: brain intelligence, which enhances robots’ adaptability to tasks based on prior experience and human imitation, and spatial intelligence, which provides information about real-world environments in which robots operate.Technologies developed at this research center are scheduled to be gradually incorporated into the platform starting in fiscal year 2026. This will enable the integrated utilization of physical AI technologies that combine expertise from diverse fields, enhancing adaptability to complex and dynamic real-world tasks, while also bridging interdisciplinary research outcomes to real-world deployment.Future PlansFujitsu and Carnegie Mellon University will jointly advance the research and development of core technologies for physical AI, while promoting a society in which humans and robots collaborate, and contributing to the development of a sustainable and resilient society.Executive CommentsVivek Mahajan, Corporate Executive Officer, Corporate Vice President, CTO, in charge of System Platform, Fujitsu Limited, comments:“We are delighted to announce the establishment of a joint center for physical AI with Carnegie Mellon University, a global leader in the fields of robotics and AI.At this research center, Fujitsu will create new value through the convergence of AI, computing, networking, and robotics, and accelerate the societal implementation of reliable physical AI. Furthermore, to realize a society where humans and robots coexist and collaborate, we will expand our research scope to areas that underpin the social infrastructure and contribute to the building of a sustainable society.”Martial Hebert, Dean and University Professor of Robotics, School of Computer Science, comments: “The Fujitsu-Carnegie Mellon Physical AI Research Center builds on CMU's focus on developing AI and robotics systems to tackle real-world problems and the university's collaboration with industry to put those innovations into practice and inspire what's next. Physical AI will fuel the machines of tomorrow, allowing for competent decision-making, enhanced efficiency, greater safety, and, perhaps most importantly, trust to work alongside humans in critical fields. Carnegie Mellon is excited to have Fujitsu as our partner to continue to lead in physical AI.”About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsu Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
(AsiaGameHub) - Australian-listed company Racing and Sports has confirmed a new partnership with sportsbook and iGaming platform provider Altenar.
This agreement represents the final stage of a relationship spanning several years and a major advancement for distributing racing content on worldwide sportsbook platforms.
The announcement coincides with increasing demand for premium, integrated racing products. This trend is evident in markets like the UK, where, despite current challenges, horse and greyhound racing continue to be essential parts of the betting landscape.
For Altenar's growing operator network, the collaboration signals a strategic change in its approach to the racing vertical, with Racing and Sports enlisted to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.
During an 18-month collaboration, the partners worked to outline the ideal modern racing product, carefully weighing content depth, integration simplicity, and commercial performance.
The outcome, according to the companies, is a unified offering that merges official data, editorial content, and pricing services via one single integration.
“After a relationship that has developed over many years, we are tremendously proud to officially partner with Altenar,” stated Jack Kelliher, Commercial Director at Racing and Sports.
“Ever since we established our UK operations, we were confident that Altenar was a company we could generate significant value alongside.
“This is far more than simply incorporating racing content for Altenar. It is about equipping their partners with a more robust, commercially competitive product in a market where racing is indispensable.”
Thanks to direct agreements with major rights holders such as Racecourse Media Group (RMG), Arena Racing Company (ARC), PMU, SIS, and 1/ST Content, the integration offers access to a wide array of official racing data and content in numerous jurisdictions.
Altenar to strengthen sportsbook offering
From Altenar's viewpoint, this initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance its sportsbook offerings within crucial verticals.
Antonis Karakousis, Director of Operations at Altenar, commented: “This partnership signifies a key milestone in Altenar's strategy to expand our racing content portfolio.
“Racing and Sports contributes profound expertise in horse racing and greyhounds, positioning us to provide exceptional value to our global operators and their players.”
Although the UK is a logical focus due to its established racing market, both companies identify considerable international potential. Racing and Sports already has a presence in over 30 jurisdictions and provides content in seven languages, creating a platform for Altenar to expand its racing product worldwide.
Both organizations continue to identify opportunities domestically and internationally, even with persistent regulatory challenges and a trend of declining engagement, especially in the UK.
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.
Zurich, Apr 23, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Akkodis, a global leader in digital engineering consulting and part of the Adecco Group has been named a "Leader" by Information Services Group (ISG) in the ISG Provider Lens™ Digital Engineering Services 2026 reports, recognizing the company's strength across critical engineering and technology domains in Europe and the United States.Image: Akkodis named leader in ISG Digital Engineering Services 2026. Source: AkkodisAkkodis earned Leader status in the following quadrants:Augmented Design and R&D Services (Europe)Intelligent Operations and Connected Experiences (Europe)Integrated Platform and Application Services (Europe and U.S.)Leadership in augmented design & R&D servicesISG highlights Akkodis' expertise in end‑to‑end product development, including systems architecture, Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) integration, unified tool chains and multi‑domain engineering. The company's digital twin methodologies support deep physical-digital integration for safety‑critical products. By integrating engineering and digital toolchains, Akkodis accelerates agile product development from concept to lifecycle management across automotive, aerospace, rail and industrial sectors.ISG also recognizes Akkodis' leadership in software-defined vehicle (SDV) engineering, with capabilities spanning hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) automation, telemetry pipelines, cloud‑scale validation and AI‑supported analytics. This has been successfully showcased through the Akkodis SDV Academy where clients accelerate advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) and SDV verification while addressing engineering talent gaps. Expertise in embedded systems, sensor fusion and real‑time software reinforces Akkodis' position across mobility, industrial and defense applications.Advancing intelligent operations & connected experiencesISG recognizes Akkodis for advancing industrial intelligence and transforming factory and mission-critical operations. Through smart commissioning frameworks, digital twins and advanced simulation tools, the company helps clients accelerate digital factory planning, reduce layout risks and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Akkodis also supports predictive quality and maintenance through acoustic sensing, physics-based AI and data-driven diagnostics. Its operations capabilities (including ruggedized hardware engineering, over-the-air (OTA) lifecycle management and industrial asset health solutions), have been applied across industries and asset-intensive environments requiring reliability, safety compliance, environmental resilience and long-term continuity.Strength in Integrated Platform & Application ServicesAkkodis' digital solutions advance AI‑led autonomous engineering by accelerating validation, enhancing quality and enabling compliance‑by‑design at scale. In Europe, ISG highlights Akkodis' Unified AI Platform, powered by AI-Core, alongside its deep expertise in cloud, hybrid and sovereign architectures, including AWS, Azure and sovereign deployments, which helps organizations balance agility with security, compliance and data residency requirements.In the U.S., ISG cites Akkodis' leadership in cloud‑native, MACH‑aligned modernization. Its AI‑enabled development frameworks embed intelligence into workflows, accelerating modernization and enabling personalized digital experiences. DevSecOps, compliance‑by‑design models and a secure, modular AI‑Core platform, enable Akkodis to provide scalable, cloud‑native innovation and flexible integration across modern enterprise and platform ecosystems."We are proud to receive this recognition from ISG which underscores the depth of Akkodis' global digital engineering expertise and our ability to combine AI‑driven engineering, cloud‑agnostic platforms and compliance‑by‑design at global scale to help clients innovate with Akkodis Intelligence across dynamic and complex environments," said Jo Debecker, President & CEO of Akkodis.Shirish Madhukar Kulkarni, Lead Analyst, ISG, said, "Akkodis uniquely combines deep engineering expertise with AI‑led digital twins and scalable platforms to enable faster product innovation, resilient operations, and connected, data‑driven experiences." Srinivasan P N, Senior Lead Analyst, ISG added, "Akkodis' leadership is rooted in four decades of European engineering excellence, where systems engineering, validation depth and software defined innovation converge through Akkodis Intelligence to deliver trusted, AI enabled digital engineering at scale."Media contactsAnne FriedrichSVP, Global Head of Communications, AkkodisM. +4915174633470E. anne.friedrich@adeccogroup.comLisa BushkaVP, External Communications, AkkodisM. +18604630770E. lisa.bushka@adeccogroup.comAbout AkkodisAkkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we offer best-in-class technology consultancy. Through our strong, scalable delivery models and specialized talent, we provide end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting through implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 40,000 engineers and digital experts in over 30 countries, with services that span Consulting, Solutions and Academy. With deep experience across the world's major industries, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact. akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | XAbout the Adecco GroupThe Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering solutions to power transformation and empower organisations to optimise their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). www.adeccogroup.comAbout ISGISG (Information Services Group) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 900 clients, including more than 75 of the world's top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,600 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries-a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry's most comprehensive marketplace data. For more information, visit www.isg-one.com.SOURCE: Akkodis Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
