(AsiaGameHub) - Europe's gambling industry is taking an active role in the European Commission's (EC) initiative to combat online fraud throughout the continent.
Early this year, the EC started developing an action plan designed to enhance cross-border cooperation among member states in tackling online organised crime.
To build a comprehensive strategy, the EC invited stakeholders to provide feedback and share best practices for combating fraud schemes, including gambling industry representatives who have long been fighting the black market.
As a sector representative, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) responded to the EC's request for input by highlighting how illegal gambling providers target unsuspecting players by masquerading as licensed operators.
To support its position, EGBA provided evidence including websites with domain names that closely mimic those of legitimate operators, exploiting the regulated market's reputation.
Additional evidence revealed illegal mobile gambling apps on Google and Apple platforms, black market promotions on social media, and phishing schemes.
The trade association also reminded the EC that illegal gambling platforms accounted for approximately 27%, or €18 billion, of Europe's total online gambling market GGR in 2025.
This exposes players to considerable risk, as these platforms lack the protections offered by licensed operators and instead heighten the risk of identity theft, financial losses, and problem gambling.
Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, stated: "Our collected evidence demonstrates how fraudsters are systematically exploiting consumer trust in the licensed gambling sector, endangering European consumers and enabling the illegal online gambling market to expand.
"From counterfeit websites and fraudulent applications to phishing operations and social media fraud, these threats resurface as fast as they are removed. Piecemeal national responses to such fraud are insufficient – we require coordinated EU-wide action to prevent consumers and legitimate operators from facing an uphill struggle against fraud."
The EC's Action Plan on Combating Online Fraud is anticipated to be adopted in the second quarter of 2026.
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(AsiaGameHub) - A former teammate of AC Milan manager Max Allegri has disclosed how the veteran football coach scores major wins at casinos.
On the DoppioPasso podcast, Gianluca Atzori shared an anecdote about a gambling session with the former Juventus boss.
Atzori and Allegri played together at Perugia during the 1990s when the team earned promotion from Serie B. The squad would celebrate wins by visiting gambling establishments.
“We traveled to Venice for a match, and Allegri informed us that a victory would be followed by a casino visit, instructing us to pack our suits. He mentioned this to me and (Federico) Giunti,” Atzori remembered.
Following Perugia's victory, the players headed straight for the gaming tables.
Allegri Rewards Croupiers Generously
Atzori continued, “We each contributed 500,000 lire (approximately $350) and handed it to Allegri; he was fond of casinos and navigated them expertly.”
“It was my first time inside a casino. At the roulette table, the croupier spun the ball as Allegri placed his wager. When the ball settled on his chosen number, Max reacted with childlike excitement, and our payout was 36 times our original bet.”
“He then made a second wager, doubling his stake. Our winnings grew from 3.6 million to 7 million; across two bets we accumulated 10 million (roughly $7,000), and he handed the croupier a 2 million ($1,400) gratuity.”
In games of chance such as roulette, players seek any advantage possible. Various strategies exist, including the James Bond method, which involves spreading bets across a wide portion of the table.
Atzori initially disapproved of Allegri's lavish tipping, though he later understood it was a calculated move to secure the croupier's goodwill.
“When I witnessed this, I seized him by the chest and exclaimed: ‘That's my money too – 2 million – have you lost your mind?’ Yet I failed to grasp that generously tipping the croupier might influence him, intentionally or not, to guide the ball toward your numbers since he anticipated another substantial gratuity. Ultimately, we walked away with considerable winnings.”
Previous Gambling Controversies
As Atzori noted, Allegri's well-known gambling habit has previously created difficulties for the former footballer and coach.
In 2000, he received a suspension amid match-fixing allegations while at Pistoiese. The charges were later dismissed after an appeal.
More recently, in 2021, he faced investigation for allegedly utilizing a Malta-based gambling firm to launder money, with suspected connections to the 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate.
He reportedly expended over $400,000 across two overseas casinos. Financial regulators labeled these transactions as “suspicious,” triggering additional probes. No legal consequences have materialized from the case.
The 58-year-old currently serves his second term as AC Milan manager, returning to the club last year. He previously guided Juventus to five straight Serie A championships between 2014 and 2019.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The operator of bwin's Danish domain, part of Entain's international sportsbook portfolio, has been fined for breaching national marketing regulations.
The Copenhagen City Court imposed a DKK 500,000 (£57,000) penalty following a Consumer Ombudsman complaint regarding ElectraWorks' promotional campaign.
The campaign, run by ElectraWorks as operator of the Danish bwin site, was a 'Risk-Free Gambling' promotion. The Ombudsman reported it to Danish police as misleading in 2024 after a consumer complaint.
The promotion featured the slogan 'risk free gambling up to 1000 DKK'. After viewing the ad, a consumer placed a DKK 1,000 bet on bwin.dk that lost.
After getting a DKK 1,000 free bet, the customer made a second wager that won. However, they complained to the Ombudsman after receiving just DKK 15 in winnings.
Both consumer and Ombudsman argue the ad was misleading because the customer finished with less money than started, contradicting the 'risk-free' claim.
Torben Jensen, the Consumer Ombudsman, said: "When a gambling firm advertises 'risk-free' betting, consumers should face no financial risk.
"I must therefore emphasize that marketing games as 'risk-free' is clearly misleading if consumers can lose money."
Ads on Danish political agenda
The Court further ruled that bwin's actions constituted 'illegal marketing' under the Marketing Practices Act, which bans advertising that may mislead typical consumers.
The court noted 'illegal marketing had occurred for several years', targeting games at young people to attract new customers, requiring extra caution.
This fine comes as Denmark overhauls gambling advertising laws to improve consumer protection in its regulatory framework.
Denmark re-regulated its gambling market in 2012, ending the Danske Spil state monopoly.
Since then, many operators have launched, including LeoVegas (running BetMGM and Nye Expekt sportsbooks), Unibet, bet365 and Stake.
The overhaul, led by Taxation Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, will likely ban marketing during sports events and in public spaces.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Washington’s legislative effort to restrict prediction markets shows no signs of slowing, as lawmakers continue their attempts to impose limits on these event contract platforms.
The latest example is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), which would bar members of Congress, senior federal officials, and other covered government personnel from trading on prediction markets tied to political events and government actions.
Smith and Budzinski introduced the bill on March 25, adding another ethics-focused measure to the growing list of legislation targeting prediction markets.
Named the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act, or the PREDICT Act, the bill aims to prevent public officials from leveraging their access to sensitive information for personal gain.
In the press release announcing the legislation, Smith stated:
“Serving the American people is a privilege, not a means to profit. Our common-sense, bipartisan bill will assure Americans that their elected officials’ decisions are driven by merit, not personal gain. I am proud to collaborate with Representative Budzinski to ensure government officials do not profit from the sensitive information they are entrusted with.”
The bill follows a series of high-profile trades that anticipated major geopolitical events, including joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the U.S. military’s capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, drawing scrutiny to insider trading on prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi.
Budzinski emphasized these concerns in her statement about the proposed legislation:
“In recent months, we’ve witnessed cases where lesser-known traders made significant profits on events ranging from potential conflict with Iran to the duration of government shutdowns, raising valid questions about the use of inside information.”
PREDICT Act Goes Beyond Members of Congress
As drafted, the PREDICT Act would not be limited to members of Congress; it would also apply to their spouses and dependent children, congressional staff, the president, the vice president, political appointees, certain senior executive branch officials, and members of the judiciary.
The bill would prohibit these covered individuals from “enter[ing] into an agreement, contract, or transaction that provides for any purchase, sale, payment, or delivery dependent on the occurrence, nonoccurrence, or extent of occurrence of a specific political event.”
While some congressional bills have not specified penalties for violating their provisions, this legislation includes enforceable measures. It states that violators would face a penalty equal to 10% of the value of the prohibited trade and must forfeit any profits, with the funds paid into the U.S. Treasury. The bill also requires ethics offices to publish fines and the reasons for them on a public website.
However, the effectiveness of these proposals as deterrents remains uncertain, given that similar legislation—such as the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, passed over a decade ago—has not resulted in any insider trading prosecutions to date.
Congress Keeps Targeting Prediction Markets
The PREDICT Act is the latest addition to a rapidly expanding list of federal proposals aimed at regulating the event-contract industry. Here is an overview of other active measures:
Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act: Introduced by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) in early January, this bill targets officials who trade on government-related contracts while in possession of “material nonpublic information.”
End Prediction Market Corruption Act: Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) proposed this bill on March 5 to entirely prohibit the president, vice president, and members of Congress from trading event contracts.
DEATH BETS Act: Introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on March 11, this legislation seeks to explicitly ban contracts related to war, assassinations, and individual deaths.
Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act: Sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), this March 11 proposal focuses on consumer protections, age verification, and returning regulatory authority to individual states.
Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act: Introduced on March 25 by Sens. John Curtis and Schiff, this bill aims to prohibit CFTC-regulated platforms from listing sports-related or casino-style event contracts.
Given the pace of legislative activity, there is no doubt that prediction markets are a focus of Congress. However, with so many bills now in motion, it remains unclear which, if any, will have a realistic path to becoming law.
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(AsiaGameHub) - SBC Summit Malta 2026 will include a specialized marketing track designed to assist brands in evolving their acquisition and engagement strategies for the modern age.
As regulatory environments tighten and media channels multiply, marketing has become one of the gaming industry's most intricate sectors. Teams are no longer merely fighting for visibility; they are operating within a landscape defined by constraints and rapid evolution.
Scheduled for 29-30 April, attendees will hear from CEOs, CMOs, and marketing experts as they address the primary hurdles of modern marketing, including rising costs, changing player habits, and the increasing impact of AI and data.
The agenda is divided into two distinct segments. Marketing Unplugged, held on Wednesday 29 April, will focus on the strategic mindset required to solve the industry's major marketing issues, while Marketing in Action, on Thursday 30 April, will provide workshops centered on practical execution.
“Marketing departments are facing unprecedented pressure as costs climb and the room for error diminishes,” noted Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “By offering various learning styles, this stage enables participants to grasp modern marketing theories and apply them through hands-on practice.”
Marketing Unplugged will utilize diverse formats like CEO fireside chats, masterclasses, and live campaign reviews to promote deep engagement and discussion.
Discussions will cover Malta’s status as a global gaming center, leadership insights from CEOs, and campaign teardowns by CMOs. Experts will also discuss AI regulatory frameworks and the changing landscape of search.
Malta: The Global Gaming Powerhouse
The CEO Chat Show: Leadership Insights
AI Under the Microscope: Regulation and Responsibility
Marketing Channels: Balancing Spend and Savings for 2026–2027
The CMO Review: Live Campaign Analysis
SEO Trilogy
Marketing in Action will transition from theory to practice, featuring interactive workshops where attendees can develop and test frameworks for immediate use.
Participants will explore narrative-driven messaging, loyalty frameworks, and the psychological aspects of branding. Sessions will also demonstrate how AI and data can enhance campaign results and provide a competitive edge.
Media & Messaging: Storytelling in a Regulated Era
Player Retention and Loyalty: Maximizing Lifetime Value
Branding and Psychology: Capturing Market Share
AI and Data-Driven Marketing: Optimizing Campaigns
Speakers appearing throughout the track include Sam Behar (Marketing Director, Sky Gaming), Sean Bianco (Co-Founder, Gain Change), Conrad Bugeja (Head of SEO at LiveScore Group), Brian Christopher (CEO & Creator, BC Ventures), Alina Famenok (Growth & Partnerships Expert, Former-CEO Already Media), Ivan Filletti (CEO, Gaming in Malta), Nikola Jellacic (CMO, Casumo), Jesper Kärrbrink (CEO, Immense Group), Karolina Moscicka (COO, BugsyEmpire), Francesco Postiglione (CEO, Casumo), Dmitry Starostenkov (CEO, Evenbet), and
Marco Trucco (CMO, Immense Group).
SBC Summit Malta 2026 is set for 28–30 April at the InterContinental Malta, expecting 6,000 industry professionals. The event also features tracks on product, regulation, affiliation, and leadership.
Register for SBC Summit Malta
The VIP Event Pass is available for €600, providing full access to the three-day conference and exhibition. Expo+ Passes are €150, while operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary entry via the official links.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Maine legislators have approved a bill that would prohibit credit card use for sports wagering and online gaming. LD 2080 now awaits review by Governor Janet Mills after the Legislature gave its approval on March 25 following Senate passage.
Should the governor sign the measure into law, it would bar operators and management services licensees from taking bets placed with credit cards and mandate that regulators configure systems to block such transactions on mobile applications, digital platforms, and at physical betting sites.
This legislative action occurs as Maine gets ready to launch its newly approved online gaming market and while legislators evaluate additional gambling-related proposals, such as a separate measure to prohibit sweepstakes casinos that remains under consideration.
Representative Marc Malon (D) filed the bill in January under the title "An Act to Protect Consumers by Prohibiting the Use of Credit Cards in Sports Wagering" to safeguard Maine residents from gambling addiction, though the name was subsequently modified to encompass internet gaming.
At that time, Malon described the legislation as a means to balance the economic advantages of legalized gambling with consumer safeguards, stating:
"Legal and regulated gaming generates employment and delivers substantial revenue for our state. However, as sports wagering gains popularity and online gaming launches, the Legislature must focus on measures that balance these economic benefits with reasonable protections to prevent Mainers from developing addictions and accumulating debt. This legislation achieves that equilibrium."
Measure Revised and Broadened via Committee Amendment
The legislation experienced several modifications before taking its current form as "An Act to Protect Consumers by Prohibiting the Use of Credit Cards in Sports Wagering and Internet Gaming."
Initially submitted in January, LD 2080 originally covered only sports wagering, but an amendment adopted earlier this month extended its reach to include internet gaming and revised its title accordingly.
Under the revised version, operators offering both sports wagering and internet gaming would be prohibited from accepting bets from customers attempting to use credit cards for payment.
The measure would additionally compel regulators to establish rules blocking credit card usage across all betting channels, including mobile platforms and in-person kiosks, thereby strengthening the prohibition through both operational and technical protections.
In addition to approving this bill, the Legislature is examining legislation aimed at sweepstakes casinos. Earlier this month, Maine's Senate approved LD 2007, which would prohibit dual-currency online platforms. The concurrent consideration of these measures indicates that lawmakers are increasingly focused on consumer protections as legal gambling expands in the state.
Sector Shifting Away From Credit-Based Betting
If LD 2080 is enacted, Maine will become part of an expanding group of states that have prohibited credit card gambling in various forms, including Iowa, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Vermont, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
Major operators have also begun eliminating credit card acceptance. In August 2025, DraftKings ceased accepting credit cards for sportsbook and online casino deposits following a $450,000 penalty in Massachusetts for inadequate transaction blocking.
FanDuel followed on March 2, discontinuing credit card deposits nationwide for its sportsbook, casino, and racing offerings. These recent developments indicate the industry may be voluntarily adopting standards that prioritize debit-based and direct bank transfer methods.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The most recent FY25 financial results from Playtech Group have shown that the company is lagging in B2B revenue during a period when it is moving away from B2C operations.
B2B revenue from last year's trading amounted to €688.3m, a 9% decrease from the €754.3m recorded in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA fell by 36% to €141.4m compared to FY24's €222m, while post-tax profit was €44.2m – a 28% year-on-year decline.
The key factor affecting performance was the revised Caliente Interactive agreement at the end of 2024, under which Playtech ceased receiving extra B2B service fees in the first half of 2025 and began receiving dividend payments as a 30.8% equity stakeholder from the second half onward.
Strategic regional priorities
In contrast to the B2B revenue figures, B2C operational revenue stood at €78.5m (FY24: €97.8m), influenced by the €2.3bn sale of Italian gambling major Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment, along with a further B2C scaling back in Germany through the sale of domestic brand HAPPYBET.
Nonetheless, a significant bright spot for Playtech in FY25 was its advancement in North America. Revenue across the US and Canada surged by 71% year-on-year on a constant currency basis, rising from €29.8m to €48m.
The company noted that this performance was fueled by strong activity from clients such as DraftKings, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and Delaware North.
Live Casino has emerged as a key driver for Playtech’s US operations, the company confirmed, with the number of live tables operated by the firm nearly doubling year-on-year across its studios in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Turning to Latin America, the region was labeled a "core strategic priority" by company management, even as domestic revenue fell by 27% to €162m, directly attributed to the revised Caliente agreement and the introduction of VAT in Colombia.
Still, the regulation of Brazil at the start of last year helped mitigate a more severe impact, with Latin America revenue actually increasing by 8% year-on-year when excluding Caliente.
Colombia also remains a viable medium-term opportunity due to Playtech’s local partnership with Wplay and the potential for the government to reduce the 19% VAT on online gambling deposits to a 16% tax on a player’s GGR.
Despite tax challenges, B2B revenue in Europe grew by 4% year-on-year to €207.4m. Poland, Spain, Greece, and France were identified as top-performing markets for Playtech throughout 2025.
UK revenue, calculated separately from Europe, decreased by 6% year-on-year but retains key priority status for the Isle of Man-based company.
The public Playtech Evolution AB dispute…
The company also provided an update on its ongoing case with Evolution AB, stating: "Evolution has not sought permission from the New Jersey Court to add any group entity to the proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech plc or any of its subsidiaries."
In October 2025, Stockholm-listed Evolution released a statement alleging that Playtech had hired Black Cube, an Israeli private intelligence firm that markets itself as specializing in "high-stake disputes." Playtech later acknowledged commissioning a private investigation into its competitor and stated it "stood by its decision" to do so.
Evolution characterized the move as a "smear campaign," claiming the investigation—which purports to have uncovered evidence of the company operating illegally in jurisdictions including China, Iran, and Sudan between 2021-2023—aimed to damage its reputation and could cause "multi-billion-dollar" harm.
Playtech, however, countered: "Evolution continues to avoid legitimate scrutiny instead of addressing longstanding questions about its conduct, including its decision to supply operators in illegal markets and support unlicensed operators in regulated markets."
… which has contributed to a share price plummet
The dispute did not sit well with the market, as Playtech shares dropped from 349.5p to 237.5p in the first five hours of trading on the day of the announcement.
Its share price has generally trended downward over the past 12 months, declining by more than 50% during that period. The exception has been a positive trend since the start of the year.
Even today, despite positive remarks from executives, significant progress in North America, and an upgrade to its expectations, the stock has fallen by 7.5% to £3.31. Its market capitalization remains just over £1bn.
Upcoming and ongoing tax challenges, the current dispute with a rival, and declining revenue may be among the factors deterring investors from backing the widely discussed Isle of Man-headquartered company.
Playtech’s position as a London-listed firm—specifically a FTSE 250 company—is an unenviable one amid such transformation, and it will aim to advance as outlined by executives to reverse steep drops in profit, revenue, and share price.
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Kenneth Morton, Group Chief Financial Officer at Allwyn International, firmly asserts that no competitor can rival the company's history of generating cash, especially following the completion of the OPAP merger this week.
(AsiaGameHub) - The leadership of Allwyn International is convinced it has developed the most compelling investment proposition in the worldwide gambling sector, having become a publicly traded entity through its merger with OPAP.
As of market close on Tuesday, March 24, Allwyn was operating as the globe's second-biggest lotteries and gaming firm, solidifying its standing among the premier publicly listed gambling companies.
This deal will bring together Allwyn International and OPAP, the established operator of Greece's national lottery and retail betting network – representing the conclusion of a half-year strategic initiative to redefine the group's financial and corporate profile.
Generating value within a transformed Allwyn
Fundamentally, the updated Allwyn identity is characterized by its ability to generate cash, its extensive scale, and its operational consistency, all while strengthening its role as a major benefactor to charitable initiatives across its operational regions.
Nevertheless, for Group CFO, Kenneth Morton, who provided an exclusive interview to SBC News after the merger's completion, the narrative goes far beyond mere size, encompassing elements of trust, distinctiveness, and enduring value generation.
“We are not newcomers to this sector,” Morton stated, highlighting Allwyn’s long-standing collaboration with Athens-listed OPAP. “OPAP's investors are already familiar with our achievements. Overall shareholder returns have surpassed 500% since 2013.”
Kenneth Morton, Allwyn CFO – Source: Allwyn
He further noted that this strong performance stems from rigorous execution, which includes a twofold increase in OPAP’s EBITDA over the last half-decade.
Significantly, this proven history has fostered substantial investor confidence in the recently merged entity, evidenced by over 93% of OPAP shareholders maintaining their investments.
“We have generated considerable wealth for them – and that reputation is vital as we present the Allwyn narrative worldwide,” he remarked.
Reimagining the lottery concept
Morton has characterized Allwyn as a unique entity, standing apart from other publicly traded gambling firms.
Originating in the Czech Republic with SAZKA, the group has developed into what he terms a singular presence within the industry – an operator that has successfully established a novel category by expanding and updating the lottery framework across various territories.
“Our business is quite distinct,” he commented. “We have constructed something previously non-existent – a large-scale, lottery-focused platform.”
This distinctiveness stems from a blend of robust retail presence, advanced digital capabilities, proprietary technological solutions, and growing content integration. The collective goal is to broaden the appeal of lotteries within today's entertainment environment.
A core element of Allwyn’s investment argument is its capacity to provide both expansion and returns for shareholders – a equilibrium that Morton contended is unparalleled in the industry.
He added: “Since 2019, we have virtually trebled the business's size across all key indicators. Concurrently, we have produced substantial cash flow and distributed considerable dividends.”
According to Morton, this dual achievement reinforces Allwyn’s attractiveness in equity markets: “That represents a truly persuasive and appealing offer.”
During his discussion with SBC, he characterized the company as an uncommon instance of a gaming enterprise that can expand its operations while simultaneously upholding financial prudence and providing steady returns.
Diversification as a core strength
Diversification stands as another key advantage of Allwyn’s updated PLC structure, especially pertinent amidst unpredictable and fluctuating market environments.
“Among gaming stocks, we are among the most diversified,” Morton stated. “This is a significant benefit – both for mitigating risks and for future growth opportunities.”
In contrast to operators with heavy reliance on individual markets or product categories, Allwyn’s multi-market, multi-channel framework offers a more stable earnings foundation while allowing agility to pursue fresh expansion prospects.
The transformed Allwyn
Moving forward, the company's aspirations reach far beyond Europe. Although OPAP and other European assets form a solid base, Morton pinpointed North America as a crucial strategic area for the operator, in addition to developing prospects in South America.
He elaborated: “The gaming industry is seeing growing returns to scale. Competition is no longer solely against other betting providers – it's for consumers' time and finances against the broader global entertainment sector.”
Within this landscape, triumph hinges on scale, technology, content, and brand – domains where Allwyn is assured it has already forged a substantial competitive edge.
Notwithstanding the magnitude of the merger, Morton emphasized that the company's leadership perceives this transaction not as a conclusion, but as the commencement of a fresh chapter.
“This is likely the most thrilling transaction we have undertaken,” he stated. “It positions us at a truly promising juncture in the group's evolution.”
Allwyn’s attention now turns to implementing its subsequent phase of expansion.
“We have established a robust foundation,” Morton concluded. “The objective now is to elevate the business to its next stage.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Banijay Group has outlined an ambitious growth strategy to achieve €10bn (£8.65bn) in revenue by 2029, following two major transactions.
The France-headquartered entertainment conglomerate confirmed that its acquisition of Tipico Group and the merger of Banijay Entertainment with All3Media will reshape its business portfolio across content, live events, and gaming.
Both transactions are anticipated to conclude in 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
On a pro forma basis, the expanded group is projected to generate approximately €7.4bn in revenue, €1.6bn in adjusted EBITDA, and €1.2bn in adjusted free cash flow.
Chief Executive Officer François Riahi characterized the company’s recent advancements as a “step-change” in its positioning.
“With a significantly strengthened platform spanning content, live, and gaming, we are constructing an unmatched global entertainment powerhouse, ideally positioned to seize long-term industry growth and consolidation opportunities,” he stated.
“The signing of these two transformative deals marks a pivotal step in our development. We are transitioning to a stronger, more robust, and cash-generative platform.
“Building upon this momentum, our revised outlook reflects both the strength of our platform and our confidence in delivering sustained growth, strong cash generation, and long-term value creation for our shareholders. By 2029, driven solely by organic growth, we will be a roughly €10bn revenue group.”
Banijay’s gaming focus
Gaming will occupy a central role in the new structure, making up over half of the group’s EBITDA, propelled by the integration of Tipico.
The company will merge its Betclic brand—one of the most prominent in its home market—with Germany’s Tipico, forming a company projected to generate over €3bn in revenue.
Banijay anticipates robust growth across both core divisions – Banijay Gaming and Banijay Entertainment – by 2029.
The gaming business is projected to grow at approximately 10% annually, while the entertainment segment is expected to achieve steady mid-single-digit growth. Overall, the group aims for over 7% annual EBITDA growth, along with double-digit earnings per share growth.
This strategy reflects a broader shift toward integrating content and betting, enabling Banijay to monetize its intellectual property across various channels, such as digital and live experiences.
A recent media expansion
Tipico anticipates generating approximately €100m in synergies over time, while the All3Media merger is projected to add an additional €50m within the first year post-completion.
The latter transaction was announced just at the beginning of this month—only days before it published its full annual results.
Banijay and RedBird IMI have agreed to merge the London-based business with Banijay Entertainment in a 50-50 joint venture.
This is poised to create one of the world’s largest independent content producers, as evidenced by the figures it would have hypothetically generated in 2024. On a pro forma basis, the combined group would have generated over €4.4bn in revenue and €690m in adjusted EBITDA.
In addition to growth, the group is indicating a focus on shareholder returns, with plans to gradually increase dividends over the next four years.
It also plans to distribute a €400m special dividend upon completion of the All3Media transaction, subject to shareholder approval.
Looking forward, Banijay’s strategy centers on three priorities: organic growth, unlocking synergies across its expanded operations, and selective acquisitions. The company also intends to invest in AI and technology to drive product innovation and enhance user engagement.
Plans in a heavily regulated jurisdiction
Banijay stated that its 2026 guidance is largely aligned with its longer-term targets, with mid-to-high single-digit EBITDA growth anticipated, though this will be marginally lower following the impact of tax hikes in France.
Retail sports betting taxes in France have risen to 42.1%, online sports betting taxes from 54.9% to 59.3%, and online poker is now taxed at 10% of GGR (up from 0.2% of stakes).
There have also been discussions about regulating online casinos, which would presumably also face heavy taxation.
Banijay’s revenue increased by 10% to €1.59bn in 2025, and while this remains an impressive figure compared to some, the company still has a distance to cover to reach the 11-digit mark, especially amid these headwinds.
However, with the ongoing integration of Tipico and All3Media, it has further diversified and believes it is now better positioned to navigate the ever-evolving industry and deliver growth over the coming years.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The horse racing industry has voiced its disapproval following Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross’ confirmation that the Horserace Betting Levy will not be increased.
Labour Minister Ian Murray delivered the update to the House of Commons on the Baroness's behalf, noting that the decision reflects racing's vital role in the UK's economy and sporting heritage.
Consequently, horse racing remains the sole sport benefiting from a government-enforced levy, set at 10% of the annual gross profits for bookmakers earning over £500,000 from British racing wagers.
These funds are overseen by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) to support breeding, scientific research, and veterinary training. The levy generated £108m in 2025, an increase from the £105m recorded in 2024.
Baroness Twycross identified two primary factors for maintaining the current rate, starting with the broader gambling tax adjustments outlined in the 2025 Autumn Budget.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously revealed that Remote Gaming Duty will jump from 21% to 40% this April, while General Betting Duty (GBD) is set to rise from 15% to 25% in April 2027.
While these hikes impact online operators, British horse racing is excluded from the GBD increase, keeping its rate at 15% alongside the existing 10% racing levy.
Additionally, the government declined to expand the levy to include international racing, keeping the focus strictly on domestic British events.
Officials argued that the current levy, combined with commercial prospects, ensures a sufficiently strong future for the relationship between the betting and racing sectors.
The announcement referenced findings from a review initiated by the previous administration, which concluded in April 2024.
“The Government remains a firm supporter of racing. We back efforts to modernize governance, update the fixture calendar, and enhance horse welfare,” stated Baroness Twycross, adding that they will continue collaborating with the BHA and other stakeholders.
BHA expresses opposition
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport's governing body, has made its frustration with the decision very clear.
BHA CEO Brant Dunshea criticized both the duration and the conclusion of the process, stating it was disappointing that a three-year review resulted in no change to the rate.
Dunshea noted that the industry participated in discussions in good faith, providing evidence of the widening gap between the costs of staging races and the revenue received from betting.
He also suggested a shift in the government's position, pointing out that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) appears to have moved away from its earlier stance.
Prior to the Budget, the DCMS had cautioned the Treasury that racing would see little benefit from a tax carve-out unless it was paired with a levy increase.
Dunshea questioned why the DCMS now considers a rate change unnecessary just months after that warning.
He warned that the industry faces significant challenges, including post-pandemic attendance issues, a stagnant levy, and the implementation of affordability checks from the Gambling Act Review White Paper.
He suggested that if the government refuses to raise the levy, it should at least halt the introduction of affordability checks that could jeopardize the sport's financial future.
The BHA also disputed the government's perspective on returns, claiming the sport receives less than 3% from the gambling sector, compared to 7.7% in France and 8.4% in Ireland.
This decision may further strain the link between racing and betting, which was already under pressure during last year's tax debates, despite the BHA's ongoing cooperation with firms like Flutter Entertainment.
Internal friction is also reportedly rising among major stakeholders like the BHA, the Jockey Club, Arena Racecourse Company (ARC), and the Racecourse Association (RCA) regarding the sport's strategic direction.
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(AsiaGameHub) - A recent report indicates that New York’s three full casino licensees have the potential to achieve annual gaming revenues as high as $5.6 billion.
Final approval for the three new licenses was granted by the New York State Gaming Commission in December. Following a competitive selection process, the sought-after licenses were awarded to Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack.
An analysis by CBRE Institutional Research suggests all three locations are poised to be highly profitable. The completion of all projects is anticipated by 2031.
For their first full year of operation, the base-case estimate for Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is $4.7 billion. This would position the region as the second-largest gaming market in the United States, trailing only Las Vegas.
CBRE stated, “The Downstate New York market is significantly under-penetrated, and there is a strong case for each of the three projects to be among the highest revenue-generating casinos across regional gaming.”
Huge Gaming Floors to Attract New York Gamblers
New York is already a leader in sports betting, with its handle hitting $26.3 billion in 2025. The state exhibits a substantial appetite for wagering, and the new casinos will offer numerous gambling opportunities for residents.
CBRE explained, “The proposed gaming floors are massive, featuring some of the largest table game areas, if not the largest, seen in regional gaming, with over 200, 400, and 500 tables planned for Bally’s Bronx, [Hard Rock] and RWNYC, respectively.”
Upon full completion, Resorts World NYC is projected to be the largest casino in the US, equipped with 6,000 slot machines and 800 gaming tables.
The company plans to launch the initial phase of the full-scale casino later this year, offering up to 4,000 slot machines and 250 table games.
“RWNYC should also benefit from having existing casino infrastructure in place and an already established customer base, as the proposed project is an expansion of the existing facility rather than a ground-up development,” CBRA stated in its report.
Other New Venues Set for 2030 Openings
The two other venues will be constructed from the ground up. Hard Rock Metropolitan Park is planned to include roughly 5,000 slot machines and 375 table games, which will incorporate 30 poker tables. Developers expect to break ground this year, aiming for an opening around 2030.
Bally’s Bronx is also scheduled for a full opening in 2030, with plans for approximately 3,500 slot machines, 210–250 table games, and 40 poker tables.
All three casinos are situated in prime locations to draw visitors. CBRE observed, “Each location benefits from a high volume of passerby traffic, non-gaming-specific reasons to visit, and a large population base within a reasonable drive-to and/or train-to radius.”
Gaming Expected to Dominate Revenue
According to analysts, a bullish scenario projects total annual revenue reaching $7.8 billion, with gaming expected to contribute over 70% of that total.
“This contrasts with Las Vegas, where gaming accounts for less than one-third of Strip property revenue. We do not expect Downstate New York to resemble the Vegas model – these will remain gaming-dominated properties, especially given the higher margins associated with gaming versus hotel or ancillary spending,” said CBRE.
New York is not anticipated to experience the same declining visitor figures as Vegas. Over 65 million people visited the Big Apple last year. Resorts World will have the largest hotel capacity with about 2,000 rooms, followed by Metropolitan Park with 1,000, and Bally’s Bronx with slightly more than 500.
As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, analysts Colin Mansfield and Connor Parks said the hotels are unlikely to compete with New York City’s already substantial cash-paying customer base and will instead be largely reserved to drive gaming demand.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Authorities in South Korea report that illicit money exchange operations are focusing on Chinese gamblers within the island province of Jeju.
The region, a major destination for Chinese travelers, features eight casinos restricted to foreign nationals.
Law enforcement officials note a spike in local crime, attributing the trend to an increase in gambling-related pursuits.
According to the South Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo, the Jeju Metropolitan Police Agency recently announced a series of security measures aimed at curbing these offenses.
The agency highlighted a growing number of illegal currency transactions involving foreign passport holders.
A police representative explained that these unauthorized brokers serve undocumented individuals and casino visitors looking to move large sums of money abroad while bypassing legal remittance caps.
Chinese Gamblers: Authorities Launch Crackdown on Exchanges
Beyond currency, these operators offer illicit loans, which often escalate into serious offenses like kidnapping, extortion, assault, and fraud, according to the spokesperson.
Police also warned that fraudsters have begun preying on undocumented immigrants and Chinese gamblers in the Jeju area.
In one instance from February, a Chinese national in his 50s lost 30 million won (approximately $20,000) to a scammer posing as a broker.
The two individuals connected via the WeChat social media platform. Officers stated the victim handed over the funds under the impression that the operator would securely transfer the money to China.
However, the suspect reportedly vanished after receiving the cash and failed to complete the international transfer.
Officials emphasized that these illegal activities frequently result in violent encounters.
Last November, three individuals were detained for the two-hour abduction of a Chinese woman in her 30s inside a hotel room.
The victim was located in a luxury Jeju City hotel that houses a casino. She informed authorities that she had intended to exchange $87,000 worth of Chinese yuan for local currency.
Additionally, a year ago, three Chinese citizens, including a woman in her 40s, were apprehended for the fatal stabbing of an illegal broker to settle gambling debts.
The group was accused of stealing roughly $57,000 in valuables, including casino chips and cash.
Law Enforcement Issues Public Warning
Jeju police told the press they anticipate a further rise in such crimes as the number of tourists continues to grow.
Between 2022 and 2024, visitor arrivals surged to 662,976, nearly a fourfold increase.
During that same timeframe, casino earnings reached $324 million.
The casino located at the Jeju Shinhwa World resort in Seogwipo, Jeju Province, South Korea. (Image: jejushinhwaworld/Facebook)
To combat this, a specialized WeChat channel has been established for reporting suspicious activity to Jeju’s Foreign Affairs Police Force.
Authorities are also intensifying social media outreach targeting international visitors.
The Jeju police plan to display promotional materials in casinos and high-traffic areas to encourage the use of legitimate financial institutions.
A sub-tropical beach scene on South Korea's Jeju Island. (Image: Jungjin Moon)
A spokesperson warned that utilizing black-market exchanges puts individuals at risk of violent crimes against their person and property.
Local government officials are supporting the initiative through casino inspections to ensure entry protocols are followed.
A similar effort last year uncovered 15 procedural violations.
In September, Jeju police detained several Chinese nationals following what was described as a “riot” at a casino.
The incident involved approximately 50 Chinese citizens and casino staff after a player accused a dealer of cheating during a card game.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Slot machine developer International Game Technology (IGT) is conducting global layoffs of 700 employees, which constitutes roughly 10% of the company's workforce.
CEO Hector Fernandez notified employees of the job reductions via a letter sent on Monday. Since taking on his position in December of last year, Fernandez has been assessing the company's workforce.
“We looked into our areas of focus, our operational methods, and how our structure aligns with our strategy. As part of this evaluation, we were compelled to make tough choices regarding our organizational setup, and this process has resulted in a challenging yet essential step,” he wrote.
The layoffs are not tied to employee performance; instead, they aim to streamline operations following last year's merger with Everi. The merger was part of a takeover by New York-based firm Apollo, which agreed to acquire both companies for $6.3 billion in 2024.
Fernandez was appointed to lead the newly formed company and added, “The changes we are announcing today are part of our endeavor to simplify our structure, eliminate redundancies, and allow us to operate with increased clarity and speed.”
Plan Devised During Year of Waiting
Fernandez noted that severance packages are being offered to affected employees. He added, “For those departing IGT as a result of this action, we are dedicated to providing severance pay, outplacement assistance, and transition resources.”
Prior to assuming his CEO role, he was required to wait a year due to a non-compete agreement from his former position as CEO of Aristocrat.
During his year away, he stated that he developed a business plan centered on the 5 C’s: culture, capabilities, content, commercialization, and cash-flow generation.
“I crafted the plan, strategy, and execution approach for this role. I couldn’t engage in competition, but I could apply my intellect. That’s exactly what I did,” said Fernandez.
Company Moves to Next Chapter
Fernandez encouraged remaining employees to unite and push the company forward.
“What is crucial now is how we progress collectively: supporting one another, concentrating on our priorities, and continuing the work that will shape the next chapter of our company. We joined forces to build an enterprise capable of leading in a fast-evolving industry, and I remain confident in that opportunity and in the strength of our team,” he told staff.
The layoffs were first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, though the outlet did not specify how many of the job losses are in Nevada.
IGT operates two facilities in the state, including a Las Vegas location near Buffalo Drive and Sunset Road. The company moved its headquarters to Vegas last year following the merger.
The company also has employees in Texas, California, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. Internationally, it maintains a presence in Europe, Australia, India, and Latin America.
In his letter, Fernandez did not specify the locations of the job cuts. When announcing the deal to acquire IGT and Everi, Dave Cohen, a partner at Apollo, stated, “We are eager to collaborate with all individuals at IGT Gaming and Everi to advance the combined enterprise.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Medical professionals in Indonesia report a sharp increase in inpatients suffering from gambling addictions, with several hospitals struggling to manage the rising patient count.
The Indonesian media outlet Jatim Times reports that the surge in patient numbers is driving a steep rise in hospital bed occupancy rates. Officials note that during certain times of the year, these rates have exceeded 90%.
Doctors attribute much of this trend to severe gambling addiction. Staff at Surabaya’s Menur Mental Hospital stated that between January and April 2025, the facility treated 51 patients with serious gambling disorders—16 of whom were inpatients. By May, that number had reached 85.
These statistics point to a significant upward trend. For the entire year of 2024, the same hospital treated a total of 68 gambling addicts.
Trend Extends to Other Parts of Indonesia
The Surabaya figures are not isolated. Physicians in the capital, Jakarta, have reported similar patterns.
In November 2024, Indonesian media outlet Radar Bangkalan reported that staff at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) said around 100 people had received inpatient treatment for gambling-related issues in recent months.
The Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Image: Edogang1)
Kristiana Siste Kurniasanti, head of the hospital’s Psychiatry Division, noted there has been a “significant rise” in the number of patients with similar conditions.
She said approximately 200 outpatients are also receiving treatment for gambling addiction, adding that some patients are as young as 14.
Siste stated the figures doubled in 2023 and tripled the following year.
“These figures have continued to balloon,” she added. “Addicts don’t know when it’s morning, afternoon, or evening anymore,” she told Indonesian media outlets last week.
“They don’t even know when their money is gone. Addicts will go to any lengths to find money to gamble. They even commit crimes, such as stealing other people’s money and belongings.”
Experts told Radar Bangkalan that similar cases “have been found in many areas,” with the number of patients likely much higher in other parts of the country.
Medics said online gambling began to gain traction in Indonesia during the coronavirus pandemic. They blamed easily accessible online loan providers for enabling people to bet on credit.
Earlier this month, police in Kupang city arrested a taxi driver they said had become addicted to gambling.
The 30-year-old man allegedly pawned his employer’s car to fund his online betting sprees.
Police Make Arrests
Meanwhile, police continue their crackdown on online casinos, which has so far seen regulators freeze tens of thousands of dollars in hundreds of citizens’ bank accounts.
Officials say all the accounts were used to make deposits or withdrawals on online casino platforms.
In East Java’s Ngawi Regency, regional police officers report they have arrested six people on suspicion of using their mobile phones to gamble online.
The media outlet Surya Indonesia reported that police confiscated all six suspects’ mobile phones and bank cards.
At a press conference, they showed media representatives screenshots of banking applications they said the suspects used to place online bets.
“We will crack down on all social ills, including […] online gambling,” a police official told the press. “We ask for the community’s help in this matter. Together, we can work to create a safe and comfortable environment in the Ngawi Regency.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - DraftKings, FanDuel, Genius Sports, and the National Football League are facing a product liability lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), which claims the firms collaborated to develop and profit from an “unreasonably dangerous” online gambling product built to fuel addiction.
The 81-page legal filing was submitted on March 24 at the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on behalf of two Pennsylvania residents: Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson. Live microbetting, which lets users place quick, consecutive bets during a sporting event, is the core focus of this lawsuit.
The plaintiffs claim that the design elements of online sports betting platforms — such as tailored promotions, real-time statistics, and VIP outreach — are crafted to amplify addictive betting habits.
Combined, the plaintiffs state they placed millions in bets and lost over $2 million while using the FanDuel and DraftKings Sportsbook applications.
In the press release announcing the lawsuit, Mark Gottlieb, executive director at PHAI, said:
“These defendants, including the NFL, are working in tandem to turn regular sports fans into constant gamblers. By leveraging coordinated immersive marketing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and customer-specific algorithms, they manipulate users’ cognitive processes and inflict lasting, severe harm on long-time fans like Mr. Sage and Mr. Thompson.”
The lawsuit alleges that the tactics used by these firms transform “casual sports fans and recreational bettors into compulsive gambling addicts.”
By naming parties across the entire sports betting ecosystem — including sportsbook operators, data suppliers, and the NFL directly — the filing argues the system is set up so every participant helps boost betting volume, with all parties walking away with profits.
The plaintiffs are requesting both compensatory and punitive damages, plus an injunction to halt the defendants’ supposedly wrongful conduct.
Lawsuit Targets Microbetting, Personalization & ‘Always-On’ Gambling
The “flawed design” of the named sports betting platforms lies at the heart of this lawsuit. The filing draws a comparison between modern apps and traditional sports betting, where fans had to travel to place wagers before a game began and then wait for the final outcome, claiming DraftKings and FanDuel eliminated those natural restrictions and replaced them with a quicker, constantly accessible system centered on in-game live microbetting.
The filing claims these apps “remove the limitations that once constrained in-person sports betting locations,” crafting a “tailored and ultra-fast sports gambling interface.” The lawsuit explains how these quick bets placed on individual pitches, plays, shots, or other in-game moments impact bettors, stating they trigger a “trancelike state known as ‘dark flow,’ where users become fully immersed in the game.”
Unlike standard sports bets, which are settled only once a game concludes, microbets can be resolved in just a few seconds. All these elements create a fast feedback cycle that keeps users engaged and pushes them to place repeat bets.
To support its case, the lawsuit draws a parallel between microbets and slot machines, noting that the practice “fully immerses users in the constant cycle of ‘pulling the lever’ or clicking to place the next microbet while waiting for the next potential win.”
As a result, the plaintiffs allege:
Christopher Sage developed a serious gambling addiction after using the apps, losing more than $40,000 on DraftKings and $130,300 on FanDuel.
Terry Thompson faced even more devastating losses, with a total of approximately $1.52 million on FanDuel and $336,000 on DraftKings.
The filing also points out the role that tailored marketing plays in fueling addictive betting on these platforms, such as push notifications and VIP hosts assigned to high-spending users. The lawsuit claims that in some instances, these outreach efforts continued even after users tried to cut back or stop their gambling entirely.
These elements, the lawsuit contends, lead to a product design that prioritizes user engagement and corporate profits over the safety of bettors, drawing comparisons to highly addictive substances such as heroin, cocaine, and tobacco.
Commenting on the lawsuit, PHAI Litigation Director Andrew Rainer said:
“Following the example set by the tobacco industry, the online sports gambling sector has crafted a highly addictive, nearly impossible-to-resist product that blasts consumers with dozens of betting chances each and every minute, leaving a wake of shattered lives, including our clients Chris Sage and Terry Thompson.
“Instead of continuing to line their pockets with billions in annual profits, those responsible for this destruction — DraftKings, FanDuel, Genius Sports, and tragically, the NFL — must be held accountable. This is the process we are launching today.”
Lawsuit Puts NFL, Genius Sports Relationship Under Scrutiny
A notable aspect of this lawsuit is the inclusion of the NFL and Genius Sports, whom the filing identifies as critical enablers of the modern sports betting ecosystem.
Genius Sports holds exclusive rights to distribute NFL data to sportsbooks, supplying the real-time statistics required to run microbetting markets. The lawsuit claims the NFL has a direct financial stake in this system, as it holds an equity share in Genius Sports and its licensing agreements.
“The NFL Defendants engaged in unfair or misleading practices by providing DraftKings and FanDuel, via Genius Sports, with officially licensed live NFL game and player data and statistics — data they knew was essential for DraftKings and FanDuel to build microbetting options into the design of their Sportsbook apps,” the lawsuit alleges.
Per the filing, this partnership benefits both organizations when betting volume rises, particularly high-frequency bets like microbets, which bring in significant commission revenue.
PHAI, the group that filed this lawsuit, has a long track record of legal actions against the tobacco industry, including public liability cases that resulted in multibillion-dollar settlements in the 1990s. Whether the group will achieve similar success in its fight against the sports betting industry will now be determined by the courts.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) unveiled bipartisan legislation on March 23 that would prohibit prediction markets overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from offering contracts tied to sports events and casino-style activities. This proposed bill joins a growing roster of legislative efforts aimed at curbing prediction markets as these platforms face heightened oversight from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act would revise the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to prevent registered entities from providing contracts related to sporting events, athletic contests, or casino-type games. Should the bill become law, it would explicitly affirm that states hold complete jurisdiction over sports betting and casino-style gambling.
Prediction markets are offering sports bets — just with a different name. They are being offered in states where sports betting is illegal, like California, while federal regulators are greenlighting them rather than enforcing the law.My bipartisan legislation with… pic.twitter.com/oNvI2vw9IP— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 23, 2026
This legislation emerges at a time when sports-related contracts are a major point of contention in discussions about the legality of prediction markets. State regulators, tribal representatives, industry associations, and certain legislators have contended that sports event contracts are no different from sports betting, serving as a loophole that lets CFTC-regulated platforms bypass state laws and operate in regions where conventional sports wagering is limited or prohibited.
Redefining the Rules of the Game
In its current form, the bill would resolve the ongoing debate about whether event contracts are legitimate hedging instruments or merely digital bets. The legislation would modify the CEA to clearly define and prohibit contracts linked to “sporting events or athletic competitions” and “casino-style games”—a category that covers everything from slot machine activities to professional and college sports.
Speaking about the proposed legislation, Curtis put it in terms of state authority and consumer protection:
“Too many young people in Utah are getting exposed to addictive sports betting and casino-style gaming contracts that belong under state control, not under federal regulators. Our bipartisan legislation clarifies regulatory jurisdiction, ensuring that states can maintain their authority over sports betting and casino gaming.”
Schiff was more straightforward in criticizing the current setup of prediction markets, asserting that “sports prediction contracts are sports bets—just under a different label.” He noted these products are available across the country “in blatant violation of state and federal laws” and framed the bill as a means to shut a regulatory “backdoor” that undermines state consumer safeguards and tribal self-governance.
Capitol Hill Continues to Ramp Up Pressure on Prediction Markets
The Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act is the newest addition to a recent surge of legislative measures aimed at prediction markets—an industry Schiff referred to as the “Wild West” when he introduced the DEATH BETS Act on March 11.
Beyond sports and casino-style activities, Congress is targeting prediction markets from several angles as it seeks to impose stricter regulations on these platforms:
Political Integrity: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) put forward the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act, which would prohibit federal officials from trading in government-related contracts when they have access to nonpublic information.
The “Death Bets” Ban: Senator Schiff also recently unveiled the DEATH BETS Act, which explicitly forbids contracts linked to war, assassinations, or the death of an individual.
Consumer Protections: The Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act, backed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), suggests a more comprehensive regulatory structure that includes age verification requirements and a prohibition on using credit cards for betting.
As prediction markets grow in popularity, Capitol Hill lawmakers are signaling their intent to influence the future direction of the industry.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The PGA Tour schedule rolls on this week with the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and Scottie Scheffler enters the event as the primary betting favorite.
Matt Fitzpatrick is coming off his third career PGA Tour title at last week’s Valspar Championship, while Min Woo Lee returns as the defending champion of the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
Texas Children’s Houston Open Betting Odds at DraftKings
Below are the odds for the top contenders to win the Texas Children’s Houston Open according to DraftKings:
Scottie Scheffler +320
Min Woo Lee +1800
Chris Gotterup +2500
Jake Knapp +2600
Sam Burns +2800
Brooks Koepka +2900
Kurt Kitayama +3000
Rickie Fowler +3300
Nicolai Hojgaard +3300
Marco Penge +3800
Michael Thorbjornsen +3900
Ben Griffin +4000
Adam Scott +4300
Harris English +4300
Ryan Gerard +4500
Harry Hall +4600
Keith Mitchell +4700
Taylor Pendrith +5200
Rasmus Hojgaard +5200
Wyndham Clark +5400
Shane Lowry +5500
Pierceson Coody +5500
Sam Stevens +5600
Sahith Theegala +5900
Alex Smalley +6200
Davis Thompson +6400
Jason Day +6500
Tony Finau +6600
Stephan Jaeger +6600
Ricky Castillo +6800
Sungjae Im +7000
Top Favorite Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open
Chris Gotterup (+2500)
Memorial Park is a course that rewards long hitters, making Chris Gotterup a prime candidate for success this week.
Gotterup currently sits at sixth on the tour in driving distance, averaging 319.1 yards. His personal best this year was a 367-yard drive at the WM Phoenix Open, a tournament he won back in February.
Additionally, Gotterup secured a victory at the Sony Open to begin his 2026 season. He has shown he can handle the pressure of contention and could find himself in the winner's circle again on Sunday.
Top Sleeper Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open
Michael Thorbjornsen +3900
Michael Thorbjornsen appears to be on the verge of his first victory on the PGA Tour. He recently went head-to-head with Gotterup at the WM Phoenix Open, finishing just one stroke behind the lead.
Thorbjornsen also played in the final pairing at The Players Championship alongside Ludvig Aberg, though a difficult 5-over round resulted in a T-22 finish.
As a powerful driver who also performs well on the greens, he has a strong chance to secure his first tour win in Houston.
Top Longshot Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open
Tony Finau +6600
Tony Finau is a past champion at this event, winning the 2023 Houston Open before returning to claim a runner-up finish the following year.
Finau arrives in Houston following a solid T-18 performance at last week's Valspar Championship. While his overall form is strong, he can occasionally struggle with his accuracy off the tee.
That should not be a major concern at Memorial Park, a venue that is forgiving off the tee and features the fewest bunkers of any course on the tour.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Digital sports media group Better Collective has appointed Thomas Plenborg as its new Board Chair, as the company revamps its international strategy.
The company confirmed that Plenborg will replace Jens Bager as Board Chair, after Bager decided not to pursue re-election following more than a decade in the position.
Better Collective recognized the 'critical role' the incoming Chair has already served in its corporate evolution, as the company has broadened its presence from Europe to North and South America.
New horizons
Established in 2004 and based in Copenhagen, Better Collective has grown into one of the largest digital sports media companies specializing in the betting industry and runs one of the sector's largest affiliate networks.
The company has established a strong position in key regional iGaming markets, including Latin America through its 2024 purchase of Playmaker Capital. It also participates in other aspects of the iGaming ecosystem, such as responsible gambling through its Mindway AI subsidiary.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas Plenborg as our new Chair," stated Jesper Søgaard, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Better Collective.
"Having collaborated with him on the Board for the past year, we have already gained from his extensive financial and strategic expertise.
"His background with world-class companies will be extremely valuable as we continue striving to become the premier digital sports media group."
Plenborg assumes the board leadership position as Better Collective prepares to enter another sector—the rapidly growing, though controversial, predictions market space.
The company intends to utilize its US-focused brands such as Action Network and VegasInsider. This potential new revenue source follows the release of its Q4 and FY25 financial results in February, which showed a minor decline in annual revenue.
Plenborg commented: "I want to thank Jens for his leadership and long-term dedication to Better Collective. He has been instrumental in establishing the governance, strategic vision, and growth trajectory over the last ten years.
"I now anticipate collaborating closely with the management team and fellow Board members to further develop Better Collective for the benefit of all stakeholders, including customers, partners, employees, and shareholders."
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(AsiaGameHub) - Codere, Spain’s second-largest gambling company after Cirsa, is being offered for sale with a valuation of approximately €2 billion ($2.3 billion).
According to a report from Spanish news outlet Expansión, the company has engaged US firm Jefferies and Australia-based Macquarie Capital as financial advisors to oversee the sale process.
Sale To Complete In Summer
The process remains in its early stages, with a provisional mid-May deadline for interested parties to submit non-binding offers. Binding offers are expected to be submitted around July, with a purchase agreement finalized by August.
Established by the Martínez Sampedro family in 1980, the company has undergone multiple restructurings in recent years. Its current shareholding is now distributed among roughly 84 investment funds, with Davidson Kempner holding a 13.3% stake, followed by Palmerston Capital (5.6%), Deltroit (5.47%), System 2 Capital (5.15%), and Invesco (5.14%).
Company in Good Financial Health
A 2024 agreement with creditors converted approximately €1.2 billion of debt into equity. Gonzaga Higuero, the company’s CEO, described the deal as “a decisive success for Codere, a guarantee for the future that secures our financial position and reactivates the company’s ability to achieve its set growth objectives.”
In 2024, the group recorded revenues of €1.346 billion ($1.56 billion) and an adjusted EBITDA of €179 million ($207 million).
The company operates in seven countries: Spain, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Uruguay, through both physical gambling venues and online platforms. Its business includes slot machines, bingo halls, sports betting terminals, arcades, gaming rooms, bars, and racetracks.
Its online division is listed separately on the Nasdaq but will also be included in the sale. This segment accounted for 12% of total revenue in 2024.
Spain No Longer Highest Revenue Stream
Though founded in Spain, the country’s strict stance on gambling has led to reduced revenue there. Codere was among several companies fined by Spain’s regulator last year during a gambling crackdown. The company was fined €17,500 for using unapproved technical systems.
In 2024, Italy and Mexico contributed 21% and 17% of the company’s revenue, respectively, while Spain generated around 16%.
Gambling companies in Spain must comply with stricter regulations, including displaying strongly worded warning messages similar to those on tobacco products. These measures were introduced by the country last year.
The new messages include:
Gambling addiction is a risk of gambling
The probability of being a losing gambler is 75%
Losses for all gamblers are four times greater than their winnings
Minister for Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy has led the reforms, stating that “the responsibility should not fall on users but on the authorities, who have the democratic duty to ensure that the environments they access are safe.”
It remains unclear whether Spain’s stricter gambling regulations will impact the potential sale of Codere.
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(AsiaGameHub) - SBC Summit Americas is set to debut a specialized Prediction Markets Forum to analyze one of the most rapidly expanding and discussed segments within the US sports betting landscape.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 11, as part of the event's Breakout Stage, the forum will gather operators, legal professionals, and industry analysts to discuss the growth of prediction markets, the entry of sportsbooks into the field, and the regulatory and integrity hurdles ahead. The four-session track will be moderated by Patrick Everson, a sports betting analyst and contributor to FOX Sports.
The recent spike in interest for prediction markets is largely linked to the 2024 presidential election, which pushed event contracts into the public spotlight.
Since that time, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have all taken steps to enter the sector, while platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are expanding their reach through high-profile athlete endorsements and multi-year league partnerships. However, the industry faces legal uncertainty due to conflicting federal decisions and a surge in state-level enforcement actions and lawsuits from gaming regulators.
“Prediction markets are set to be a defining feature of the American market by 2026, though the ambiguity between financial trading and traditional wagering presents significant challenges for the sector,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC. “This forum will gather the key figures influencing this space to help the industry understand the road ahead.”
The program begins with an introductory session, Prediction Markets 101. Speaker Dan Zucker (President, Zucker Media Group) will explore the evolution of event contracts from 19th-century economic hedging to their current status as a potential billion-dollar industry. He will also explain the mechanics of these markets, the reasons for their rapid growth, and their influence on the modern gambling sector.
Over the past 18 months, several prominent US operators have moved into the world of event contracts. In the session "How Sportsbooks Are Entering the World of Event Contracts," experts Dr. Laila Mintas (CEO, Dr. Mintas Consulting), David Huffman (COO, Sporttrade), and Dustin Gouker (Founder, The Closing Line) will discuss the motivations behind these moves and whether state-level partnerships are a vital part of their strategy.
The "A Question of Compliance and Integrity" panel will focus on the legal and regulatory hurdles facing US prediction markets. Legal expert Dan Wallach (Partner, Wallach Legal) will analyze the regulatory landscape, ongoing lawsuits from gaming groups and states, and the resulting compliance issues for operators.
Looking forward, the "What’s the Future of Futures?" session will consider the long-term effects of prediction markets on the betting industry. Speakers Ilya Beylin (Associate Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law), Robin D Hanson (Associate Professor, George Mason University), and Chris Gerlacher (Senior Political Reporter and Industry Analyst, Prediction News) will discuss potential Supreme Court involvement and the tension between land-based opponents and online sportsbooks seeking to integrate these markets.
This subject will also be explored on the Leaders Stage in a panel titled “The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US.” Experts Joshua B. Sterling (Partner, Milbank) and Alex Kane (CEO, Sporttrade) will review the evolution of these markets across North America and the reactions from investors, regulators, and operators to the shifting environment.
The Prediction Markets Forum is a key component of the two-day SBC Summit Americas conference. In addition to the Breakout Stage, attendees can explore sessions on sports betting, casino gaming, payments, technology, compliance, affiliation, leadership, and player safety across North and Latin America.
Secure Your Entry to SBC Summit Americas:
VIP Pass – Priced at $700, providing full access to the conference agenda, expo floor, the Food Festival, and evening networking events.
Expo+ Pass: Available for $95, offering access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (excluding evening networking events).
Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes: Qualified operators and affiliates may apply for free passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass | Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass.
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