iGame

Rivalry’s leadership team makes major resignations including c-level and co founders

(AsiaGameHub) -   Three of the four original founders of the Canadian esports company Rivalry have stepped down, with all three also serving in C-level roles. These departures occur during a period of considerable difficulty for Rivalry. The company suspended its operations in February as a broader initiative to cut expenses, which involved halting all player activity, implementing employee layoffs, and evaluating potential asset sales. Rivalry’s director exodus Rivalry, a business listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), reported on Friday that five senior executives in total have resigned from its board of directors. Those departing include Ryan White, Kevin Wimer, Steven Isenberg and Demi Abidogun-Benson. White and Wimer established Rivalry in 2016 together with Chief Executive Officer Steven Salz. They served as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Steven Salz, CEO of Rivalry – Source: Rivalry Steven Isenberg is the third and final co-founder to depart the company. According to Rivalry’s website, he sits on the local advisory committee for the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). He also founded Urbanfund Corp, a real estate firm focused on Toronto that is listed on the TSXV, and was the founder and CEO of M Partners, an investment bank established in 2005. In 2023, Research Capital Corporation, another TSX-listed company, acquired M Partners. During its eight-year existence, the bank employed Rivalry co-founder and CEO Salz as an Equity Research Analyst from 2014 to 2016. The remaining two individuals who resigned were not among the company's 2016 founders. Abidogun-Benson has left her positions on the board and as interim Chief Financial Officer. She originally joined the firm in 2022 as a Senior Manager for corporate reporting, planning, and analysis, later advancing to Head of Finance in August 2024. The last director to resign was Stephen Rigby, the previous President and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). From 2010 to 2015, he acted as National Security Advisor to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Rivalry’s struggle continues Rivalry has historically targeted Gen Z and millennial customers since it began, supported by product design, marketing, and content that leverages internet humor and culture. The company holds licenses in Ontario and Australia, but also operates in several international grey markets using an Isle of Man license. It introduced the casino.exe platform in March 2023, and iGaming has subsequently made up approximately half of its betting volume in quarterly reports. Its move into digital currencies happened even though cryptocurrency gambling is not permitted in Canada or Australia, its two licensed jurisdictions. The company continues to be referred to as a 'crypto casino' in Google search results, although its website has been offline since operations were paused in February. Rivalry started facing challenges on the TSX in 2025 when it was late filing its full-year 2024 financial statement. In April, it sought a management cease trade order from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). The subsequent months involved significant cost-cutting measures, including a strategic review and the engagement of New York advisory firm XST Capital Group. 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.

SeaPRwire

A “Mountain-and-Sea Pact” Spanning 4,000 Kilometers — Highlights from Xingcheng City Promotion Event in Sanya

In April, Sanya is bathed in gentle sea breezes and swaying palm trees. On the beach at Dadonghai Scenic Area, performers dressed in traditional Chinese attire transformed into “promotion ambassadors,” inviting tourists to interact and creating a striking scene along the shoreline. This was not a local folk event, but a promotional showcase from over 3,000 kilometers away—Xingcheng. From April 23 to 25, Xingcheng held its city promotion event in Sanya under the theme “Xingcheng Encounters; A Date with the South China Sea.” Traveling from the Bohai Bay to the shores of the South China Sea, Xingcheng presented its four signature highlights—ancient city culture, hot spring wellness, seaside vacations, and its thriving swimwear industry—initiating a dynamic north-south urban dialogue. A “Mobile Xingcheng” Debuts in Sanya At the CDF Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, the “Xingcheng Encounter” exhibition hall was designed as a condensed version of the city. In the cultural display zone, visuals of ancient city walls blended with costumed NPCs, while in the swimwear section, visitors used AI-powered virtual fitting mirrors to instantly try on outfits, experiencing both the fashion-forward design and technological edge of Xingcheng swimwear. The promotion also extended to major Sanya landmarks, including Dadonghai Scenic Area and Luhuitou Scenic Area. Daily flash performances, cultural merchandise giveaways, and traditional game interactions ensured that “Xingcheng” appeared frequently in tourists’ photos and social media posts. A Swimsuit Connecting North and South On April 25, Sanya Haichang Fantasy Ocean Night City was transformed into a fashion runway. A spectacular swimwear show themed “Tides from North to South, Weaving the Blue Together” featured 60 swimwear designs. With waves crashing nearby and lights shifting across the stage, the runway became not just a fashion display, but a vivid showcase of Xingcheng’s 40-year swimwear industry heritage. Known as the “Swimwear Capital,” Xingcheng produces one-quarter of the world’s swimwear, with an annual output value of RMB 15 billion. Meanwhile, Sanya serves as a major consumption hub for swimwear. This event marked a precise alignment between Xingcheng’s industrial supply chain and Sanya’s consumer market. During the event, Xingcheng signed cooperation agreements with multiple cultural tourism enterprises and platform partners in Sanya, covering project development, brand promotion, and mutual tourist exchanges. Through a single product—swimwear—the two coastal cities discovered new avenues for collaboration. From “Going Out” to “Going In” Over three days, the promotion encompassed city exhibitions, cultural tourism inspections, investment matchmaking, official presentations, and the swimwear showcase—combining industrial cooperation with brand communication. A Xingcheng official noted that the cultural tourism sector has become a key driver for expanding domestic demand and boosting consumption. Resource complementarity, mutual tourist flows, and industrial integration between northern and southern cities are emerging as new pathways for high-quality development. “Xingcheng offers culture, industry, and products, while Sanya provides traffic, scenarios, and channels. Together, this is a case of value co-creation,” the official said. “This event has revealed new possibilities for north-south collaboration,” the official added. “Looking ahead, we hope to connect Xingcheng’s hot spring wellness offerings with Sanya’s seaside resorts, creating multi-destination travel routes that allow visitors to experience two distinct lifestyles in a single journey.”

SeaPRwire

跨越四千公里的“山海之约”——兴城市城市推介活动·三亚站侧记

四月的三亚，海风温润，椰影婆娑。大东海景区沙滩上，身着国风服饰的演员化身推介官，邀请游客互动，成为海岸线上一道独特的风景。这一幕，不是三亚本地的民俗活动，而是来自3000多公里之外——辽宁葫芦岛兴城市的城市推介现场。 4月23日至25日，以“兴城奇遇·南海之约”为主题的兴城市城市推介活动在海南三亚举行。从渤海湾到南海之滨，兴城带着古城文化、温泉康养、滨海度假、泳装产业四张名片，跨越山海，展开了一场南北双向奔赴的城市对话。 一座“移动的兴城”亮相三亚 走进中免集团三亚国际免税城，“兴城奇遇记”城市展厅被设计成一个浓缩版的兴城。文化展示区里，古城墙的影像与古装NPC交相辉映；泳装展示区前，游客对着AI试衣镜一键换装，感受兴城泳装的潮流设计与科技质感。 据了解，此次推介活动还走进了大东海景区、鹿回头风景区等三亚热门地标。每天分时段的快闪演绎、文创礼品派发、传统游戏互动，让“兴城”二字出现在很多游客的镜头里和朋友圈中。 一件泳装串起南北协作 4月25日，三亚海昌梦幻海洋不夜城化身时尚秀场。一场以“潮涌南北 共织蔚蓝”为主题的泳装大秀精彩上演。60套泳装作品依次亮相。海浪拍岸，灯光流转，T台上的泳装不仅是时尚的表达，更是兴城泳装四十年产业积淀的集中展示。 作为“泳装之都”，兴城泳装年产量占全球四分之一，年产值达150亿元。而三亚是泳装消费的流量入口。此次活动，正是两地产业链与消费端的精准对接。 推介会现场，兴城与三亚多家文旅企业、渠道平台签署合作协议，涵盖文旅项目开发、泳装品牌推广、客源互送等内容。南北两座滨海城市，因一件泳装，找到了更多合作的触点。 从“走出去”到“走进去” 三天时间，推介活动涵盖城市展厅、文旅考察、招商交流、城市推介、泳装大秀等板块，既有产业对接，也有品牌传播。 兴城市相关负责人表示，当前，文旅产业已成为扩内需、强消费的重要抓手。南北城市之间的资源互补、客源互送、产业互联，正在成为文旅产业高质量发展的新路径。兴城有文化、有产业、有产品，三亚有流量、有场景、有渠道，二者的结合，是一场“价值共创”。 “这次活动让我们看到了南北协作的更多可能性。”兴城市相关负责人说，“未来，我们希望能把兴城的温泉康养和三亚的滨海度假串联起来，打造‘一程多站’的南北联线产品，让游客一次出行，体验两种不同的生活方式。”

SeaPRwire

跨越四千公里的“山海之约” — 兴城市城市推介活动·三亚站侧记

四月的三亚，海风温润，椰影婆娑。大东海景区沙滩上，身着国风服饰的演员化身推介官，邀请游客互动，成为海岸线上一道独特的风景。这一幕，不是三亚本地的民俗活动，而是来自3000多公里之外——辽宁葫芦岛兴城市的城市推介现场。 4月23日至25日，以“兴城奇遇·南海之约”为主题的兴城市城市推介活动在海南三亚举行。从渤海湾到南海之滨，兴城带着古城文化、温泉康养、滨海度假、泳装产业四张名片，跨越山海，展开了一场南北双向奔赴的城市对话。 一座“移动的兴城”亮相三亚 走进中免集团三亚国际免税城，“兴城奇遇记”城市展厅被设计成一个浓缩版的兴城。文化展示区里，古城墙的影像与古装NPC交相辉映；泳装展示区前，游客对着AI试衣镜一键换装，感受兴城泳装的潮流设计与科技质感。 据了解，此次推介活动还走进了大东海景区、鹿回头风景区等三亚热门地标。每天分时段的快闪演绎、文创礼品派发、传统游戏互动，让“兴城”二字出现在很多游客的镜头里和朋友圈中。 一件泳装串起南北协作 4月25日，三亚海昌梦幻海洋不夜城化身时尚秀场。一场以“潮涌南北 共织蔚蓝”为主题的泳装大秀精彩上演。60套泳装作品依次亮相。海浪拍岸，灯光流转，T台上的泳装不仅是时尚的表达，更是兴城泳装四十年产业积淀的集中展示。 作为“泳装之都”，兴城泳装年产量占全球四分之一，年产值达150亿元。而三亚是泳装消费的流量入口。此次活动，正是两地产业链与消费端的精准对接。 推介会现场，兴城与三亚多家文旅企业、渠道平台签署合作协议，涵盖文旅项目开发、泳装品牌推广、客源互送等内容。南北两座滨海城市，因一件泳装，找到了更多合作的触点。 从“走出去”到“走进去” 三天时间，推介活动涵盖城市展厅、文旅考察、招商交流、城市推介、泳装大秀等板块，既有产业对接，也有品牌传播。 兴城市相关负责人表示，当前，文旅产业已成为扩内需、强消费的重要抓手。南北城市之间的资源互补、客源互送、产业互联，正在成为文旅产业高质量发展的新路径。兴城有文化、有产业、有产品，三亚有流量、有场景、有渠道，二者的结合，是一场“价值共创”。 “这次活动让我们看到了南北协作的更多可能性。”兴城市相关负责人说，“未来，我们希望能把兴城的温泉康养和三亚的滨海度假串联起来，打造‘一程多站’的南北联线产品，让游客一次出行，体验两种不同的生活方式。”

SeaPRwire

跨越四千公里的“山海之约” — 兴城市城市推介活动·三亚站侧记

四月的三亚，海风温润，椰影婆娑。大东海景区沙滩上，身着国风服饰的演员化身推介官，邀请游客互动，成为海岸线上一道独特的风景。这一幕，不是三亚本地的民俗活动，而是来自3000多公里之外——辽宁葫芦岛兴城市的城市推介现场。 4月23日至25日，以“兴城奇遇·南海之约”为主题的兴城市城市推介活动在海南三亚举行。从渤海湾到南海之滨，兴城带着古城文化、温泉康养、滨海度假、泳装产业四张名片，跨越山海，展开了一场南北双向奔赴的城市对话。 一座“移动的兴城”亮相三亚 走进中免集团三亚国际免税城，“兴城奇遇记”城市展厅被设计成一个浓缩版的兴城。文化展示区里，古城墙的影像与古装NPC交相辉映；泳装展示区前，游客对着AI试衣镜一键换装，感受兴城泳装的潮流设计与科技质感。 据了解，此次推介活动还走进了大东海景区、鹿回头风景区等三亚热门地标。每天分时段的快闪演绎、文创礼品派发、传统游戏互动，让“兴城”二字出现在很多游客的镜头里和朋友圈中。 一件泳装串起南北协作 4月25日，三亚海昌梦幻海洋不夜城化身时尚秀场。一场以“潮涌南北 共织蔚蓝”为主题的泳装大秀精彩上演。60套泳装作品依次亮相。海浪拍岸，灯光流转，T台上的泳装不仅是时尚的表达，更是兴城泳装四十年产业积淀的集中展示。 作为“泳装之都”，兴城泳装年产量占全球四分之一，年产值达150亿元。而三亚是泳装消费的流量入口。此次活动，正是两地产业链与消费端的精准对接。 推介会现场，兴城与三亚多家文旅企业、渠道平台签署合作协议，涵盖文旅项目开发、泳装品牌推广、客源互送等内容。南北两座滨海城市，因一件泳装，找到了更多合作的触点。 从“走出去”到“走进去” 三天时间，推介活动涵盖城市展厅、文旅考察、招商交流、城市推介、泳装大秀等板块，既有产业对接，也有品牌传播。 兴城市相关负责人表示，当前，文旅产业已成为扩内需、强消费的重要抓手。南北城市之间的资源互补、客源互送、产业互联，正在成为文旅产业高质量发展的新路径。兴城有文化、有产业、有产品，三亚有流量、有场景、有渠道，二者的结合，是一场“价值共创”。 “这次活动让我们看到了南北协作的更多可能性。”兴城市相关负责人说，“未来，我们希望能把兴城的温泉康养和三亚的滨海度假串联起来，打造‘一程多站’的南北联线产品，让游客一次出行，体验两种不同的生活方式。”

SeaPRwire

跨越四千公里的“山海之约” — 兴城市城市推介活动·三亚站侧记

四月的三亚，海风温润，椰影婆娑。大东海景区沙滩上，身着国风服饰的演员化身推介官，邀请游客互动，成为海岸线上一道独特的风景。这一幕，不是三亚本地的民俗活动，而是来自3000多公里之外——辽宁葫芦岛兴城市的城市推介现场。 4月23日至25日，以“兴城奇遇·南海之约”为主题的兴城市城市推介活动在海南三亚举行。从渤海湾到南海之滨，兴城带着古城文化、温泉康养、滨海度假、泳装产业四张名片，跨越山海，展开了一场南北双向奔赴的城市对话。 一座“移动的兴城”亮相三亚 走进中免集团三亚国际免税城，“兴城奇遇记”城市展厅被设计成一个浓缩版的兴城。文化展示区里，古城墙的影像与古装NPC交相辉映；泳装展示区前，游客对着AI试衣镜一键换装，感受兴城泳装的潮流设计与科技质感。 据了解，此次推介活动还走进了大东海景区、鹿回头风景区等三亚热门地标。每天分时段的快闪演绎、文创礼品派发、传统游戏互动，让“兴城”二字出现在很多游客的镜头里和朋友圈中。 一件泳装串起南北协作 4月25日，三亚海昌梦幻海洋不夜城化身时尚秀场。一场以“潮涌南北 共织蔚蓝”为主题的泳装大秀精彩上演。60套泳装作品依次亮相。海浪拍岸，灯光流转，T台上的泳装不仅是时尚的表达，更是兴城泳装四十年产业积淀的集中展示。 作为“泳装之都”，兴城泳装年产量占全球四分之一，年产值达150亿元。而三亚是泳装消费的流量入口。此次活动，正是两地产业链与消费端的精准对接。 推介会现场，兴城与三亚多家文旅企业、渠道平台签署合作协议，涵盖文旅项目开发、泳装品牌推广、客源互送等内容。南北两座滨海城市，因一件泳装，找到了更多合作的触点。 从“走出去”到“走进去” 三天时间，推介活动涵盖城市展厅、文旅考察、招商交流、城市推介、泳装大秀等板块，既有产业对接，也有品牌传播。 兴城市相关负责人表示，当前，文旅产业已成为扩内需、强消费的重要抓手。南北城市之间的资源互补、客源互送、产业互联，正在成为文旅产业高质量发展的新路径。兴城有文化、有产业、有产品，三亚有流量、有场景、有渠道，二者的结合，是一场“价值共创”。 “这次活动让我们看到了南北协作的更多可能性。”兴城市相关负责人说，“未来，我们希望能把兴城的温泉康养和三亚的滨海度假串联起来，打造‘一程多站’的南北联线产品，让游客一次出行，体验两种不同的生活方式。”

iGame

Brazil’s Monetary Council bans Kalshi from offering sports and political trading

(AsiaGameHub) -   A recent intervention by the National Monetary Council (CMN) has hindered the growth of prediction market platforms in Brazil. The body responsible for the nation's monetary policy and financial markets has ruled that derivatives must not be connected to events in sports, politics, or entertainment. Authorized by Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) President Gabriel Galípolo, Resolution No. 5,298 implements this ruling starting on 4 May. Financial institutions are prohibited from creating or providing contracts associated with political, electoral, social, cultural, or entertainment occurrences under this new policy. This move by the CMN supports the safeguards established in the Bets Law (Law No. 14.790/2023), the federal legislation for online betting and sports gambling that took effect on 1 January 2025. The CMN stated in its announcement that this ruling “comes amid the popularisation of prediction market platforms in Brazil, which operate without their own regulation, unlike the betting sector.” Focus is now shifting to the US prediction market operator Kalshi, which gained entry to the Brazilian market in January through a collaboration with XP Inc., marketing its platform as an investment vehicle for local users. During the launch, it was reported that the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) had been approached by numerous licensed operators filing complaints, calling for regulatory action to prevent Kalshi from entering the market. This launch in Brazil represented Kalshi’s initial foray into international markets. The firm was co-established by Luana Lopes Lara (COO), who became the youngest self-made female billionaire in 2025. Kalshi recently closed a $1bn funding round in the US, bringing its total valuation to $22bn. As of April 2026, the company’s aggregate venture capital funding has surpassed $2.5bn. The sharp increase in Kalshi’s valuation has fueled comparisons with major US-listed gambling entities like Flutter Entertainment and DraftKings, as investors evaluate the potential of prediction markets relative to conventional sports betting. Even with this obstacle, a regulatory void persists for Kalshi and similar entities. The Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) is currently observing the industry, yet a specific regulatory schedule for prediction markets has not been defined. As the CMN clamps down on derivatives based on events, the opportunity for prediction markets to function within Brazil’s regulatory grey area seems to be narrowing. Kalshi’s arrival has highlighted a regulatory discrepancy, as officials work to bridge the divide between financial markets and the existing Bets Law Law framework, which President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to overhaul in 2026. Last week, Lula announced to the national press that he intends to issue a ‘Presidential Decree‘ in May to establish a fresh online gambling system in Brazil, barring individuals receiving financial aid or those in debt from taking part. 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.

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Today’s NHL Best Bets & Player Props – April 24

(AsiaGameHub) -   The NHL Playoffs press on this evening with three matchups, and we’ve got your back with top bets and player prop picks. Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s schedule: Lightning vs. Canadiens 7 p.m. ET Golden Knights vs. Mammoth 9:30 p.m. ET Oilers vs. Ducks 10 p.m. ET Best Bets: Player Props for Lightning vs. Canadiens We’re utilizing odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for all three games this evening. Cole Caufield OVER 0.5 Goals (+120) Tampa Bay has done an excellent job containing Cole Caufield through the first two games of the series. Caufield hasn’t found the back of the net yet, and he’s been limited to just three shots. While Caufield has chipped in three assists, expect him to get back to scoring form on his home ice at the Bell Centre. He led the Canadiens with 51 goals during the regular season, ranking second in the NHL only behind Nathan MacKinnon. Brandon Hagel OVER 0.5 Points (-175) Brandon Hagel has been playing exceptionally well through two games, notching three goals, four points, and four shots on goal. Going back to the regular season, he’s scored a goal in seven of his last 10 games. We’re backing Hagel to record a point for the third straight playoff game. He tallied 36 goals and 38 assists during the regular season, plus a stellar +34 plus/minus rating that ranked 13th in the NHL. Best Bets: Player Prop for Golden Knights vs. Mammoth Carter Hart OVER 23.5 Saves (-135) Las Vegas goaltender Carter Hart was kept busy in the first two games of the series. He stopped 27 shots in a 3-2 loss before turning away 31 in a 4-2 win. The series moves to Utah for Game 3. Expect Utah’s shot volume to be high tonight. The Mammoth averaged 26.8 shots per game on home ice, up from 25.51 on the road. Best Bets: Player Prop for Oilers vs. Ducks Lukas Dostal OVER 25.5 Saves (-130) Here’s another netminder who’s been extremely busy. Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal made 33 saves in Game 1 and 30 in Game 2. The last time Dostal faced the Oilers in the regular season, he stopped 30 of 33 shots. The total for this game is 6.5, with heavy juice on the OVER at -155. We anticipate plenty of shots and goals again tonight. The Ducks lead all playoff teams with an average of 4.5 goals per game, while the Oilers rank second at 4.0. The series is tied 1-1 and now heads to Anaheim. 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.

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Flutter Boosts Startup Collaboration through Tech4Good Recognition

(AsiaGameHub) -   Flutter Entertainment continues to actively engage with both the technology and charity sectors by revealing the winners of its 2025 Tech4Good Awards. Co-organised by the company’s startup-centric initiative, Alpha Hub, and its sports community investment programme, Beyond Sport, the event was hosted by the NYSE-listed gambling giant. With a market capitalization approaching £14 billion, it stands as one of the largest firms globally. First-place winner GoodGym and runner-up Civic Dollars will split a prize pool of £60,000. Additionally, both organisations will receive capacity-building support from Flutter’s Alpha Hub and Beyond Sport. Adam Burgess, Director of Programmes at Beyond Sport, remarked: “These awards enable organisations to leverage technology for scaling solutions that boost physical activity and generate enduring health and community benefits by merging financial grants with customised capability-building assistance.” Flutter’s long-standing startup involvement Flutter Entertainment has collaborated with startups for many years. The company established the Alpha Hub in 2018 to serve as a bridge connecting startups with its brands, including FanDuel in the US, and Sky Bet and Paddy Power in the UK and Ireland, alongside other markets. Since its inception, the company’s startup partnerships have spanned various fields, such as responsible gaming and product development tailored for female customers. Recently, horse racing has emerged as a major focus area. Through the Future of Racing Summit, Flutter and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have been identifying startups to collaborate on technology initiatives related to racing. Aligning with its positive action plan, Flutter intensified its hunt for startups to support its responsible gaming efforts in 2023. The Tech4Good award has been instrumental in this endeavour, just as it has been for the company’s newer sports-centric projects. Commenting on today’s award announcement, Rob Smith, Associate Director of Emerging Technologies and Insights at Flutter, stated: “With over 8,000 technologists group-wide, Flutter is fundamentally a technology-driven enterprise. Utilising our expertise to support the growth and scaling of these startups is a logical step for us.” Introducing the winners As previously noted, the top prize in this year’s Tech4Good Awards went to GoodGym. Operating since 2009, this London-based charity is active in 68 regions throughout the UK. The organisation links runners, walkers, and cyclists with community tasks, aiming to encourage daily exercise through community service. Flutter selected this charity because of its AI-driven tool, Coach, which is designed to facilitate the discovery of local activities and the creation of community bonds. Darren Moore, Tech Lead at GoodGym, stated: “This award is transformative; it allows us to invest in the technology and infrastructure necessary to connect thousands more individuals with their communities through physical movement.” Taking second place, Civic Dollars is a Belfast-based entity that created a geo-fencing community currency application to encourage outdoor activity. Users earn an in-app currency, known as Civic Dollars, for every 30 minutes spent in public spaces and parks. These earned dollars can be redeemed for health-oriented courses, including yoga, fitness, dance, and healthy cooking, or they can be donated to local community groups and charities. Dr Gráinne McAnee, Researcher at Civic Dollars, commented: “Accessibility and ease should be the hallmarks of being active and healthy, rather than it being expensive, exclusive, or restricted.” These awards are announced amidst a period of intense political scrutiny facing the UK gambling sector, thereby increasing the significance of community-focused programmes and initiatives for the industry. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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Russian Crypto Fraud Courier Purloined Illicit Earnings and Gambled Them Away

(AsiaGameHub) -   Police report that an unauthorized courier working for Russian cryptocurrency fraud groups used $20,000 of the criminal organization’s illicit earnings on casino gambling and a lavish partying spree. According to Russian media outlet Novaya Kuban, authorities in St. Petersburg stated they’ve detained a 35-year-old male believed to be carrying out tasks for various phone scammers. Law enforcement officials detailed that the scammers had tricked a Kuban resident out of $20,000 in an unspecified foreign currency. They told the supposed victim they could “earn profits from cryptocurrency investments” by paying in cash. Upon getting the cash, the scammers are said to have passed it to the courier, instructing him to deliver it to a money laundering group. However, the suspect allegedly chose to take the funds to a nearby casino. Police noted that he wasted most of the money on losing roulette bets. Courier Linked to Russian Crypto Fraud Ring Apprehended in St. Petersburg According to police, the suspect used the remaining funds on bar drinks and organizing late-night gatherings. The Krasnodar Criminal Investigation Department has held the suspect in custody. Authorities are conducting a search for the alleged scammers. In another incident, a court in Belogorsk—located in Amur Oblast near the Chinese border—convicted a gambling-addicted teen of stealing 1 million rubles (approximately $13,300) from a friend’s family. The boy used the stolen funds to buy an electric scooter and for online gambling. Belogorsk, situated in Russia’s Amur Oblast (Image: Aviateur [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Prosecutors stated that the unidentified 14-year-old boy watched his friend’s father input his PIN into a banking app during a shopping trip with his friend and the friend’s dad. Having memorized the PIN, the boy proceeded to make multiple withdrawals from the father’s account. To avoid being caught, he took small sums each time, according to prosecutors. As per Russian media outlet Gazeta.Ru, the friend’s father only realized the money was missing when he tried to withdraw cash for a purchase later on. Authorities noted that the teen first denied the offense but eventually confessed fully. An Amur court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile correctional center. Meanwhile, in Moscow, legislators have passed a draft law granting new authorities to anti-gambling agencies. The proposed legislation aims to accelerate procedures enabling regulators to restrict residents’ access to unlicensed online casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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SBC Summit Americas to Highlight the Future of Affiliation and Marketing Strategy in North America

(AsiaGameHub) -   With competition for North American players reaching new heights, SBC Summit Americas is set to guide industry stakeholders through innovative strategies via its specialized North America Marketing & Affiliates track. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, the agenda features five panels of prominent marketing experts who will discuss refining acquisition, boosting conversion rates, and developing sustainable player lifecycles. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI for player engagement, navigating complex advertising rules, utilizing new channels like TikTok for acquisition, and creating brands that foster long-term retention. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC, commented: “Affiliates are currently managing an unprecedented number of platforms and partnership structures. Between social media, AI, and martech, the industry is becoming more intricate. This track is designed to cut through that noise and provide clear strategies for driving growth.” The track begins with the panel "Affiliate Leaders Panel: The New Face of Affiliates: Branding, Voice, and Value," which explores the transition of affiliates into full-scale marketing brands. Industry leaders Brian Christopher (CEO, FlipTheSwitch.com), Stuart Simms (Group CEO, FairPlay Sports Media), Manuel Stan (CEO, Catena Media), and Zaire Williams (Founder, Exclusive) will discuss building audience loyalty through brand identity and personalized content. As mobile and social media strategies take center stage, the session "Beyond the Link: Redefining Affiliate Growth Through Emerging Channels" will look at how affiliates are becoming community-focused brands. Featuring James White (COO, Hottakes), Caleb Dykema (CEO, Vault Sports), Jon Bowden (CMO, Playstar), and Bryan Bennett (Principal, NorthCo Strategy), the panel will examine how TikTok, podcasts, and live streaming are changing acquisition and building trust. The "AI, Martech & the Player Journey: Redefining Engagement" session will highlight how machine learning is reshaping operator-player connections. Experts Vasilii Gamov (CEO, Peaky Ads), Jeremy Groves (COO, Evenbet), Dan Morrison (Director, Fast Track), and Adrianna Samuels (Consultant, STX) will explain how AI-driven tools and martech can optimize budgets and enhance player loyalty. Other sessions will focus on affiliate opportunities in emerging markets like Brazil, as well as how new martech is being used to sharpen player acquisition and engagement. SBC Summit Americas is held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 9-11, welcoming 10,000 delegates from the North American and Latin American gaming sectors. Across five stages, the event will feature panels on leadership, sports betting, casino, payments, regulation, and player protection, featuring some of the most prominent figures in the industry. Register for SBC Summit Americas: Early Bird VIP Pass – Available for $400 (a $300 discount) for a limited period. This includes full access to the conference, exhibition floor, networking events, and the Food Festival. Expo+ Pass – Priced at $95, this provides access to all conference sessions and the show floor, excluding networking events and complimentary food. Expo Only Pass – A free option providing access to the show floor, ideal for those new to the industry or teams on a budget.Affiliates and operators may qualify for a complimentary VIP Pass, offering full access to all sessions, the exhibition, and networking functions. 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.

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Wisconsin Sues Prediction Market Platforms After Authorizing Online Sports Betting

(AsiaGameHub) -   Wisconsin has become the newest state to initiate legal action against prominent prediction market platforms—including Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Robinhood—following the passage of legislation to launch legal online sports betting in the state. The lawsuit claims these companies are already providing Wisconsin residents with the opportunity to place online sports wagers. “Thinly disguising unlawful conduct doesn’t make it lawful,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a press release. “These companies’ alleged facilitation of sports betting in Wisconsin should be shut down.” The legal filings seek both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the companies from offering sports-related event contracts in Wisconsin. Sports Event Contracts Are ‘Indistinguishable’ From Regular Sports Betting Per the lawsuits, sports event contracts available on the five platforms are “indistinguishable from an ordinary sports bet,” as defined by Wisconsin’s law. Under Wisconsin law, gambling is defined as an activity that includes all three of the following components: Consideration (you pay or put something of value at risk) Chance (the outcome relies on luck rather than skill) Prize (you have the opportunity to win something of value) Any activity with all three components is legally classified as gambling in Wisconsin. According to the complaint, users trading on markets for events like NCAA basketball matches meet these three criteria. The ongoing debate over whether prediction markets qualify as gambling remains fierce. Proponents of these markets argue they are distinct from sports betting because platforms do not set odds or profit when users lose. The lawsuit acknowledges that unlike sportsbooks, the companies aren’t always on the other side of wagers, but adds: “But that does not get them off the hook, since each company still generates significant revenue from these sports bets by charging transaction fees each time event contracts are traded using their platforms.” The complaint makes the same allegation against Polymarket, even though the company doesn’t charge fees except on a limited number of cryptocurrency markets. For now, it has adopted a growth-first, profits-later strategy and is currently seeking an additional $400 million in funding at a valuation of $15 billion. Wisconsin Approves Legal Online Sports Betting Last month, Wisconsin lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state’s tribes to launch online sports betting. Governor Tony Evers signed the legislation into law on April 10. Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said she supported legalization as a way to regulate the already existing online gambling market. “It already exists on the edges, behind closed doors. It’s already there,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “And it’s already being abused by some, and that’s not going to change. I would rather us put as many parameters around it as we can to take care of our consumers and keep the revenue.” Is Legalization the Catalyst for the Lawsuit? “Except in limited circumstances, sports betting and other forms of commercial gambling have long been illegal in Wisconsin,” the press release stated. Yet, the state has only taken this action in the wake of legalizing online sports betting—presumably because sports event contracts are now seen as a threat to the revenue mentioned by Dassler-Alfheim. State regulators that receive direct revenue from sports betting, such as Arizona and Nevada, have also been notably aggressive in taking action against prediction markets. States have generally struggled to secure judgments against these platforms, with only Nevada managing to block Kalshi so far. The lawsuit cites that the companies are violating Wisconsin state law, but the platforms will likely argue that federal laws preempt states from having authority over their actions. 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.

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Chinese Police Arrest Dozens in Latest Raids on Illegal Gambling Dens

(AsiaGameHub) -   Chinese police have taken more than 50 individuals into custody during raids targeting groups that transformed abandoned buildings, private residences, and restaurants into makeshift gambling dens. In Guiding County, Guizhou Province, law enforcement officers detained 35 alleged gamblers who had assembled to bet on a fast-paced, high-stakes game favored in underground betting circles, according to Tianyan News, a Chinese media outlet. The group is said to have met at an abandoned structure adjacent to a train station. Investigators noted that the building was selected due to its limited accessibility and multiple entry points. Law enforcement personnel stated they monitored the group gathering at the same spot multiple times while preparing their operation. Guiding County, Guizhou Province, China (Image: Zhangmoon618 [CC BY-SA 3.0]) They described the gambling ring as “closely organized and extremely secretive,” with its leaders “deliberately opting to conduct activities after dark.” On the evening of April 15, multiple police teams raided the building—surrounding the gambling den, blocking all entry and exit points, and forcing open a door to gain access to the site. They discovered a group of gamblers “desperately placing bets” on a card game. No bettors managed to flee, according to police, who also seized cash and gambling equipment at the scene. Law enforcement officials noted that their investigation into the group is still in progress. Illegal Gambling Dens in China: Police Target Underground Betting Rings In the meantime, the Chibi Public Security Bureau announced that police in Chibi, Hubei Province, have dismantled two suspected gambling rings. On April 8, law enforcement officers apprehended more than 10 people caught betting on Texas Hold ’em games at a restaurant close to Chibi North Railway Station. Authorities stated that all suspects admitted to their offenses, and six individuals have been placed in custody. Investigators also seized over 30,000 yuan (approximately $4,400) in cash at the location. In the early morning of April 11, officers from Yujiaqiao Police Station seized a comparable sum of money from a group of alleged gamblers who had gathered to play poker at a private home in Hunan’s Shaziling Community. Authorities noted that the group had met twice before that month to engage in gambling activities. Seven individuals have been arrested, including one suspected ringleader who will face severe charges. All are said to have fully confessed during police interrogations. Police departments across the country have issued public alerts regarding the risks of gambling. All types of betting are prohibited in China. A police spokesperson stated that law enforcement agencies nationwide will continue to step up their crackdowns on gambling. Earlier this month, police in Hangzhou utilized a drone to locate and arrest a group of alleged gamblers caught betting in a public cemetery. 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.

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Banijay Entertainment Takes Official Ownership of Tipico Group

(AsiaGameHub) -   The acquisition of German brand Tipico Group by French industry leader Banijay Entertainment has now been formally finalized. The groundwork for the merger was laid in late 2023, when Banijay – a prominent entertainment and media conglomerate – publicly stated its plan to purchase a 65% share in Tipico from CVC Capital. Since French gaming brand Betclic was already part of Banijay’s portfolio, the company has now also gained control of Tipico and Admiral Austria, accessing a customer base of 6.5 million spread across Germany, France, Portugal, Austria, Poland, and Côte d’Ivoire. This establishes Banijay as a key European participant in the sports betting and online gaming sector. The company anticipates that its expanded Banijay Gaming unit will see double-digit revenue growth, with projected synergies of approximately €100 million (£86.7 million) over a medium-term timeframe. This transaction comes on the heels of a recent joint venture with infotainment company RedBird IMI, where the two entities took 50-50 ownership of All3Media, forming a leading global content production giant. On a pro forma basis for 2025, the combination of all assets would have generated revenues of €7.4 billion (£6.4 billion) for Banijay Group, adjusted EBITDA of €1.6 billion, and adjusted free cash flow of €1.2 billion. Internal restructuring includes the following:– Joachim Baca transitions from his previous role as Chief Executive Officer of Tipico Group to Vice-Chairman of the Banijay Gaming Board;– Mate Bacic shifts from CEO of Tipico Austria to CEO of Tipico Group;– Nicolas Béraud, founder and former CEO of Betclic, is named Chairman of the Banijay Gaming Board;– Julien Brun advances from Betclic’s Chief Operating Officer to Betclic’s CEO. Banijay Group holds 65% ownership of Banijay Gaming’s capital, together with CVC and the founders of Tipico and Betclic. This share is set to gradually rise to at least 72% over the coming years. Béraud commented: “Through this integration, Banijay Gaming emerges as a fully scaled European platform, boasting greater diversification and expanded access to large, fully regulated markets. “By combining our shared values, technologies, trading know-how, and customer platforms, we will speed up product innovation, improve our omnichannel services, and provide a more smooth and immersive experience for our players. “Our current focus is on unlocking the full potential of this integration to fuel growth across all our markets.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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Caesars Acquires Westgate SuperBook: End of an Independent Era

(AsiaGameHub) -   Caesars Entertainment revealed this week that it is assuming control of Westgate SuperBook—a decision that caught many familiar with the Las Vegas-based betting operator off guard. Westgate has earned a reputation in Vegas as a “sharp” sportsbook, one of the last independent betting providers in the city. Its acquisition by a giant corporation like Caesars signals the end of an era. “Since opening in 1986, our SuperBook has been a defining part of the Las Vegas sports betting landscape,” said Cami Christensen, President & General Manager of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, in a press release. Independent Bookmakers Face an Unfriendly Landscape Caesars’ takeover follows Westgate’s unsuccessful attempt to scale its business. The company expanded into eight states before shutting down operations in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia in 2024. Christensen stated the company is “thrilled to partner with Caesars Sportsbook to take it to the next level, combining decades of history with innovation, scale, and an even more dynamic guest experience.” However, this also feels like an admission that Westgate couldn’t compete with major sports betting firms and casinos. Westgate executives noted the company will continue operating in a similar style, and its famous SuperContest franchise will remain an integral part of the SuperBook experience. Vegas Tourism Decline Adds to Westgate’s Challenges Nevada has at least temporarily fended off the threat of prediction markets, but as online gambling expands into more states, Vegas’s appeal has diminished. Tourist numbers continue to drop. “Operating an independent bookmaker is expensive,” Robert Walker told CasinoBeats. Walker worked as a bookie in Vegas for 35 years, primarily under the MGM group. “Larger casinos are definitely more dominant,” Walker added. “Westgate failed in the US market. This move, while somewhat surprising given Westgate’s history, allows them to operate without the need for higher-priced traders.“ Despite recent struggles, there are signs Sin City will recover, and Caesars may have made a shrewd move in partnering with Westgate. The announcement came amid Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta‘s ongoing talks to buy Caesars for $18 billion. A New Chapter Ahead Located inside the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Westgate SuperBook describes itself as the world’s largest sportsbook. The space spans 30,000 square feet, with over 350 seats, and a massive 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K video wall. It’s designed more like a sports theater than the typical betting kiosks found in many casinos. “The Westgate SuperBook is one of the most recognizable sportsbook destinations in the world, and we are proud to partner with Westgate on the next chapter of its evolution,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “By powering the SuperBook with our sportsbook platform, we’re combining a legendary sportsbook environment with a modern betting menu and added convenience that reflects how sports fans want to wager today.” No financial details have been disclosed for the deal. Caesars suffered losses last quarter, but its digital sector is growing. Rather than invest in prediction markets as online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics have done, the company is betting on a Vegas recovery. Time will tell if this is a sharp move. 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.

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Sportradar CEO Labels Short Sellers’ Allegations as Personal Attack

(AsiaGameHub) -   Carsten Koerl, Chief Executive Officer of sports technology leader Sportradar, has retaliated against claims put forward by two short-selling investment research firms. Two days prior, Muddy Waters and Callisto Research released accusations of unethical business practices by Sportradar. Both firms have also publicly admitted to shorting Sportradar’s stock. The firms claim Sportradar has been actively working with hundreds of unlawful gambling operators, even as it offers integrity oversight services to the legal sector and major sports bodies such as FIFA and UEFA. Following these allegations, Sportradar’s shares on the New York Nasdaq fell by 23%. Since both Muddy Waters and Callisto had shorted the stock—meaning they bet its value would decline—it’s probable the pair profited from this drop. Sportradar moved swiftly to address the claims, and its CEO has since intensified his pushback. “I take this as a personal attack considering my position and responsibility I have for investors, clients, partners and employees,” Koerl wrote on LinkedIn. He added that “it is alarming to see so many false, misleading and defamatory statements about myself and the business designed to manipulate our stock price for the benefit of short sellers”. Sportradar addresses the disruptive allegations Koerl has grounds for calling the short sellers’ claims a personal attack. The accusations against Sportradar included pointed claims about Koerl personally, like assertions that the German executive has connections to Russian oligarchs. “I believe these were thrown in to promote controversy and take advantage of the current news cycle,” Koerl said. The CEO further noted that he was once a shareholder in Russian betting company Liga Stavok, but he sold those shares “when it no longer felt right to invest in an entity seen as linked to a geopolitical conflict”. Established in 2001 with significant funding from Koerl, Sportradar spent the next 25 years becoming one of the globe’s largest players in the sports tech and data gathering industry. Sportradar went public on the New York Nasdaq in September 2021 through an initial public offering (IPO), which valued the company at $8 billion (£5.9 billion at 2026 exchange rates). Today, its market capitalization is approximately $4 billion, with its share price falling from around $17 per share on April 21 to $12.90 as of this writing. The company boasts a wide-ranging client list that includes the previously mentioned FIFA and UEFA, along with major leagues like the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Baseball (MLB), NASCAR, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to highlight a few key partners. A large portion of its revenue comes from collecting data from these leagues and sharing it with sports betting and media partners. Prominent bookmaker clients include FanDuel (owned by Flutter Entertainment), DraftKings, and William Hill (owned by Evoke). Last year, Sportradar greatly expanded its international sports data rights coverage by acquiring IMG Arena from Endeavor Group Holdings. It also plans to enter the iGaming and predictions sectors in 2026, and last month launched a dedicated division focused on iGaming. While integrity services are still an important part of Sportradar’s operations, they are far less prominent than its betting technology arm. In its FY25 financial results, the company reported total group revenue of nearly $1.3 billion, with $1 billion coming from its Betting Technology and Solutions segment, versus just $8.9 million from the Sports Performance and Integrity Services division. Even so, the accusations against the company and its founder/CEO could affect not only its integrity services but also its partnerships with major licensed operators—many of which have spoken out about the risks that illegal gambling poses to their businesses. “There are numerous allegations in these reports that are either entirely false, poorly researched, deliberately taken out of context, or, at best, repackaging the same tired stories we have heard for years,” Koerl asserted. Koerl further stated that Sportradar ‘will address the allegations in due course with the appropriate facts’, and concluded by saying: “I am confident that Sportradar will continue to lead the industry with the support of our partners and incredible global team.” 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.

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3et emerges as the latest sportsbook competitor in Ireland’s dynamic market

(AsiaGameHub) -   The sportsbook brand 3et, owned by Eurasia Sports, has obtained a bookmaker's licence from the Irish Revenue Commissioners (IRC), gaining access to the market. With its parent company headquartered in Guernsey, the sportsbook has stated its strategy is to target bettors who prioritize value, moving away from the mainstream audience that is heavily focused on promotions. This approach is founded on providing more competitive odds, increased betting limits, and a reduced number of gamified elements. The style is comparable to an exchange or predictions platform, aiming to cultivate an experience for "professional bettors" that contrasts with the entertainment-centric model common among many large European operators. For its initial launch in Ireland, the focus will be on core markets with high liquidity, such as major US sports and elite football, featuring pricing centered on 1X2, Asian handicaps, and totals. “Irish bettors are knowledgeable about sports and value, and a significant number are searching for a sportsbook that delivers competitive odds and substantial limits, free from distractions,” commented Micheál Deasy, Marketing Manager at 3et. “This is the area where we feel 3et differentiates itself.” Opportunity in a tough regulatory environment? While European regulations become stricter, smaller operators employing sharp pricing strategies are pursuing licences in markets that are newly structured or in transition, particularly the UK and Ireland. This trend is illustrated by Bet St. George's entry into the UK, while Fitzwilliam Sports recently entered the online sports betting arena in both the UK and Ireland via a partnership with EveryMatrix. Additionally, Welsh operator DragonBet received a Remote Bookmaker’s Licence to extend its operations into Ireland this past January. The current Irish system, managed by the Revenue Commissioners under older laws, is being phased out in favor of a new framework supervised by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), which was created by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. Current licences will stay effective throughout this transition period, offering a chance for new market entrants to build a presence before the new system is fully implemented. These new companies might still allocate funds for international growth, even in the face of widespread tax increases. The rise of these smaller operators counters predictions that European markets might undergo significant ownership and structural changes as larger corporations attempt to consolidate market share. Such theories have been supported by developments like Banijay's purchase of Tipico, Bally's Intralot's proposed offer for evoke, and discussions of merger and acquisition activity involving Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes Coral. Another potential shift is Ireland's growing importance as a betting market. As UK taxes are set to rise significantly starting in April 2026, Ireland's relatively lower-tax environment could become more appealing to companies focused on Western Europe, acting as a counterbalance to the high-tax UK sector. 3et’s future moves Eurasia Sports' 3et has indicated intentions for a wider, multi-market expansion in 2027, with its entry into Ireland serving as a real-world trial for its competitive-odds, high-limit strategy within a fully regulated and competitive European setting. The brand is not a recent creation. 3et was originally introduced in 2015 as an exclusive, invitation-only platform for corporate clients and betting agents, only becoming available to the general public in 2023. It holds licences from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, based in its home jurisdiction of Guernsey. It represents another brand for the industry to monitor in Europe, as the sector navigates a flood of regulatory updates and shifting consumer demands. 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.

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Svenska Spel ramps up digital growth as Vegas division stumbles

(AsiaGameHub) -   Svenska Spel experienced a robust trading quarter, with its online division's expansion and the steady performance of its Lotto and Oddset brands contributing to a 2% rise in the Swedish group's overall net gaming revenue (NGR). In its interim results for January–March 2026, Svenska Spel reported that NGR reached SEK 1.88bn (£150.4m) for the quarter, an increase of SEK 30m compared to the same period last year. Svenska Spel's total operating profit for Q1 2026 stood at SEK 659m, marking an increase of SEK 25m, approximately 4%. Sports and casino drive Q1 growth The operator saw its most significant growth in the Sports and Casino segments, with NGR for these divisions up by 3%. While the Oddset brand was the primary driver of this growth, Svenska Spel also highlighted the positive impact of the Winter Olympics on betting volume, noting increased customer activity and higher average bets per customer. Anna Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Svenska Spel, commented: “We have high ambitions for 2026, and one of our priorities is sustainable growth with a focus on our strong products. It is therefore positive that the year begins with growth in line with the market, with the product brands as the driving force.” Sports betting was not the only area to show growth during the quarter. Svenska Spel also reported an increase in both activity and player volume for its casino and lottery games division. This translated to a 2% increase in NGR for the Luck Division, indicating a favorable outcome for Svenska Spel in Q1. The boost in performance was also evident across Svenska Spel's Lotto brand. However, this was somewhat tempered by jackpot levels not reaching the same heights as the previous year. During the trading quarter, operating margins also improved, rising from 34% to 35%. It is worth noting that achieving organic growth in mature, highly regulated markets like Sweden presents a considerable challenge. Svenska Spel has managed to achieve this modest growth by maintaining relatively flat overall costs as its NGR continues to increase. This growth is a notable achievement for a Swedish company in the gambling industry, especially when contrasted with revenue declines reported by several other Stockholm-listed companies, including Betsson, Evolution, and Kambi, in their recent financial results. As the Swedish operator continues to channel its revenue through its digital channels, which now represent 67% of total revenue, it is clear that Svenska Spel has moved beyond the initial heavy investment phase of its digital transformation and is now focused on optimizing growth. Land-based operations face challenges Conversely, Svenska Spel's land-based operations did not experience the same positive trends as its online counterparts, with its Vegas division facing a significant decline in Q1 2026. With a 17% decrease in NGR compared to the previous year, Svenska Spel has already implemented cost-saving measures to counteract the trend of players increasingly opting for online gaming. While the initial NGR declines may raise concerns, they are not entirely unexpected. Svenska Spel has been managing the reduction of its physical presence in Sweden for some time, as evidenced by the closure of its Casino Cosmopol properties. Following the closure of its final property in April 2025, Svenska Spel stated: “Casino Cosmopol has had declining profitability and visitor numbers for several years, as more and more people choose to play casino online. To limit losses, the casino in Sundsvall was closed in 2020, in February 2024 the casinos in Gothenburg and Malmö were closed and now Stockholm has also closed.” It is anticipated that Svenska Spel will continue its strategic shift away from retail and towards online operations, prioritizing "profitable business partners" in 2026 and beyond. Channelisation remains a key concern Eight years after Sweden introduced gambling regulations, the market continues to grapple with the persistent presence of unlicensed operators, particularly in the online casino sector. In its interim report, Svenska Spel highlighted that channelisation remains a "central issue" for the market's development, especially in a context of "tough competition" within the regulated market. With 134,500 players registered via Spelpaus, a "clear increase" from the previous year, the Swedish operator indicated that responsible gambling will continue to be a significant priority for the broader industry. In addition to responsible gambling, developments in Finland have also been identified as a potential influence on the Swedish market's trajectory. The interim report noted: “In Finland, the licensing process has now begun ahead of the upcoming reregulation of the gambling market, and applications for licenses under the new Gambling Act could be submitted from March 2026. This marks a clear step from political direction to actual market opening and is expected to gradually affect competition in the Nordic countries in the coming years. Overall, developments indicate that the gaming industry will increasingly be characterised by the ability to put decisions into practice, clearer regulation and intensified competition in already mature markets.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

SeaPRwire

EQIBank expands global, regulated Banking-as-a-Service platform for cross-border banking across fiat and digital assets

George Town, Cayman Islands – April 24, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – EQIBank today announced the expansion of its global Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, strengthening its infrastructure and onboarding capabilities to enable organisations to launch licensed banking services globally in as little as 10 weeks. EQIBank’s BaaS platform allows organisations to offer regulated banking services under their own brand without building or licensing a bank. It supports service delivery across more than 180 countries and over 100 currencies through a single banking infrastructure. Available services include multi-currency accounts, international payments, cards, lending, custody, escrow services, foreign exchange and OTC trading. Digital asset capabilities are fully integrated into the platform, enabling fast crypto-to-fiat and fiat-to-crypto conversions supported by deep liquidity and institutional-grade trading infrastructure. EQIBank provides the banking licence, compliance framework and infrastructure, while partners remain in control of their brand and client relationships. Built on a regulated banking foundation, EQIBank combines global reach with a strong compliance and risk framework. The platform includes integrated anti-money laundering, know-your-customer and transaction monitoring systems, supported by a strong regulatory track record. Its compliance framework is specifically designed to support complex cross-border and digital asset activity at scale, alongside established relationships with global correspondent banking partners. “Most organisations don’t want to become banks, but they do want to offer banking services as part of their business,” said Jason Blick, Chairman of EQIBank. “The challenge has always been regulatory complexity and infrastructure. We remove both barriers. Our platform allows partners to launch quickly, operate globally from day one and deliver services across fiat and digital assets within a fully regulated environment.” EQIBank’s BaaS platform is designed for organisations with international client bases, including digital asset firms, financial institutions, family offices and other globally focused businesses. Since launching its BaaS offering, EQIBank has onboarded new partners each month, with some partners scaling to over 100,000 users within their first year. About EQIBank EQIBank is a global digital bank providing accounts, payments, cards, custody, lending and investment services to businesses, institutions and high-net-worth clients across more than 180 countries. Through its Banking-as-a-Service platform, EQIBank enables organisations to offer licensed banking services under their own brand using regulated infrastructure and global technology systems. Media enquiries Brand: EQIBank Contact: Media team Email: baas@eqibank.comWebsite: https://baas.eqibank.com/

iGame

Advocate General of the CJEU pressures Malta: Bill 55 ruled incompatible with EU law

(AsiaGameHub) -   Nicholas Emiliou, a Cypriot diplomat serving as Advocate General (AG) of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), has issued what amounts to another EU legal position opposing Malta’s Bill 55. Delivering his second opinion on a Bill 55-related case in the span of two months, Emiliou primarily referenced a request from an Austrian court for a preliminary ruling to assess if the provision of the Maltese Gambling Act known as Bill 55 aligns with EU law. In response to this submission, Emiliou ruled that the Austrian court’s request is inadmissible. The court’s request is tied to one of multiple ongoing legal disputes across Austrian and German courts, which are examining restitution claims from players who lost money to Malta-based, Maltese-licensed operators that either lacked licences in Austria or Germany at the time of the transactions, or still do not hold valid licences in those countries. Even so, Emiliou did not hold back in his criticism of Bill 55, the common name for Article 56A of Malta’s Gambling Act. Passed into law in 2023, Bill 55 is largely designed to shield betting and gaming firms holding Maltese licences from court judgments issued outside of Malta. Emiliou declared that national measures like Bill 55 are “manifestly incompatible with the rules governing the recognition and enforcement of judgments” from Brussels. He added that rulings concerning player restrictions against Maltese online gambling operators, issued by any EU member state, must be “recognised and enforced in all other member states, including Malta”. Opinions from ECJ Advocates General are not legally binding, and are only intended to provide guidance for ongoing legal debates and proceedings. Even so, they can carry significant weight independently, particularly given the high number of ongoing legal disputes between Maltese courts and those of other EU member states at present. Thomas Bugeja, Partner at Fenech & Fenech Advocates, a Valetta-headquartered law firm, wrote on LinkedIn that “these observations will no doubt form part of the wider legal debate around Article 56A”. Malta left on the defensive When considering the wider context, the outlook is unfavorable for Malta’s protectionist policies for its gambling market, which was dealt a major blow just last week. On 16 April, a preliminary ECJ ruling – which, unlike an AG opinion, is legally binding – stated that EU law does not bar member states from banning online gambling services operated by entities based in other member states. This ruling undermined the argument put forward by Maltese legal authorities that the operations of Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) licence-holding companies in other EU nations were protected under the EU’s freedom of trade standards. Reinforcing this point in his statement yesterday, AG Emiliou asserted that “other member states are entitled to apply their respective gambling laws to operators licensed in Malta”. He added that “situations are bound to arise in which the services provided by a gaming operator holding a Maltese licence are unlawful in a Member State while being lawful under Maltese law”. Commenting on LinkedIn, Dr. Jeanella Grech, a Lawyer Linguist at the CJEU, summarised Emiliou’s opinion as being “that there is no mutual recognition of gaming licenses in EU law and, hence, a Maltese gaming license is in principle valid only in Malta”. Malta’s iGaming sector is of enormous economic importance to the Mediterranean island nation. The online gaming industry, regulated by the MGA, makes up roughly one-tenth of the country’s annual GDP. Two core factors have underpinned the sector’s success: the country’s 5% tax rate for iGaming firms, and the long-held belief that an MGA licence and the regulatory standards it represents allow holders to operate internationally, both within the EU and in other global markets. Legal challenges from Austria and Germany, combined with recent CJEU rulings and AG opinions, are calling this long-held belief into question, and could ultimately threaten Malta’s status as one of the world’s leading iGaming hubs. 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.