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Romanian regulator uncovers secretive affiliate channeling players to illegal gambling sites

(AsiaGameHub) -   Romania’s gambling regulatory body has requested a criminal probe into an affiliate found diverting consumers to unlicensed gambling platforms. A press statement disclosed that the National Office for Gambling (ONJN) has reached out to the Directorate for the Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), seeking help with the case. The details showed that an affiliate licensed by the ONJN has been serving as a portal to illegal gambling sites, connecting players directly to offshore operators. “The affiliate’s website operates as a commercial middleman that, under specific technical circumstances, steers or redirects users (prospective players) to gambling operators lacking a Romanian license,” the ONJN stated. “These sites are accessible in Romanian, and any Romanian citizen can register an account and make deposits to engage in gambling activities.” A notable detail highlighted by the regulator is that the affiliate website featured a hidden front-end interface, meaning not all users viewed identical content; instead, there was a selective presentation of options promoting customized offers based on the user’s IP address location. The ONJN insists that this technology was deliberately put in place to repeatedly promote unlicensed gambling in Romania by intentionally bypassing regulations. “This practice is not an accidental redirection but a deliberate technical mechanism, crafted to gain improper advantages and evade Romanian laws, with the aim of promoting prohibited or restricted content.” One of the identified illegal websites was a company named NV Casino. An illegal operator with similar initials, Novatech Solutions N.V. Casino, was recently issued a record €24.9m (£21.6m) fine in the Netherlands for comparable violations. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of the ONJN, remarked: “The ONJN’s mission is to uphold a responsible, legal, and transparent gaming framework, and any mechanism designed to evade the law and expose Romanian consumers to unlicensed platforms poses a direct threat to public interest.  “We will continue to take strong action whenever we detect such practices and collaborate with relevant authorities to safeguard both players and market integrity. Those responsible will be held legally accountable.” In recent months, Romania has launched an effort to bolster its gambling market by reducing harm risks and enhancing oversight of licensed operators. Measures to restructure the domestic market that have garnered substantial political backing include increasing the minimum gambling age to 21, restricting gambling advertising, and developing new approaches to self-exclusion. Soare has consistently expressed his dedication to improving Romania’s gambling market since assuming the role of ONJN President in May last year, following a period when the regulator faced significant controversy over nearly a billion euros in uncollected taxes. 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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Allwyn lists on Athens Stock Exchange following OPAP merger closure

(AsiaGameHub) -   Allwyn has concluded its integration with the Greek gaming company OPAP, cementing its status as one of the premier global publicly traded gambling entities in the process. The merger terms were originally established in October. **KKCG**, the Czech investment firm behind Allwyn, has maintained a significant stake in OPAP since 2013. Through this union, Allwyn will list on the Athens Stock Exchange, positioning itself as a dominant force in the Greek market. OPAP manages the Greek national lottery and holds a prominent role in the country's betting and gaming sectors. This move continues Allwyn’s strategic shift, which began with its transition from SAZKA Group in 2022. The firm is evolving into a lottery-focused entertainment provider with interests across various segments. Allwyn anticipates that the OPAP integration will provide market leadership, broader geographic and product reach, enhanced technological and digital assets, a more robust financial foundation, and a heightened commitment to social responsibility and charitable contributions. Robert Chvatal, CEO of Allwyn, remarked: “This represents a pivotal strategic achievement for Allwyn. We embark on our path as a listed global industry leader with a reinforced platform, greater financial agility, and an elite team. “We are confident that our top-tier market positions, extensive diversification, and solid cash flow will enable us to achieve sustainable growth and deliver value as we pursue innovation and new opportunities across our markets. “I want to express gratitude to our shareholders, staff, and regulators for their assistance in uniting these two premier organizations to form the world's second-largest listed lottery and gaming firm.” Allwyn’s path to the Athens exchange Lotteries remain the foundation of Allwyn’s business, with primary assets including the UK National Lottery, the Czech Lottery, the Greek lottery (via OPAP), and the Illinois State Lottery, among others. The company’s presence in sports wagering has grown through KKCG’s involvement with OPAP. It further broadened its sports entertainment footprint last year by acquiring a majority stake in PrizePicks, a US-based daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider that has since expanded into prediction markets. Not every initiative has succeeded. A plan to acquire a controlling interest in Novibet, a prominent Greek betting firm, was abandoned earlier this year following input from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HGC). Despite this, Allwyn remains on solid footing—and with the OPAP merger finalized, the company is unlikely to be impacted by the cancelled Novibet deal. The merged Allwyn-OPAP entity boasts an estimated market capitalization exceeding €11bn (£9.5bn), placing it in the same tier as Entain (owner of Ladbrokes Coral and bwin) and Flutter Entertainment. KKCG will retain 78% of the voting rights in the unified company. Allwyn also intends to issue a dividend of €0.80 (£0.69) per share to its investors. Karel Komarek, Founder and Chairman of both KKCG and Allwyn, stated: “Today marks the start of a new era for Allwyn, building on the momentum that already defines our business. “Over the last 13 years, we have demonstrated the lasting value we generate for stakeholders, society, and players. This success is rooted in collaboration, trust, and a dedication to innovation. “Allwyn possesses immense potential in the changing consumer entertainment landscape, and we have the vision, scale, and drive to shape the industry's 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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Sorare: Is There Nothing to Declare?

(AsiaGameHub) -   The decision by CyLimit, a cycling-focused web 3 startup, to become the first JONUM operator to submit its regulatory declaration to France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ) has highlighted a company that most industry observers would have anticipated being first in line. Naturally, when discussing web 3, NFTs and fantasy betting, that company is Sorare. However, to date, the former unicorn has yet to submit its own declaration to the nation's gambling regulator. With the JONUM legal framework finally launching in France, SBC-Gaming&Co sought to understand why the leading web 3 fantasy betting firm in the sector wasn't the first to file a regulatory declaration, enabling it to commence operations as swiftly as possible in full compliance with its 'home' country's regulations. A Sorare spokesperson stated that there was "no delay and we are in ongoing and constructive discussions with the ANJ at the moment". The company is also "taking the time to finalise the dossier properly and we will make the JONUM declaration promptly". "Our approach is to ensure that the submission is complete and robust from the outset," they added, "the application file is comprehensive and requires a significant amount of detailed information to be provided". Nevertheless, there are several factors that could be weighing on the minds of Sorare's leadership, and while they aren't directly connected to its French operations, it's inconceivable that the company wouldn't be conscious of them. UK court case The first is a case filed against the company by the UK Gambling Commission, scheduled to begin on 15 June. The commission is suing Sorare for providing what it deems to be illegal gambling products without a licence to UK consumers. A subsequent question for Sorare therefore is: if it declares that it operates as a JONUM company in France (where users purchase cards of football players as NFTs, with their value fluctuating based on the on-pitch performances of the players' teams), could it be concerned that this amounts to admitting it is a real money gambling company? Not at all, says the company: "The JONUM framework should not be interpreted, in any way, as an admission that Sorare operates as a real money gambling company. The JONUM framework is actually recognising the unique nature of our activity and explicitly confirms that it falls outside the scope of gambling regulations. "This clarification provides an essential level of legal certainty, strengthens the confidence of our partners, investors and community, and represents a key step for the sustainable development of our model." EU questions A second issue centres on European legal questions. Claire Pinson-Bessonet, a former ARJEL executive and now a public affairs and gaming lawyer, observed on LinkedIn that the European Commission has asked France how the JONUM framework aligns with the European eCommerce Directive of 2000, which permits the free movement of information services between EU Member States. French lawmakers responded that the legislation fell under "the exemption of 'real money gambling activities' provided for in the eCommerce Directive, which therefore does not apply to JONUM". In other words, the EU directive does not apply to JONUMs because those products fall under the real money gambling exemption, which the directive doesn't cover. "But in that case why did they (France) introduce specific legislation for JONUMs if the French authorities consider them to be games of chance?", added Pinson-Bessonet. Interestingly, that appears to be what the Gambling Commission will attempt to prove in its court case against Sorare in June. SBC-Gaming&Co asked Pinson-Bessonet if the EC enquiry about the eCommerce Directive suggests France considers that JONUMs are covered by the gambling exemption. "Yes it is," she said, "hence the line between JONUMs and gambling remains very thin. And when it launched the experimentation in February, the regulator stressed that it would be very attentive to any cross-over." Market realities Equally significant, however, have been Sorare's business decisions. From expending substantial sums on marketing and partnership agreements with top-tier football clubs in the English Premier League and France's Ligue 1, to occupying a space where the company fails to attract the high-spending VIPs that frequent many crypto sportsbooks while its own customers don't produce sufficient volumes to support its ambitions, Sorare has encountered difficulties and fallen short of the hype surrounding its early days, when it was valued at over $4bn. For the French authorities, the entire project has also proved disappointing and consumed legislative bandwidth that could have been deployed far more effectively on other crucial issues – online casino regulation being a clear example. Aside from the bespoke regulatory treatment it received, for now the JONUM vertical will have little impact on France's real money gambling stakeholders; the market will also determine whether the self-declared JONUM operators succeed or fail. Meanwhile, ANJ is embarking on a three-year regulatory experimentation period during which it will monitor companies like Sorare. How many will have entered or exited the market by 2029 remains to be seen. 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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Digitain Advances in Bulgarian Expansion

(AsiaGameHub) -   Digitain has expanded its footprint in the Balkans through securing two key licences in Bulgaria. The gaming technology provider now holds both a manufacturer licence and an importer licence, issued by Bulgaria’s national regulator, the National Revenue Agency. Both certifications will allow Digitain to grow its market share in Bulgaria further, by offering local partners a broader yet fully compliant suite of products and tools. The manufacturer licence permits the company to offer custom in-house developed products built specifically to match the needs of the Bulgarian market. Meanwhile, the importer licence paves the way for distributing third-party products that widen Digitain’s on-ground offering in the country. Digitain has prioritized active expansion across Eastern Europe, identifying the region as a major opportunity to diversify its partnership network through a range of prospective new collaborations. Speaking with SBC News at last year’s SBC Summit Lisbon, Hmayak Arakelyan, Digitain’s regional Head of Sales, said: “When we look at the region country by country, in Greece we partner with Betano, which brings extensive international experience. In Romania, we work with Superbet, who do an excellent job driving innovation across the market. “In every country, we work with one or two major operators that have the technological expertise and innovative teams that shape and influence the wider betting and gaming industry.” These new Bulgarian licences represent the next step in the Armenian tech firm’s pan-European expansion push. They come after the company secured supplier licences in the UK and Isle of Man in February, and signed a partnership deal with Serbian operator AdmiralBet in early March. Commenting on Digitain’s latest milestone, Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer, added: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence across regulated European markets. “It allows us to deliver both our in-house solutions and a wide range of certified third-party products in full compliance with local regulatory requirements. This dual capability ensures our partners can confidently operate and scale their business in the Bulgarian market with a reliable, fully compliant product offering.” 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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Brazil’s Finance Ministry appoints head of betting regulatory body

(AsiaGameHub) -   Following earlier media speculation, Daniele Cardoso has been officially appointed as the new Secretary of Brazil's betting regulatory body, the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA). While no official announcement has appeared on the website of the SPA, which operates under the Brazilian Ministry of Finance, the confirmation came from Dario Durigan, the Minister of Finance, via X. Yesterday, Durigan posted on the social media platform, affirming that Cardoso would lead the SPA under his supervision. Her appointment occurs at a pivotal juncture for both the Brazilian betting industry and its regulatory framework. I am pleased to share news about the Ministry of Finance team. Rogério Ceron will be the new executive secretary. I trust in his ability to deliver, and I highlight that his work at the Treasury was fundamental for us to advance our agenda in recent years. — Dario Durigan (@DarioDurigan) March 23, 2026 Previously, Regis Dudana served as Secretary of the SPA from April 2024, where he oversaw the introduction of the regulated betting market, locally referred to as ‘Bets,’ in January 2025. He was subsequently promoted to Secretary of Economic Reforms in January of the current year. This month, a significant reshuffle within the Ministry led to Fernando Haddad, the Minister of Finance, stepping down from his position to pursue the governorship of Sao Paulo state. This move is a crucial goal for Brazil's governing Workers Party (PT), led by President Lula da Silva. Durigan was then promoted to Minister of Finance earlier this month, succeeding Haddad. He has now definitively confirmed Cardoso's appointment to lead the regulatory efforts for Brazil's nascent betting industry. Cardoso assumes this leadership position amidst an intense political discourse surrounding betting in Brazil, as numerous policymakers, including President Lula, adopt an increasingly adversarial stance towards the sector. President Lula, who initially approved the launch of the Bets market on January 1, 2025, in late December 2024, has since grown considerably more critical of the regulated industry and its broader societal effects. Furthermore, he has actively pursued increased tax revenues from the sector, ultimately achieving his objective with the approval of a tax rate hike on gross gaming revenue (GGR) from 12% to 18% by 2027. Concurrently, the domestic industry remains engaged in an arduous struggle against Brazil's persistent grey and black markets. The sector now confronts impending taxes, political examination concerning aspects such as marketing, and the evolving landscape of prediction markets. Kalshi, recognized as one of the two largest global prediction platforms alongside Polymarket, recently established operations in Brazil. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain which regulatory body—either the SPA or the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission—will oversee these platforms. 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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Czech Gambling Sector Warns of ‘Brand Spoofing’

(AsiaGameHub) -   Fortuna Entertainment and Endorphina are sounding the alarm over ‘Brand Spoofing’—the imitation of regulated brands and technologies that is spreading across CEE markets with no clear avenues for intervention. Compared to its neighboring countries, the Czech Republic has seen relatively few disruptions in the governance of its gambling sector and licensing processes. The home market panel at the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 even praised the oversight provided by the Czech Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Celní Správa, the Customs Authority, in implementing much-needed player protection measures introduced from 2024 onward. In the years since, Czech gambling licenses (both online and retail) have adapted to heightened requirements for public protection, with authorities and license holders working together to exclude up to 700,000 citizens from gambling through the RVO register. However, not all is tranquil along the banks of the Vltava, as Czech industry leaders are raising concerns about a new and growing threat: ‘brand spoofing’. No funny business Jan Holub: Fortuna Entertainment The term might conjure images of fake handbags or cheap counterfeit goods sold at beach resorts, but as criminal networks target online spaces using AI-driven tactics, brand spoofing is far from a trivial issue, according to Jan Holub, Compliance Lead and Member of the Supervisory Board at Fortuna Entertainment. Holub detailed how “bad actors replicate the digital identity of a gambling brand,” copying web assets, domains, user experience (UX) environments, and even customer communications to trick users into “disclosing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.” Aided by AI, Holub has observed the evolution of ‘spoofed environments’ that not only mimic front-end brands but also replicate backend systems. Capitalizing on the brand recognition and marketing efforts of regulated operators, these spoofed platforms can generate high engagement with unsuspecting audiences and rake in millions in illicit funds. “We’ve made progress in the Czech market. But I must highlight brand spoofing as a new danger. In my role at Fortuna, I see fake brands being promoted online via Google, Facebook, and app stores,” Holub stated. “We immediately ask these platforms to take them down, but the response is slow. These fake websites or apps can remain active for two or three weeks.” While cooperation with Czech authorities is strong, Holub questioned the lack of accountability among big tech and media platforms for protecting the intellectual property (IP) of online gambling brands—where enforcement is clearly lacking. A double jeopardy Jan Urbanec – Endorphina These concerns are shared by Jan Urbanec, CEO of Prague-based Endorphina, who noted that spoofing is spreading across markets and rapidly expanding into “the B2B infrastructure of online gambling.” “This poses a double threat to our industry, as the risks are not limited to B2C. These actors can replicate the UX of payment gateways, affiliate websites, CRM processes, and even supplier technologies,” Urbanec explained. As a digital threat, brand spoofing creates multi-layered risks to the stability of regulated markets. Reputational damage occurs quickly and is hard to contain, as consumers often cannot distinguish between a legitimate site and a cloned interface. Addressing this nuanced threat, Urbanec told delegates that Endorphina has tripled its resources to protect IP—emphasizing what he views as regulators’ limited capacity to intervene effectively. “For game developers, there is no meaningful IP protection. We have to monitor every environment, and tracking who is copying our brand, engines, and algorithms is very costly,” he said. Regulators soft on IP protection Gambling regulatory frameworks across Europe, including in the Czech Republic, have largely been designed to identify and block unlicensed operators as standalone entities. They are less equipped to address actors disguising themselves as licensed B2C or B2B incumbents, using brand trust as their primary entry point. Having observed the spread of ‘spoofing’ in the Czech Republic, Holub and Urbanec believe this new AI-driven threat will become a new “health check” for European gambling regulators—one that cannot be addressed through traditional IP blocking alone, as there is growing momentum to strengthen gambling IP protections. As Urbanec concluded: “It’s time to recognize that criminal gangs target gambling for quick profits, while our regulators are focused on rule-making. This must change—we need stronger action on IP and brand enforcement for licensed operators, before it’s too late.” 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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Panama Lawmakers Approve Measures to Restrict Online Gambling Market

(AsiaGameHub) -   Panama is enhancing its national policies concerning problem gambling in response to the expanding online gambling sector. The National Assembly has approved a bill, introduced by deputies Raúl Pineda and Crispiano Adames, which introduces several regulations for online casinos. These measures are intended to provide an additional layer of protection for vulnerable individuals susceptible to problem gambling. A key provision of the bill establishes a mandatory 10% levy on operator earnings. These funds will be directed to the Institute of Mental Health (INSAM) to support the development of problem gambling programs and a specialized care center within Panama. The bill also mandates the implementation of an obligatory biometric identification system across online platforms to prevent underage participation. Furthermore, advertising is set to face significant restrictions. Gambling marketing will be prohibited across various media channels, social media platforms, and sports. The use of public figures and influencers to promote gambling will also be banned. The Gaming Control Board (JCJ) will be responsible for overseeing these restrictions and will be equipped with the necessary tools for real-time detection of violations. Violations of these regulations will result in financial penalties of up to 10% of an operator's revenue, alongside the potential suspension of their license and the initiation of criminal proceedings. Regarding problem gambling education, the bill proposes the introduction of educational programs in schools nationwide. Payment methods will also be restricted to help minimize financial debt and uncontrolled spending. With the National Assembly's endorsement, the bill will now be presented to José Raúl Mulino Quintero, President of Panama, for final approval before it can be enacted. This legislation aligns with a broader trend of increased regulatory and tax framework tightening across Latin America. For instance, Brazil is raising its tax rate on gross gaming revenues (GGR) in its developing gambling market from 12% to 18% by 2027. Tax measures in Colombia and Peru are also causing challenges for operators focused on or interested in Latin America, a region that has long attracted industry attention and was perceived as offering significant opportunities. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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Sportradar Launches Playradar Division to Expand iGaming Business by 2026

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sportradar, a leading global sportstech company, has unveiled a major broadening of its iGaming offering through the establishment of a new business unit. The Switzerland-headquartered multinational has introduced Playradar, a brand dedicated to iGaming that will create cross-vertical gaming products designed for international betting and gaming operators. Sportradar has signaled its intention to grow its iGaming proposition for some time. CEO Carsten Koerl, for instance, discussed the sector's potential for the company during Sportradar's 2025 earnings calls. This move is not Sportradar's first foray into iGaming but represents a scaling up of its current involvement. The company has been exploring iGaming products, conducting a trial in the Brazilian market the previous year. The debut of Playradar signifies the subsequent phase in this strategic initiative. The new unit is designed to bridge Sportradar's iGaming goals with its traditional emphasis on sports technology and betting data. It comprises three primary components: a round-the-clock live experience center, a division for hybrid content merging live and historical sports with casino elements, and a premium iGaming content division. These three areas seek to integrate sports viewing with gaming for engagement or real-money betting, fuse live and historical sports streams with casino-style gameplay, and deliver virtual sports and casino games on a unified platform. "iGaming is a logical and expandable addition to our business and a strategic step to accelerate our long-term growth plan," Koerl stated regarding the Playradar launch. "Playradar content is engineered to optimize cross-selling between sports and casinos, assisting operators in boosting player value and session duration at a time when engagement and retention are crucial for operational sustainability." Brazil trials pave way for major 2026 rollout Sportradar is a major force in the sportstech and data arena, specializing in supplying betting and streaming data to licensed operators. Its significant client roster includes Flutter Entertainment's FanDuel, DraftKings, and evoke's William Hill. Last year, the company greatly extended its sports data footprint—a highly competitive field it shares with rivals such as Genius Sports and Stats Perform—through the acquisition of IMG Arena from Endeavour Holdings. With its position in sports data solidified, Sportradar's pursuit of new growth avenues was expected. Last year, it became clear the company was focusing on two areas: predictions markets and iGaming. Discussing the Brazilian iGaming tests on the Q3 2025 earnings call, Koerl explained: "After client acquisition, they enter the sports betting ecosystem. We offer the full suite of products there, from basic data feeds to comprehensive risk management or the entire platform. "Using AI, we can redirect that customer into the iGaming space, supply them with suitable products, gauge engagement and churn, and utilize retention tools featuring visualization in the process." Leveraging the Brazilian experiments, Playradar will initially target regulated markets in North America, Latin America, and the UK. A series of game launches across these regions is scheduled for 2026, including virtual sports, table games, arcade games, and slots. Edo Haitin will lead Playradar as Sportradar's new Executive Vice President of iGaming. Haitin was selected for his deep expertise in live casino, having served as Managing Director of Live Casino at Playtech from 2019 to 2022 and as CEO of Playtech Live from 2022 to 2025. Edo Haitin, EVP of iGaming at Sportradar – Source: Sportradar Haitin commented: "By merging our unmatched expertise in sports data and live streaming with a demonstrated history of product development, we intend to build hybrid content and gaming experiences that tap into the growing trend of sports-casino consumption. "Our unique position allows us to effortlessly combine live and historical sports events, innovative game mechanics, and casino content, and we benefit from the ability to distribute games to an existing network of licensed operators. "I am tremendously excited to further bolster our iGaming operations via Playradar and develop it into a top-tier iGaming content provider, utilizing Sportradar's current assets and the adept, seasoned team already assembled." Koerl concluded: "In Edo, we have a seasoned and accomplished industry executive to lead the business forward, backed by an enthusiastic and committed team." This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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GR8 Tech: Optimizing the World Cup Through Geo-Specific Configurations

(AsiaGameHub) -   Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech, explains how operators can use technology to effectively tailor their offerings for this summer’s World Cup. The difference between providing a uniform experience and truly customizing for each region, he notes, can mean the difference between success and failure during this high-stakes event. The World Cup is sure to drive traffic to nearly every sportsbook. What’s not guaranteed is the amount of value operators can extract from that traffic—and that’s what every operator aims to maximize. That’s where localization comes into play. While the event is global, player behavior isn’t. How users navigate, place bets, react to offers, and remain engaged varies by market. Brands that offer a single generic experience across all markets will still capture the traffic surge from the World Cup’s biggest matches. But brands that tailor the UX, messaging, and engagement flow to local player behavior will generate more revenue from the same event. How player behavior changes regionally In certain markets—particularly parts of LatAm—World Cup engagement is fueled by speed and simplicity. Players seek a streamlined, football-focused experience, live odds, and quick access to the bet slip, especially during high-pressure match periods when attention rapidly shifts from one game to another. Expectations differ in other markets. European audiences often respond better to greater betting depth during the tournament, including specialty markets, micro-markets, and more detailed bet-building. In those regions, providing more options can boost engagement instead of causing friction. The same trend holds for retention during the tournament. In some regions, operators see better results with prominent promotions, missions, streaks, and CRM prompts linked to daily World Cup moments—like kickoffs, key wins, upsets, and knockout games. In others, retention relies less on heavy promotion stacking and more on product trust: seamless performance, fast payouts, and timely updates about the biggest matches. MENA markets, for example, often react more positively to bold design and robust bonus structures, while some SEA markets—where in-play betting plays a major role—need a World Cup experience centered on real-time odds updates, fast bet placement, and tools like Bet Builder. What operators should localize for World Cup performance Above all, operators should localize the aspects of the experience that directly impact player actions and repeat engagement. Start with UI prioritization. Decide what deserves the most visibility in each market during the tournament: live betting, bet builder, key matches, or specific market types. Small front-end choices can have a big impact when traffic is high and attention spans are short. Next, focus on promotional messaging. The same offer won’t perform equally across all regions if it’s framed in a generic way. Messaging should reflect the local tone, be relevant, and address what actually motivates players in that market to click, deposit, or return. CRM strategies should also be built around tournament milestones instead of fixed schedules. Before kickoff, during matchdays, after major upsets, and following eliminations, communication should shift based on where the player is in their World Cup journey. Adapting bonus and mission structures is also worthwhile. In some markets, matchday rewards may be more effective. In others, streaks, quests, or tournament-long challenges can do more to encourage repeat play. Lastly, operators should localize retention efforts post-match and post-tournament. The World Cup creates a natural traffic spike, but keeping players engaged depends on what comes next—whether it’s the next round, another football event, or fostering a broader sportsbook habit beyond football. Localization without platform complexity with GR8 Tech You don’t need to completely overhaul your platform to effectively localize for the World Cup. With GR8 Tech’s Sportsbook via iFrame, operators can still adjust the elements of the experience that most directly impact performance: UI priorities, market visibility, promotional framing, and CRM journeys. That’s important because much of World Cup localization is about execution. Geo-targeted CRM lets operators run different matchday prompts, missions, retention flows, and post-match follow-ups by market—all while keeping launch timelines tight. In that way, the iFrame model isn’t just a quick path to market; it also provides operators with a practical way to localize the player experience for the tournament without delaying deployment. The World Cup is global, but performance is local The operators who will benefit most from the tournament are those who use it to enhance business results, not just drive traffic. That translates to higher conversion rates on matchdays, better retention between games, and less churn after the final. The value lies in adapting the experience for each market—even if the core sportsbook remains unchanged. 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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Allwyn achieves milestone in National Lottery modernisation

(AsiaGameHub) -   Allwyn has now invested over £450 million in modernising the National Lottery since taking over the operating licence in 2024. The company has described this as the most significant overhaul of the lottery since its inception in 1994, aiming to secure its future growth in the digital age. It's worth noting that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) initiated an investigation last year, citing a potential breach of contract due to the delayed full implementation of planned updates beyond the agreed deadline. Although the investigation's findings have not yet been officially released, Allwyn has stated that the £450 million investment "satisfies the UKGC as the requirements for Fully Implemented Commencement as detailed under the Enabling Agreement have been achieved". The National Lottery experienced several temporary shutdowns to facilitate the rollout of these updates. In August of the previous year, Allwyn took the lottery offline to conduct a large-scale operation to replace outdated lottery terminals in over 40,000 locations across the country. Another substantial change occurred in January, when both the National Lottery website and its mobile applications were unavailable for 24 hours while Allwyn implemented modifications to the lottery's digital interface. These updates included a user experience redesign and the crucial integration of new player safety features. These enhancements feature mandatory personal deposit and spending limits, automatic hourly logouts during gameplay, and safer gambling messages for instant games. Financially, the first year under Allwyn's operation saw sales increase to £8.1 billion, a 3.5% rise year-on-year. Digital channel sales accounted for half of this total, amounting to £4.1 billion. Allwyn reported that 12 million individuals are now engaging with the National Lottery digitally. Furthermore, 2025 marked the first time in the lottery's history that digital sales surpassed retail sales, representing 51% of the total. The UKGC also acknowledged the National Lottery's popularity among UK consumers, with recent market analysis indicating it generates the second-highest Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) after online gaming. Finally, Allwyn's lottery enhancements resulted in over £1.7 billion being generated for Good Causes in 2025, averaging £33 million per week. The company remains optimistic about achieving its target of £60 million per week in Good Causes contributions by the conclusion of its licence in 2034. Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer of Allwyn UK, commented: “Allwyn is committed to restoring the magic to The National Lottery and delivering long-term growth. Being the guardian of this unique UK institution is a privilege and a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. “We are delighted to have delivered growth to The National Lottery while successfully completing the largest international upgrade in lottery history. This is a hugely exciting time for The National Lottery and its players, as these much-needed upgrades now allow us to launch new games and products, meaning we can generate more money than ever before for Good Causes.” 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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Estonia Advisor Dismissed Over Gambling Tax Act Error Plans to Appeal Decision

(AsiaGameHub) -   A veteran adviser to Estonia's Riigikogu Chancellery, fired due to a clerical mistake in the Gambling Tax Act, plans to appeal her dismissal. The official, identified by Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) as Piia Schults, stated she is deeply affected by her "terrible" error but views it as her "duty to bring the matter before a court". The legislation was approved last December, leading to online casinos being tax-exempt in 2026 as Estonia aims to position itself as an iGaming centre. The mistake, which has now been corrected, was discovered in January and attributed to Schults. Estonia's tax on remote gambling will decrease from 6% to 4% by 2029, then fall by 0.5% each subsequent year, with all revenue directed to culture and sports. Nevertheless, the error has had significant consequences, with the state expected to forfeit around €4m (£3.45m) in anticipated gambling tax income this year. However, Schults, who maintained an excellent reputation across more than thirty years of service without prior criticism, is consulting a lawyer to fight the decision. She informed ERR that she considers the case "fundamentally a question of principles". "I must contest this. Maybe it will motivate other colleagues as well," she remarked. "You simply cannot treat an individual like this. I will contest this for everyone, with my colleagues and Estonian society in mind." "I believe the public has a right to be aware of events in the public sector. We are not isolated units – we all coexist here in small Estonia, visible to each other." Chancellery Director Antero Habicht issued a written statement to the national outlet regarding the matter. "Considering all factors, this action was inevitable and required; continuing a trust-based relationship was no longer feasible," he stated. "Given that the official intends to seek legal recourse to protect her rights, we deem it inappropriate to offer further public commentary. "Formal dismissal procedures are always a final measure. Typically, issues are addressed confidentially and resolved through discussion. We will not comment on any previous errors in this instance." Hurdles for Estonia's iGaming Ambitions This development is the most recent in a string of incidents concerning Estonia's gambling sector in recent months. The nation seeks to become a recognised iGaming hub, as noted, emulating models adopted by jurisdictions such as Malta, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. By 2029, its remote gambling tax will be lower than Malta's 5%, which could attract more operators to establish operations there. Yet, this episode reveals ongoing issues with transparency in the process. When asked about Schults' firing, Finance Minister and Estonian Reform Party member Jürgen Ligi commented: "It certainly appears unjust. But what is the Reform Party's connection to this, and why is Isamaa party involved? "The relevant draft law – the Gambling Tax Act – was not something I endorsed, yet a technical error happened under considerable pressure. Meetings with officials were largely held at the Riigikogu and online. "A minor deletion mistake happened, resulting in an extra word remaining. However, I do not believe a person should be severely punished for that." 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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March Madness: Top Contenders Cost Sportsbooks in Early Rounds, but Florida’s Defeat ‘Rescued the Situation’

(AsiaGameHub) -   Favorites controlled the opening rounds of March Madness, winning 20 consecutive games at one point, but sportsbooks secured a major victory when top-seeded Florida fell to No. 9 Iowa on Sunday. The Gators were a popular betting choice heading into the NCAA Tournament, making their unexpected defeat a significant benefit for sportsbooks. “That halted the onslaught of bets on favorites and moneyline parlays,” said Caesars Sports Head of Basketball Trading Rich Zanco. “Iowa’s win was a major necessity. It saved the day.” Gators Get Gone, Sportsbooks Get Paid Florida entered the game as a favorite by up to 10.5 points against Iowa. The Gators' moneyline was -550, implying an 84.62% chance of winning the game straight up. “The betting action was overwhelmingly on Florida. There were numerous parlays involving Florida on both the moneyline and the spread,” Zanco stated. “Clearly, Iowa winning and eliminating Florida from championship futures betting is very significant.” Zanco mentioned that Caesars Sports accepted a “significant” six-figure wager on Florida to cover a 10-point spread just before the game began. Major upsets are an annual feature of March Madness. With the defending champion Florida eliminated, the remaining No. 1 seeds—Arizona, Michigan, and Duke—now lead the national championship odds. Sportsbooks also gained from Florida's removal from the futures market. SuperBook Vice President John Murray pointed out that Florida represented one of his book's largest potential payouts. “That's an excellent result for us. All the accumulating liability from moneyline parlays was tied to Florida and Arizona,” Murray said. “Getting Florida out of the futures book is also great. That was huge for us.” He added, “I don't want to reach the Final Four and still have Florida and Duke in contention.” Duke advanced after defeating TCU 81-58 on Saturday. The Blue Devils had narrowly escaped an upset by No. 16 Siena in the first round. Bettors Benefit From Epic Run By Favorites Moneyline parlays that stack favorites are a common strategy for many bettors. With these wagers, the point spread doesn't matter; the favored teams simply need to win their games. One such parlay, combining Iowa, St. John’s, Houston, and Illinois, was successful on Saturday. Favorites won every one of the 16 games on Friday and the initial four on Saturday, enabling bettors to profit handsomely from these parlays built on favorites. “The wave of favorites kept coming, and we couldn't find an underdog to win,” Zanco remarked. “Bettors found particular success on Saturday with Michigan and Michigan State, and then carried those winnings into the Duke game.” He added, “Bettors performed exceptionally well on Saturday.” 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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Controversy in South Korea Over Coast Guard Officer Caught Gambling Who Was ‘Promoted’

(AsiaGameHub) -   A dispute has broken out in South Korea following a senior coast guard officer's visit to an illegal gambling establishment, after which he received what some called a "promotion." According to the South Korean media outlet MBN, the unnamed officer was the chief of a substation in the Gunsan Coast Guard when he was apprehended for gambling in an illegal betting venue last August. During a raid on the den, detectives arrested the officer. In court, the officer claimed innocence, stating to the judges: "I didn’t know I was in a gambling den." The court found his defense unconvincing and convicted him of illegal gambling. Nonetheless, unnamed commentators described his sentence as "a mere slap on the wrist." Gunsan City Hall. (Image: WanjuMuanSinan [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Controversy in South Korea: Gambler ‘Promoted’ The judges imposed a fine of 1 million won ($664) on the officer, which is the minimum penalty for the crime. The Coast Guard did not suspend the officer from his duties while awaiting the court's final ruling. Soon after, as part of a standard staff reorganization, Gunsan officials appointed the officer to be a section chief in a police station's intelligence department. Residents on local Gunsan online forums voiced their concern, arguing it was unjust for a public official facing a gambling charge to be given a senior criminal intelligence role so quickly. Some asserted that the move was effectively a "promotion." A spokesperson for the Gunsan Coast Guard station stated: "With his many years of prior experience at a police substation, [the officer] has extensive knowledge of local intelligence. We therefore initially considered him suitable for the position." However, after a wave of critical posts emerged on anonymous forums, Gunsan authorities took action. The spokesperson confirmed that the so-called promotion has been revoked. The officer has been moved to a lower-ranking role in a different department, the spokesperson added. The officer involved declined to provide a statement on the issue, the media outlet reported. Crackdown Continues South Korean police have intensified their efforts against illegal betting operations this year. In a recent incident in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, police confronted a man in his 60s after a dispute during gambling. The man allegedly had a fierce argument with other individuals during an illegal betting game in the Punggi area. In a rage, he pursued them with an unloaded air pistol and fired it towards them. After causing panic, he fled to his home, with police in pursuit. Upon their arrival, he used the weapon to injure himself. He survived the incident but sustained a major injury, as later verified by a hospital. 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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OnlineCasino Players Receive Thousands in Credits Due to Glitch

(AsiaGameHub) -   Players accessing William Hill’s online casino unexpectedly found large sums added to their accounts. In one reported instance, a user received a six-figure deposit. The company has moved quickly to limit the fallout, offering users the option to keep 11% of their windfalls if they agree to return the remaining amount. The glitch appears to have originated on the platform’s Jackpot Drop game. After receiving the unexpectedly large payouts, a number of users immediately initiated withdrawals of the funds. In response, William Hill sent emails asking users to return the incorrectly credited money. One email sent to affected users stated, “During a regular review of platform operations, we identified an issue impacting the Jackpot Drop game, which led to wrong amounts being added to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed improperly.” The email further noted, “Our review has confirmed that specific balances added to your account and later withdrawn did not come from valid gameplay, and are linked to the issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game.” William Hill noted that its Terms and Conditions grant it the right to void transactions, adjust account balances, and reclaim any funds paid out in error in cases where a game malfunction or technical error takes place. Users Battle to Hold Onto Funds Users shared screenshots of the unprecedented payouts across social media platforms. One user on X posted an image they claim belongs to their friend, showing the account had been credited with more than £140,000 ($188,000). William Hill account holding winnings of more than £140,000 Image credit: @stevn_coyw on X Another user reported that his grandfather had been credited £330,000 ($442,000) and had already withdrawn £33,000 of that sum. He alleges William Hill is threatening legal action if the funds that were withdrawn are not returned. Past Rulings Have Sided With Users In an earlier UK case, Corrine Durber had more than £1 million ($1.3 million) in winnings credited to her account for a Paddy Power casino game in October 2020. The gambling firm blamed a computer error and attempted to reduce the customer’s payout to just £20,000. The case proceeded to court, and a judge eventually granted summary judgment in Durber’s favor last year, meaning she won without a trial. In the ruling, the judge stated, “When a trader places all risk on a consumer for its own recklessness, negligence, mistakes, insufficient digital services and inadequate testing, that appears overly burdensome to me.” William Hill stated it is hopeful that customers will be cooperative and return the funds. A company spokesperson said, “We have reached out to relevant customers to clarify the issue, and are in the process of reclaiming the funds in accordance with our standard terms and conditions. We are thankful for our customers’ understanding of this situation.” The platform faces an unclear future, with parent company Evoke announcing a strategic review last year following tax increases in the UK. The company has since delayed the publication of its financial results for the final quarter of 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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March Madness: Odds, Predictions, and Picks for the Sweet 16

(AsiaGameHub) -   Yesterday's upset of top-seeded Florida by Iowa shattered March Madness brackets as the NCAA Tournament advances to the Sweet 16. The other No. 1 seeds, Arizona, Michigan, and Duke, are still the top betting choices for the national title, but we will also highlight a sleeper and a longshot pick that offer greater potential returns. Updated NCAA Tournament Futures Odds at DraftKings Below are the latest odds from DraftKings for teams to win the national championship, current as of publication: TeamOddsArizona+330Michigan+340Duke+370Houston+700Purdue+1300Illinois+1400Iowa State+1600UConn+2500Michigan State+3000St. John’s+3500Arkansas+4000Nebraska+4500Tennessee+6000Iowa+12000Alabama+13000Texas+30000 Best Bet on Favorite to Win NCAA Tournament Duke +370 The tournament's top overall seed got a major scare and a wake-up call in its first-round game against 16th-seeded Siena. Favored by 27.5 points, the Blue Devils narrowly avoided disaster with a 71-65 win, a result that nearly became one of the greatest upsets in March Madness history. Duke returned to dominant form in an 81-58 victory over TCU on Saturday. The team was bolstered by the return of center Patrick Ngongba II to the rotation. He has been managing foot problems for weeks, causing him to miss the ACC Tournament and the opener against Siena. Ngongba's role will be vital for Duke in its Sweet 16 contest with St. John’s. He is expected to be the primary defender on forward Zuby Ejiofor, a formidable presence inside. Ejiofor posted a team-best 18 points and nine rebounds in his team's win over Kansas yesterday. TCU limited Duke standout Cameron Boozer to only two first-half points, but the country's premier player recovered to lead his team with 19 points. Boozer entered the tournament as the favorite to be named NCAA Tournament MVP. Isaiah Evans provides Duke with a significant perimeter scoring threat. He scored 17 points against TCU after putting up 16 versus Siena, making two three-pointers in each contest. Best Bet on Sleeper Pick to win NCAA Tournament Michigan State +3000 Head coach Tom Izzo has guided the Spartans to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time in his career. However, he is pursuing only his second national championship, with Michigan State's last title coming in 2000. The Spartans are led by versatile point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who tops the nation with 9.4 assists per game and also leads Michigan State in scoring at 15.3 points per game. Michigan State also possesses a sizable and productive frontcourt. Jaxon Kohler (12.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg), Coen Carr (12 ppg, 5.5 rpg), and Carson Cooper (11 ppg, 7.1 rpg) all average double-digit points as well. That skilled front line will be essential to containing UConn center Tarris Reed in the Sweet 16. Reed paces the Huskies with averages of 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Look for Michigan State to advance past UConn, which would potentially set up an Elite Eight showdown with Duke. Best Bet on Longshot to Win NCAA Tournament Tennessee +6000 The Volunteers rely on their defense, which allows just 69.1 points per game. Sixth-seeded Tennessee "upset" No. 3 Virginia 79-72 to reach the Sweet 16, despite actually being favored by 1.5 points in that matchup. Ja’kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 21 points, and Nate Ament contributed 16. Tennessee also boasts a signature victory over Houston from this season. Tennessee meets Iowa State in the Sweet 16. The Cyclones may once again be missing star player Joshua Jefferson (16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg), who sustained a serious ankle sprain in the tournament's first round. KenPom ranks Jefferson second in the national player of the year race, behind only Duke's Boozer. Although the Volunteers are 4.5-point underdogs against the Cyclones, a Tennessee win would not be shocking considering their recent hot shooting. Gillespie totaled 50 points across the first two tournament games. In yesterday's win over Virginia, Tennessee shot 42.1% from beyond the arc and connected on eight three-pointers. Gillespie hit three of those, while Bishop Boswell knocked down four. 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 Awards Europe Unveils 2026 Shortlist

(AsiaGameHub) -   SBC has revealed the finalists for the 2026 SBC Awards Europe, which will be held at Xara Lodge in Malta on Thursday, April 30. Wrapping up the final day of SBC Summit Malta 2026, the ceremony will gather 400 industry professionals to honor excellence in the European betting and gaming sector. This year’s awards include 35 categories that recognize exceptional accomplishments from operators, affiliates, industry leaders, game developers, and other suppliers. The Betsson Group tops the shortlist with seven nominations, closely followed by Sportradar with six. “Success in this industry goes beyond revenue—it’s defined by resilience, creativity, and a willingness to take risks,” stated SBC Founder and CEO Rasmus Sojmark. “The SBC Awards Europe don’t honor the largest companies, but the boldest. I’d like to send a massive congratulations to every shortlisted company.” In the operator categories, Novibet aims to defend its titles for ‘Operator Innovation in Gaming’ and ‘Sportsbook Operator of the Year’. Meanwhile, 1xBet is competing against GG.BET, Allwyn, and Peter & Sons to keep the ‘Marketing Campaign and Sponsorship of the Year’ award. Elsewhere, Megapari Partners, Parimatch Affiliates, and Vegas Legends will compete against defending champions Betsson Group Affiliates for the ‘Best Affiliate Program’ award. Alea is seeking to retain the ‘Employer of the Year’ title, competing against Altenar, BETBY, GR8 Tech, and SOFTSWISS. Highlighting the industry’s focus on player protection, nominees for ‘Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year’ include 8888, EPIC Global Solutions, Play’n GO, and Stars Partners. In the ‘SlotCatalog’ categories, Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming aim to defend their titles as ‘Game Studio of the Year – Large’ and ‘Game Studio of the Year – Medium’. Gamzix, Octoplay, Penguin King, and Dream Play are among those vying for the ‘Game Studio of the Year – Small’ award. The much-awaited ‘Leader of the Year’ and ‘Manager of the Year’ awards will remain a secret until the event, with nominees and winners announced live during the ceremony. In the ‘Game Developer Award’ categories, Bragg Gaming Group, Evoplay, Funky Games, and TaDa Gaming have all received nominations in multiple categories. In the affiliate categories, Flashscore and Casino Guru hope to keep their titles for ‘Sports Affiliate of the Year’ and ‘Casino Affiliate of the Year’, respectively. They compete against the likes of Catena Media, BETANDEAL, Gentoo Media, Better Collective, Clever Advertising, and MediaTroopers. In the supplier categories, BetConstruct and Sportradar lead with four nominations each, followed by Delasport and Kanggiten with three each. Trustly could have a standout night, earning nominations for both ‘Compliance & KYC Partner of the Year’ and ‘Payment Solution of the Year’. They’ll compete against BridgerPay, Paysecure, Paytently, BetComply, and GBG. The evening will also shine a light on emerging talent via four dedicated Rising Star awards, which recognize top operators and suppliers making waves in casino and sports betting. The full list of shortlisted companies can be found on the SBC Awards Europe website. Please be aware that a separate ticket is needed to attend the ceremony. Table and ticket options are available here. Interested in attending SBC Summit Malta? For groups of three or more, buy our Group Pass ticket, which gives you access to three days of networking, exhibitions, and conference content for a discounted €400 per person—saving €200 off the standard ticket price. You can also buy our ‘Expo Plus Pass’ for €150, which provides access solely to the conference and exhibition. Operators and affiliates may apply for a free pass here. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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DATA.BET: AI and data scaling reshape personalized sports betting markets

(AsiaGameHub) -   The integration of AI and extensive data processing is transforming sports betting trading, as B2B providers transition from offering standardized markets to delivering personalized, real-time services. The emphasis has shifted from broad pricing models to providing customized betting options, informed by live data and player behavior. For operators, this implies competing on relevance as much as on pricing. Trading teams are now expected to create and manage a significantly wider array of markets, utilizing automated models to process live data and react instantly to in-play events. The capacity to manage such vast volumes of data is becoming a critical determinant of product quality and customer retention. During the recent ICE Barcelona conference, Thomas Johnson, Head of Trading at DATA.BET, commented that access to data has largely removed limitations on market creation. “The quantity of markets we can provide is almost limitless,” he explained. “If a customer desires a specific bet, we can generate it because the necessary data exists. It is no longer a generic offering. To retain players, you must provide what they want.” To facilitate this, DATA.BET employs a hybrid trading framework. AI systems continuously manage pricing, risk, and market updates, while human traders oversee performance and intervene during volatile situations. Many of these traders possess professional esports or sports backgrounds, contributing valuable context that automated systems might miss. This methodology enables providers to scale their output without compromising risk control. For B2B clients, this translates to more stable pricing, broader market coverage, and reduced operational pressure on their internal teams. The model is anticipated to undergo further testing during major events, such as the upcoming summer World Cup. Johnson noted that DATA.BET is concentrating on features like picture-in-play overlays, expanded live betting markets, and more detailed player proposition data. These features are designed to enhance engagement and support longer sessions, while also creating cross-selling opportunities between traditional sports and esports. Otto further stated that the company’s background in esports trading provides a distinct advantage when expanding into conventional sports. Esports markets are characterized by their speed and volatility, demanding robust risk systems. Applying this experience to football and other major sports helps improve stability for operators. This cross-vertical approach is also influencing DATA.BET’s expansion strategies. The company is targeting growth in Latin America, following a recent partnership in Brazil. The region demonstrates strong demand across both football and esports, making it a key area of focus for 2026. 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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Kalshi Withdraws From Nevada as Fresh New Lawsuit Targets the Company’s Founders

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi has been compelled to leave a U.S. state for the first time, temporarily halting access to its sports markets in Nevada after a judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the company. Legal disputes over the platform’s contentious sports prediction markets are escalating, and a new lawsuit has targeted Kalshi’s co-founders personally. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced the state issued the TRO on Friday. In a press release, Chairman Mike Dreitzer stated, “Kalshi has repeatedly claimed its operations are legal in all 50 states, which is clearly false.” “Prediction markets that enable unlicensed gambling are illegal in Nevada, and we have a statutory duty to protect the public. We want Nevada residents to wager safely with a licensed bookmaker.” The TRO remains in effect until April 3, when a hearing will be held. Kalshi’s departure from the state follows a judge’s denial of the company’s request for an administrative stay—something that would have allowed it to continue operating while the case proceeds. Kalshi Confident in Legal Position Kalshi emailed users on Saturday to confirm it would restrict Nevada users from accessing sports, entertainment, and election markets. The email stated, “We’ll get straight to it. Due to a temporary court order, our sports, entertainment, and election-related markets are being restricted in Nevada. You can still sell your positions or wait for them to settle, but you won’t be able to buy new contracts.” It added, “This situation is unprecedented—Nevada is currently the only state with temporary restrictions in place from a court order. We disagree with these restrictions, but as a law-abiding company, we’re complying. We’re confident in our legal stance and will keep fighting for your right to trade the same products available in 49 other states.” Other states have issued unfavorable rulings against Kalshi but generally allowed the company to keep operating until those rulings are finalized. In Massachusetts, a judge granted the state an injunction, but Kalshi won a motion to stay from the appeals court. Latest Lawsuit Names Kalshi Founders As it battles state regulators across the country, Kalshi is also facing a wave of lawsuits from individuals and legal firms. The latest filing specifically names Kalshi co-founders Tarek Mansour and Luana Lopes Lara. The company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Joshua Beardsley, is also named in the suit, which was filed in California. As gaming lawyer Daniel Wallach highlighted, the lawsuit notes the defendants initially “admitted that Sporting Event Contracts have ‘no inherent economic significance.’” During a hearing where Kalshi fought for the legal right to offer election markets, a company lawyer stated, “[Y]ou can see it in the congressional record, and they give three examples of gaming contracts: Football, horse racing, golf. They’re all games. It’s something that has no inherent economic significance. It’s done for amusement. It may be purely to facilitate betting itself for its own sake.” The lawsuit alleges that despite “repeatedly recognizing this legal line in the sand, the Kalshi Defendants got greedy and crossed it in bad faith.” Legal firms from four states filed the lawsuit on Friday. Unlike most litigation—which focuses on the company violating state gambling laws—the suit claims Kalshi is breaking the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), the rulebook for prediction market platforms. The CEA prohibits gaming-related markets, but the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has not opposed platforms offering sports markets. It has issued an advisory on sports markets but has not gone so far as to say these markets constitute gaming. Despite mounting legal challenges, Kalshi recorded its second-highest single-day trading volume thanks to March Madness and surpassed $3 billion in weekly trading volume. The company was valued at $22 billion in a recent funding round. 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 Announces Livestream Details for Charity Boxing

(AsiaGameHub) -   This Friday, SBC’s Charity Boxing Championship will be live-streamed, with 12 white-collar competitors from the gaming industry stepping into the ring to compete for personal pride, company bragging rights, and a meaningful cause. The complete fight card for the evening will be viewable live through a dedicated stream provided by Gr8Tech, with the first fighter entering the ring scheduled for 9pm GMT—enabling those who can’t attend to follow the action as it happens. Taking place at London Hilton Park Lane this Friday, the championship will gather more than 500 guests for an exclusive black-tie affair that includes a champagne reception, three-course dinner, charity auction, and after-party. At its heart, the event supports the Oliver’s Wish Foundation—a charity that funds children’s organizations focused on research and supporting families dealing with loss—with support from Platinum Sponsor Gamingtec and numerous other partners. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, stated: “SBC’s Charity Boxing Championship has become a standout event in the gaming industry’s calendar. It’s not just an opportunity for representatives from different companies to earn bragging rights—we also get to raise funds for the Oliver’s Wish Foundation and its crucial work. “The dedication shown by this year’s fighters has been outstanding. Kudos to each one of them for stepping into the ring. Their readiness to step outside their comfort zones for a worthy cause is what makes this event so impactful.” The 12 fighters are the centerpiece of the event—their months of hard work, dedication, and training will come to a head this Friday as they step into the ring to challenge themselves. The fight card is as follows:  Kai Hill (Dennis & Dyer) vs Majid Rodriguez (Product Manager, Super) Ahmed Baker (Chief Commercial Officer, Incentive Games) vs Rory Kimber (Commercial Director, Lucky Streak) Jessica Lee-Green (Partnership Team Manager, Games Global) vs Ferial Abarghooie (Director Of Account Management, G Games) Tamas Kusztos (Co-Founder, SharedLuck) vs Sapar Karyagdyyev (Founder, GamingTec) Ben Cleminson (CEO, Square in the Air) vs Rob Fell (CEO, RiskCherry) Nikki Timmins (Head of Account Management, Blue Sakura Solutions) vs Lex Scott (VP Gaming, ITV) The evening will kick off with a drinks reception and seated dinner, leading up to the first three fights. A charity auction—with all proceeds going to the Oliver’s Wish Foundation—will follow, before the final three bouts take the spotlight. The event will conclude with an after-party. To contribute to the Oliver’s Wish Foundation and learn more about its mission, visit: www.justgiving.com/charity/oliverswishfoundation  For additional details—including table bookings—visit sbcevents.com/sbc-charity-boxing-championship or reach out to Paul Mills at paul@sbcgaming.com 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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Welsh bookmaker questions what’s next following greyhound prohibition

(AsiaGameHub) -   James Lovell, co-founder and Director of Welsh bookmaker DragonBet, has strongly criticised the government's recent decision to outlaw greyhound racing. Lovell described the move as "a huge shame," asserting that it was not supported by concrete evidence but rather driven by a political agenda that overlooks an entire sport which has significantly prioritized animal welfare. “For many people, this sport is a way of life, built around people who care deeply for their dogs and have dedicated their lives to them,” Lovell stated. He also accused the government of inconsistency, arguing that the criticisms leveled against greyhound racing could equally apply to horse racing, a sport currently thriving in Wales. Currently, Wales has three active horse racing venues: Bangor-on-Dee, Chepstow, and Ffos Las. In contrast, there is only one operational greyhound track, the Valley Greyhound Stadium in Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed. “At a time when horse racing in Wales is achieving real success and giving people something to be proud of, it is fair to ask where this ends. Today it is greyhound racing – tomorrow, what sport involving animals is next?,” DragonBet’s Director concluded. As a reminder, Wales’ Senedd voted in favor of a proposal to ban greyhound racing, citing animal welfare concerns. The prohibition is set to take effect on April 1, 2027, with a three-year transition period until April 1, 2030, for all stakeholders to adapt to the changes. The decision, like that affecting DragonBet, has faced considerable opposition, notably from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) and its Chief Executive Officer, Mark Bird. Echoing Lovell's sentiments, Bird expressed his disappointment with the government's decision, adding: “The only thing this Bill will do is destroy people’s jobs, family-run businesses and community touchpoints not to mention cause significant loss to the Welsh economy.” Currently, Wales and Scotland are the only two countries in the UK to have officially banned greyhound racing, with both bans being voted on the same day. Greyhound racing has not been conducted in Scotland since its last regulated track in Fife closed in 2019. The GBGB has, predictably, voiced strong opposition to both bans. Commenting on the Scottish ban last week, Bird criticized the bill as ‘unevidenced, illogical and will help no-one in Scotland – least of all greyhounds’. Globally, the sport can still be legally organized in the US, Australia, Ireland, England, and Northern Ireland. New Zealand is also set to ban it in 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.