(AsiaGameHub) - Prosecutors in Akita Prefecture have stated that a sitting Japanese judge developed an addiction to online gambling and misappropriated funds designated for civil servants to finance his habit.
According to a report by Japanese broadcaster AAB News, public prosecutors have indicted Akifumi Morimoto, a 52-year-old judge at a summary court in Niigata.
Niigata’s Bandaibashi Bridge, in Japan’s Akita Prefecture. (Image: DAI-nk [CC BY-SA 3.0])
Morimoto faces charges including habitual gambling, embezzlement, and other related offenses.
The Akita District public prosecutors revealed that the judge used his smartphone and other internet-connected devices to engage in baccarat games on online casino platforms.
Japanese Judge Placed 60,000 Bets on Baccarat Games
Investigators reported that Morimoto made at least 60,000 bets, with his gambling activities reportedly beginning in 2023.
During that period, Morimoto was also responsible for overseeing the bank accounts of the management association for a national civil servants’ dormitory located in the city of Yokote.
Prosecution officials indicated that between April 2023 and May 2025, Morimoto embezzled approximately 2.79 million yen (close to $18,000) from these accounts.
Investigators stated that the judge transferred funds from the dormitory accounts into his personal accounts.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has not disclosed whether Morimoto has confessed to or denied the charges.
Online casinos are prohibited in Japan, and accessing overseas-based online casinos is a criminal offense. Courts possess the authority to imprison habitual illegal gamblers and impose substantial fines.
Across the country, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that several active-duty police officers have engaged in gambling during their work hours this year.
In February, Japanese prosecutors indicted a 35-year-old police lieutenant from the Okinawa Prefectural Police force on suspicion of habitual gambling on horse races through unregistered online casino sites.
Furthermore, in January, a detective at Hanyu Police Station admitted to stealing valuable trading cards from an evidence room.
The detective explained that he sold the cards and used the proceeds to bet on horse races.
During questioning by investigators, he stated, “I couldn’t control my desire to gamble.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Three leading gambling firms, bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity, are confronting legal action in New Zealand following allegations of providing unlawful gambling services within the nation.
The three legal claims have been filed as a collective action. Presiding judge Ian Gault noted the proceedings “involve at least one of the same plaintiffs and raise the same or similar issues.”
Nevertheless, the cases are not being consolidated currently. Judge Gault additionally imposed a suppression order to keep the plaintiffs' identities confidential.
New Zealand enacted fresh gambling legislation last year. The updated regulations essentially ban companies with offshore licenses from conducting business in the country.
SkyCity Denies Responsibility
SkyCity acknowledged it was served notice of the lawsuit last month. The firm stated the claim is “seeking to test the lawfulness of the online gaming operations operated by Silvereye on behalf of an overseas subsidiary of SkyCity”.
Silvereye, which is part of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), is licensed in Malta. SkyCity refuted any responsibility for GiG's actions. A spokesperson declared, “SkyCity denies any such liability and will actively defend the proceedings.”
As reported by the New Zealand Herald, the company divested its equity stake in GiG in June 2024 but maintained it still had a “valuable relationship” via its connection to SkyCity Online.
The legal action aims to reclaim gambling losses incurred on SkyCity Online from February 2020 to February 2026. While SkyCity runs physical casinos in New Zealand, the country has not formally authorized online casino operations.
New Zealand Set To Legalize Online Casinos
New Zealand may introduce regulated iGaming later this year, with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) anticipated to grant approximately 15 licenses. The proposal has drawn a varied response, with critics cautioning it could exacerbate gambling addiction.
Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized that the new law is designed to regulate, not grow, the gambling sector. She commented, “My goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders to play casino games more safely.”
bet365 Objects to Proceedings
Judge Gault also mentioned that bet365 and associated defendants “object to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts to hear and determine this proceeding.”
The lawsuit names the company’s subsidiaries, Hillside (Gaming) Enc and Hillside (Sports), along with CEO Denise Coates. Hillside is headquartered in Malta and possesses licenses from the UK and Gibraltar.
Super Group, the parent entity of betting brands Betway and Spin, has several affiliated companies listed as defendants: Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree (Alderney), and Baytree Interactive.
CasinoBeats reached out to the plaintiffs' counsel, Davey Salmon, KC, and the gambling operators' lawyer, David Cooper, KC, but has not received a reply from either.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Casino operator Bally’s, based in the US, has tabled a £225 million ($303 million) bid to acquire Evoke. The betting group, whose leading brands are 888 and William Hill, is reported to have granted Bally’s the status of preferred bidder.
Evoke initiated a strategic review in December that opened the door to a potential sale. Following news of the possible acquisition by Bally’s, the company's share price has surged more than 30% in the past week. The price is currently 40.76 GBX, a significant increase from 20.95 GBX at the beginning of December.
According to Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, the share price increase “suggests the market is sceptical this is a winning bid”.
“Shareholders aren’t in a strong position to demand more money,” he continued. “Bally’s doesn’t need to be generous with an offer because it holds the advantage in negotiations. Evoke is in such a weak position, and its long-term viability is uncertain if it cannot find a buyer for part or all of the business.”
William Hill Takeover Straddled Evoke With Debt
Evoke is currently burdened with approximately £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) of debt, largely stemming from its £2.2 billion ($2.97 billion) purchase of William Hill in 2021. This deal did not include William Hill’s US operations, which were acquired by Caesars Entertainment that same year.
“This massive debt load presents Bally’s with two choices,” Coatsworth stated. “It can purchase the entire business and gradually reduce the debt, or it can buy Evoke and promptly break it up to recoup cash and speed up repayments.”
The company's challenges have been worsened by recent tax increases in the UK. Since the start of April, the government has been taxing online casino revenue at 40%, a sharp rise from the former rate of 21%.
Evoke estimated the new tax regime would result in an annual cost of between £125 million and £135 million (approximately $170 million). In response, William Hill has shuttered hundreds of its betting shops.
“We have moved quickly and decisively to execute on our mitigation plans, including the closure of retail stores that are no longer sustainable as well as broader cost savings, and we will update shareholders on our progress and updated strategic plan in due course,” Evoke CEO Per Widerström commented while presenting the firm’s most recent financial results.
Users Fighting Evoke Over Online Casino Glitch
Compounding the issues from UK tax hikes, a system malfunction at Evoke created turmoil for its customers. A technical error in the company’s Jackpot Drop games led to thousands of players winning large amounts, but 888 and William Hill subsequently invalidated those payouts.
A number of users are now threatening to sue the company, asserting that their winnings should be paid.
One Canadian player, James Kotylak, who won over CA$1 million (around $940,000) on 888, expressed his intention to speed up legal action. He fears the potential takeover could jeopardize his opportunity to seek compensation.
Kotylak condemned both the decision to void his winnings and the company's handling of communications, claiming he was repeatedly misled and provided with incorrect details.
“To have a life‑changing win like that erased by a vague ‘glitch’ with no evidence has been devastating,” Kotylak told CasinoBeats in an interview this month.
“I’m not asking for special treatment — just for the casino to be held to the same standard of proof and accountability that they expect from their players.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Ranging from Italy's full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation.
To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry's next phase of growth.
Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability.
Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy's new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework.
“UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives.
A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta's evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.” Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners).
“Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe's largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany's current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing).
“The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands' gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl).
“Finland's Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country's transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz).
Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry's next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners).
SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership.
Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta
Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600.
Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Netherlands' gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has stated that the country's illegal gambling sector is expanding further.
In its most recent review, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen noted that primary metrics for the legal market—such as licensee count, player figures, and total revenue—have stayed mostly flat over the past six months.
This stagnation demonstrates the effect of rules enacted in 2024 and 2025, which encompassed deposit restrictions, advertising rules, and increased tax rates on gambling.
Even with the market's lack of growth, the KSA indicated that average player losses have kept dropping, declining to approximately €120 (£104) per month in the latter half of 2025—a reduction of over 25% from the year before.
Nevertheless, the KSA expressed renewed alarm over the scale of the illicit market. The proportion of gross gaming revenue (GGR) attributed to licensed operators decreased from 56% early in 2025 to 53% in the second half, implying close to half of all gambling expenditure now goes to unlicensed sites.
Michel Groothuizen. Credit: LinkedIn
“Research indicates the illegal market's global share is increasing, a pattern we observe in other European nations too,” Groothuizen stated.
“Several technological advances, like AI, and trends such as cryptocurrency gambling are factors. In the Netherlands, this movement might also stem from our own actions to enhance player safety at legal operators, like the implemented deposit limits.
“Whereas half a year ago we had not seen deposit limits per operator leading to multiple accounts, we now notice a slight rise in accounts per player.
“Consequently, it is plausible that the financial capacity check triggered above a specific amount motivates individuals to open another legal account elsewhere to avoid it, or to move completely to illegal options.”
As Groothuizen highlighted, illicit market growth is not confined to the Netherlands. Regulators worldwide appear to be struggling to manage the surge of unlicensed operators within their borders.
For instance, a recent YieldSec report revealed 62% of gambling activity in South Africa occurred via unlicensed sites not regulated domestically. South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) CEO Sean Coleman informed SBC News that the country's regulators are “lacking resources and skill sets to deal with the illegal market”.
This sentiment is likely common among experts in many countries, supported by a study for Flutter Entertainment detailing how UK black market operators function effectively without significant consequences.
Regarding this, researcher Alex Wood remarked it would be “impossible” to legally confront these operators because of cross-border challenges.
The KSA’s future plans
For the future, Dutch authorities are evaluating a comprehensive deposit limit to stop players from hopping between licensed operators. Although this could limit avoidance within the legal market, Groothuizen recognized it might also drive some players to illegal alternatives.
The KSA also reaffirmed its dedication to rigorous duty-of-care standards, underscoring persistent worries about high-risk gambling. Approximately 6% of Dutch adults engage in online gambling, and it has been highlighted that the country has “no age group that has as many gambling accounts, relatively speaking, as 18-year-olds”.
Groothuizen cautioned that relaxing player safeguards would be unsuitable, emphasizing that protecting at-risk users is a foremost concern.
Only last week, the KSA allocated additional money to its Addiction Prevention Fund to combat problem gambling. Although the regulator is often highlighted globally for addressing gambling harm and illegal operations, it continues to face extensive challenges—issues that extend beyond the Netherlands.
Groothuizen ended his remarks by stating: “Strict compliance with the duty of care thus remains a key priority for the legal market.
“It is self-evident that the illegal sector has no concern whatsoever for the potential harm from gambling.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Romanian regulator, the ONJN, is allocating €5 million (£4.3m) in grants to tackle problem gambling.
This financing is being distributed under the National Public Interest Programme 'Conscious and Free', a commitment formalized by the ONJN and published in the Official Gazette in December 2025.
The grants will provide non-reimbursable funding for non-profit initiatives, drawn directly from the ONJN's 2026 budget earmarked for promoting socially responsible gambling.
The allocation is divided into three key areas. The majority of the funds, €3.6 million, is designated for prevention, education, safeguarding minors, treatment, counselling, research, digitalisation, and the promotion of responsible gambling.
An amount of €1.2 million is set aside specifically for establishing or expanding specialised treatment centres, a category of funding exclusively available to public authorities.
The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments to guide the development of future public policies and intervention strategies.
A complete timeline has been announced, outlining four distinct phases. The deadline for application submissions is 11 May, with eligibility assessments to be published on 15 May. A window for appeals will run from 18-20 May, followed by the release of final resolutions and compliance results between 21-26 May.
On 8 July, the ONJN will publish the findings of an independent analysis along with the report from a specially appointed ONJN Evaluation Commission.
These preliminary results can be challenged until 13 July, with the definitive results scheduled for publication on 28 July.
The concluding phase involves finalising funding contracts from 29-31 July, with a target start date for all projects set for 3 August. Each initiative is planned to run for a four-month period, concluding in December 2026.
Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, stated: “I promised that these projects would materialize. Despite all the obstacles in the past, the projects will exist and, most importantly, they will help vulnerable people.
“We are thus ensuring the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of programs and, at the same time, the necessary regulatory framework has been created for funding in the coming years.
“I would like to remind you that, in order for these fundings to become possible, a collective effort was needed by ONJN, the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, an effort that involved: amending the law; reforming the internal responsible gaming service existing at the level of ONJN; building the legal mechanism and adopting two orders of the President of ONJN that established the methodology and the applicant’s guide; public consultations; creating a platform for submitting projects; approving the State Budget Law; publication of the program and the announcement.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - Caixa Econômica Federal has verified the suspension of its initiative to introduce an online gambling platform in accordance with Brazil's Bets Law.
Late last week, the bank declared it would halt the launch of its online betting brand scheduled for 2026, choosing to "observe upcoming changes in federal online gambling regulations".
Consequently, Caixa will suspend its BRL 30 million (€6 million) license fee payment to the Ministry of Finance's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the body responsible for regulating fixed-odds betting in the country.
As reported by SBC Noticias Brazil, the state-supported financial institution faced examination from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), which mandated it reveal its online gambling platform strategy and detail its planned use of public funds.
Having been the sole operator of Brazil's lottery system since 1962, under a decree from President João Goulart, Caixa maintains this role today.
Its subsidiary, Caixa Loterias, runs the nation's premier lottery games such as Mega-Sena, Lotofácil, Quina, and Lotomania, and also manages infrastructure and bidding for state lottery concessions.
The suspension of Caixa's plans occurs against a backdrop of political disputes concerning the destiny of the Bets Law.
Bets in limbo
A bill (PL 1808/2026) was introduced last week by the Workers' Party congressional caucus, advocating for the full dismantling of the Bets framework and a ban on all online gambling nationwide, excluding state-run lottery offerings.
This represents a potential reversal for Brazil, which only enacted its online gambling laws 16 months ago and has been viewed as a future major global market for the industry.
While supported by 68 PT lawmakers, the bill lacks official approval from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or top government officials, making its political influence unclear.
Additional doubt emerged on Friday when O Globo reported that President Lula is drafting a decree to modify parts of the existing betting system.
The anticipated changes are likely to aim at limiting gambling access for economically at-risk populations, with a focus on safeguarding the Bolsa Familia welfare program. The President is also expected to propose extensive restrictions on advertising and promotional offers.
These events have positioned Caixa in a delicate political situation. The federal bank's 2025 authorization to join the Bets market attracted criticism from political figures concerned about a state-owned entity advertising online gambling under the Caixa Loterias name.
Caixa Loterias is obligated to direct approximately 40% of lottery income to public finance, aiding education, healthcare, sports, and social security initiatives, which establishes it as a crucial contributor to social investment in Brazil.
Addressing the present ambiguity, Caixa reaffirmed it is keeping a close watch on regulatory changes.
The bank stated: "Caixa clarifies that it continuously and responsibly assesses opportunities in the fixed-odds betting market, in line with the regulatory landscape. No contracts for platform operation have been signed to date, and there are no fines to be paid regarding this issue."
It further noted that its strategic choices are based on "technical, legal, and sustainability principles, and continue to follow the federal government's guidance."
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(AsiaGameHub) - evoke and Bally’s Intralot have officially confirmed that acquisition discussions are underway.
A public announcement from evoke, which has been approved by the Bally’s Intralot Board, indicated that talks are progressing regarding a potential acquisition of all of evoke’s issued and to-be-issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share.
As of April 17, the LSE-listed gambling group had 450 million shares outstanding. At 50 pence per share, this would place the purchase value at approximately £225 million. Following this announcement, evoke’s share price has seen an increase, trading around the 42 pence mark, its highest in a month.
Credit: Google
Bally’s Intralot retains the right to alter the terms of any potential offer, with May 18 set as the deadline for confirming such an offer.
Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Intralot, stated: “We have established a business with a margin profile that distinguishes itself within this industry. evoke possesses the necessary scale.
“We perceive a significant opportunity to apply our operating model to a considerably larger entity, with the potential to enhance its financial performance through substantial synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with strong conviction.”
The acquisition would consolidate three major brands under the Bally’s Intralot umbrella: evoke’s iGaming platforms 888casino and MrGreen, along with William Hill, which is the leading retail bookmaker in the UK and also a prominent online brand.
However, this acquisition would also involve taking on significant debt, as evoke reported a net debt of -£1.8 billion in its interim H1 2025 results.
At the close of 2025, evoke confirmed it was conducting a strategic review with the assistance of financial advisors Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co, which is when speculation about a sale intensified.
This speculation was further fueled when evoke postponed its FY25 results to April 29, a month later than its usual reporting schedule in recent years.
The news regarding the strategic review followed shortly after the UK Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who confirmed an increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, effective from April.
Prior to the budget, evoke had decided to scale back its international presence for William Hill, withdrawing the brand from 13 markets to concentrate primarily on the UK. Subsequently, it was confirmed that an additional 200 shops would be closed within its domestic market.
For Bally’s Intralot, the advantages are evident: a leading position not only in the UK but also in several other key European markets, such as Italy, where evoke recently secured a €7 million license under a newly regulated framework.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Scottish Greens have committed to implementing a new levy on gambling establishments as part of their 2026 manifesto, with the goal of funding services for addiction prevention, recovery, and support.
Under these plans, land-based businesses such as bookmakers and casinos would be subject to an additional surcharge on non-domestic rates. The resulting income would be allocated to public health programs designed to mitigate gambling-related issues.
The party stated that this policy is intended to ensure that companies take responsibility for the societal expenses linked to their operations, particularly regarding the effects of problem gambling on local communities.
“A significant number of gambling firms generate profit by taking advantage of addiction and vulnerability, while the public sector, families, and communities are left to manage the fallout,” remarked Gillian Mackay, Co-Leader of the Scottish Greens.
“What is frequently presented as harmless entertainment can escalate into a much more grave situation.
“For many individuals, gambling leads to addictive behaviors that result in debt, intense stress, mental health challenges, and lasting damage to family life. This harm is not confined to the individual; it impacts their relatives, their homes, and their wider neighborhoods.
“Our strategy focuses on shifting accountability back to where it belongs. Quite simply, if a firm is profiting from harm and addiction, it should not be permitted to avoid the associated social costs. If a business makes money from activities that cause this level of damage, it must contribute to the cost of the response. This is a matter of fundamental fairness.
“With public services already under significant strain, it is not right for the NHS, local areas, and families to carry the burden while gambling firms continue to see profits.”
While the Scottish Greens are a smaller political force compared to the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Labour opposition, they still maintain a level of influence.
Two Green MPs served in ministerial roles from August 2021 to April 2024 through a coalition with the SNP. The party also strongly backed a bill from an SNP MSP to outlaw greyhound racing, which has since been enacted.
The prospect of the party shaping policy is plausible, as recent data suggests the Scottish Greens could potentially win up to 17 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the country.
In addition to advocating for higher gambling taxes, the Scottish Greens are also pushing for a total ban on betting sponsorships within the sports industry.
This move might find support among certain groups of Scottish football fans—who have frequently voiced their opposition to gambling ads—though it could also represent a financial challenge for clubs.
Mackay further stated: “Gambling addiction takes lives and should be addressed with the same urgency as drug addiction. This requires a comprehensive public health strategy centered on recovery and prevention rather than overlooking the extent of the damage.
“This is why we are also dedicated to prohibiting gambling sponsorships in sports. When someone is trying to overcome an addiction, they shouldn't be constantly triggered by it during sporting events. Furthermore, those under 18 should not be exposed to a gateway for problem gambling.
“On 7 May, a vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote to ensure that businesses profiting from harm are finally held accountable, benefiting all of Scotland rather than just wealthy gambling corporations.”
Which sports organizations would feel the impact?
Several of Scotland’s most prominent sporting institutions have partnerships with gambling firms. For instance, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is currently sponsored by William Hill, which is owned by evoke.
The nation’s two most successful football clubs—Celtic and Rangers—both feature gambling companies as primary shirt sponsors, with the former partnered with Dafabet and the latter with Unibet.
Another significant gambling-related sponsorship in the region is Coral’s association with the Scottish Grand National.
Scottish Greens align with similar European initiatives
The proposals from the Scottish Greens reflect similar measures taken across Europe, where sports gambling sponsorships have been restricted or banned entirely.
A notable example is the Netherlands, which implemented a ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships for sports competitions and clubs in July of last year.
The focus on responsible gambling in the UK is more critical than ever as figures for gambling-related harm continue to rise.
The introduction of a new statutory levy has also caused debate, as the government is now tasked with allocating funds for prevention charities, replacing the now-defunct GambleAware.
The Scottish Greens' initiative to use gambling revenue for harm prevention charities is likely to be supported by both the public and charitable organizations.
Nevertheless, if the Scottish Greens succeed in the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election next month, many sports organizations may find themselves searching for ways to fill a significant financial gap caused by new taxes and the loss of gambling sponsors.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Google has removed hundreds of millions of gambling-related advertisements for violating its policies, with the tech company noting that its safety teams are operating around the clock.
Despite these efforts, Google, along with other major technology firms, continues to face regulatory scrutiny regarding the promotion of illegal gambling across various international markets.
The Alphabet subsidiary has been utilizing its Gemini AI technology to identify "bad ads"—promotions on the Google Ads network that fail to meet its standards.
In 2025, the company blocked or took down 8.3 billion advertisements, a figure roughly equivalent to one banned ad for every person on Earth, based on April 2026 Worldometer projections.
Gambling and gaming represented the eighth-largest category of prohibited advertisements, with more than 270.7 million ads removed in 2025. Additionally, the sector accounted for 123.9 million restricted ads, making it the third-largest category in that segment.
“Our teams have long used advanced AI to identify and stop scammers, and Gemini takes that work even further,” stated Keerat Sharma, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Ads Privacy and Safety.
“Our models analyse hundreds of billions of signals — including account age, behavioural cues and campaign patterns — to stop threats before they reach people.
“Unlike earlier keyword-based systems, our latest models better understand intent, helping us spot malicious content and preemptively block it, even when it’s designed to evade detection.”
Whose ads have been removed?…
Gambling advertising has increasingly become a focal point for Google over the past year, driven by rising public and political pressure regarding the visibility of betting content—both legal and illegal—across multiple regions.
In response to concerns raised in countries including the UK, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Australia, Google has taken action. In January, Google Ireland announced that its advertising policies would be tightened starting in March 2026.
The Google Ads team in Ireland informed stakeholders that accounts experiencing repeated policy violations or certification revocations could face permanent loss of certification or the rejection of future applications.
Google’s 2025 report also highlighted significant enforcement against publishers, noting 9.7 million policy violations by gambling and gaming publishers, ranking the sector fifth in terms of page volume.
However, the report does not clarify whether the gambling platforms being promoted were licensed or unlicensed within their respective target markets.
This distinction is critical for gambling regulators demanding accountability from tech companies. The prevalence of unlicensed advertising on social media has been a frequent subject of debate in the UK, particularly regarding regulation and taxation.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, the nascent "Bets" market continues to contend with a long-standing black market that existed for decades prior to the formal legalization of the sector on January 1, 2025.
On Saturday, April 18, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) issued letters to Google Brazil and Apple, demanding clarification regarding the presence of illegal betting applications on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
According to the MJSP, these applications were not licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the betting regulator under Brazil’s Ministry of Finance.
The apps were identified through monitoring conducted by the General Coordination of Rating Classification of the National Secretariat of Digital Rights (SEDIGI).
The MJSP has requested that Google and Apple provide comprehensive details regarding their internal policies, screening processes, and an updated inventory of all lottery, betting, and casino applications available on their platforms.
Pressure remains high on Big Tech firms like Google and Apple, as well as social media platforms like Meta and X, to curb the spread of online gambling. Regulators in markets such as the UK and Brazil have also highlighted the use of influencers to promote illegal gambling products.
Nevertheless, Google maintains confidence in its ability to police its advertising platform. Emphasizing the effectiveness of the Gemini AI system, Sharma noted that the technology has “dramatically improved our ability to detect and stop bad ads”.
“Our systems caught over 99% of policy-violating ads before they ever served, and we’re continuing to evolve our defenses to stay ahead of even the most advanced schemes,” Sharma asserted.
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(AsiaGameHub) - CoinPoker has revealed that its upcoming World Poker Masters (WPM) will be the platform’s largest tournament series to date. Running from May 3 through June 1, this cryptocurrency poker series offers $25 million in guaranteed prize pools, with key highlights including:
$2,500,000 Main Event
$500,000 Mini Main Event
$500,000 in leaderboard competitions
Several events with million-dollar guarantees
The Warm Up Stage will kick off before the WPM, running from April 26 to May 2 within the CoinPoker lobby. Players can earn seats in premier tournaments—including the $2.5 million Guaranteed Main Event—through daily satellite games and feeders that feature micro- and low-stakes buy-ins.
$2.5M Guaranteed Main Event’s Record Prize Pool
The WPM is headlined by a $2.5 million Guaranteed Main Event—the largest in CoinPoker’s history—with a $350 buy-in.
Here’s the Guaranteed Main Event’s multi-flight structure:
Day 1 flights take place every Sunday throughout the series
A final Day 1E flight is scheduled for May 31
All surviving players move on to Day 2 on June 1, the final day of the Main Event
Players advance only with their best stack and strongest position as they head into the final stages. The finale will see competitors vying for a share of the record $2.5 million prize pool and the World Poker Masters title.
Just a couple weeks until the World Poker Masters $25M in prize pools. $530 Main $2.5M GTD $55 Mini Main $500K GTD PLUS high rollers up to $25K. May 3 – June 1. Click the link below for the full schedule pic.twitter.com/iMXNCYPxD3— CoinPoker (@CoinPoker_OFF) April 17, 2026
Other WPM Highlight Tournaments
The $2.5 million Main Event is joined by other high-value tournaments that add significant value for participants.
$55 Mini Main Event: $500,000 GuaranteedDay 1 flights run daily during the series leading up to Day 2 on May 31.
$215 CoinMillion: $1,000,000 GuaranteedA two-day tournament offering some of CoinPoker’s top value.
$1.5K CoinMasters BITCOIN High Roller: $1,000,000 GuaranteedA multi-flight version of the classic BITCOIN event, featuring a massive guarantee and a physical CoinMasters Coin prize for the winner.
Trophy Cabinet & Player Experience
The Trophy Cabinet, a new CoinPoker feature, will make its debut at the World Poker Masters. This allows players to showcase their achievements on their CoinPoker profiles.
Victories are rewarded with unique trophies, creating a performance record across the World Poker Masters and CoinMasters.
The Trophy Cabinet is designed to boost player engagement by recognizing skill and adding a competitive layer beyond prize money.
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(AsiaGameHub) - As someone who occasionally places prop bets on college sports for fun, a complete ban would be hard to accept. However, we may have arrived at a moment where this idea warrants serious thought.
Providence College professor Patrick Kelly, who recently started a course on the dangers of sports betting, is calling for the elimination of all college prop bets.
“We have college athletes who are simply trying to play their sport receiving death threats,” Kelly told CasinoBeats. “The NCAA has a gambling issue. Every major league has a gambling issue. Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NBA, they all have gambling problems. They need to act because they haven't been as proactive as necessary.”
Although bettors would likely still place college prop wagers with offshore books, Kelly argues that removing their commercials from television would be a significant victory. The spread of sportsbook advertising has certainly contributed to the current culture of normalized gambling.
“You won't see it advertised on TV, and the ESPN commentators won't be discussing it as frequently,” Kelly stated.
Abuse of College Athletes Continues to Rise
The most unforgettable moment of this year's NCAA Tournament was UConn freshman Braylon Mullins‘s 35-foot last-second shot in the Elite Eight that eliminated Duke. Sadly and perhaps predictably, Mullins faced violent threats following his heroic play.
FROM OUTER SPACE https://t.co/P8zlAS9KUd pic.twitter.com/RFOb8kFL8v— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026
“If I ever see you Braylon I’m literally going to f—ing hurt you,” an Instagram user wrote to Mullins. “I will seriously f— you up and make your life a living hell.”
Consider the venom in that specific message, which might or might not be linked to a prop bet, and then multiply it by all the NCAA games and prop bets available all season. Prohibiting all college prop bets would at least help decrease the number of such messages.
“That is absolutely the place to begin,” Kelly said. “They didn't agree to receive threats for missing a free throw at the buzzer, yet that's what's occurring for NCAA athletes. Professional athletes are a different matter; they're pros, and ideally the teams and leagues can take steps to assist them with that.”
A new NCAA Student-Athlete Needs, Aspirations and Perspectives (SNAP) survey was published during March Madness. It found that one-third of Men's Division I basketball players said fans had directly blamed them for gambling losses. Furthermore, close to half (46%) reported experiencing some type of online, verbal, or physical harassment.
Last week, Ohio legislators proposed a bill to ban all betting on college sports, three years after the state effectively eliminated college prop bets in 2024. Will additional states emulate Ohio's approach?
Kelly, for his part, is working to make sure his students understand every type of harm associated with gambling.
“Anyone following this topic has a solid grasp of the situation, and what encourages me about my students is that now they do as well,” he remarked.
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(AsiaGameHub) -
Leonardo Biazzi – SBC Noticias Brazil
After a week of intense political wrangling over the future of the Bets Law, reports confirm that Lula is drafting his own Presidential Decree governing gambling.
Leonardo Biazzi, Editor of SBC Noticias Brasil, believes the President will choose to bypass standard legislative pathways to restructure Brazil’s gambling sector.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will reveal his plans for the future of the Bets Law and online gambling in Brazil by mid-May.
This update did not come from officials within the Workers Party (PT) government, but from an exclusive report by journalist Lauro Jardim published in his weekly column for O Globo.
Jardim notes that Lula aims to resolve rifts in the divisive online gambling regulatory system via a presidential decree introducing new reforms and safeguards. The measure will be coordinated by the Civil House, with contributions from the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Justice.
Lula has been described as “no friend of the Bets Regime”, and this week industry stakeholders closely watched the President to see if he would back a bill submitted to Congress by the PT government’s Legal Caucus to repeal the Bets Law.
The Bill (PL-1808/2026,) was signed by PT Deputy Pedro Uczai and 68 fellow party members, and would authorize a full ban on all forms of gambling (excluding lotteries), as well as implement broad rule changes and penalties to crack down on third parties including financial institutions and media outlets that coerce people into gambling.
Media outlets have pressed the PT for clarity on whether the President supports the gambling ban, which would return Brazil to a state of prohibition after just 15 months of legal betting under the existing Bets framework.
Yet, in an unexpected turn, Lula appears ready to introduce his own proposals as a countermeasure: rejecting a full ban, but significantly tightening controls on online gambling, as well as eligibility rules for users and market participants.
As outlined in Jardim’s exclusive report, Lula aims to build a regulatory system that will bar people enrolled in government financial assistance programs from accessing betting services.
With this decree, Lula is again working to protect Bolsa Família recipients from participating in online gambling – an issue that was a core priority during the drafting of the original Bets framework.
Lula seeks to eliminate gambling-related household debt
The PT government continues to frame betting as a key driver of household debt, citing Serasa data showing more than 80 million Brazilians are currently indebted.
However, this narrative is contradicted by official figures from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA/MF), which show gambling makes up just 0.46% of total household consumption.
In addition to participation limits, Lula is expected to roll out wide-ranging protections for gambling advertising, targeting what the government calls “manipulative” marketing practices, especially content that encourages compulsive behavior or addiction among consumers.
Addressing household debt remains a core part of Lula’s political calculus, serving as a key pillar of his approval ratings and re-election strategy ahead of Brazil’s October election cycle.
In summary, Lula has effectively positioned the Bets regime as a political adversary, framing online gambling as a central point of debate in the PT government’s campaign messaging ahead of a potential fourth presidential term.
However, this approach carries the risk of sparking new tensions.
If the President moves forward with a decree that overrides or sidelines the existing framework, it is likely to draw criticism from both industry stakeholders and legislative observers, many of whom question why the government has not worked with Congress to resolve outstanding issues such as targeted advertising rules and the finalization of consumer protection measures.
A presidential decree may ultimately turn out to be an unnecessary escalation. There are already existing mechanisms within the legislative process to address concerns related to indebted consumers and market safeguards.
As seen with the controversial tax changes to the Bets regime at the end of 2025, there is a growing risk that executive overreach could weaken policy coherence, turning what is presented as reform into another misstep in the PT government’s management of the sector.
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(AsiaGameHub) - With the industry facing increasing pressure from cyber threats, fraud, and regulatory uncertainties, SBC Summit Malta will feature a dedicated ‘Operations and Compliance’ stage. This stage aims to assist businesses in enhancing security and developing more resilient operations.
Scheduled for April 29 and 30, the programme will convene C-level executives, security and fraud specialists, regulators, and market leaders. They will explore strategies for businesses to safeguard themselves across financial, operational, and reputational fronts.
On Wednesday, April 29, the Risk, Regulation and Resilience track will address fraud, cybersecurity, and black market activities through expert panels, fireside chats, and C-level discussions. On Thursday, April 30, the focus shifts to Policy in Practice, offering hands-on workshops that tackle operational and regulatory challenges in SEO and AI.
The fireside chat ‘Tax Hikes 2026: Market Shocks, Regulatory Risks & Margin Impact’ will examine how increasing tax pressures are influencing operators across key European markets. Featuring Stephen Hodgson (VP of Tax, Midnite), Sara Haddow (Group Tax Director, Entain), and Russell Mifsud (Director, Head of Gaming Europe, KPMG), the session will delve into how businesses can adapt to rising tax burdens and the implications for competitiveness, consolidation, and potential market exits.
The session “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27” will explore how operational leadership is being tested by escalating costs and compliance demands. With speakers Ramon Glieneke (COO, Alea), Tom McGovern (Chief Operations Officer, Flutter UKI), Tim De Borle (COO, Casumo), and Chris McGowan (COO, Scatters), and moderated by Joe Streeter (Editor, iGaming Expert), the discussion will centre on investment priorities and how technologies like AI can support more efficient, scalable operations.
Day two will then concentrate on the operational and regulatory considerations surrounding SEO and AI.
The workshop ‘SEO Terrorism in iGaming: Surviving Negative Attacks on Your Website’ will address the growing threat of negative SEO. Hosted by Ivana Flynn (Head of SEO and Strategy, Consultant), it will investigate how these attacks are executed, what attackers aim to achieve, and how to identify them early, providing participants with practical strategies to detect, track, and defend against malicious activity.
The workshop ‘AI in Gaming: Shaping the Industry’s First AI Charter’ will examine the impact of forthcoming EU AI regulation and its practical implications for operators. Led by Kinga Warda (Chief of Policy and Insight, Malta Gaming Authority) and Francois Piccione (Chief Technology Officer, Malta Gaming Authority), it will offer early clarity on the standards shaping compliance and how businesses can align their processes accordingly.
‘From AI Tools to AI Embedded in Business Workflows’ will explore how to integrate AI from a standalone tool into a core component of business operations. Featuring Philippe Guillod (VP, Analytics) and Fraser Dunk (CEO, Jurnii), the session will highlight how organisations are embedding AI into everyday processes to drive efficiency and improve decision-making, offering practical strategies to move beyond experimentation and deliver tangible value.
SBC Summit Malta will take place at the InterContinental Hotel from 28-30 April. Alongside the conference programme, the event will offer 6,000 attendees the opportunity to explore a curated exhibition floor and connect through a range of networking opportunities.
____________________________________________________________________________
Secure Your Tickets for SBC Summit Malta
Ensure your attendance at SBC Summit Malta by purchasing our VIP Event Pass. Priced at €600, this pass grants you full access to all aspects of SBC Summit Malta, encompassing three days of networking, conference sessions, and the exhibition.
An Expo+ Pass is also available for €150.
Operators and affiliates are eligible to apply for a complimentary pass. Operators can request a free pass here. Affiliates can request their free passes here.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Recent scandals within the UFC have led to a drop in betting activity for the sport, per a report by InGame.
This past January, UFC CEO Dana White called off a lightweight fight between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson in Las Vegas following the detection of suspicious betting behavior by integrity monitors.
“We received a call from the gaming integrity service, and I told them, ‘I’m not going through this crap again,’ so we scrapped the fight,” White stated at the time.
Isaac Dulgarian’s November fight against Yadier del Valle triggered comparable warning signs, yet the match proceeded as planned even though there were exceptionally large bets placed on del Valle, the significant underdog. Dulgarian was defeated via submission in the opening round, and the UFC released him while a federal investigation was ongoing.
“They’re gonna end up in f****** federal prison,” White declared. “Federal f****** prison. If you’re that f****** dumb, and someone else wants to try it, be my guest. There’s no amount of money worth ruining your life and landing in jail—especially federal prison.”
Thomas Gable, Director of Borgata Race & Sportsbook, thinks these scandals have played a role in affecting UFC betting handle at his Atlantic City location.
“We’ve noticed a recent reduction in UFC betting handle and activity,” Gable shared. “It’s probably a mix of several factors, with integrity concerns being one of them.”
He added, “Our regular and knowledgeable UFC bettors are still highly engaged, but we’re seeing fewer casual bettors.”
Although casual gamblers tend to place smaller bets on UFC, they contribute to a casino’s profits by playing table games, purchasing food and drinks, and staying in hotel accommodations.
Additionally, the UFC launched its new seven-year partnership with Paramount+ in January, having been on ESPN platforms since 2019.
“The switch to Paramount likely had an impact because when you watched ESPN, you were constantly exposed to a lot of UFC ads and promotions,” Gable noted.
Looking Ahead to the UFC Event at the White House
As UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled for June 14 at the White House, the sport is expected to experience an increase in positive media attention and betting handle.
Dan Miller, a 27-year-old Las Vegas local and die-hard UFC fan, is exactly the type of audience the sport targets.
“The White House fight card is gaining traction as a major event,” Miller said. “If it meets expectations, I’m excited to see what the next decade holds. The issue is, no matter how much they hype a fight, it’s the fighters who have to deliver exciting matches and compelling television.”
As for Gable, he balances these possible benefits against the consequences of recent scandals and any that might emerge down the line.
“If more reports of irregularities—especially those that confirm wrongdoing—keep emerging, it will keep hurting the UFC’s betting handle,” Gable explained. “At the end of the day, anyone who bets on a sport wants to be sure the competition is fair.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - UK-based bet365 is aggressively pursuing its expansion strategy in the US market with its launch in Michigan, marking its 17th state of operation, and an 18th launch appears imminent.
The multinational firm, founded and headquartered in Staffordshire, announced its Michigan debut today (April 17) at 9am Eastern Time. This launch coincides with new partnerships established with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB).
New Jersey was bet365's initial entry point into the US market in 2019, a year after the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn the federal PASPA legislation that had prohibited sports betting. This repeal enabled individual states to establish their own multi-licence betting markets, with 41 currently operational.
The British company stands out as a significant European success in the US, a market that, despite its high profitability, has proven challenging for other European operators such as Betfred, Betsson, Unibet, Betway, and Tipico, all of whom experienced limited success in their attempts to penetrate the US.
bet365 is notable as one of the few European-rooted companies to have successfully established a strong presence in the US. Other prominent examples include Flutter Entertainment, which owns FanDuel, and Entain, a co-owner of BetMGM in partnership with MGM Resorts.
A robust marketing strategy has been crucial to bet365's US expansion. This strategy encompasses sports sponsorships, evident in today's Michigan launch and previous entries into states like Missouri, where the company partnered with MLB's St Louis Cardinals. Furthermore, a broader US and Canada-wide agreement was recently secured with the UFC.
Promotional offers are also a key component. To kickstart its Michigan operations, bet365 has introduced a 'Bet $10, Get £365' promotion for sports bettors and a 'get 1,000 free spins and up to $1,000 deposit match for casino players'. The company is also highlighting its Early Payout and Prize Matcher features.
Trip Stoddard, Head of Business Development at bet365, stated, “We are enthusiastic about launching bet365 in Michigan and presenting an enhanced betting experience. This is a well-established market with informed enthusiasts, and we are confident that our product distinguishes itself.”
He added, “Our features, such as the Early Payout offer, alongside our in-play betting experience and integrated casino, provide players with diverse engagement options and compelling reasons to select bet365.”
Is bet365 Fully Committing to the US Market?
The expansion of bet365 across the US occurs as the dynamics of the American betting and gaming industry evolve. This sector has seen a significant surge in customer engagement, revenue, and, to some degree, controversy since the 2018 repeal of PASPA.
Recent data from the American Gaming Association (AGA) indicates that the US generated $71.9 billion in iGaming revenue in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year the industry has surpassed its previous annual record.
Understandably, this growth has sparked concerns nationwide regarding player protection and social responsibility. bet365 may soon need to directly address these issues, particularly as the company seems poised for a launch in Massachusetts, a northeastern state.
On Thursday, April 9, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) unanimously approved the reopening of sports betting licence applications, following a request from bet365. Justin Stempeck, Deputy General Counsel for the MGC, disclosed that the company was seeking a Category 3 untethered licence.
He informed commissioners, “bet365 has been in discussions with staff for a considerable period regarding the proper procedure for submitting a request to the commission to restart this specific process. We recommended they submit a formal letter, which they proceeded to do.”
The MGC is recognized as a particularly stringent regulator concerning licensing applications and overall compliance. Furthermore, Massachusetts hosts several legislators who hold a notably critical perspective on the sector, including the proponents of SB 302, a bill aimed at 'addressing economic, health, and social harms caused by sports betting'.
bet365 might face inquiries concerning responsible gambling, player safety, and its general business practices. Additionally, its past operations in significant Asian markets, such as China, could be subject to examination.
Source: bet365 / BOXXER
Finally, a significant emerging topic in the US is prediction markets. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen a surge in popularity over recent years, especially thriving in Texas and California, states where sports betting remains prohibited.
Several operators have capitalized on this trend, specifically Fanatics, DraftKings, and FanDuel (the latter being a subsidiary of the Irish-American conglomerate Flutter Entertainment). All three companies resigned from the American Gaming Association (AGA), an organization known for its stance against prediction markets, late last year.
In March 2026, bet365 became the fourth company to withdraw from the AGA, prompting speculation that it might also be contemplating an entry into prediction markets.
However, this remains purely speculative, as the company continues its membership with the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) alongside the three other former AGA members. bet365 attributed its departure to the AGA's traditional emphasis on retail casino operations, contrasting with bet365's identity as a predominantly online sportsbook brand.
A statement from bet365 at the time explained, “As an operator primarily focused on digital platforms, bet365 has withdrawn from the AGA because of the organization’s concentration on the retail casino sector.”
“We highly value our industry collaborations and are dedicated to engaging constructively with regulators and partners throughout all markets where we operate,” the statement concluded.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Russian legislators are preparing to grant regulatory bodies and law enforcement authorities enhanced capabilities to expedite orders blocking illicit online casinos.
During a session at the State Duma this week, legislators passed the initial reading of legislation aimed at reducing the timeframe needed to shut down gambling sites, according to a report by the Russian media agency URA News.
Internet casino platforms operate illegally within Russia. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Finance intends to overturn this prohibition and begin imposing taxes on the operators.
Currently, state authorities persist in their efforts to prohibit unauthorized websites. However, they have expressed frustration that bureaucratic hurdles regularly impede their progress.
Existing procedures mandate that the Unified Gambling Regulator submit a notice to the Federal Tax Service. Subsequently, the tax authority conducts a series of verifications before consenting to include the online casino’s information on a register of prohibited websites.
The proposed legislation seeks to simplify this procedure, cutting the approval time for blocking orders from approximately five days down to a mere 48 hours.
“We aim to complete the draft legislation prior to the second reading,” Sergei Altukhov, Deputy Chair of the State Duma’s Economic Policy Committee, stated in an interview with Russia’s Parliamentary Gazette.
The Russian State Duma building located in Moscow, Russia. (Image: Yuriy D. K. [CC BY 4.0])
Russian Legislators: The Moment to Accelerate Blocking Orders
“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and other departments on this matter,” Altukhov remarked. “We are investigating faster methods to assist in blocking online casinos. Typically, these websites are owned by operators based in nations that are hostile toward Russia.”
Legal authorities indicate that the proposals represent a positive step forward, yet they require further refinement.
“Considering the speed at which new gambling sites are emerging, drastically cutting the blocking time is crucial,” Russian attorney Stalina Gurevich commented to URA News.
“Nevertheless, I am uncertain whether this will substantially decrease the number of users visiting online casinos, particularly the youth,” Gurevich noted.
Younger Russians are highly proficient with technology, the lawyer clarified. Gurevich continued, “They frequently know how to reach blacklisted sites on the internet. These proposals must be enhanced.”
Concurrently, the ministry’s initiative is encountering strong opposition from the Russian Orthodox Church, mental health specialists, and figures within the opposition.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Japanese police have taken into custody a man recognized as a high-ranking member of a Yakuza gang linked to the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate on allegations of illegal gambling.
According to Japan’s Kobe Shimbun newspaper, the individual—who remains unnamed due to legal constraints—is a 62-year-old resident of Takarazuka, a city in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Hyogo Prefectural Police Organized Crime Division and Amagasaki South Police Station stated that the defendant “ran an unlawful gambling ring allowing local residents to wager on the results of professional baseball games.”
In Japan, most forms of sports betting are prohibited. Exceptions include bets placed at licensed horse and boat racing venues.
Hyogo law enforcement officials noted they also apprehended a 31-year-old Amagasaki resident on related charges. This demolition worker has been charged by detectives with habitual gambling.
The Yakuza member is accused of offering betting odds for 34 games, including Nippon Professional Baseball Organization and Major League Baseball regular-season matches.
Authorities report the demolition worker placed a total of 114 bets, amounting to 1.14 million yen (approximately $7,160).
Crackdown on Yakuza Gambling Activities
The Yamaguchi-gumi-affiliated gang member is said to have fully confessed during police interrogation.
The demolition worker, however, reportedly denied all charges against him.
Yamaguchi-gumi is Japan’s largest Yakuza syndicate. Its roots are deeply tied to underground gambling, though in recent years it has expanded into legitimate businesses in construction and finance.
Police, however, believe underground gambling rings remain a key income source for both Yamaguchi-gumi and its affiliate gangs.
This Hyogo development comes just weeks after the Yonago branch of the Tottori District Public Prosecutor’s Office announced it would not indict a 55-year-old Yamaguchi-gumi-linked gang “senior executive” on gambling-related charges.
Authorities had arrested the man on suspicion of organizing bets on last summer’s Koshien High School Baseball Tournament outcomes.
Japanese baseball players competing at the Summer Koshien High School Baseball Tournament. (Image: Kentaro Iemoto [CC BY-SA 2.0])
But prosecution officials said the executive, along with six other men aged 24 to 44 arrested in February as part of the same probe, were released due to insufficient evidence.
Earlier last month, Aichi Prefecture police launched another Yakuza-related gambling investigation.
This probe involved Aichi officers raiding an office building they believe served as an operating hub for a slots center.
The offices belong to Inagawa-kai, another major Yakuza syndicate with around 1,600 members operating in the Tokyo-Yokohama area.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has confirmed that Conor Grant will resign from his role as Chair at the close of 2026.
RMG now counts 37 British racecourses as its shareholders, and serves as the parent company of Racing TV, which airs live racing fixtures from 61 racecourses across the UK and Ireland.
Grant first joined RMG as a Non-Executive Director in April 2023, before being named Chair that October, and has been instrumental in bolstering the organization’s commercial standing.
One of the final major deals negotiated during Grant’s tenure was the agreement between RMG and ITV in late 2025, which secured four years of racing coverage across ITV1, ITV4, and STV.
Grant’s time leading RMG also fell during one of the most turbulent periods for horse racing in recent British history, sparked by last year’s Autumn Budget and months of campaigning from the racing sector to soften the blow of increased tax burdens as racing’s audience numbers declined.
To recap, the Budget announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in November was preceded by widespread industry panic amid fears of sweeping across-the-board tax hikes.
This turmoil hit horse racing particularly hard, prompting numerous racecourse staff to walk out on 10 September, leading to the cancellation of scheduled racing fixtures.
For a time, the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) — the trade body representing the betting and gaming industry — found itself at odds with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), as the strike was not coordinated between the two organizations, raising the risk that relations between betting operators and racecourses would deteriorate further.
Ultimately, while the Budget increased the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) to 40% starting in April 2026 and the General Betting Duty (GBD) to 25% — with the GBD change taking effect in March of next year — horse racing betting duty remained at 15%.
RMG was squarely at the center of this unrest during Grant’s tenure as Chair.
Speaking about his decision to step down, he commented: “After careful consideration, I believe the end of my first term is the right moment to conclude my tenure as Chair of RMG due to increasing work commitments and travel to the US.
“It has been a genuine privilege to lead this business over the last three years. CEO Nick Mills and his management team are making great progress delivering for our shareholders.
“We have sharpened our strategy, invested in our leadership team, and continued to build on strong foundations. I am particularly grateful to all our shareholders for their trust and support throughout my time as Chair. And finally, I would like to thank an outstanding Board of Directors whose support and insight have been critical to our progress.
“RMG is in a strong position with real momentum, and I am confident the business will continue to go from strength to strength in its next phase.”
Nick Mills, who was promoted to CEO in October 2024, added: “Conor’s leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening RMG and setting the business up for long-term success. He leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The High Court of England and Wales has ruled that there were 'no mitigating errors' in the 2022 tender and procurement procedures for the Fourth National Lottery licence.
In a ruling by Justice Joanna Smith, the legal challenge from The New Lottery Company (TNLC) was dismissed. TNLC is the lottery firm established by UK media mogul Richard Desmond's publishing group, Northern & Shell.
TNLC had been a competitor against Allwyn and the then-operator Camelot UK for the right to run the National Lottery. The competition was overseen by the Gambling Commission, assisted by an independent board created specifically for the contest.
While the board accepted TNLC's initial entry in phase one, which involved demonstrating its financial credentials, the company was eliminated in phase two (the scoring stage).
Issues were identified regarding the compliance and technical accountability of its proposal. The board did not score TNLC's bid in this stage, explaining: "Due to failures in mandatory pass/fail criteria, TNLC’s application was not included in the final ranking of applicants."
The final round pitted Allwyn UK (formerly SAZKA) against the incumbent, Camelot UK, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Fund-backed company that had operated the National Lottery since its inception in 1994.
After examining the procurement mechanisms, Justice Smith dismissed TNLC's assertions that the process was flawed and that Allwyn UK's victory was unlawful.
End of a long legal road?
Following the announcement of Allwyn's win, TNLC contested adjustments approved by the Commission that delayed the contract transition. TNLC argued that Allwyn had failed to meet a fundamental tender requirement, a failure it believed the board overlooked to favour Allwyn.
Justice Smith rejected these claims, affirming the Commission's right to implement necessary changes "in a response to delivery risks". She noted that transferring a generational contract would necessitate "a compression of time available to achieve transition" to address "ongoing implementation challenges".
After the decision, concerns were noted regarding the contract transition, and Camelot initiated its own legal action. This claim was later withdrawn when Allwyn UK purchased Camelot UK's existing operations in February 2023.
This transaction was executed to guarantee that Allwyn would assume control of the National Lottery by February 2024, aligning with the competition's deadline.
The court completely dismissed this argument, with Justice Smith finding the alleged failings had “no causal relevance to the Process Claim” and thus could not have influenced the competition's result. She reiterated that TNLC’s application “was not included in the final ranking of applicants” because it did not satisfy mandatory criteria.
Credit: Nando Machado / Shuttrerstock
Significantly, Justice Smith's ruling found that the board largely adhered to the tender's mandate, which focused on selecting a winner based on the “emphasis on delivering returns to good causes while maintaining high standards of player protection and propriety”.
The court was informed that the process was designed to guarantee “a fair and transparent competition, in which all interested parties are on an equal footing,” with integrated oversight mechanisms and independent advisers.
This decision follows a ruling six weeks prior by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which dismissed Desmond's allegations that Camelot UK had once received an unlawful £70m marketing subsidy from the Gambling Commission.
Commission praises milestone decision
All accusations brought by TNLC against the Gambling Commission have now been entirely rejected by the High Court. In a statement, the Commission described the lawsuit as a significant milestone in the National Lottery's history.
“The judgment gives resounding support to Good Causes by enabling Allwyn, with oversight from the Commission, to continue with their plans of investment in the National Lottery without further distraction,” the regulator's statement read.
The Commission further stated that the ruling demonstrates its integrity throughout the granting of the Fourth National Lottery Licence and that none of the disputed licence modifications violated procurement rules.
“Our priority remains to continue regulating The National Lottery for the benefit of participants and Good Causes.”
In a statement provided to SBC, Allwyn echoed the High Court's position that: “The Gambling Commission ran a fair and lawful licence competition, properly awarding the Fourth National Lottery Licence to Allwyn.”
Credit: HochZwei Photography
Allwyn also lauded the decision as a 'clear and comprehensive judgment' that supports its role as the steward of the National Lottery, a contract it will maintain until 2034.
“This provides clarity and legal certainty, and our focus now is on delivering for players and increasing funding for good causes,” its statement continued. “That means moving faster on innovation such as New Lotto and Powerball, which we announced earlier this week.
“It also draws a line under a long-running series of allegations about the integrity of the competition process, many of which were withdrawn during the proceedings, with the remainder rejected by the court.”
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