Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Authorities and regulatory bodies of Belgium have been warned that ‘the visibility of the legal online gambling market is undergoing a critical decline’, and that a rising number of black market operators are capitalizing on this trend. This alert was issued by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), the industry trade group made up of Belgium’s five largest operators: Ardent Group (which runs the Casino de Spa and Circus brands), Napoleon Sports & Casino (operating under the Super brand), Golden Palace Group, Kindred Group (owner of FDJ United) and Betsson AB. Fresh data collected from BAGO member firms shows that unlicensed operators make up 23% of total gambling expenditure in Belgium, a figure that is projected to rise in 2026. Members have observed that the growing prominence of illegal gambling brands is having a ‘disproportionate impact on the vulnerable groups they target’, with BAGO reports revealing that 47% of people registered in Belgium’s EPIS self-exclusion system continue to place bets through unlicensed operators. “Looking at these figures, we can see how deeply entrenched illegal gambling offerings have become in Belgium,” BAGO stated. “As the legal market grows less visible and harder for consumers to identify, the shift towards unlicensed operators is accelerating.” Belgium’s tight noose on online gambling The warning highlights a core contradiction in Belgium’s regulatory framework, which has rolled out a series of restrictions on licensed operators over the past decade. In 2020, the government introduced a €200 deposit cap for users gambling via licensed online providers, a temporary COVID-era measure that was later written into Belgian law as a permanent requirement. Additionally, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne brought in a full ban on all gambling incentives, including sign-up offers, free bets and all marketing-related perks. In 2022/2023, the government also approved the Royal Advertising Decree, which prohibits all forms of gambling advertising across traditional media channels such as television, radio and printed publications. This was followed by a complete ban on gambling sponsorships for Belgian sports, with the regulator further stipulating that all online gambling campaigns must be restricted to audiences aged 25 and above; all campaigns also require prior approval from the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC). After the advertising prohibition came into force, the De Croo government raised the legal gambling age to 21 years old in September 2024. Visibility a privilege for the black market While policymakers have introduced stricter limitations for licensed operators, particularly around advertising, legal providers are losing visibility and becoming harder for consumers to distinguish. As a result, users are increasingly exposed to unlicensed alternatives that operate outside Belgium’s consumer protective framework. “In a strictly regulated market, visibility is not just a matter of brand communication,” BAGO explained. “It is the mechanism that allows consumers to identify authorised, supervised gambling offerings. When that visibility drops, the line between legal and illegal operators becomes blurred.” BAGO further noted that nearly “two-thirds of online gambling traffic in Belgium is now routed to illegal websites”. According to member firms, this trend is not driven by consumer choice, but is a structural consequence of limits on licensed operators’ ability to engage with players. In this landscape, the boundary between legal and illegal gambling offerings becomes increasingly hard to maintain. A key concern raised by BAGO is the erosion of “channelisation” – the principle that regulated markets should steer players towards licensed operators where consumer protections can be enforced. Belgium’s regulatory framework has long been built on this concept, combining strict licensing controls with responsible gambling measures such as deposit limits, age verification and the EPIS self-exclusion system. “Channelisation sits at the core of Belgian gambling policy,” BAGO noted. “But it can only function if players are able to clearly recognise legal offerings. If that distinction disappears, players will inevitably drift towards unregulated environments.” This position has been supported by a number of recent legal developments. In its December 2025 ruling, Belgium’s Constitutional Court confirmed that national gambling policy must not only protect players, but also channel them towards licensed operators as a way to combat illegal supply. The Court stressed that authorised operators require an adequate level of visibility and public recognition to deliver on this objective. BAGO said: “It is only within a licensed ecosystem that effective player protection can be guaranteed. As soon as players move to illegal sites, there are no safeguards, no monitoring and no formal intervention structures in place.” The migration to the black market is particularly noticeable among younger demographics. BAGO data indicates that up to 65% of men aged between 18 and 21 have used illegal gambling websites, underscoring the exposure of vulnerable groups to unregulated operators. While Belgium’s tightening regulatory approach is designed to strengthen consumer protection, industry stakeholders argue that the stricter regulatory environment has inadvertently created conditions that favour illegal competitors. The near-total ban on gambling advertising, paired with restrictions on promotional tools and customer engagement, has reduced licensed operators’ ability to compete for visibility in the crowded digital marketplace. At the same time, illegal operators continue to reach Belgian consumers through offshore marketing channels, often using aggressive, unregulated messaging. System rethink As Belgium continues its review of national gambling laws, BAGO is calling on policymakers to reassess the balance between restriction and channelisation. “As long as unlicensed operators can flood the market with illegal marketing and target vulnerable audiences, further restrictions on licensed operators will deliver the opposite of the intended effect,” the association warned. BAGO is urging the government to step up enforcement against illegal operators, including faster site blocking measures and tighter oversight of payment channels and digital platforms that grant access to unlicensed sites. At the same time, it has advocated for a regulatory framework that allows licensed operators to maintain sufficient visibility to fulfil their role in the market. “An effective gambling policy does not protect players by marginalising legal offerings,” BAGO concluded. “It protects them by reinforcing channelisation towards a strictly regulated and fully accountable framework.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - In response to the mounting challenges of fraud, cyber threats, and regulatory shifts, SBC Summit Malta will host a specialized ‘Operations and Compliance’ track aimed at helping organizations enhance their security and operational durability. Set for 29 and 30 April, the event will convene senior executives, security experts, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for protecting businesses across operational, financial, and reputational dimensions. The 'Risk, Regulation and Resilience' track on Wednesday, 29 April, will explore cybersecurity, fraud, and black market issues through fireside chats and expert panels. On Thursday, 30 April, the agenda transitions to 'Policy in Practice,' featuring interactive workshops on the regulatory and operational impacts of AI and SEO. A featured fireside chat, ‘Tax Hikes 2026: Market Shocks, Regulatory Risks & Margin Impact,’ will investigate how increasing tax pressures are affecting operators in major European markets. The session, featuring Stephen Hodgson (VP of Tax, Midnite), Sara Haddow (Group Tax Director, Entain), and Russell Mifsud (Director, Head of Gaming Europe, KPMG), will analyze how companies can manage these burdens and the resulting effects on market exits and consolidation. The discussion “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27” will look at how operational leaders are navigating rising costs and compliance requirements. With 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 panel will focus on investment strategies and the use of AI for more efficient operations. The second day of the summit will pivot toward the regulatory and operational nuances of AI and SEO. The workshop ‘SEO Terrorism in iGaming: Surviving Negative Attacks on Your Website’ will tackle the rising danger of negative SEO. Led by consultant Ivana Flynn (Head of SEO and Strategy), the session will teach participants how to recognize, track, and defend against malicious attacks on their digital presence. The ‘AI in Gaming: Shaping the Industry’s First AI Charter’ workshop will review the implications of new EU AI regulations for operators. Facilitated by Kinga Warda (Chief of Policy and Insight, Malta Gaming Authority) and Francois Piccione (Chief Technology Officer, Malta Gaming Authority), it will offer guidance on compliance standards and process alignment. The session ‘From AI Tools to AI Embedded in Business Workflows’ will discuss how to integrate AI into the heart of business operations. Featuring Philippe Guillod (VP, Analytics) and Fraser Dunk (CEO, Jurnii), the talk will focus on moving from AI experimentation to embedding the technology into daily workflows to improve efficiency and decision-making. SBC Summit Malta is scheduled for 28-30 April at the InterContinental Hotel. In addition to the conference tracks, the event will host 6,000 attendees, featuring a dedicated exhibition area and numerous networking opportunities. ____________________________________________________________________________ Purchase Your SBC Summit Malta Tickets Book your place at SBC Summit Malta with a VIP Event Pass. For €600, attendees receive full access to the three-day conference, exhibition, and networking events. An Expo+ Pass is also available for €150.Operators and affiliates may be eligible for free entry. Operators can submit an application for a complimentary pass here, while affiliates can apply for their free passes 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - As operators navigate increasingly complex datasets, transforming information into actionable insights remains a significant industry hurdle. Gabriel Kolawale, Head of Product at Hub88, explains how AI-powered tools like Page Insights are revolutionizing data analysis, serving as decision-making ‘co-pilots’. The industry frequently discusses ‘data-driven decision-making,’ yet many operators still struggle with efficient player data processing. What are the obstacles? While the industry possesses an abundance of data, with operators handling millions of bets annually, the primary challenge for most lies in converting this data into effective strategies and actions. Gartner's analysis predicts that by 2027, 50% of business decisions will be ‘augmented or automated by AI agents,’ but many operators continue to rely on static and fragmented data. Despite the unprecedented volume of data being collected, a substantial portion remains underutilized due to the time-consuming nature of interpretation. In the fast-paced online casino sector, where margins and player behavior can change rapidly, such delays can create a significant competitive disadvantage. The missing element is contextual intelligence—technology that not only aggregates data but also comprehends it in real-time. Operators require systems that highlight relevant information precisely when it's needed, enabling immediate action. You've introduced Page Insights within Hub AI. What specific problem does this address? Page Insights is designed to eliminate the friction operators encounter between data and decision-making. Historically, analyzing performance by country, game, or individual player involved manual filtering and cross-referencing. Page Insights makes this process instantaneous. As soon as a user accesses a data-intensive page within the Operator Backoffice or Supplier Zone, the system generates easily understandable visual dashboards along with AI-generated summaries that pinpoint key patterns or trends. The AI actively draws attention to anomalies, surges in growth, and underperformance—often the most commercially significant indicators. Minor percentage shifts can lead to substantial revenue impacts, making the immediacy offered by this tool invaluable. How does this differ from traditional BI or analytics tools? Traditional BI tools, while powerful, were developed for a slower pace of decision-making. Many operate independently of the core platform, necessitate manual configuration, and require specialized users to extract value. Across various related industries, including FinTech, e-commerce, and SaaS, there's a discernible shift towards embedded analytics. The principle is that insights should be readily available at the point of decision-making, rather than in a separate environment that introduces complexity. Page Insights embodies this approach. It is fully integrated into the workflow and automatically adapts to the context of the page the user is viewing. It requires no setup, report building, or delays. Operational teams can thus respond more rapidly to performance fluctuations across diverse markets and partners. Could you provide a practical example of its application? One practical application of Page Insights is in analyzing country-level performance within the Supplier Zone. Traditionally, suppliers might export data into spreadsheets or create custom reports to identify revenue-generating regions. With Page Insights, this entire process is consolidated into a single view. Users can instantly identify top-performing countries, recognize markets showing upward momentum, and switch between metrics like GGR, turnover, actives, and average bet according to their specific business needs. The AI-generated HubAI Insights Sidebar adds significant value. For instance, it might highlight a 15% to 20% growth spike in a particular region or flag a decline that warrants further investigation. These are precisely the types of insights that drive commercial decisions. What role does Context Mode play in making data more actionable? Context Mode transforms the tool from a visual analytics platform to an interactive one. Instead of navigating dashboards or constructing queries, users can simply pose questions in natural language, and the AI provides responses based on the data currently displayed. This reflects a broader trend observed in AI adoption. Across multiple sectors, natural language querying is effectively ‘democratizing’ data analysis. In practical terms, this empowers account managers or commercial team members to ask questions like ‘who is the top performer’ or ‘what is the total GGR for the top five partners’ and receive immediate, contextual answers they can rely on. This reduces the dependency on technical teams for routine analysis, freeing up their resources for more complex tasks. What are the implications for the future of decision-making in iGaming? In this context, AI is evolving from a reporting tool to a co-pilot that surfaces insights, anticipates trends, and increasingly suggests actions. In a competitive environment where operators are expanding into new markets and managing increasingly complex ecosystems at speed, the rapidity of insight generation will be a key differentiator. Those who can identify and act on trends faster, whether it's a high-performing market or a declining segment, will gain a competitive edge. We have made substantial investments in our product offering over the past year and are continuously focused on introducing innovative tools that simplify complexity for our partners. Our objective is to minimize the gap between data and action as much as possible. Page Insights represents a significant stride in that direction. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - evoke and Bally’s Intralot may be on the verge of drastically altering the UK gambling market’s landscape. Following a surge in speculation over the weekend, Bally’s Intralot has confirmed it is in talks with evoke about a potential offer for the firm’s entire issued and soon-to-be-issued share capital at 50 pence per share—valued at roughly £225 million. In a statement, the company noted that merging with the operator behind William Hill, 888 and Mr Green could ‘generate significant strategic and operational synergies, such as increased scale, a broader geographic reach, and chances to cut costs’. Bally’s Intralot has established a deadline of 5pm UK time on 18 May 2026 at the latest to confirm either that it will make an offer for evoke or that it has no plans to move forward with the deal—which could reshape UK gambling. However, the deadline can be extended if all parties agree. “We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business.” Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer at Bally’s Intralot Robeson Reeves, Bally’s Intralot’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We have built a business with a margin profile that stands out in this industry. evoke has the scale. “We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business, and the potential to transform its financial performance through massive synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with conviction.” That said, Bally’s Intralot pointed out that ‘there is no guarantee an offer will be made, or about the terms of any potential offer, or that these synergies will actually be achieved’. Any offer will be subject to standard conditions and regulatory approvals, and Bally’s Intralot reserves the right to adjust the offer’s terms—including price, type and combination of payment, and deal structure. evoke Undergoing Strategic Review evoke has been struggling for a while now, with around £1.8 billion in debt. Last December, the operator revealed it would be conducting a strategic review of its operations, which included ‘a possible sale of the Group, or some of the Company’s assets and/or business units’. evoke’s debt burden risks being a barrier to this deal, as Bally’s Intralot itself has around £4.5 billion in debt. But since the deal is being positioned as a possible rescue for the UK-based giant—meaning Bally’s won’t have to take on all of evoke’s debt—the path to completing the transaction becomes more straightforward. William Hill, one of evoke’s operating brands – Image: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock Bally’s Intralot has informed shareholders, debt holders, and other stakeholders that if the proposal leads to a completed deal, its financing will align with its stated financial policy objectives within its current framework. In the meantime, evoke has recommended that its shareholders refrain from taking any action regarding the proposal. The company plans to release its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2025 (FY25) on 29 April. Interested in more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—SBC’s new hub for all multimedia content—where our team takes a deep dive into the biggest news from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Campeón Gaming has outlined a bold strategy for its upcoming growth phase. Newly appointed Director of Operational Strategy, Sotiris Pappas, seeks to implement a more defined structure, improved data utilization, and a cohesive strategy throughout the organization. Since joining the firm two months ago, Pappas has rapidly familiarized himself with its operations. His responsibilities cover Customer Support, KYC, Sportsbook and Casino Commercial operations, along with Campeón’s multilingual copywriting units—essentially, all the dynamic components that must function seamlessly together. Friction, he argues, hinders scalability. “Fragmentation poses the greatest hurdle in rapidly expanding sectors,” Pappas stated to iGaming Expert. “We aim to provide clarity and coherence, guaranteeing that the entire operation functions as a unified ecosystem instead of disjointed segments.” The goal is straightforward: transition from reactive workflows to a proactive, data-driven engine that actively fuels partner growth rather than merely offering support. Customer-first – backed by results Sotiris Pappas, Director of Operational Strategy at Campeón Gaming While Campeón’s customer-centric ethos is established, Pappas is intent on redefining its practical application. “We fail to deliver value if our partners' players aren't engaged and retained,” he stated. “Prioritizing the customer isn't just a slogan; it is a quantifiable result.” This entails intensifying personalization efforts by customizing products, content, and engagement tactics for distinct demographics, all while optimizing performance via real-time analytics and feedback mechanisms. Heading into 2026, the firm’s B2B sector is set to be a primary area of concentration, expanding upon its comprehensive platform solutions and fully managed services. Connecting the dots throughout the player journey Delivering a fluid player experience continues to be one of the most critical and difficult hurdles in iGaming. For Campeón Gaming, the key to success involves linking every interaction point, ranging from commercial deals to daily player engagements. “A seamless experience isn't created at a single touchpoint,” Pappas observed. “It is constructed across the full journey, beginning with a profound understanding of the end user.” From product configuration and CRM implementation to support and content, every tier must be synchronized and moving cohesively. He added that consistency fosters trust, and once lost, it is hard to regain. Simply put: if the experience appears fragmented, the player is likely already leaving. Support moves into the spotlight Customer support is being elevated from a back-office task to a frontline driver for growth. Campeón Gaming is moving toward proactive, insight-driven engagement, utilizing data to predict issues before they worsen. The objective is not merely to resolve issues quicker, but to stop them entirely. “Support is no longer solely about managing tickets,” Pappas remarked. “It involves providing superior, more customized interactions that contribute value.” This involves closer collaboration with CRM and product units, as well as greater investment in local knowledge. Artificial intelligence is also being incorporated, as the company investigates methods to boost speed and precision while maintaining the human element. Localisation: beyond simple translation With competition heating up in global markets, localisation has emerged as a critical arena where superficial efforts are no longer sufficient. “Players anticipate more than just translated text,” Pappas clarified. “They expect experiences tailored to their habits and preferences. If it doesn't feel native, it won't succeed.” Campeón Gaming integrates localisation into its products, payment systems, communication styles, and tone of voice, backed by cross-functional teams and native-language experts. The goal is to make every interaction feel pertinent rather than duplicated. Meeting escalating expectations The iGaming industry has transformed swiftly over the last ten years, bringing a shift in operator expectations. In contrast to 2015, Pappas observed that current partners require quicker implementation, higher transparency, and evident performance results, alongside more adaptable and customized solutions. “The standard gets higher annually,” he stated. “Operators seek technology that operates with speed and accuracy, but also solutions that directly enhance performance.” To satisfy these requirements, Campeón Gaming is pouring resources into data architecture, scalable technologies, and more collaborative models, establishing itself as a partner that propels growth instead of just backing operations. Scaling with purpose Looking forward, Campeón’s strategy for the next 12 to 24 months focuses on enhancing agility, scalability, and partner-centricity. This entails sustained investment in personnel and internal frameworks, complemented by technology engineered to provide personalization and localisation on a large scale. Efficiency is also a priority, as the company aims to accelerate operations without compromising quality. The overarching goal is to position Campeón Gaming as one of Europe’s most rapidly expanding and technologically sophisticated B2B suppliers. “Our vision is distinct,” Pappas concluded. “We are constructing an organization that is unified, data-centric, and dedicated to achieving tangible outcomes. With everyone moving in unison, we generate genuine momentum.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Nvidia has unveiled Nemotron 3 Super, a new open-access AI model engineered to operate faster and process extremely lengthy prompts. The company is targeting this offering at developers building AI agents, a use case where costs can rise sharply when models need to complete multi-step reasoning tasks. Good to Know According to Nvidia, Nemotron 3 Super delivers up to 7.5 times greater throughput compared to Qwen3.5 122B A10B. This model supports context windows as large as 1 million tokens. Nvidia has made both the model and its associated training resources openly accessible to the public. Engineered for Speed and Lengthy Input Processing Nemotron 3 Super does not activate its full set of parameters every time it generates a response. Instead, it adopts a Mixture of Experts design, where only a portion of the model is switched on for each individual task. Nvidia states this design helps cut inference costs and makes the model more practical for AI agents that typically consume large volumes of tokens during operation. Across its 88 total layers, the model combines both Mamba and Transformer layers. In simple terms, one layer type helps it process very long inputs more efficiently, while the other preserves its response accuracy. Nvidia says this configuration gives the model a native context window of up to 1 million tokens. Nvidia has also integrated a routing system called LatentMoE. It directs each task to a small subset of expert modules inside the model instead of activating the entire system. Per Nvidia's claims, this enables higher levels of specialization without driving up inference costs in the way standard MoE systems do. The company says under its specified test setup, Nemotron 3 Super delivers 2.2 times the throughput of GPT OSS 120B and 7.5 times the throughput of Qwen3.5 122B A10B. Nvidia also notes it offers over 5 times higher throughput and up to double the accuracy of the previous Nemotron Super version. The model was trained on 25 trillion tokens, followed by an additional training phase using 51 billion tokens to extend its context length to 1 million tokens. Nvidia then applied supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning techniques to improve its overall performance. Benchmark results for the model were also strong. Nvidia reports scores of 83.73 on MMLU Pro, 90.21 on AIME25, 60.47 on SWE Bench with OpenHands, 85.6% on PinchBench, and 91.64 on RULER 1M. The model also powers Nvidia AI Q, a research agent that claimed the top position on the Deepresearch Bench leaderboard. Nvidia trained the model using NVFP4, a format developed specifically for Blackwell GPUs. When running on B200 hardware, the company says inference speeds can reach up to 4 times faster than FP8 format running on H100 GPUs, with no reported drop in accuracy. Nemotron 3 Super is available under the Nvidia Nemotron Open Model License. Developers can access its checkpoints in BF16, FP8, and NVFP4 formats on Hugging Face. Nvidia also supports inference via Nvidia NIM, build.nvidia.com, Perplexity, Openrouter, Together AI, Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, Coreweave, Dell Enterprise Hub, and HPE. Additional guides and implementation resources are available through NeMo. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - The PC and Console Gaming Report 2026, released by Newzoo, highlights a significant trend in Western markets. On PC, revenue generated by games outside the top 20 chart leaders has surpassed that of the leading titles, and players are also dedicating more time to these less prominent games. Key Takeaways In Western markets, games ranked 21 and below accounted for 56% of PC revenue in 2025, an increase from 48%. Playtime for games outside the Top 20 saw a 44% increase, while overall PC playtime grew by 14%. On Xbox, Game Pass significantly influences player engagement, whereas PlayStation's engagement is more driven by major exclusive catalog titles. PC Gaming Environment Fosters Broader Success More than half of PC gaming revenue in Western markets now originates from titles not among the Top 20. This finding from Newzoo signals a notable shift in the industry's direction. While major hits continue to be important, the segment of games just below the top tier is gaining substantial commercial influence. Tianyi Gu, manager of market analysis at Newzoo, explained the situation: “On PC, the space below the Top 20 is becoming more economically meaningful. That doesn’t make the market unconcentrated, but it does make games below the very top more commercially relevant than before.”This trend extends beyond sales figures, also reflecting in player engagement. Newzoo reports that playtime for games ranked 21 and lower surged by 44% in 2025. During the same period, total PC playtime increased by 14%, while playtime for Top 20 games remained stable or slightly declined. This indicates that players are not only purchasing more games from outside the top tier but are also investing more time in them. Certain game genres appear to be benefiting disproportionately. Enduring catalog titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Skyrim continue to attract players. Survival games and action RPGs also align with this pattern, largely due to ongoing updates, balancing adjustments, and long-term support that maintain their relevance post-launch. Rust, DayZ, and Path of Exile 2 are notable examples in this category. Newer releases are also experiencing a more extended period of engagement than in the past. Newzoo points to REPO and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 as games that maintained steady sales after dropping from bestseller lists. This is significant as the sharp decline in sales immediately after launch appears to be lessening. A larger segment of players seems content to wait for discounts, patches, or sufficient free time to engage with games later. Console gaming trends present a different picture. On PlayStation, older titles must compete for player attention against annual sports games, which consistently capture engagement even outside the top ranks. When PlayStation players revisit older releases, they tend to favor high-profile exclusives like God of War Ragnarök, Ghost of Tsushima, Spider Man 2, and The Last of Us Part 2.Xbox exhibits yet another distinct pattern. According to Newzoo, playtime on Xbox closely correlates with a game's inclusion in Game Pass. New free-to-play titles constitute less than 1% of playtime on Xbox, suggesting that many players on this platform remain focused on the subscription library they already access. Over two decades ago, Chris Anderson posited in Wired that PC gaming was well-positioned to capitalize on the "long tail," partly due to nostalgia and older software finding new life on modern hardware. This prediction appears even more pertinent today. While PC gaming continues to accommodate blockbusters, the distribution of revenue and player time is broadening, offering publishers, live service developers, and catalog owners expanded 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Bitcoin declined on April 19 as traders responded to an escalated geopolitical risk landscape. Iran backed out of a planned second round of negotiations with the U.S., and the crypto market promptly gave up some of its recent recovery gains. Good to Know Over a 24-hour period, Bitcoin dropped approximately 2% and hit around $73,820 on CoinMarketCap. Iran stated it would not proceed with further talks, citing excessive U.S. demands, conflicting signals, and naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders are currently monitoring support levels between $70,500 and $71,000, as well as resistance near $75,000. Bitcoin Retracts as Iran-Related Risks Resurface BTC moved out of the $74,000-$77,000 range it had maintained during recent consolidation, wiping billions off the total crypto market capitalization. As of 8:30 p.m. ET, Bitcoin was still attempting to hold above the $74,000 mark. Tension mounted after Iranian state media confirmed that Tehran had pulled out of a scheduled second negotiation session. Iranian officials highlighted what they described as overly demanding U.S. terms, conflicting stances, and a continuing U.S. naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is still among the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, so any disruption there can quickly impact energy prices and investor risk appetite. Cryptocurrencies have closely followed such geopolitical signals in early 2026, and Bitcoin was no exception this time.Earlier this month, negotiations held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 lasted over 21 hours without resulting in a ceasefire or nuclear agreement. JD Vance later noted that Iran had rejected U.S. terms, while Iranian officials characterized the meeting as preliminary. In mid-April, markets had temporarily shifted direction after Donald Trump mentioned that Iran had discreetly sought further dialogue. This helped push Bitcoin back toward $76,000. However, Saturday saw a reversal: Iran turned down additional talks, and the relief rally dissipated. From a technical analysis perspective, support levels are now around $70,500 to $71,000, with resistance near $75,000. BTC has tested the $76,000 level multiple times in recent weeks but hasn’t been able to sustain gains above it, leaving traders focused on whether buyers can protect current price levels. Trump increased the pressure with a Sunday warning to Iran, stating he no longer intends to be “Mr. Nice Guy.” Markets are now awaiting any official U.S. response, new diplomatic initiatives supported by Pakistan, and any further disruptions related to the Strait of Hormuz. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - CoinPoker is set to host its largest-ever tournament series, the World Poker Masters, from May 3rd to June 1st. The festival features a massive $25,000,000 in guaranteed prize money, headlined by a $2,500,000 Main Event, a $500,000 Mini Main Event, and an additional $500,000 allocated for leaderboard prizes. Good to Know The World Poker Masters takes place from May 3 to June 1, 2026. The entire schedule boasts $25,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools. Qualification is available via Warm Up satellites running from April 26 to May 2. CoinPoker Loads Up a Bigger Tournament Schedule CoinPoker is launching a four-week online poker festival centered on substantial guarantees and non-stop action for all stake levels. The premier attraction is the $530 Main Event, which features a record-breaking $2,500,000 guarantee for the platform. The schedule also includes enhanced CoinMasters events, the CoinMillion tournament, high rollers, and a $55 Mini Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee. The Main Event will follow a multi-flight structure. Day 1 flights are scheduled for each Sunday of the series, with a final Day 1E on May 31st. Players who survive will progress to Day 2 on June 1st. Participants are permitted to enter more than one starting flight, but only their largest stack will carry forward. Additional marquee tournaments complete the lineup. The CoinMillion event has a $215 buy-in and a $1,000,000 guarantee spread over two days. The $1,500 CoinMasters BITCOIN High Roller also guarantees $1,000,000 and will award the winner a physical CoinMasters Coin. High roller buy-ins range from $1,500 to $25,000, with guarantees reaching as high as $1,000,000.An extra $500,000 in leaderboard prizes is also part of the series. The $75,000 Champions Leaderboard recognizes the best overall performers, awarding up to $30,000 to the winner. The remaining $425,000 is distributed across four weekly WPM leaderboard competitions, divided into High ($109 and above) and Low ($11 to $88) buy-in categories. Each weekly race pays out up to 80 players, with top prizes hitting $15,000. Leaderboard points are earned based on tournament results, factoring in final placement and field size, allowing players who consistently make deep runs to accumulate value beyond direct prize money. The four scoring periods are May 3-9, May 10-16, May 17-23, and May 24 to June 1. Prior to the main festival, CoinPoker will hold a Warm Up phase from April 26th to May 2nd. This period is dedicated to satellites and feeder tournaments designed to provide affordable entry into the major events, including the Main Event. This structure offers a gateway for micro and low-stakes players to participate. A new addition is the Trophy Cabinet, a profile feature that enables players to showcase trophies won during the World Poker Masters and CoinMasters series. CoinPoker is introducing this to add a prestige element that complements cash rewards.Established in 2017, CoinPoker supports cryptocurrency payments in addition to bank cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. The World Poker Masters now joins other platform series like the Coin Series of Poker and CoinMasters as part of its expanding tournament portfolio. FAQ When Does World Poker Masters Run? The World Poker Masters is scheduled from May 3 to June 1, 2026. How Much Is Guaranteed Across The Series? There is a total of $25,000,000 guaranteed across all events in the series. What Is The Main Event Buy In And Guarantee? The Main Event has a $530 buy-in and a $2,500,000 guaranteed prize pool. How Does Main Event Qualification Work? Participants may play multiple Day 1 flights; however, only their largest chip stack will advance to Day 2 on June 1. What Are The Other Big Events In The Series? Key tournaments include the $55 Mini Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee, the $215 CoinMillion guaranteeing $1,000,000, and high roller events with guarantees of up to $1,000,000.What Is The Warm Up Stage? The Warm Up stage occurs from April 26 to May 2 and concentrates on satellites and feeder tournaments for World Poker Masters events. What Is The Trophy Cabinet? This is a new profile feature that allows players to exhibit trophies acquired from tournament victories. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - In 2025, France experienced another year of expansion in the gambling sector, achieving a total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14.1 billion. Recent figures released by the ANJ indicate continued growth in online betting, robust performance in lottery activities, and a positive contribution from casinos. Good to Know The GGR for gambling in France increased by 3% in 2025, totaling €14.1 billion. Revenue from online gambling surged by 8.5%, reaching €2.617 billion. The ANJ cautioned that higher levels of participation might lead to greater gambling-related harm. Online Betting and Lottery Drive Growth in French Gambling Revenue According to the ANJ, the French regulated gambling market expanded from €13.7 billion in 2024 to €14.1 billion in 2025. This 3% growth positions France comparably to other significant European markets, trailing the UK's 4.3% but surpassing Italy's 1.9%. The most significant boost came from online gambling. Revenue in the competitive online sector increased by 8.5% to €2.617 billion, raising the online segment's share of the total market to 18.5%, an increase from 16.4% in 2023. Gains were recorded across sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Additionally, the number of unique online players grew by 7.5% to 4.2 million, and active accounts increased by 7.1% to 6.1 million. There was a 25% jump in multi-activity players, indicating a trend of users engaging with multiple verticals. Sports betting continued to be the primary driver online. Revenue saw a 10.4% climb to €1.766 billion, while stakes increased by 12% to €11.517 billion. Football and tennis were the main contributors to this growth, accounting for 49% and 30% of the rise in stakes, respectively. Active sports betting accounts totaled 5.3 million (a 7.9% rise), and unique bettors reached 3.6 million (an 8.6% increase).Poker also delivered a strong performance, with revenue rising by 6.5% to €525 million, driven entirely by tournament play. Active poker accounts grew by 16.5% to 2.5 million, and unique players increased by 15.1% to 1.9 million. Meanwhile, horse racing betting experienced slower growth, with revenue up by 2.4% to €326 million. In the offline sector, FDJ United reported a GGR of €6.95 billion, a 2.8% increase that secured it 49.2% of the total market. This result was largely driven by lottery products, although European online operations—particularly in the UK and the Netherlands—declined by 8%. The casino sector also saw improvement, with GGR rising 3.4% to €2.816 billion and admissions hitting 31.6 million visits. Slot machines contributed approximately 82% of the casino GGR. ANJ Highlights Player Protection and Risks for 2026 The ANJ also highlighted potential risks. A 2024 assessment by the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction identified approximately 1.17 million individuals in France exhibiting problematic gambling behavior, including roughly 360,000 excessive players. The ANJ stated that operators require enhanced tools to monitor risky behavior and intervene sooner. Currently, France ranks seventh globally and third in Europe in terms of GGR, trailing Italy and the UK. The ANJ is also monitoring new products, such as those under the JONUM regime, which now encompasses monetizable digital games featuring gambling-like mechanics, including tradeable in-game items.Looking to the future, the ANJ noted that 2026 may bring additional pressure from tax reforms, intensified competition, and the Fifa World Cup. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ, remarked: “2026 is set to be a crucial year for the entire gambling market. Whether it involves consolidating acquisitions, rapidly reversing a growing downturn, or confronting heightened competition on the eve of the Fifa World Cup, all indicators are flashing red for the regulator. “In this tense climate, further complicated by the rise of new betting forms, it is vital to persist with the expected shift toward a less intensive gambling model and to suggest modifications to the existing regulatory framework to mitigate the perceived risks of gambling.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Canada may be inching toward stricter regulations for sports betting advertisements. Bill S-211 will return to the House of Commons on April 22, offering legislators another opportunity to advance a proposal that would establish a national framework for sports betting ads. Good to Know Bill S-211 is set to come back to the House of Commons for an additional vote on April 22. The Senate has already approved the bill, though the House still needs to complete several more stages. Discontent with sports betting ads has increased following legal adjustments in 2021 and 2022. Canada’s Sports Betting Ad Bill Finds a New Opportunity in Ottawa A new vote in Ottawa might apply fresh pressure to sports betting advertising in Canada. Bill S-211, officially named the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, is scheduled to return to the House of Commons next week. Should legislators pass it, the bill will probably move to a committee for more detailed examination prior to subsequent votes. Canadian legislators currently have a more favorable political environment than they did during the previous effort. Advocates for ad restrictions are operating in a more stable House, as recent floor switches and byelections have given the ruling Liberal Party a majority of seats. This is important because a more stable House reduces the chance of unexpected political upheaval that could derail the bill before it makes progress. Support is already visible within government circles. During debate earlier this week, Liberal MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry Karim Bardeesy stated:“The least we can do right now in the House is to pass the bill, send it to committee and give it the consideration it deserves as we take on this scourge.” Despite this support, S-211 still faces hurdles. The Senate has already passed it, but the House needs to guide it through second and third readings before the proposal can become law. For the moment, the April 22 vote appears to be the next critical milestone. Past attempts demonstrate how vulnerable gambling-related bills can be in Ottawa. A comparable measure, Bill S-269, was passed by the Senate in late 2024 but never advanced through the House. Political turmoil interfered, and the proposal expired before legislators could complete the process. S-211 is now being considered under more tranquil circumstances, which may improve its chances of success. The discussion traces back to quick shifts in Canada’s gambling policies. Ottawa decriminalized single-game sports betting in 2021, followed by Ontario launching a competitive iGaming market in 2022. This opened the door for numerous private sportsbook and iCasino operators to enter the nation’s largest provincial market.Since then, the volume of advertising has become a significant political concern. Promotions linked to sportsbooks and online casinos are now impossible to ignore, particularly during live sports events. For many viewers, this oversaturation has crossed a line. Complaints haven’t been limited to Ontario either—betting ads frequently reach audiences in other provinces, upsetting both voters and regulators outside the market where most private operators hold licenses. Thus, although S-211 is presented as a national advertising framework, the true driving force behind it is a widespread backlash against the speed and scope of gambling promotions in Canada. Legislators now have another chance to address this issue. FAQ What Is Bill S-211? Bill S-211 is a proposed law known as the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act. It could establish new limits or safeguards for sports betting ads across Canada. When Will The Next Vote On Bill S-211 Take Place? The House of Commons is set to hold another vote on the bill on April 22. Has Bill S-211 Been Passed Yet? The Senate has already passed the bill, but the House of Commons still needs to approve it through multiple stages before it can be enacted as law. Why Are Canadian Legislators Focused On Sports Betting Ads? Concerns have escalated since single-game sports betting was decriminalized in 2021 and Ontario launched its competitive iGaming market in 2022, resulting in a significant increase in advertising activity. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - As anticipated, Brazil has become Latin America’s largest betting and gaming market following regulation in January 2025. However, this leading status has come with intense widespread political scrutiny. In a guest contribution for iGaming Expert, SBC News Editor Ted Orme-Claye provides a full overview of the political landscape facing Brazil’s still young gaming sector – and questions whether the Brazilian government can keep its policy priorities aligned… After just 15 months of operation, is Brazil’s experiment with fully regulated online betting already on the brink of failure? A recent shift in stance from the central government in Brasilia regarding the sector suggests it may soon be. President Lula da Silva appears to be preparing a major legislative push targeting online gambling for May 2026. While the plans do not amount to a full, outright ban, they make clear that the president and his Workers Party (PT) are taking decisive action. The story of the new plans was first broken by Lauro Jardim, a highly respected Brazilian political journalist, in a piece for Rio de Janeiro newspaper O Globo. The government’s core motivation for the changes is to reduce overall levels of indebtedness among Brazilian citizens. Lula Grows Impatient With ‘Bets’ Despite holding personal reservations about the sector, President Lula signed off on the creation of the legal betting market under the Bets Law (PL 2626/2023) in late 2024. On 1 January 2025, the domestic regulated market, known locally as ‘Bets’, launched with 63 initial license holders, overseen by the Secretariat of Bets and Prizes (SPA), a department under the Ministry of Finance. Today, there are more than 83 license holders running a combined total of 197 different betting brands across the country. The legal market has been a success from a tax revenue perspective, generating R$9.95bn (£1.47bn) in tax intake from 2025 alone. Even so, the government has grown increasingly concerned about the social impacts of the sector, with some ministers going as far as to argue the market should never have been allowed to launch. These concerns led to new government policies such as the ban on betting for recipients of Bolsa Família and the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC) welfare programs, implemented in spring 2025. This move excluded roughly 60 million people from accessing the legal betting market. A year later, the government still remains focused on the link between betting and household debt, with an estimated 80 million Brazilians currently carrying some form of debt. However, SBC Noticias Brasil reports that SPA data shows wagering accounts for only 0.46% of total household income across the nation. Under the government’s latest proposals, which were reportedly developed by the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Justice under the supervision of the president’s Chief of Staff, people enrolled in the government’s debt financing program will be banned from placing bets. The government is also currently reviewing betting advertising and promotion rules. Lula’s administration wants to ensure betting companies cannot encourage “compulsion and addiction” through their marketing, a practice the government claims many legal operators have actively engaged in. Tightening the Screws on Gambling As noted earlier, Lula has never been strongly supportive of the gambling sector, but he has made his opposition much clearer over the past several months. On one occasion, he stated the sector must either face much stricter new restrictions, or be banned entirely. “It is not possible to allow this unbridled gambling to continue in this country,” the President said. “I have been discussing this issue for 15 days… if it causes the harm we believe it causes, why not end betting entirely? Or else regulate the sector so there are far fewer operators in Brazil, if it serves any real purpose.” The president faces a general election in October 2026, and has prioritized economic growth and debt reduction as his core policy goals. A key part of this strategy has focused on raising new taxes from the ‘three Bs’: banking, billionaires, and betting. After months of negotiations in the halls of Congress, the government finally secured approval for steady tax increases on betting in December last year. The new framework will raise the tax on gross gaming revenues (GGR) from the current 12% rate to 15% in 2027, and 18% in 2028. This change has been followed by consistent public messaging around gambling’s risks to both public health and personal finances, with a particular focus on advertising restrictions. Alexandre Padilha, Brazil’s Health Secretary, has drawn comparisons between gambling and cigarette smoking. “For me today, gambling addiction is a public health problem on the same scale as cigarette addiction,” he said. “It is necessary to implement more restrictive rules for betting advertising, just as we did for cigarettes.” However, for all the talk of new restrictions, the government has not yet moved forward with an outright ban on betting – at least for now. While a ban bill, PL-1808/2026, has been introduced to Congress by PT Deputy Pedro Uczai, the proposal has not received official endorsement from Lula or any senior members of his cabinet. The president is currently facing a clear dilemma. On one hand, he wants to tax gambling to help fund his economic policy agenda, but on the other he wants to reduce the sector’s social visibility and cut its perceived contribution to rising debt. The open question remains: can these two goals actually be balanced? 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Advances in big tech have transformed how iGaming players locate their preferred platforms – yet the regulated sector must take action to win back player focus from unlicensed operators that currently dominate social media channels. During the most recent Gaming in Europe Webinar, panel members outlined the tactics unlicensed operators use to take shortcuts to connect with players. Timothy Malmros Genach, an SEO specialist, cautioned that unlicensed operators have discovered a fast-track method to secure top positions in Google search results. They identify an aged, expired domain with high authority, then flood it with low-quality, malicious links. “Once that domain gets penalized, it becomes completely useless. You then add a canonical tag pointing to a new domain, and Google temporarily overlooks the penalty for one to two weeks. When that new domain also gets flagged, you just repeat the process over and over again indefinitely. This is the most effective quick ranking tactic I’ve encountered right now, even more powerful than parasite SEO.” Both the UK and Dutch iGaming markets have been heavily impacted by the unethical, aggressive exploitation of expired domains by these operators. He called on Google to intervene to stop this easy shortcut from being used by black market affiliates and operators that specifically target the most at-risk players. Malmros Genach noted that it is impossible for regulators to fully shut down the black market entirely. The only viable approach is to make operations unprofitable for black market operators and affiliates, while making the regulated sector more robust. At the same time, he cautioned that increasingly strict rules are significantly limiting the capacity of licensed operators to compete against unregulated players. Frank op de Woerd, Editor-in-Chief of CasinoNieuws, similarly noted that the competitive landscape is growing ever more difficult for regulated affiliates trying to go up against unregulated platforms. “We are not operating under the same competitive terms; the playing field is fundamentally unbalanced,” op de Woerd cautioned. “In a regulated market such as the Netherlands, legal affiliates like me work within clearly defined limits. We face rules set both by the regulator and our licensed operator partners, and these restrictions are put in place for valid reasons. They are designed to protect consumers, minimize harm, and keep the market accountable, and I fully support these measures. “That said, these rules do create an unfair imbalance, as illegal operators face far fewer limitations. They are not subject to the same constraints, nor are they held to the same standards. This means they have no need to maintain a KVH seal of approval or stay in good standing with any regulatory body. “In reality, it is the exact opposite: they do not care about their reputation at all, because as Timothy explained, they simply jump from one domain to the next. It is an entirely different way of operating, which already makes competing against them extremely hard.” He also highlighted that this disadvantage is made even worse by the fact that illegal affiliates are able to promote offerings that many consumers view as superior products. He went on to note that there is a far more malicious side to this beyond questionable SEO tactics, which he described as ‘hostile behavior and even harassment’, revealing that legitimate affiliates have even been targeted with DDoS attacks. Looking forward, op de Woerd outlined five core strategies to tip the scales back in favor of the regulated market. Visibility and attractiveness The first core priority is making sure the regulated sector has sufficient visibility and appeal to compete effectively – this is particularly critical in heavily regulated markets such as the Netherlands and the UK. While he recognized that these restrictions were introduced for legitimate purposes, they have created significant barriers for the regulated sector to compete successfully. Treating responsible affiliates as key parts of the solution A shift in perception around affiliates is required: they should be seen not only as a commercial arm for operators, but also as a critical channel for promoting responsible gambling practices. Policymakers should leverage their existing reach to educate consumers about the risks associated with illegal iGaming sites. Government and policymakers bolstering the legal affiliate ecosystem He also called on governments and legislators to take additional steps to strengthen the operating environment for legal affiliates. These steps include improving visibility and supporting greater channelization. Op de Woerd also endorsed the initiative launched by some Dutch operators to introduce a verification badge that adds legitimacy and ratings to their services. Targeting illegal operational infrastructure Illegal affiliates make use of an entire support infrastructure, ranging from domain hosting to monetization tools and traffic generation channels. This entire network that illegal operators and affiliates depend on should be the focus of enforcement action. “This is a key pressure point, and we need to do everything we can to make operating as difficult as possible for these bad actors,” op de Woerd stressed. This also applies to social media platforms that have allowed unlicensed affiliates to reach large audiences via live streams and other content. Pushing Google to take action Google must take urgent action to address these issues. “It is a very complex topic, but Google’s search function, while imperfect, still drives the majority of our traffic,” op de Woerd acknowledged. “Our relationship with the platform is complicated. For years, Google has made all the right statements about cracking down on spam, search manipulation and black hat SEO tactics. It has released official guidelines, policies, repeated warnings and other measures. But the inconvenient truth is that many of these exploitative tactics have been in use for more than 15 years.” While holding Google accountable is a challenging task, it is also a critical step in addressing the rapid growth of unlicensed affiliate activity. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Following nearly a year of silence, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has released an update regarding its pilot study on financial risk assessments. The announcement arrives as opposition to the proposed checks intensifies, with critics calling for increased transparency and oversight of the pilot program. Originally proposed in the 2023 Gambling White Paper, financial risk assessments were designed as a seamless method to identify potentially harmful gambling patterns. However, detractors worry that the intrusive nature of these checks will push gamblers toward the black market and undermine the regulated industry. In its latest communication—the first since May 2025—the UKGC sought to address the growing backlash, characterizing much of the recent debate as "ill-informed or inaccurate." A statement from the regulator clarified: “Some reports have claimed that players are already being pushed toward illegal operators because of financial risk assessments. This is incorrect, as the assessments are not yet live, and no consumer has been impacted by one, even during the pilot phase. “While operators may currently request documents or perform checks, these are not the financial risk assessments in question. Such actions are typically driven by anti-money-laundering requirements, commercial policies, or existing safer gambling protocols.” The UKGC also countered assertions that it intends to impose spending caps on players, clarifying that specific thresholds are only meant to trigger a check, during which the customer can continue to gamble. Addressing concerns Critics have primarily focused on the potential for privacy concerns to drive consumers toward the unregulated black market, where such oversight does not exist. A YouGov survey, commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council, revealed that 65% of bettors are unwilling to share private documents, such as bank statements, for gambling checks. In response, the UKGC stressed that operators would not need to request documents following an assessment and that it would provide guidance to help businesses avoid creating "unnecessary friction" for their customers. The regulator also highlighted data from its study suggesting that, on average, frictionless assessments would only be unachievable for 1 out of every 1,000 customers. While acknowledging industry reports that different credit reference agencies can produce varying data for the same individual, the UKGC noted that the pilot has provided valuable insights into these discrepancies. The UKGC stated: “We are encouraged that the pilot has yielded important data regarding differences between credit agencies. This information will help us compare the consistency of current operator processes and determine practical steps should we decide to move forward with implementation.” Keeping players in the regulated market The core of the UKGC’s message emphasized that the assessments are intended to help customers gamble sustainably within the regulated sector. “Support measures are most effective when they help customers maintain sustainable habits rather than driving them to land-based venues, other operators, or the illegal market,” the regulator noted. “While operators have noted that intervening when financial vulnerability is detected can create friction, we must remember that providing support to those in financial distress is the fundamental goal of this policy.” The UKGC pointed out that individuals in the pilot group were two to four times more likely to have a debt management plan and two to five times more likely to have defaulted on a payment in the past year compared to the general public. The results of the pilot will now be reviewed by the Gambling Commission Board to decide on future actions, though no specific timeline for this review was given. “If a decision is made to implement these assessments, we will collaborate closely with the industry and credit agencies on a sensible rollout plan,” the regulator concluded. “We are conscious of the risks associated with over-implementation or a rushed rollout, which could result in unnecessary hurdles for consumers.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - mkodo has appointed David da Silva as its new Managing Director, succeeding Co-Founder Stuart Godfree in a change of leadership. As the Pollard Banknote-owned firm celebrates 25 years in business and continues its growth, da Silva contributes his expertise in product, commercial strategy, and regulated iGaming markets. As mkodo moves into a new era, Godfree was commended for his role in the company's development, steering it from a pioneer in early mobile innovation to an internationally recognised technology provider for operators. Godfree commented: “Achieving 25 years is a significant milestone for mkodo. The company is well-positioned, with established technology, enduring partnerships, and a superb team. “Under David’s guidance, mkodo will maintain its innovative edge while concentrating on reliability, compliance, and user experience in the globe's most heavily regulated markets.” David da Silva, Managing Director at mkodo. Image: mkodo In his new role as Managing Director, da Silva is of the view that iGaming operators who can prove their experience and build trust will be the ones to thrive. He remarked: “Fundamentally, iGaming is an entertainment service—yet it now functions under strict regulatory oversight. The successful operators going forward will be those capable of providing seamless, captivating experiences alongside strong, automated compliance. Achieving this equilibrium will separate the leaders from the rest.” Under its new Managing Director, mkodo plans to grow its core product offerings, such as GeoLocs, to help operators navigate international regulations and provide superior player experiences. da Silva added: “Regulatory landscapes in markets such as Brazil and parts of North America, including the recent developments in Alberta, Canada, are changing rapidly. This presents both potential and challenges. Our mission is to empower operators to expand with assurance—creating enjoyable experiences for players while upholding the most rigorous compliance standards internally.” For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, SBC's central hub for multimedia content, where our experts provide in-depth analysis of the major news from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - GR8 Tech is preparing to capitalize on this summer's Fifa World Cup with a series of enhancements. The platform provider announced that it has improved bonuses, tournaments, content delivery, and provider integrations within its casino segment to drive monetization and player retention. Lusine Khudaverdyan, Head of Casino at GR8 Tech, stated: “A World Cup can attract significant new traffic, but that traffic is only valuable if players are given a reason to remain. For casinos, this translates to more adaptable bonuses, captivating tournaments, robust content offerings, and provider features that assist operators in converting interest into repeat engagement.” GR8 Tech elaborated that product-level wagering will now enable operators to direct promotions towards specific casino verticals, such as live casino and instant games, instead of implementing site-wide promotions. Furthermore, operators will have the ability to utilize the same game across multiple tournaments, allowing players to participate in several simultaneously. The company added: “The World Cup will generate a surge in traffic, but long-term value hinges on how effectively operators convert that attention once players arrive. With upgrades across bonuses, tournaments, content coverage, and provider features, GR8 Tech is equipping its casino vertical to help operators transform short-term excitement into sustained revenue.” Maximising World Cup engagement Fifa anticipates that the tournament, which will be hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada, will reach an audience exceeding 6 billion people, highlighting the growth potential for operators. A recent SBC Webinar examined the industry's challenges leading up to the tournament, including a shift in football consumption patterns, where many ‘Gen Z’ fans are more focused on supporting individual players rather than teams. Consequently, panel experts stressed that operators must be prepared to respond to emerging narratives throughout the tournament, particularly concerning stars like Argentina's Lionel Messi and Norway's Erling Haaland, who will be participating in his first World Cup. Malachy Rooney, Head of Football Strategy & Pricing at Flutter UK and Ireland, explained: “It’s [about] positioning ourselves to anticipate where we believe a narrative might be developing and then actively responding to it to provide customers with what they desire. “This could involve directing them to existing selections available across our sportsbooks or developing unique, one-off niche selections through specialized mechanics.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Gustavo Petro has suffered a major political blow as Colombia's Humana government has been mandated to refund "emergency taxes" that were found to be unconstitutionally implemented. The latest ruling from the Constitutional Court of Colombia shows that judges have unanimously decided that taxes imposed by the administration, including a 19% VAT, must be returned to those who paid them. This decision comes after the annulment last week of "emergency taxes" authorized by President Petro for 2025, which were struck down because the executive branch failed to satisfy constitutional requirements for emergency powers. It is estimated that the Humana administration faces a COP 25bn (€5.5m–€6m) liability, mostly related to the 19% VAT on alcohol and online gambling purchases during the decree's enforcement. The 19% VAT, which began in March 2025, was widely criticized by the online betting industry as an overreach by Petro to fund healthcare and welfare projects in the 2026 Budget. Petro had hoped to raise between COP 11 trillion and COP 16.3 trillion (€2.5bn–€3.8bn) through these emergency measures. This setback is now considered a turning point for the government, particularly with the presidential election set for 31 May. The duration of the 19% VAT has caused significant upheaval in the online gambling sector. International operators scaled back their investments, with Codere announcing it would halt further capital in Colombia until the regulatory landscape became more stable. Trade organizations Asojuegos and Fecoljuegos criticized the government's actions, noting that DIAN tax collections from gambling fell by nearly 30% after the VAT was introduced. Meanwhile, the regulator Coljuegos reported its first funding gap for public health and education programs funded by gambling revenues. Following the court's decision, the DIAN tax authority must set up a system to refund money collected from late December 2025 to January 2026. However, the actual return of these funds is uncertain, as individuals must prove they personally paid the tax, creating a heavy administrative task. Significantly, the Court made a distinction that limits the total financial damage. Funds gathered through tax incentive programs—totaling roughly COP 1.6 trillion (€350m–€400m)—will not be paid back. These payments involve about 175,000 taxpayers who settled previous debts under special terms, which the Court ruled as "legally consolidated," allowing the state to keep most of the revenue. The Court ruled that the emergency decrees violated constitutional principles of "exceptionality" and "unforeseeability," emphasizing that tax policy must be reviewed and approved by Congress. Consequently, the decrees are now void, limiting the president's ability to bypass the legislative branch. Despite the order to repay, experts believe only a small part of the COP 25bn will be recovered, as Colombia's "requested right" system requires taxpayers to file claims manually rather than receiving automatic payments. For Petro, the ruling is both a fiscal obstacle and a structural setback for his tax plans. Without emergency powers, the government must use traditional legislative paths as Congress continues to discuss new tax frameworks for online gambling and other industries. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Tombola has brought back its “arcade experience” to set its offerings apart from competitors in the UK iGaming sector and unlock new revenue streams. The transition to an “Arcade 2.0 environment” aligns with the company’s 20th anniversary, as the Sunderland-based bingo and casual games operator seeks to build on two decades of growth and innovation that have expanded the appeal of its games among the UK public. Tombola frames the Arcade relaunch as more than a superficial update; instead, it positions this as a strategic move to boost player engagement in the most competitive segment of the UK iGaming market. Marion Ryan, managing director of Tombola, stated that the group is leveraging its long-standing expertise in responsible gaming and customer insights to craft a product tailored to its users. “This isn’t just a product refresh,” Ryan told iGaming Expert. “It’s a strategic entry into a market where standing out matters. We’re bringing 20 years of responsible gaming credentials, trusted brand heritage, and genuine innovation. Our customers deserve games with refreshed slots and instant-win titles designed specifically for them.” Tombola Breaking New Ground in the UK Alongside product innovation, Tombola continues to rely heavily on major media partnerships as a core pillar of its marketing strategy. The operator remains closely aligned with ITV programming, most notably through its long-running sponsorship of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which provides mass-market exposure and direct user acquisition opportunities via integrated app and broadcast campaigns. The brand has also maintained a presence across light entertainment formats, including the revived Deal or No Deal on ITV, where it combines broadcast visibility with exclusive in-app games and second-screen engagement. While no new headline sponsorships for 2026 have been publicly disclosed, Tombola’s approach reflects a continuation of the “broadcast plus product” model—using mainstream TV partnerships to direct audiences to its proprietary games and community-led experiences. This strategy has been reinforced since Tombola’s £405m acquisition by Flutter Entertainment in 2022, a move designed to diversify Flutter’s UK portfolio through Tombola’s soft gaming expertise and in-house content capabilities. As competition intensifies in the UK’s casino-led market, Tombola’s dual focus on exclusive content and mass-reach sponsorships underscores a broader effort to expand beyond bingo while preserving its distinct, player-first positioning. 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Aggregation stands as a foundational pillar of the iGaming sector, enabling game developers to distribute their content across broad global markets and giving operators access to a vast library of titles to attract new players. Yet the role of aggregators now extends far beyond simply supplying thousands of games. Operators are seeking additional tools and services to help build a more immersive, unique player experience that lifts the lifetime value of their user base. Infingame is one such aggregator that is rising to meet this demand, delivering extra value to its full portfolio of operator partners and further strengthening its growing positive reputation across the industry. Confident in its ability to deliver on its promises, Infingame positions itself as the ‘number one aggregator in the space’ and is fully committed to retaining that leading position. But what is it about the company’s offering that fuels this high level of confidence? Dmytro Kryvorchuk, the provider’s Chief Operating Officer, notes that sheer content volume will carry little weight in 2026; instead, it is content performance and platform stability that set aggregators apart from their competitors. “Time-to-market is one of the most critical competitive differentiators today, so delays in this area come with tangible financial costs. Integration efficiency also counts for a lot,” Kryvorchuk stated. “A single API is now standard across the industry, but the clarity of its structure, the quality of its documentation and the level of support required throughout the setup process are what define the actual experience for an operator’s technical team. “Content performance is another metric we monitor closely. It is not enough to have a library of over 15,000 games – what matters is how many of those titles actually drive active user engagement.” Are aggregators offering too much content? On the surface, the core purpose of aggregators is to supply thousands of games to operators, but how many of those titles actually get used by end users? It is unrealistic to expect players to sift through thousands of titles to find the exact game they want to play. Instead, they anticipate that the games featured in the lobby will be the ones that align most closely with their preferences. This is the new industry benchmark, Kryvorchuk explained, adding that Infingame measures performance based on how content is actively used, rather than simply whether it is included in the library. “Not every game deserves equal levels of visibility, and operators do not have the time to work this out manually,” he added. “If an aggregator can offer guidance on what titles to promote, what to trial, and what to remove, all based on real performance data, that delivers instant value for partners. “Additionally, in a commoditised market, stability and reliability become a major competitive edge. If a platform is faster, better structured and experiences fewer glitches, operators notice that very quickly. It is also important to highlight the tools that determine how easily operators can manage their content, run promotional campaigns, or integrate their offering with gamification features.” With access to thousands of games, a full suite of supporting services and a strong brand to bring to market, operators are well placed to welcome large volumes of players. However, this can be both a major opportunity and a significant challenge at the same time. A sudden spike in traffic can put excessive strain on underdeveloped technical infrastructure, an outcome operators can ill afford at a time when player retention is such a high priority. Image: Infingame Kryvorchuk explained that Infingame places heavy emphasis on consistent monitoring and robust technical systems to manage these kinds of traffic flows effectively. “We put a lot of focus on provider-side stability,” he noted. “We continuously monitor performance across all our provider partners, and if any element is unstable, we either resolve it immediately or isolate it to prevent it from impacting the rest of the platform. Beyond that, we invest heavily in our operational capabilities. A team that can respond rapidly when issues arise is non-negotiable.” Elevating the user experience All of this technical work is designed to enhance the end user experience. After all, if an online casino cannot load games properly, or titles do not work as soon as a user selects them, players will almost certainly leave the site. But in increasingly competitive markets around the world, stability alone is no longer sufficient. The experience has to be genuinely enjoyable for users. That is why aggregators are no longer just content repositories, but now offer a full range of promotional tools to help keep players on site for longer, in turn lifting customer lifetime value (LTV). Infingame has rolled out a wide selection of promotional tools that its operator partners can deploy across a range of use cases, from casual slot play to live tournaments and ongoing player challenges. “Traditional bonus strategies often deliver fast results: you drive up deposits and lift user activity for a short window, but most of that value is front-loaded. Players sign up, redeem the offer, and a significant share of them churn afterwards,” Kryvorchuk explained. “With our promotional tools, the goal is to build long-term ongoing engagement instead of relying on one-off activations. “Mechanics such as Tournaments and Challenges give players a reason to stay active over an extended period, rather than just responding to a single offer. What is more, with more gamified tools, engagement feels more organic. Players participate because they enjoy the experience.” Delivering measurable results Games, aggregators, promo tools and all related services exist for one core purpose – to boost player engagement, raise customer LTVs and grow revenue. That is why Infingame, as part of its mission to be the number one aggregator in the space, has built out a comprehensive set of reporting features. Offering a unified client view in its reporting dashboard, Infingame has full reporting and analytics capabilities that let operators see which games are performing strongest and which tools are driving the highest levels of player engagement. And in Kryvorchuk’s view, transparency in reporting and proactive delivery of guidance for operators will drive the industry forward and separate market leaders from other players in the space. He concluded: “Aggregation will not stop at reporting – it will actively guide decisions around what content to promote, which games to rotate out, and how to tailor a portfolio for a specific market or player segment. “There will also be deeper integration with engagement tools, which will no longer operate as separate modules, but as part of one unified system where content, promotional campaigns, and player behaviour data are all fully connected.” 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - Kalshi has launched a new battle in the ongoing fight over prediction markets. In Montana, the firm is seeking a federal judge’s order to prevent state authorities from classifying its event contracts as illegal gambling as the broader regulatory control dispute unfolds. Good to Know Montana issued a cease-and-desist order after determining there was probable cause that Kalshi’s operations meet the state’s definition of gambling. Kalshi maintains that the CFTC alone is empowered to regulate its exchange pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act. Similar disputes are already underway in other states, such as Tennessee, where Kalshi recently secured temporary federal protection against state action. Federal Regulatory Authority Is At The Core Montana claims Kalshi’s contracts constitute illegal gambling. Kalshi argues Montana has no jurisdiction in this matter whatsoever. That sums up the entire case in a nutshell. Following a state probe, the Montana Gambling Control Division issued a cease-and-desist order, stating that participants are risking value on outcomes linked to chance or a gambling operation. Kalshi responded by filing a federal lawsuit against Attorney General Austin Knudsen and other state officials, requesting declaratory and injunctive relief to halt enforcement. The company contends its market is governed by federal derivatives laws and overseen by the national CFTC, rather than state gambling regulations. Kalshi further notes that its contracts are transactions between users, not wagers against the platform itself. Traders purchase "yes" or "no" positions on real-world events and can exit their positions before settlement as prices fluctuate. In the legal filing, the company’s attorneys stated:“Because traders do not take a position against the exchange itself, traders’ ability to hedge risk requires counterparties willing to assume risk in the hope of seeing a return.” The filing indicates Montana initially agreed to pause its actions while related litigation in Nevada proceeded, but the state later sent an additional warning letter and escalated the threat of legal proceedings. Kalshi claims this increased the risk and compelled the company to file the new lawsuit. The Montana dispute is part of a broader trend. Reuters has reported that the Trump administration, via the CFTC, has already filed lawsuits against Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois over similar state attempts to regulate prediction markets. Additionally, Reuters noted that a federal judge in Tennessee temporarily blocked state action against Kalshi earlier this year. Thus, Montana is not an isolated incident; it is part of a larger conflict between state and federal authorities over sports event contracts and prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.