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Betable introduces three new challenger brands to the UK sports betting sector

(AsiaGameHub) -   Betable has demonstrated its technological capabilities by introducing three new sportsbook brands to the UK market during the first half of 2026. The company has managed the UK debut of the three brands—Ivy Bet, RightBet, and Bet442—which now compete among other sportsbooks licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (GC). In these launches, Ivy Bet operates as the new sportsbook division of Ivy Casino, and RightBet arrives as a fresh challenger brand. Separately, Bet442 has transferred its sportsbook operations to the Betable platform to improve performance and broaden its services. This rollout includes two entirely new brands: Ivy Bet, the sportsbook extension of Ivy Casino, and the newcomer RightBet. It also underscores Betable's expanding function in providing both new and existing operators with scalable, regulation-compliant sportsbook infrastructure. This deployment of multiple brands represents a strategic achievement for Betable as it works to cement its status as an essential technology and compliance partner within the UK's intensely competitive betting sector. Betable states that these collaborations highlight the robustness of its platform in scaling operations in the UK's iGaming and sportsbook industry—widely considered one of the world's most fiercely competitive regulated markets. The UK gambling industry entered a new fiscal period on 1 April, with Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) fixed at 40%, leading to stricter cost management and operational adjustments for operators. Additional pressure is anticipated, as the tax on remote betting (excluding horse racing) is due to rise from 15% to 25% starting 1 April 2027. In this context, Betable asserts that its platform will supply the technical efficiencies and regulatory assistance necessary for challenger brands to compete successfully in the UK. Charlie Noble, Chief Operating Officer at Betable, commented: “The simultaneous launch of several sportsbook brands on our platform showcases the adaptability and scalability of our technology. “The UK continues to be one of the globe's most competitive and strictly regulated betting environments, and we are honored to back brands such as Bet442, Ivy Bet, and RightBet as they build and grow their market position.” These launches point to a rising need among operators for adaptable sportsbook technology that can facilitate quicker market entry, smooth transitions, and compliant expansion in regulated markets like the UK. Mark Good, representing Ivy Bet, stated: “Introducing Ivy Bet is a logical next step after the achievement and swift expansion of Ivy Casino in the UK. “Broadening the Ivy brand into sports betting opens up fresh possibilities for players who like both casino and sports wagering. Betable's platform offers the regulated foundation needed to realize this goal.” 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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mkodo Commemorates 25th Anniversary with a Managing Director Transition

(AsiaGameHub) -   B2B technology provider mkodo is celebrating its 25th year with a change in leadership. Co-Founder Stuart Godfree is stepping down from the position of Managing Director, with David da Silva taking over the role with immediate effect. Godfree has been instrumental in the firm's growth, steering it from an initial emphasis on mobile innovation to its current status as an international technology partner for operators such as the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), and Superbet. This shift in leadership occurs during a period of major change in the iGaming and lottery industries, where operators are contending with increased costs and more stringent regulations. “Achieving 25 years is a significant and proud achievement for mkodo,” stated Godfree. “The company is on solid footing, with established technology, enduring partnerships, and a superb team. “Under David's guidance, mkodo will maintain its innovative drive while keeping a sharp focus on reliability, compliance, and player experience in the globe's most strictly regulated markets.” New mkodo Managing Director arrives with sector expertise The incoming Managing Director, da Silva, offers extensive experience in product development and commercial strategy within regulated environments. His hiring indicates a reinforced commitment by the London-based company to assist operators in harmonizing user experience with intricate compliance demands. His career history includes serving as Commercial Director at competing B2B suppliers Nektan PLC and Cashbet. He also held the post of Chief Operating Officer at the Dublin FinTech company Symphony FS briefly in 2018. From 2019 to 2024, he was the Chief Executive Officer at the odds comparison platform easyodds.com and continues to act as a Director at the consultancy headbaker. He comes to mkodo following his co-founding of the non-profit SoGood Partners in 2023, where he also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer. “Fundamentally, iGaming is an entertainment offering, yet it now functions under rigorous regulatory oversight,” said da Silva. “The operators that will thrive moving forward are those capable of providing both—frictionless, captivating experiences and strong, automated compliance.” Moving forward, da Silva will concentrate on growing mkodo's core product portfolio and aiding operators as additional regulated markets open. “At its heart, iGaming is an entertainment product, but one that now functions under intense regulatory scrutiny,” he elaborated. “The operators that will prosper in the coming era are those that can offer both—seamless, engaging experiences and sturdy, automated compliance. Striking that balance will separate the winners. “Markets such as Brazil and regions in North America, most recently Alberta, Canada, demonstrate the rapid pace of regulatory evolution. “This presents both opportunity and complexity. Our mission is to empower operators to grow with assurance—providing experiences that players enjoy, while upholding the most stringent compliance standards operationally.” 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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Uri Poliavich of Soft2Bet evaluates Q1 performance and looks forward to the World Cup

(AsiaGameHub) -   Soft2Bet founder and CEO Uri Poliavich has announced that the firm has begun 2026 with significant momentum, driven by the launch of new brands, fresh sponsorships, and robust performance in international markets. Image: Soft2Bet Speaking to employees, partners, and industry journalists during a Q1 town hall, Poliavich compared the company’s progress to Formula One, stating that the groundwork laid in the first quarter will help them navigate the challenges ahead this year. “Ayrton Senna was one of the most remarkable figures in Formula One history,” he noted. “He would walk the track before every race to identify every potential opportunity. We adopted the same strategy in Q1, preparing ourselves for Q2 and the remainder of the year.” New Brand Launches from Soft2Bet The first quarter was a highly active period for Soft2Bet, which introduced five new brands to its portfolio. Focusing on regions where it has previously seen success, the company launched these new brands in Denmark, Romania, and Sweden. In Sweden, the Viking-themed brand Lodur—utilizing Soft2Bet’s MEGA gamification technology—was introduced, with Poliavich noting encouraging early data. In Denmark, the company strengthened its presence in one of Europe’s most established markets by launching three brands: Betinia, Bet Toro, and Quick Casino. Additionally, Soft2Bet debuted Zinx in Romania, a new platform for sports betting and casino gaming that features a cartoon-style character. Leading Market Performances Although Poliavich did not provide exact financial data, he identified the top-performing regions. Four markets occupied the top three positions in the company's global rankings. Denmark secured the third spot, supported by brand awareness campaigns through CampoBet and Betinia’s sponsorships of national football leagues. Tied for third were Greece and Sweden—both recognized as major European markets, despite the regulatory complexities found in the Swedish landscape. In what the founder described as a "surprising" result, Mexico emerged as Soft2Bet’s highest-performing market during the first quarter. “We entered the Mexican market with thorough preparation, which is why it exceeded our internal projections this quarter,” he remarked. Expanded Sponsorship Portfolio Alongside the brand launches, Soft2Bet finalized four new sponsorship deals in Q1 to increase brand visibility among new audiences. In addition to the Danish football league partnerships for Betinia and CampoBet, the company gained traction in Canada through deals with Rock League Curling and the Oshawa FireWolves. Furthermore, the company extended its partnership with FC Cluj in Romania for another season. Poliavich commented: “We value their competitive spirit and dedication. Despite not being from Romania's largest city, the results from Cluj are impressive. We aim to adopt their values and integrate them into our player experience.” Future Outlook Despite the strong start, Poliavich emphasized that Soft2Bet remains focused on growth. The company anticipates a 20% increase in GGR for the next quarter, with cost-saving measures expected to drive a 29% rise in EBITDA. The company is also looking forward to the World Cup this summer, which will be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada—three territories where Soft2Bet maintains a significant presence. To align with the tournament, the firm has introduced MEGA 11, a football management gamification tool, and MEGA Shoot, a player-versus-player tournament mechanic designed for the World Cup period. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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Gambling expert urges operators to reveal the actual cost of bonuses

(AsiaGameHub) -   Following a new study that reveals some UK gamblers either don’t fully understand the terms of certain welcome bonuses or directly view them as “deceptive,” one of the study’s co-authors tells SBC News his thoughts on how to make bonuses more aligned with consumer expectations. Jamie Torrance is a psychology lecturer and researcher at Swansea University. He has conducted extensive research on problem gambling; his other work includes studies on public perceptions of gambling in the British Army, how family dynamics shape gambling behaviors, and the delivery of gambling advertising, among other topics. It’s fair to say he’s an authoritative voice in the field of gambling studies. In Torrance’s op-ed for The Conversation, it was highlighted that many respondents in his latest research either saw bonus incentives as “manipulative” or consistently miscalculated the compounded amounts involved. This was sure to draw attention—so SBC News sought to dig deeper into the underlying issues. The study’s premise is straightforward: survey 585 participants who gambled in the past year and present them with a realistic welcome bonus modeled after actual promotions from online gambling platforms. As the research describes it: “Welcome bonus: get 150% up to £150 on your first deposit”. Half the participants viewed the offer in a standard industry format, starting with a £50 deposit for the bonus. The other half saw the same promotion but with a clear note that an additional £750 must be wagered before any winnings can be withdrawn—exactly how a 10x wagering requirement applies to a £50 deposit. “More than 90% of participants underestimated the true cost,” Torrance wrote for The Conversation. “Only around 5% got it right.” “The £500 figure is telling. It is exactly what you would get if you applied the 10-times multiplier to the £50 deposit but ignored the 150% bonus on top. Most people understood part of the calculation but missed the compounding effect.” Clarifying bonus practices When SBC News reached out to understand why this misconception is so widespread, Torrance concluded that the wording of current offers isn’t intuitively understandable. “I think it comes down to the structure of the offers themselves rather than any deficit on the part of bettors. The headline figures (the deposit match and the multiplier) are easy to read, but the interaction between them requires a multi-step calculation that most people don’t intuitively perform. People are grasping part of the offer and missing the compounding effect, and the standard format doesn’t help them bridge that gap. There’s also a motivational element at sign-up: someone keen to start playing is not in the ideal headspace to interrogate terms and conditions.” Until recently, this gap was even wider. Before January, operators could set these multipliers as high as 50 times the bonus amount. However, the Gambling Commission capped them at 10x—a direct result of the Gambling Act Review White Paper, which called for simpler and more transparent promotions. Torrance continued: “There has been real progress [with the White Paper], particularly on the structural side (financial risk checks, online slot stake limits, the statutory levy), and the work on direct marketing and cross-selling is welcome. On bonuses specifically, the January 2026 cap on wagering requirements at 10 times is a meaningful step in the right direction.” However, Torrance notes that capped multipliers are a separate issue from making costs visible to consumers, and more needs to be done in that area. “Our data suggest that even under the new rules, consumers are still significantly misjudging what these offers require of them.” Bonuses have received increased attention lately, especially during and after the Gambling Act review. A key measure from the review’s April 2023 White Paper was a ban on cross-selling bonuses between betting, gaming, and lottery platforms. Still, some feel more can be done to improve bonus practices. An interesting idea Torrance raised in our interview was hypothetical “age-differentiated incentives,” which treat users aged 18–24 differently from older players. Drawing on psychology, he argued that this younger age group is still at a stage where impulsivity, peer influence, and price sensitivity converge—and welcome bonuses could act as an entry point into sustained gambling. “Several jurisdictions, including Australia, Spain, Belgium and Italy, have gone as far as banning inducements to new customers outright, which gives a sense of the range of options on the table internationally. “An age-differentiated approach to inducements is something I think deserves serious consideration, and it’s an area I’m actively researching.” Torrance concluded the interview by putting forward a proposal to the Gambling Commission, which he believes would lead to better-informed players in the future. “I want to be fair here, because the Commission has done substantial work on consumer protection in recent years and the wagering cap itself is a good example of that. The refinement I’d point to is at the point of disclosure. Requiring operators to display a short worked example, in the same prominence as the headline offer, showing what the wagering requirement actually means (or its ’true cost’) would be a welcome change.” 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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GG.BET launches latest feature for esports betting ecosystem

(AsiaGameHub) -   GG.BET is fully confident that its latest feature will help the brand distinguish itself in the fiercely competitive esports betting market, a company representative told SBC News. The Kyiv-based esports betting technology firm unveiled Popular Bets yesterday, a dedicated section on its website that displays pre-built bets based on trending matches and markets. Betters using the platform can select their preferred combination, which is then automatically added to their betslip. The company believes the feature will help users make faster decisions by seeing which selections are most popular among other platform users. “Popular Bets was created to genuinely improve the betting experience for a broad range of audiences,” GG.BET’s spokesperson told SBC News. “For newer users, this feature removes the barrier of having to independently analyse markets and build bets from scratch — something that can feel challenging on a platform with such a wide selection of sports and esports events as GG.BET.  “For more experienced users, it offers a convenient way to quickly place bets on popular matches without having to complete the full manual selection process.  “In both cases, the recommendation algorithm guarantees that the suggested combinations reflect real activity taking place on the platform. This means users see relevant, up-to-date options based on actual popularity rather than random or template-generated selections.” GG.BET is an esports-focused betting platform, operating in the rapidly growing, highly competitive space alongside a number of other companies — though it also offers full betting solutions for traditional sports. The global esports sector has exploded in value over recent years, and esports betting has grown right alongside it. Various industry studies have placed the global value of the esports betting space in the billions, for example, a 2026 report from ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates the value will fall somewhere between $2.8bn-$3bn. Like other emerging betting markets, esports has drawn inspiration from more established traditional sectors, such as football. The most notable example of this is the adoption of bet builders, a feature offered by providers including GG.BET. Bet builders can now be used on esports titles like League of Legends or Valorant in exactly the same way they are used on traditional competitions like the Premier League or LALIGA. “Popular Bets and Bet Builder address different but complementary user needs,” GG.BET’s spokesperson added. “Bet Builder is designed for users who want full control — the ability to combine multiple markets within a single match and build fully customised bets.  “In contrast, Popular Bets is built for speed and discovery: users receive ready-made combinations for popular matches that can be added to the bet slip in just one click.  “For example, a user may use Popular Bets to quickly join an event and then move on to Bet Builder for deeper customisation of a specific match. In this way, the two tools together accommodate both impulsive and more deliberate betting styles.” The global growth of esports has captured widespread industry attention, and with attention comes increased competition.  Esports betting is offered by nearly every major operator, although some B2C firms that have focused solely on esports, or kept it as their lead product, like Rivalary and Esports Entertainment Group (EEG), have run into difficulties over the years. Nonetheless, the sector is expected to keep growing, and this growth will continue to attract new B2B activity. GG.BET competes in the space alongside a number of other B2B industry leaders, but this competition has not weakened the company’s confidence. “GG.BET’s positioning is unique because the platform combines traditional sports betting and esports at an equally high level — not as an afterthought add-on, but as a core part of the product.  “Popular Bets reflects this approach by generating combinations based on popular markets across both traditional sports and esports. The recommendation algorithm is based on real user behaviour, so the feature continuously evolves according to audience interests rather than remaining static.  “Together with the previously launched Bet Builder, which is also available for both sports and esports, GG.BET is building an ecosystem of features that fits different user interaction scenarios with the product. This is what, in our view, sets the platform apart in a competitive market.” 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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NBA Play-In Game: Top Player Prop Bets for the Hornets vs. the Magic on Friday, April 17

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Charlotte Hornets will face off against the Orlando Magic in the first of two scheduled NBA Play-In games this Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage available on Amazon Prime Video. The winning team will claim the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, and will go up against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. DraftKings lists the Hornets as 3.5-point road favorites, with an over/under total set at 218.5. 83% of spread betting handle and 73% of all wager tickets have been placed on Charlotte. After Orlando secured a win over Charlotte earlier this season, the Hornets have picked up three straight wins in their most recent head-to-head matchups, all by 20-plus point margins. The Hornets boast far more offensive firepower, and the Magic are expected to struggle to keep pace with their output. Bonus bet picks: Hornets -3.5, UNDER 218.5 (odds current as of publication time at DraftKings Sportsbook) Top Player Prop Bets for the Hornets vs. Magic Matchup Now, let’s dive into our top player prop picks for the Hornets vs. Magic game, with all lines sourced from DraftKings Pick6. Charlotte’s Brandon Miller OVER 19.5 Points Scored If you caught Charlotte’s 127-126 overtime win over Miami on Tuesday, you saw Brandon Miller act as a consistent stabilizing force for the Hornets. Star guard LaMelo Ball and standout rookie Kon Knueppel combined to go just 2-of-22 from three-point range in that contest. Miller shot 50% from long distance, knocking down five of his 10 attempts, and ended the game with 23 total points. Miller also played a key role in Charlotte’s last two wins over Orlando, putting up 20 and 25 points in those two games respectively. Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate OVER 1.5 Assists Recorded Moussa Diabate has exceeded this mark in four of his last five games. The 6-foot-10 forward holds a season average of 1.9 assists per game. Hitting this over only requires a couple of made three-pointers off kick-out passes from Diabate when he is positioned in the paint. Orlando’s Franz Wagner UNDER 16.5 Points Scored Franz Wagner missed a large stretch of this season due to a high-ankle sprain. Still dealing with lingering effects of that injury, Wagner then sustained a knee injury in yesterday’s loss to the 76ers following a collision with teammate Wendell Carter Jr. Even though he logged 29 minutes of play against Philadelphia, Wagner finished the game with only 12 points. We expect he will not be at 100% health on Friday, so we are picking the UNDER for this point total. Charlotte’s Ryan Kalkbrenner OVER 3.5 Rebounds Recorded Charlotte center Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a very profitable pick for bettors taking the OVER on this prop recently. He has hit this over by recording 4 or more rebounds in six of his last seven contests. The Hornets rank third in the NBA with an average of 55.9 rebounds per game, and Kalkbrenner is a major contributor to that ranking. He is expected to surpass this modest total once again on Friday night. 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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Online Casino Marketers Breach Japanese Electronics Retailer’s Website

(AsiaGameHub) -   According to Japanese media outlets, operators of online casinos temporarily took control of the website belonging to Japanese electronics retailer Ibiden earlier this week. Headquartered in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, Ibiden deals in both electronics and ceramic products. Japanese broadcaster Tokai TV reported that for several hours on the evening of April 13, the company’s website “showed pages that appeared to belong to an online casino operated outside of Japan.” Ibiden representatives did not offer comment on the specific nature of the online casino-related content that was displayed. However, the company confirmed it had encountered an “outage” in an official statement posted to its website on April 14. It added: “We offer our sincere apologies for the significant concern we have caused to our customers and all involved parties.” The company noted that its website server “received unauthorized access from an external third party.” Ibiden is also reportedly looking into filing an official report with police. Multiple functions on the website remained inaccessible as of April 15. Ibiden’s stock performance on the Tokyo Stock Exchange over the previous five days (Image: Google Finance) Online Casino Incident: Japanese Electronics Retailer Experiences ‘Outage’ “Our investigation and recovery efforts are still ongoing, as we work to determine the source of the unauthorized access,” the firm shared in its statement. “Work is continuing to identify the root cause of the outage, enhance our security measures, and roll out permanent solutions for this issue.” Ibiden stated that no personal user information was compromised during the purported hack, though it admitted its website had briefly “displayed harmful web pages.” “Still, given the potential risks associated with this unauthorized access, we urge our customers to confirm that the security systems on their personal devices are updated to the latest version,” Ibiden noted. “We will share further updates once our maintenance work is finished, and will immediately disclose any information that requires public release in the near future,” the company added. This alleged online casino takeover follows a series of similar incidents where online casino operators seized control of multiple anime-related websites. All these anime website takeovers follow the same common pattern: online casino promoters wait until the domain registrations for older anime title websites expire. They then purchase these lapsed domains and copy content from the original website. Alongside the seemingly harmless anime content, they also insert links directing users to online casinos. Online casino promoters have also carried out these types of attacks outside of Japan. Earlier this year, a fake online casino pretending to be a licensed Russian bookmaker took over the former official website of the city of Yakutsk. Another incident this year saw online casino operators seize control of the old website belonging to Kyrgyzstan’s state-owned trading company. 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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NHL Futures Odds: Is There Anyone Who Can Prevent Colorado From Winning the 2026 Stanley Cup?

(AsiaGameHub) -   Now that all 16 playoff teams have been determined, it’s time to analyze NHL futures odds for the winner of the 2026 Stanley Cup. The Colorado Avalanche are the consensus betting favorite across sportsbooks. The Avs, who face the Kraken tonight in their regular-season finale, claimed the Presidents Cup Trophy as the regular-season champion. Stanley Cup Futures Odds at FanDuel The NHL Playoffs kick off on Saturday, so let’s take a look at Stanley Cup futures odds at FanDuel: Colorado Avalanche +310 Tampa Bay Lightning +360 Carolina Hurricanes +500 Dallas Stars +1100 Vegas Golden Knights +1200 Edmonton Oilers +1500 Ottawa Senators +1600 Minnesota Wild +1700 Buffalo Sabres +1800 Utah Mammoth +3500 Montreal Canadiens +3500 Pittsburgh Penguins +4000 Anaheim Ducks +6000 Los Angeles Kings +6000 Philadelphia Flyers +6000 Boston Bruins +7500 The Florida Panthers, winners of the past two Stanley Cups, failed to qualify for the playoffs this year. Leading Stanley Cup Contenders Can Colorado repeat its regular-season dominance in the postseason? The Lightning are a dangerous force with the best goaltender among all playoff teams. Will Carolina finally break through now that Florida isn’t in their way? Avalanche +310 The Avalanche are heading into the playoffs on a strong note, going 4-1 in their last five games before tonight’s regular-season finale against the Kraken. Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals this season. Defenseman Cale Makar returned from an upper-body injury on Tuesday and recorded three assists in a 3-1 win over Calgary. Regardless of who wins the Stars vs. Wild matchup, the Avs will face a tough second-round opponent. The only major question for Colorado revolves around the lack of playoff experience for both of their goalies. Scott Wedgewood (30-6-6) leads the NHL with a 2.07 goals-against average but has never started an NHL playoff game. His teammate Mackenzie Blackwood (23-10-2) has just seven playoff starts, all from last year’s opening-round loss to Dallas. Tampa Bay Lightning (+360) The Lightning (50-26-6) notched their fifth 50-win season in franchise history. Nikita Kucherov is one of the top betting favorites to win the Hart Trophy as the regular-season MVP. He has tallied 130 points this season—only Connor McDavid had more, with 134. Former Hurricane Jake Guentzel brings plenty of playoff experience from his time with Carolina and Pittsburgh, where he helped the Penguins win the Cup in 2017. He and Kucherov form a potent 1-2 punch; Guentzel finished second on the team in goals (38), assists (50), and points (88). Lightning standout Andrei Vasilevskiy ranks second among all NHL goalies with a 2.33 goals-against average. The “Big Cat” has a 39-15-4 record this season. The veteran netminder helped Tampa Bay win two consecutive Cups in 2021 and 2022, and he still has the skill to lead the Lightning to another championship. Hurricanes (+500) Head coach Rod Brind’Amour has guided the Hurricanes to the playoffs for the eighth straight season. Carolina (53-22-7) secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference with 113 points and will face Ottawa in the opening round. The Hurricanes won two of three games against the Senators during the regular season. Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov are back to help the Hurricanes compete for their second franchise Cup. Carolina has a balanced offense with seven players scoring 20+ goals. The Hurricanes lost Martin Necas to Colorado but filled that gap with Nikolaj Ehlers, who finished the season with 26 goals and 71 points. The biggest question for Carolina is in goal: rookie Brandon Bussi (31-6-2) will make his playoff debut. Backup Frederik Anderson (16-14-5) has postseason experience but struggled this season with a 3.05 goals-against average. 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 enhances startup support through a collaboration with BettingStartups

(AsiaGameHub) -   SBC Summit Americas has partnered with BettingStartups to boost its support for early-stage businesses, with a distinct focus on helping founders connect with investors and pushing fresh ideas to the forefront of the Americas market. As part of this strategic collaboration, BettingStartups will assume the role of the official host of the Startup Zone at SBC Summit Americas 2026. The space will feature 13 exhibition booths and a dedicated lounge, granting startups a prominent presence on the show floor and direct access to key decision-makers—51% of last year’s attendees held budgetary responsibility. Recognized as a key player in the early-stage gaming ecosystem, BettingStartups has built a reputation for supporting founders through its media platform, podcast, newsletter, events, and investment arm. By leveraging this network, the partnership will bring a curated group of high-quality startups to the event, giving attendees the chance to discover and engage with the next wave of innovation shaping the industry. A central highlight of the Startup Zone programming will be the First Pitch Americas Competition, taking place on Thursday, 11 June (14:00 – 14:40) on the Leaders Stage. Hosted by BettingStartups founder Jesse Learmonth, the competition will feature five standout startups pitching live to a panel of leading investors and executives. Participants will compete for a grand prize package valued at $108,900, designed to accelerate their growth and industry visibility. The prize includes a 3x3m exhibition booth at SBC Summit Americas 2027, alongside additional contributions from Are You Watching This?!, MetaBet, AWS, GameOn, Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC, Square in the Air, and Vegas Kings. The judging panel consists of: Paris Smith, Founder and CEO, Defy the Odds Javier Altamirano, Global Head of Startup, Sportradar Evan Meyer, Managing Partner, Astralus Capital Management Scott Secord, Partner, Cardinal Sports Capital Meredith McPherson, CEO and Managing Partner, DRIVE by DraftKings Applications for the First Pitch Competition are currently open, with a submission deadline of 17 April, and selected participants will be notified by 4 May. The 2025 edition saw B2B social sports betting software provider Wager Games take home the top prize. Complementing the competition, attendees will also benefit from dedicated educational content, including the “Fundraising 101: Win Your First Round” workshop, taking place on Thursday, 11 June (11:00-12:00). Led by Shaun Gold, Chief Evangelist at OpenVC, the session will provide founders with a practical, no-nonsense roadmap to securing early-stage investment. The partnership is designed to position SBC Summit Americas as a must-attend event for startups, investors, and operators active in the region. By combining SBC’s global reach with BettingStartups’ specialized ecosystem, the collaboration aims to attract high-potential companies, generate pre-event momentum, and deliver unique, startup-focused content. Through curated participation, targeted marketing campaigns, and dedicated programming, BettingStartups will also support delegate growth, with a goal of driving significant new registrations from its engaged community. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC, said: “This partnership strengthens our commitment to innovation and to supporting the next generation of companies shaping the future of gaming in the Americas. BettingStartups brings a highly engaged community and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, which will elevate both the quality of exhibitors and the overall experience for attendees.” Jesse Learmonth, Founder of BettingStartups, added: “SBC Summit Americas is a key meeting point for the industry in the region, and we’re excited to play a central role in building out its startup offering. Our focus is on bringing the most exciting early-stage companies to the event and giving founders a platform to be seen, heard, and funded.” About SBC Summit AmericasSBC Summit Americas is a leading industry event bringing together key stakeholders from across the North and Latin American gaming and sports betting markets. Taking place from June 9-11 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, the event continues to evolve its offering with a strong focus on business outcomes. This year, SBC introduces the SBC Connections networking program, featuring eight new ways for attendees to connect, alongside a new five-tier ticketing system designed to give participants greater control over their experience based on their business priorities. Startups and industry professionals are invited to secure their place at SBC Summit Americas 2026. Get tickets Inquire about exhibiting in the Startup Zone Apply for the First Pitch Competition 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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EU Court Rejects Malta’s Arguments on Freedom of Movement in Gambling Case

(AsiaGameHub) -   The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a further setback to Malta's efforts to defend its gambling legislation and licenses against challenges from other EU nations. A preliminary ruling from the ECJ was released today concerning the conflict between German regulators and the Malta-based operations of Lottoland and Maltese officials. The ECJ found that European Union law does not stop member states from prohibiting online services offered by operators from other member states. This judgment supports Germany's prohibition on online slot machines and lottery betting, affirming that players retain the right to seek compensation for losses from companies operating without a license or in violation of EU law. The ruling addresses a protracted legal conflict between Maltese and German judicial bodies over the operations of companies based and licensed in Malta within other EU jurisdictions. Initial disputes involved Malta challenging German court decisions, arguing that licenses issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) adhered to the principles of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Invoking TFEU provisions for "unrestricted services," MGA licensees believed they could legally offer iGaming services, especially while Germany's federal states and government remained deadlocked over terms for a new Interstate Gambling Regime. After over ten years of arbitration and regulatory stalemate, Germany's federal states implemented the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüNeuRStV), which took effect on 1 July 2021, establishing a finalized framework to regulate and license online gambling. DACH drama The EU legal battles primarily involve two Malta-licensed firms active in Germany and one in Austria during the late 2010s and early 2020s. While the ECJ has previously offered opinions, this marks its first preliminary ruling—an authoritative interpretation of EU law. The two companies in question regarding Germany are Tipico and Lottoland. The former was challenged by a former customer seeking to reclaim losses sustained between 2013 and 2020. Tipico operated without a German license during that period, though it had applied for and later obtained one following the market's re-regulation in 2021. In Lottoland's instance, a customer sought to recover losses from 2019 to 2021. The ECJ's preliminary ruling directly concerns the Lottoland case, but its implications will undoubtedly influence ongoing litigation involving Tipico and Virtual Services Digital Limited—the latter being the company embroiled in Austrian legal proceedings. The court explicitly ruled that Article 56A of the TFEU "must be interpreted as not precluding national legislation which imposes a prohibition on the organisation of online casino games, in particular slot machines, and of forms of betting such as online betting on the results of lottery draws". In essence, the EU's highest court has declared Malta's primary legal defense concerning its licensed companies' activities to be invalid. Bill 55 at the bat? Malta has sought to protect its gambling sector through Bill 55, the common name for a 2023 amendment to its Gambling Act—specifically, Article 56A. Bill 55 empowers Maltese courts to dismiss foreign legal orders against Malta-based and licensed firms that are compliant with Maltese law, even if they violate the laws of other EU member states where they operate. Malta's position rests on the EU principles of freedom to provide services and freedom of establishment, grounded in Article 56 of the TFEU. Maltese courts contend that EU freedom of trade principles form the foundation of Bill 55 and justify the activities of its licensed gambling operators in countries such as Germany. Does this ECJ ruling signify the end of these disputes? It is highly improbable. The international legal clashes between Maltese and other EU courts are long-standing, and Bill 55 was specifically crafted to shield gaming businesses from foreign legal actions. The ECJ has now delivered two rulings in 2026 that reinforce the right of Member States like Germany and Austria to ban cross-border gambling services and impose civil liability for violations—further weakening the legal protection afforded by Malta's Bill 55. Gambling contributes approximately one-tenth of Malta's GDP, and the island faces emerging competition to its status as a global iGaming hub from locations like Estonia and the UAE. As an EU member, Malta can invoke 'public policy exceptions' under the EU’s Brussels I Recast Regulation. This regulation is based on the mutual recognition and enforcement of legal judgments. By citing this law, Malta argues that foreign court rulings which contradict its own regulatory framework should not be enforced within its territory, claiming this exception is relevant to its online gambling system. Malta insists that Bill 55 is a necessary protective measure to prevent its domestic courts from being inundated by a surge of related litigation stemming from online gambling disputes, many of which EU courts have delegated to third-party claims firms—a pattern evident in the current caseload. Therefore, Bill 5 effectively enshrines this stance into national legislation. 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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BETBY Reports Record Q1 Growth, GGR Soars 61%

(AsiaGameHub) -   Leading sportsbook provider BETBY has announced a robust beginning to 2026, highlighted by a historic March, driven by expansion in both its sportsbook and esports division, Betby.Games. This 61% increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) year-on-year for the first quarter coincides with the Malta-based company's efforts to broaden its market presence and advance product innovation. Additionally, BETBY saw a 38% rise in its active player base, suggesting that its recent foray into specialized markets such as MMA, hockey, and the emerging sport of teqball is proving successful. The firm has recently expanded its operations in Latin America by naming Gonzalo Navarro to the position of Senior Business Development Manager. As previously mentioned, March achieved record-breaking results for the company, indicating strong momentum heading into a crucial season. This is especially true for football, with the conclusion of major European leagues and tournaments approaching, alongside the upcoming World Cup this summer. Betby.Games also showed strong performance in Q1 2026 compared to the prior year, recording a 42% increase in GGR and a 32% growth in active players. “It’s been a really solid start to the year for us,” stated Leonid Pertsovskiy, Chief Executive Officer of BETBY. “We’re seeing strong growth across both sportsbook and esports, and that comes down to the work we’ve put into the product and the trust our partners place in us. “What’s particularly encouraging is that this growth is consistent across key metrics, which shows the strength and stability of what we’re building. We’ll keep pushing in the same direction, focusing on delivering long-term value for our partners.” BETBY’s safe prediction market strategy This announcement arrives after the company ventured into the prediction market sector earlier this month with BETBY Predictions. However, this was not a hasty decision; the company has observed the controversies surrounding platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi. BETBY Predictions intends to avoid ‘highly sensitive or controversial topics,’ excluding events related to geopolitics, ongoing conflicts, wars, and any occurrences ‘involving human suffering’ from its platform. The impact of this expansion into prediction markets on the company's results remains to be seen, but BETBY aims aims to sustain this positive trajectory throughout the rest of FY26 and into the future. 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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DATA.BET launches in-stream betting for its clients

(AsiaGameHub) -   DATA.BET has introduced In-Stream Betting as the newest addition to its sportsbook solution offerings. This latest feature is seamlessly integrated into existing streaming infrastructure, allowing users to place bets without interrupting their live broadcast viewing. Players can access betting markets, odds, and bet slips directly within the stream, thereby enhancing customer engagement and retention. Developed with a mobile-first approach, DATA.BET's In-Stream Betting addresses current digital trends, acknowledging that most bets are now placed via mobile devices. The overlay is on-demand, giving customers the flexibility to activate or deactivate it at any point during a stream. By eliminating the need to look away from the broadcast, operators can expect increased user engagement, extended betting sessions, and a higher lifetime value from their customers. Clients can integrate this feature at the frontend level, requiring no backend implementation, which simplifies the process and accelerates time-to-market. When combined with DATA.BET's virtual content, this solution enriches the user experience with broadcasts featuring near-zero latency. Rostyslav Likhtin, Head of Product at DATA.BET, stated: “In-Stream Betting is designed to engage players where their attention is already focused — within the broadcast.” “For our clients, this provides an additional layer of engagement that is straightforward to implement yet yields significant improvements in retention and player satisfaction. “Having all necessary elements on a single screen reduces the time required to place a bet, and this kind of seamless experience is precisely what fosters long-term player loyalty towards the operator.” 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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GR8 Tech在世界杯前对体育博彩进行更新后，又对赌场业务进行了升级

(AsiaGameHub) -   Gaming technology provider GR8 Tech is taking steps to ready casino operators for the World Cup, introducing an additional dimension to its toolkit and approach for keeping customers engaged. While the World Cup is universally acknowledged as a major opportunity for sportsbooks to acquire, activate, and retain customers, GR8 Tech contends that its capacity to attract casino players is often overlooked. The company reports it has been 'preparing its casino vertical accordingly,' having improved its bonuses, tournaments, content delivery, and integrations with game providers to highlight casino offerings during the tournament, which is typically dominated by sports betting. Casino clients represent significant business for GR8 Tech, which boasts a network of more than 200 casino partners. The firm asserts that with the right support, casino operators are well-placed to capitalize on the World Cup traffic surge. “A World Cup can drive substantial new traffic, but that influx only becomes valuable if players are given an incentive to remain,” stated Lusine Khudaverdyan, Head of Casino at GR8 Tech. “For the casino sector, this entails more adaptable bonuses, compelling tournaments, robust content offerings, and provider features that assist operators in turning initial interest into sustained gameplay.” On the technical side, GR8 Tech has refined its bonus and tournament mechanics, improved product-specific wagering requirements for bonuses, and modified its tournament system to let operators feature the same game in several concurrent tournaments. This announcement follows shortly after GR8 Tech rolled out enhancements to its ULTIM8 Sportsbook in preparation for the World Cup, including refinements to the platform's widget-based design and the separation of live and pre-match betting processes. Dinos Doxiadis, Head of Sportsbook Business at GR8 Tech, remarked previously: “The World Cup will generate enormous betting volume irrespective of individual operator actions. The crucial issue is what portion of that volume is retained.” 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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KSA launches new round of subsidies to combat gambling harm

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), the gambling regulatory body of the Netherlands, has allocated additional funding to efforts focused on reducing problem gambling across the country. Five new projects in total have been announced as grant recipients from the KSA’s Addiction Prevention Fund. The financing supports the treatment and prevention of gambling-related harm among the Dutch public, 20% of whom are currently at moderate to high risk of harmful gambling behaviour, per the regulator. One grant will be awarded to the Anonymous Gamblers Foundation (AGOG), a support group for people with compulsive gambling issues, to fund training for new counsellors. In addition, AGOG will carry out further research into launching digital counselling services targeted at residents living in regions where in-person support meetings are not accessible. The Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) is another grant recipient under the Addiction Prevention Fund, and the awarded money will be used to develop specialised guidelines for treating gambling disorders. Since the NVvP currently provides guidance to mental health professionals via a series of existing recommendations, adding content focused on problem gambling to these resources is designed to help build a healthcare system that is better equipped to treat patients affected by gambling harm. Another grant recipient in the healthcare field is the independent mental health research centre, the Trimbos Institute, which has launched two pilot programmes to expand its professional expertise into the area of problem gambling. The first project will investigate methods to increase gambling harm education for young people, including conducting surveys, carrying out data monitoring, and facilitating discussions with local municipalities and relevant stakeholders. For its second project, the Trimbos Institute will focus on upgrading the existing mechanisms that allow employers to provide effective support to staff members who may be struggling with gambling-related harm. Stichting Naast is the next organisation on the grant list, which will use its subsidy to develop webinars, one-on-one guidance sessions and informational newsletters as support tools for the family and friends of problem gamblers. The Addiction Prevention Fund has been an extremely valuable resource in addressing problem gambling in the Netherlands, and will continue to fulfill this role through 2026 as the KSA prepares to tackle falling channelisation rates and the growing prominence of the unregulated black market gambling sector. 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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EveryMatrix: Navigating Success in Latin America’s iGaming Landscape

(AsiaGameHub) -   Matias Montero, Latin America Managing Director at EveryMatrix, sat down with SBC’s Fernando Noodt for a thorough discussion exploring key challenges, opportunities, and top success tips for operators in LatAm’s iGaming markets. With upcoming regulatory shifts, a wide range of distinct regional markets, and an upcoming World Cup taking center stage, Montero lays out the critical factors operators must consider to thrive across this diverse region. What is your career background and what expertise of the LatAm iGaming sector have you brought with you to EveryMatrix? I’ve dedicated a large portion of my career to the iGaming industry, with work experience across both Latin America and Europe. For the past five years, I was employed at Vibra Gaming, a game and platform developer focused on creating products for the LatAm region, where I led operational and commercial teams while collaborating closely with operators across various markets. Joining EveryMatrix has allowed me to bring my on-the-ground, practical knowledge of the region. I understand how this area operates, and how to turn that insight into commercially viable solutions—ranging from impactful regulatory matters to payment processing and local partner ecosystem challenges. This role is an incredibly exciting challenge for me. I previously helped build a local brand like Vibra, working to strengthen it against major international competitors. Now, my goal here is to build on EveryMatrix’s existing work in the region, expand our footprint, and drive sustainable growth. How can operators navigate the diversity that we see across LatAm and find success in that ever-evolving landscape? On paper, the region functions as a single market in terms of geography and language—with Brazil being the obvious exception. But in reality, it is made up of many distinct markets, so adapting your strategies is essential. Strategies that succeed in Argentina will not yield the same results in Peru or Mexico. Integrating and building a seamless bridge between retail and online operations is also critically important. Omnichannel strategies have been a topic of discussion for years; it’s one of those buzzwords that blew up in popularity, yet in many cases, we still haven’t successfully integrated both retail and online channels. Plenty of land-based operators are looking to expand online, and regulatory hurdles remain a key factor here. The core solution is partnering with local teams that understand player behavior and distribution networks, allowing you to tailor your offerings more effectively. What are the main barriers to entry in those regulated markets and how can EveryMatrix’s solutions help them to overcome them? Right now, the primary barrier to entry is regulatory and operational stability. New regulations are introduced, tax burdens shift fairly frequently, and the rules of the game are constantly being revised. iGaming policies shift drastically from one market to the next, so in my view, a key barrier is the lack of consistent regulatory and institutional stability—something that would enable more predictable business operations. At EveryMatrix, we provide a fully compliant, proven solution that is already live across multiple regulated markets worldwide, and we’re bringing that global expertise to LatAm to ensure our product aligns with local regulations and regional requirements. How can EveryMatrix help both domestic and international operators strike the right tone and offer the right products for players across the region? One key factor is offering content that aligns with local player preferences. For instance, crash games have gained massive popularity in Argentina. Additionally, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, targeted promotions, and access to local payment methods are all critical elements for successfully entering and operating in the market. On that front, EveryMatrix runs the industry’s largest content aggregator, boasting over 45,000 game titles and 180 integrations. Our offering is highly diverse, featuring both globally proven content and local providers or region-specific games. EveryMatrix’s Engage Suite includes a range of promotional and gamification tools designed to boost player engagement, which is vital for player acquisition and retention. It also allows for full front-end customization, paired with CRM strategies that help attract and retain players. The key goal is ensuring that the international operators we partner with don’t come across as foreign brands in the region, so we make all the necessary tweaks to eliminate any obvious imported feel. A landmark event for the industry this year is the World Cup. How should operators in LatAm approach the World Cup and how can EveryMatrix’s expertise assist? The World Cup is a make-or-break event for player acquisition and engagement across LatAm, at minimum. It also serves as a critical stress test for operators, putting their operational readiness to the ultimate test. For this reason, the focus needs to be on performance, scalability, and stability during peak traffic periods. EveryMatrix’s high-performance sportsbook is built to handle surging traffic during peak periods, with integrated risk management and trading tools. As I noted earlier, our engagement tools work across both the casino and sportsbook to maximize player activity throughout the tournament. How can EveryMatrix’s turnkey solutions cater to the needs of any type of operator looking to gain market share across LatAm markets? Our turnkey solution provides every tool an operator needs to launch a fully functional iGaming system: a PAM platform for player registration and account management, a sportsbook, a content-aggregating casino platform, a full suite of promotional and engagement tools, plus payment gateways and CRM systems. We also offer a back-office tool called Data Hub, a real-time data streaming service that lets operators track key KPIs and performance metrics to make immediate, data-driven business decisions. What is the biggest challenge you see coming down the road for LatAm operators in 2026, and what is your top tip for anyone looking to overcome it? The most significant upcoming challenge is a mix of escalating regulatory requirements—rules that won’t just be put in place but will grow stricter over time—paired with increasing competition as more players enter local markets. As markets become more rigid and structured, profit margins will shrink. Operators will need to maintain full regulatory compliance while also operating with maximum financial and commercial efficiency to sustain their businesses. This will likely lead to some consolidation among operators across select regional markets. My top advice is to prioritize long-term sustainability over just chasing short-term player acquisition. When a market first regulates, many operators rush in to claim market share, but as rules shift and new competitors enter, only businesses with a viable, sustainable model will survive. 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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Entain draws confidence from UK and Australian online performance

(AsiaGameHub) -   Entain has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, as robust online results helped offset the ongoing downturn in its British retail betting operations. The London-listed gambling giant, which holds a market valuation of £3.91bn, reported a 3% increase in total group revenue for the first quarter. This was driven by a 7% rise in gaming revenue, which helped balance a 3% decline in sports betting income. A similar trend was observed when comparing digital and physical channels. Online betting revenue grew by 5%, whereas retail revenue fell by 3%. Specifically, gaming revenue climbed 9% online compared to 1% in retail, while sports betting revenue saw declines of 1% and 3% across those respective channels. These figures suggest that Entain is increasingly becoming a digital-first business, despite the high visibility of its Ladbrokes and Coral brands on British and Irish high streets. Notably, Entain highlighted that Q1 online revenue in the UK and Ireland exceeded expectations with 13% growth. Conversely, retail revenue dipped 1%, consistent with Gambling Commission data indicating a steady decline in retail gross gaming yield (GGY) and customer participation. Like other major UK and Irish retail operators, Entain has been scaling back its physical footprint, including the closure of several Ladbrokes locations in Ireland earlier this year. The group faces a challenging landscape in 2026, compounded by an increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) effective from April. While this tax hike will likely impact online performance, the retail sector continues to navigate its own set of political pressures. Nevertheless, Entain remains optimistic due to a strong start to the year—particularly within its online and international segments. The company has reiterated its FY2026 guidance, projecting online net gaming revenue (NGR) growth of 5-7% and targeting £500m in annual adjusted cash flow by 2028. “We entered 2026 with strong momentum which has continued in Q1, with strong volume growth across our diversified portfolio,” stated Stella David, Chief Executive Officer of Entain. “This further demonstrates our ongoing strategic execution and strengthening operations, and also highlights the growth embedded in our globally scaled business. Our strong and resilient business has started the year well, and we continue to build on this momentum.” An international lifeline for Entain? While the UK and Ireland remain core markets, the increasingly complex regulatory and tax environment suggests that international operations will play a vital role in the company's future. Overall international revenue grew 1% year-over-year in Q1, with gaming revenue up 8% and sports revenue down 3%. Online revenue for the international segment rose 2%, reflecting an 8% increase in gaming and a 2% drop in sports, while retail revenue fell 4% overall, with gaming and sports down 4% and 5% respectively. The group also drew confidence from its Australian operations, where revenue outperformed expectations with 12% growth. Entain operates two brands in this lucrative market—Ladbrokes and Neds—though the region is currently experiencing its own regulatory shifts. In contrast, the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) segment has seen a significant downturn, with total net gaming revenue falling 6%. Within that division, online revenue slipped 1%, while retail revenue plummeted 30%. BetMGM continues to be a primary revenue driver for the group, generating $696m in revenue from US and Canadian operations for both Entain and its joint venture partner, MGM Resorts. As domestic pressures intensify in the UK, maximizing the potential of its international portfolio will be essential for Entain, which may necessitate difficult strategic choices regarding the underperforming CEE division. “Our sharper focus and optimisation initiatives reinforce our conviction in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation,” David added. “Entain remains well positioned to be a long-term industry winner, seizing the many opportunities ahead, and I am confident in our future.” 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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SPRIBE Defeats Flutter’s Brazil Brand in Aviator Trademark Dispute

(AsiaGameHub) -   Following a complaint filed by SPRIBE, a Brazilian court has ordered Flutter Entertainment‘s local operating brand, NSX Brazil, to remove an Aviator-style game from its product lineup. Aviator is one of Poland-headquartered game developer SPRIBE’s flagship titles – a social gaming product built around a flying curve that can crash at any time. During gameplay, users are required to cash out their winnings before the in-game plane crashes. The company has been highly protective of the product and its associated trademark over the past several years, including pursuing legal action to block unauthorized use of the IP. For instance, it was previously involved in prolonged litigation with Georgian company Aviator LLC. For the dispute involving NSX, SPRIBE filed its claim with the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE), referencing its Aviator trademark registration with Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), which grants it exclusive rights to use the trademark under the Industrial Property Law. The court ultimately ruled in favor of SPRIBE and ordered NSX to immediately cease all use of the Aviator trademark, including ‘identical or confusingly similar marks, such as reproductions of visual, graphic, or audiovisual elements’. “This interim ruling in Brazil represents a major milestone in SPRIBE’s global strategy to protect its intellectual assets,” a statement from SPRIBE noted. “The company is actively monitoring markets across all continents and will continue to enforce its trademark and copyright protections in every applicable jurisdiction. “SPRIBE remains dedicated to taking all necessary legal action against infringing parties to preserve the integrity of the original Aviator experience, and ensure a fair, transparent environment for its global player community.” NSX is part of Flutter Entertainment’s Brazilian division, which was established in 2025 following the January launch of the regulated local betting market – known regionally as the ‘Bets’ market. Flutter Brazil was set up through Flutter’s acquisition of NSX, the operator of Betnacional, one of the largest betting brands in Brazil, which operated in the market prior to the official launch of the Bets market. Flutter later brought both NSX/Betnacional and the local operations of its Betfair sportsbook and betting exchange under the Flutter Brazil umbrella. SPRIBE confirmed that it had previously partnered with Betnacional under an agreement first signed in 2022. The legal dispute between the two parties emerged in 2025, after an Aviator game was launched on the NSX platform. “While SPRIBE is deeply committed to its clients and places high value on long-term professional partnerships, the company has made clear that it cannot tolerate violations of its intellectual property,” SPRIBE’s statement added. SBC News has reached out to Flutter to request a comment on the ruling. 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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Former Man City executive and law firm founder named as 1xBet’s new strategic advisors

(AsiaGameHub) -   1xBet, the Cyprus-based operator, has named Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic consultants as it aims to enhance its global focus on responsible gambling and player protection. Bird brings a wealth of experience in international sports, sponsorship, and strategic growth. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Manchester City from 1998 to 2003 and spent nearly three decades at JD Sports—first as a Non-Executive Director, then later as a Marketing Advisor. He has also held the role of Chief Executive Officer at two organizations: Sports Tours International, a sports travel firm, and The Raheem Sterling Foundation—a charity honoring the Manchester City icon that focuses on empowering young people in the UK and Jamaica. Last year, Bird joined Kinkladze Global, founded by ex-Manchester City and Georgia football star Giorgi Kinkladze, as a Strategic Advisor. Meanwhile, Mancini offers deep expertise in gaming law and regulation. He previously served as President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and remains a member of its Executive Committee. His work centers on regulatory policy, compliance, and the advancement of responsible gambling standards across global markets—evidenced by his founding of both SBC Advisory Partners and GamingLaw.eu. He also holds a Partner position at WH Partners, a Malta-based law firm. These appointments are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global integrity and social responsibility initiatives in the 35 jurisdictions where it operates. Both consultants will contribute to developing long-term frameworks designed to support research, policy dialogue, and practical tools aimed at enhancing player safety and promoting sustainable industry practices. 1xBet’s continued repositioning The appointments build on the success of 1xBet’s Player Protection Index Series—an independently commissioned research program examining responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions, including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Bird and Mancini join Simon Westbury at 1xBet, who was appointed as a Strategic Advisor nearly a year ago. Bird’s Manchester City background maintains the football-focused theme among the firm’s Strategic Advisors, as Westbury previously served as Administration Manager at Sheffield United. Since Westbury’s arrival, the company has renewed its partnership with French football giant and current Champions League holders PSG, while also strengthening its presence in the esports scene through sponsoring MIBR’s VALORANT team. With Bird and Mancini now adding to 1xBet’s growing list of Strategic Advisors, many in the iGaming industry will be monitoring the company’s progress in the near future as it continues its repositioning toward regulated 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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Bill to reverse England’s ‘aim to permit’ rule advances to final stage

(AsiaGameHub) -   Local authorities in England are nearing increased authority over the issuance of retail licenses, following a bill’s successful passage through the House of Lords. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill completed its third reading in the House of Lords yesterday, 15 April, advancing it towards its final stages of review and Royal Assent. Prior to this, on Monday 13 April, proposals to amend the bill were approved by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government in the Labour government, during the Lords’ report stage. Of particular significance is Amendment 305. This clause facilitates the introduction of ‘gambling impact assessments’ (GIAs) within the framework of the Gambling Act 2005, marking a substantial departure from the existing “aim to permit” rule. Until now, the default position for licence applications has been their approval. If a local authority chose to deny an application, it was required to provide justification with sufficient evidence, such as an elevated risk of gambling harm among the population. With the implementation of Amendment 305, authorities will be empowered to develop GIAs for specific areas under their jurisdiction. Through these assessments, they can argue that the proliferation of gambling premises would be detrimental, again supported by evidence of local harm and cumulative impact on residents. This implies that licence applicants will now be obligated to demonstrate their compliance with the licensing objectives established as a result of these GIAs, effectively shifting the burden of proof to the applicants to show why they should be granted a licence in those designated areas. “This would amend the Gambling Act 2005 to enable licensing authorities to adopt, and act in accordance with, policies aimed at preventing the grant of gambling licences in order to respond to (a) the cumulative impact of multiple gambling premises or (b) other reasons relating to the licensing objectives in that Act,” the amendment specifies. However, this does not constitute an outright prohibition, as refusals can still be challenged. Application rejections would be deemed unlawful if the applicant successfully proves that granting such a licence is consistent with the licensing objectives defined by the local authority. It is important to note that Amendment 305 does not override the ‘aim to permit’ rule. Instead, it introduces a reverse mechanism for designated areas where applicants must justify licence approval. The amended bill will now return to the Commons for consideration of these amendments, during which Amendment 305 could potentially be removed by MPs. Should the amended bill receive Royal Assent, it remains to be seen whether this will satisfy local councils across the UK, which have consistently called for over a year for greater independent authority over gambling permits and advertising within their jurisdictions. PM Keir Starmer had previously endorsed calls from gambling reform campaigners for a review of the Aim to Permit rule. Led by Labour MP Dawn Butler, a number of Labour MPs and councillors have been advocating for increased powers to prevent gambling businesses from establishing themselves in their areas, with a particular focus on Adult Gaming Centres and betting shops. “We will give councils stronger powers over the location and numbers of gambling outlets to help create safe, thriving, high streets,” Starmer stated during a Prime Minister’s Questions session back in September 2025. 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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Behind The Gloves Assembles Advisory Board for Growth

(AsiaGameHub) -   Behind The Gloves (BTG)—the iGaming sector’s fitness-focused networking community—has solidified its next stage of growth by launching a founding Advisory Board. This move follows BTG’s successful participation in the 2026 SBC Charity Boxing Championship (March 27), as the organization transitions from event-led initiatives to a scalable, long-term business model. Founded in 2023 by Strive Gaming executive and boxing enthusiast Lee McFarland, BTG emerged as a post-COVID project aimed at offering a healthier alternative to the industry’s late-night networking culture. The newly established Advisory Board brings in top industry leaders to guide BTG’s expansion. Michael Brady, Founder and Chairman of Bede Gaming and Chairman of Connexus Group, joins RiskCherry CEO Rob Fell and former Light & Wonder SVP of People and Capability Katie Byers. The board will support BTG’s expansion into new verticals, including corporate wellness programs, brand partnerships, and digital products, as the initiative seeks to grow beyond its roots in industry events. BTG is positioning itself as a “business for good,” committing to reinvest a portion of its profits into community initiatives and charitable causes. McFarland said: “The launch of our Advisory Board reflects Behind The Gloves’ commitment to building a strong business that can expand globally and reach more people than ever before. “We’re thrilled to welcome Katie, Rob, and Michael to the Board and look forward to leveraging our industry’s distinct energy to support good causes and deliver accessible activities for all fitness levels on a larger scale.” What started as small boxing pad sessions has grown into a broader movement centered on health, well-being, and networking at industry events. Participants are encouraged to swap late-night drinking for structured morning training—a shift many say enhances focus, energy, and productivity. With growing sponsor backing and an expanding community, BTG is now targeting international expansion, confident that demand for purpose-led, fitness-driven networking will continue to rise. 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.