Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has indicated it will now be evaluating the imposition of civil penalties on those who breach anti-money laundering regulations. Proposed draft regulations outlining how civil penalties may be applied have been put forward following amendments to section 22 of the Gambling (Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Act 2018, introduced by the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025. Currently, civil penalties can only be levied against operators, but the GSC appears to be exploring a change to this and is seeking input from industry stakeholders through a consultation process. The GSC stated: “The Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 broadens this authority so that a civil penalty may also be imposed on specific individuals (specifically ‘controllers’, ‘key persons’, and ‘senior managers’) when an AML/CFT violation by the operator is attributable to that individual’s consent, connivance, or negligence.” Frameworks within the draft regulations focus on three areas: the maximum civil penalty that could be imposed on individuals or operators; factors to be considered when determining the penalty amount; and the procedures that must be followed to impose the penalty, including notice and appeal requirements. Guidance details how the Isle of Man regulator will apply this extended authority, covering: assessing individual responsibility; examples of how consent, connivance, and negligence may occur; the calculation of penalties; and the decision‑making process. The consultation period began on 23 March and will run until 25 May 2026. The GSC will hold an online Q&A session to help stakeholders understand the draft regulations and facilitate further discussion. The regulator will publish details of this session in due course. Once the consultation process concludes, the GSC will release a summary document outlining the responses received and any changes made to the regulations and guidance. Maverick Games, SBOTOP, and SK IOM Limited have all been fined by the GSC for AML violations over the past year. Shelgeyr Limited (Maverick Games) was fined £200,000 in February, Celton Manx Limited (SBOTOP) was fined £3.94m in July last year, and SK IOM was fined £70,000 in June 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - While a recent SBC Digital Day session was called ‘Adapting Marketing as Football Sponsorships Fade,’ the panel's conclusion was that sponsorship is not disappearing but instead transforming. Football sponsorships have been central to iGaming marketing plans, with the Premier League – called the “grandest stage of all” by Russell Yershon, CEO of Connectingbrands.com. Nevertheless, with front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships due to be prohibited from the coming season, operators must now reconsider how to connect with fans beyond conventional kit agreements. New sponsorship routes Yershon and fellow speaker Joaquin Gago, CEO of BetandDeal, both observed that the Premier League will remain an arena for brand visibility. As front-of-shirt space vanishes, sleeve and training-kit agreements are anticipated to become the next focal point for brand exposure. However, the panel concurred that the most promising prospects exist beyond the reliable sport of football. Panel moderator and iGaming Expert Editor Joe Streeter highlighted combat sports promoter MVP’s forthcoming MMA event on Netflix, which will feature stars like Ronda Rousey and Nate Diaz. The event, similar to many past live sports broadcasts on streaming platforms, is predicted to draw enormous global audiences. “It’s absolutely massive. It’s another route for these big global brands to think we know what the Netflix audience is, so let’s go and speak with the rights holder and see what we can do,” Yershon stated. This led to a broader conversation about sponsorships led by athletes. Yershon remembered collaborating with boxer David Haye for a gambling-related brand during his first bout against Tony Bellew, noting the “unbelievable coverage” it produced. With streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon increasingly offering live sports, the speakers also proposed that operators can connect with fans directly, circumventing the restrictions of club-based partnerships. Activation and localisation matter more than ever As the discussion progressed, Gago emphasised the growth of localised influencer campaigns, noting that “influencers are being used more in casino than sports because they are easier games to communicate and engage with the audience.” This approach has grown much more prevalent in recent years. Influencers, who might not have the same follower count as retired footballers, often show greater effectiveness because their communities are intensely concentrated on the specific markets a brand aims to enter. Both panellists agreed that localisation is now essential. Gago explained it is crucial to collaborate with, or employ, local individuals who genuinely comprehend the country and culture, and that any campaign must be tailored to the target market. This strategy does present challenges, however. Yershon insisted that meticulous selection of talent is vital, explaining that due diligence guarantees influencers not only portray the brand well but also connect with the correct audience. He finished by stating that regardless of the direction a brand chooses, activation is what separates mere visibility from a wasted budget. Pull quote – “You need to have a clear plan… otherwise you’re chasing your tail,” Yershon cautioned, stressing that investment without a strategy seldom yields measurable outcomes. Regulation at the centre of all decisions The panel agreed that regulatory structures are the most significant factor influencing sponsorship choices, and that knowing the marketing rules is as important as understanding the culture of a target country. Retired footballers, for instance, have historically been effective ambassadors for betting firms due to their recognition among older demographics. Yet, this is not always simple. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) illustrated this last year by upholding a complaint against a promoted post on X by Sky Bet. The post contained an embedded video clip from The Overlap podcast, and the ASA determined it was likely to have strong appeal to under-18s because of Gary Neville’s presence. Flutter challenged the decision, arguing that “black-market operators flood the internet and social media without any checks,” pointing out the disparity between regulated brands adhering to strict rules and unregulated operators facing no oversight. This debate connects to ongoing talks about a potential rule that could prohibit unregulated operators from sponsoring sports in England entirely, a change that would dramatically alter the sponsorship environment. Acknowledging this, the discussion shifted to how clubs manage these intricacies and where responsibility truly lies. Yershon mentioned Everton’s partnership with Stake, which had to cease its UK operations after its logo appeared as a watermark on a “widely viewed” social media video featuring an adult actress. “For Stake as a brand, you want to be on the grandest stage of all, which is Premier League front-of-shirt. Working with a team like Everton, you can benefit from that from the global awareness, so I see no issue with that whatsoever. It’s up to the Premier League club. “In terms of whether it’s right or wrong, if the law says you can do it, then why not,” he added, before stating that it is the regulator who must take a firm position. 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) - Super Group’s departure from the U.S. in 2025 put an end to its bold expansion plans, yet for CEO Neal Menashe, it also highlighted the areas where the company maintains its competitive advantage. Africa contributes roughly 40% of Super Group’s revenue and has been its biggest regional market for five straight quarters—underscoring its critical role in the company’s broader strategy. The firm is also experiencing positive traction in emerging markets such as Botswana, where it launched in early 2025 and has already seen “strong growth” and new customer sign-ups. Expansion efforts are ongoing: Namibia is next on the agenda, thanks to its closeness to the two previously mentioned nations, and several more markets are in the works over the coming two years. Menashe cited key growth drivers like population growth, rising smartphone usage, and the expansion of mobile money—with the continent’s iGaming sector expected to double from $11 billion in 2025 to $22 billion by 2030. South Africa, which Menashe described as one of the most established markets, continues to be the foundation of this growth. “We’re the leading operator in South Africa. It’s a well-regulated market, we saw record casino volumes in our latest quarter, and our Jackpot City brand keeps gaining steam,” he noted. That said, not every market has yielded instant results. Nigeria, despite its large size, has turned out to be more difficult, leading the company to reassess its approach there. “Nigeria is one market where we haven’t performed as well,” Menashe admitted. “We’re revising our strategy for Nigeria, which is completely distinct from our approach elsewhere in Africa. We see significant potential there—it’s a huge market, and since we prioritize mobile, we’re refining our product to better fit the market.” American Lessons Having invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” in an attempt to compete in a market led by DraftKings and FanDuel, Super Group eventually determined there was no obvious route to making a profit in the U.S. But the venture wasn’t a total loss. It helped the company narrow its focus to markets where it already has size and operational strengths—especially Africa, where Menashe thinks Super Group has a presence comparable to the leading players in the U.S. market. In a recent episode of iGaming Daily, Menashe commented: “We picked up many valuable lessons. To compete, you have to be among the very best.” What will the 2026 World Cup offer? Given that many of the markets where Super Group operates are represented in the tournament, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026—hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—presents a major chance for the company to boost user engagement. “Sport is all about content,” Menashe explained, noting that the tournament acts as an extension of the football season, offering “an extra six weeks” of high-level user interaction. Per the company, 88% of its revenue comes from nations that are part of the World Cup. Past tournaments have always led to surges in user activity, and Menashe anticipates the same pattern for 2026. Instead of pouring money into costly official tournament sponsorships, Super Group plans to focus on digital marketing campaigns and use its existing football partnerships—specifically naming Arsenal and Manchester City. On the operational side, the main focus will be maintaining platform stability and smooth payouts during periods of high demand, especially since daily user counts can hit the millions. The World Cup also aligns with the company’s business model. Although Betway is positioned as a sports-focused brand, casino operations are the main source of revenue, making up roughly 80% of the group’s total income. “Sports bring in user interaction, and then the casino is where they can win large sums,” he said. “We’re a casino company at our core, but with this incredible sports brand and product, it’s all about delivering engaging content.” Balancing tax and growth With recent increases in gambling taxes in the UK and other markets where Super Group operates, it’s no surprise the subject was discussed. Menashe expressed his opinion that the ideal tax rate for iGaming operators is between 15% and 25%, cautioning that overly high taxes could push consumers to use unregulated platforms. “If you tax an industry so heavily that no one can turn a profit, countries end up losing all the tax revenue they would have otherwise gained,” he explained, pointing out the danger of illegal operators stepping in to fill the void. In the UK, where new tax increases are set to come into force, Super Group anticipates a financial impact but is confident it can manage the effects through improved efficiency and less competition as smaller operators leave the market. The company has already been optimizing its operations—cutting staff numbers and directing investments towards markets where it can achieve long-term profitability, like Canada. As taxes and competition both increase, Menashe wrapped up by sharing insights into the company’s strategy: focusing on markets where it can succeed and staying disciplined in others. “You can’t be present in every market,” he stated. “It’s not just a matter of launching a website—this is about being the absolute best.” 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) - After the prominent release of Treasure Tumble, iGamingExpert interviewed Relax Gaming’s Senior Product Manager, Barry O’Hare, regarding the planned introduction of the new Supercharge feature. This novel interface enhancement aims to consolidate the provider’s extensive collection of in-game extras into a unified, player-driven experience that emphasizes personalization and player retention. Could you begin by explaining what Supercharge is and why it has started appearing in Relax games? Relax has developed a substantial portfolio of player-oriented add-ons and features over time. Supercharge serves as a central, simplified player interface that consolidates all these choices, enabling players to more easily find and customize their gaming experience. We consider this a clever enhancement that effectively addresses the needs of various player demographics. It provides access to a comprehensive selection of upgrade spins, empowering players to dictate their gameplay and directly access their preferred gaming experiences. What issue does the integration of Supercharge into the interface resolve? As we progressively launched innovative features such as Bonus Reels and Feature Buys, their access points became dispersed. Supercharge consolidates all these into one cohesive, user-friendly hub. This not only enhances the ease of finding and activating features but also liberates crucial screen space, allowing the main game to stand out. By bringing these appealing features together, we guarantee that players can readily locate precisely what they desire. How is a product like Supercharge designed with the end-user perspective in mind? Our main objective was to develop clear, user-friendly navigation. Concurrently, Supercharge had to integrate naturally into each game – appearing refined, fluid, and intrinsic to the overall experience. Close collaboration with our in-house studios during the design stage guaranteed that Supercharge adhered to the same rigorous quality benchmarks as the games themselves. The aim is to accommodate a wide spectrum of player preferences. Whether players favor Enhanced Spins for more frequent bonuses or high-multiplier volatility options such as Galleon Spins, featured in our newest releases, the design ensures these selections feel intuitive and simple. What benefits will operators gain from Supercharge, and what steps are required for its implementation? Operators consistently strive to optimize player retention. By enhancing the visibility and ease of interaction with personalization features, Supercharge fosters more profound and prolonged engagement, leading to recurring visits. Our comprehensive analysis indicates that players who engage with game features they appreciate are significantly more prone to returning regularly. Since Supercharge empowers players to customize their gameplay, it establishes a more dependable basis for steady performance and elevated player lifetime value. Supercharge has already been previewed in your recent titles, Beast Gains and Treasure Tumble. What has the initial feedback been? While it is still early, the response has been exceptionally positive. Operators showed enthusiasm even before launch, and since its release, we have observed robust engagement – particularly from the streaming community, who actively interact during live play with our streamer-compatible mechanics that generate authentic excitement. Preliminary data indicates not only enhanced feature discoverability, with a greater percentage of our players exploring game functionalities and add-ons, but also improved player retention. Players who activate Supercharge options are on average playing more rounds in their chosen modes compared to similar game samples where Supercharge is not accessible. Specifically in Treasure Tumble, players have enthusiastically embraced the Supercharge options, utilizing them to customize their sessions and interact more profoundly with the game's high-volatility elements. What are the future plans for Supercharge and how might it evolve? The current iteration of Supercharge can be regarded as ‘Version 1’. We have numerous promising improvements underway, some of which will be unveiled shortly. As we persist in broadening our game portfolio and platform capabilities, players and operators can anticipate ongoing growth and enhancement of Supercharge in the future, guaranteeing its status as a primary revenue generator for 2026 and beyond. 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) - Playtech still classifies its US legal dispute with Evolution as merely a ‘contingent liability’, noting that its rival has not yet submitted a formal claim in the high-profile Black Cube case. Playtech defends its choice to hire independent business intelligence firm Black Cube to examine Evolution’s business practices and rejects any claims of illegal activity. Consequently, Playtech’s recently released FY2025 financial report does not include any actual cash reserves on its balance sheet to cover possible lawsuit damages. In the notes section of its report, Playtech stated: “On 21 October 2025, Evolution AB publicly named Playtech Software Limited—a Group subsidiary—as the party that commissioned a 2021 Black Cube report, which has been cited in ongoing US legal actions but does not involve any Group entity. “Additionally, on the same day, Evolution AB stated publicly that it would modify its complaint to include Playtech Software Ltd in the lawsuit. But as of the date these financial statements were approved, Evolution had not sought the Court’s permission to add any Group entity to the New Jersey proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech Plc, Playtech Software Limited, or any other Group entity. “The Group denies any allegations of illegal behavior. Due to the case’s early stage and the lack of any served claim against the Group—including no indication of the potential claim amount—this is deemed a contingent liability alone.” Last October, Evolution alleged that Playtech subsidiary Playtech Software Limited was responsible for commissioning Black Cube to investigate the provider’s operations in banned and sanctioned markets, as well as its supply to unlicensed operators in regulated markets. At the time, Playtech replied that the claim its subsidiary participated in a smear campaign is “entirely false and intended to divert attention from serious concerns about Evolution’s business practices”. It added that it stands by its decision to commission the report and welcomes a court review. In February, Evolution also provided little information about litigation updates in its Q4 investor report, but Chief Executive Officer Martin Carlesund stated that the company is “looking forward to progressing with the lawsuit”. Revenue dip but Playtech happy with FY26 start Playtech reported that its FY25 group revenue from continuing operations decreased 10% year-over-year to €763.6 million (FY24: €848 million), with B2B and B2C revenues falling from the prior year. Group adjusted EBITDA was €197 million, a 9% drop (FY24: €217.5 million). B2B revenue declined 9% YoY to €688.3 million (FY24: €754.3 million), mainly because of a revised agreement with Caliente Interactive affecting Latin America operations. Regulated markets revenue fell 7% to €559.4 million (FY24: €598.4 million) due to the Caliente adjustment and UK declines, which were partially balanced by growth in the US and Canada. On an underlying basis, regulated revenue increased by 6%. B2C revenue dropped 20% to €78.5 million (FY24: €97.8 million). HAPPYBET in Germany is close to finishing its wind-down, with completion expected in 2026. In May 2025, Playtech agreed with NetX Betting—a subsidiary of Frankfurt-listed operator pferdewetten.de AG—to purchase specific HAPPYBET hardware assets. The process is complete, with contractual terms in place with the relevant franchise partners. Meanwhile, Sun Bingo and other B2C operations were affected by regulatory measures and marketing limits. Sun Bingo’s operations are being reviewed due to UK online gambling tax changes. As of 31 December 2025, net cash was €28.5 million, up from a net debt of €142.8 million at the end of 2024. Free cash flow was €29.5 million, down from €73.1 million in FY24. Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, called 2025 a year of “major transition for Playtech” after completing the sale of Snaitech. He added: “The US had a particularly strong performance, with revenue nearly doubling as momentum picked up across our partnerships. We hit several key strategic milestones, expanding into more iGaming states and continuing to grow our Live offering.” “Our Latin America position also improved, backed by the revised Caliente agreement—which is performing well and further bolsters our presence in Mexico. “The strong momentum from 2025 has continued into early 2026, especially in the Americas. We’re still confident in hitting our ambitious medium-term goals and see exciting opportunities for the Group across all our 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.

(AsiaGameHub) - EveryMatrix has enhanced its aggregation platform via a new collaboration with Eeze. As a result of the agreement, Eeze's collection of live dealer games will be accessible to EveryMatrix's global partners. Bjorn Sjoberg, Chief Commercial Officer at EveryMatrix, commented: "We are delighted to incorporate Eeze's complete product range into our aggregation portfolio. Featuring top-tier live products and a promising lineup of RNG games in development, we are certain our clients will appreciate the unique value these titles add to the market." Games now accessible through EveryMatrix's platform comprise the recently launched Fusion Roulette and Eeze's first slot titles. Mikko Hoglund, Partnership Manager at Eeze, stated: "Collaborating with EveryMatrix represents a significant milestone for us as we aim to expand our games to a broader player audience than previously possible. "We have numerous exciting product launches scheduled for the coming months, and we are confident that these games, along with our current portfolio, will be warmly welcomed by EveryMatrix's clientele." EveryMatrix steps up US presence In the previous month, EveryMatrix extended its aggregation hub's reach via an agreement with Ocean Casino Resort in New Jersey. Users of Ocean Resort's online site, betOcean, obtained access to more than 45,000 games from over 360 providers on EveryMatrix's casino platform. This agreement represented the fifth collaboration EveryMatrix has established in North America and the third within the US. The company presently maintains licenses in Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, along with the Canadian province of Ontario. It has partnerships with bet365, betParx, Delaware North, and Pinnacle. Mark Burroughes, Chief Commercial Officer of Casino at EveryMatrix, noted at the time: "Partnering with betOcean represents a vital step in our expansion strategy. Achieving a complete aggregation integration in less than four months, including obtaining regulatory approval, demonstrates our extensive expertise in providing compliant content in the US." 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) - Alberta appears to have provided the first clear timeline for launching its regulated iGaming market in the Canadian province. The province's regulator, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), has released a guidance document for the iGaming transition period, detailing requirements for commercial operators seeking licences. The document outlines expectations for unregulated operators, stating they must submit applications, pay registration fees, and halt unregulated activities by July 13. The AGLC stated: "Any operator or associated entity running an unregulated lottery scheme in Alberta must submit a completed application and pay all applicable registration fees to AGLC by July 13, 2026. Operators must also stop all unregulated lottery scheme activities, including taking bets, by July 13, 2026. "AGLC may grant a maximum three-month extension to October 13, 2026, on a case-by-case basis, but only if an operator can show a compliance path for market launch that was not achievable before July 13, 2026." Though not a definitive launch date, this provides the industry with insight into the province's current timeline and pace for going live. Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), which handles commercial agreements, anti-money laundering (AML), public complaints, and financial reporting, will set the official launch date. The AGLC added that all unregulated market activity must cease by the announced go-live date, regardless of whether it falls after July 13 or October 13 this year. Several operators, including Caesars Entertainment, have shown interest in Alberta's regulated iGaming market. However, the AGLC noted that fewer than 10 have paid the required fees so far. The six-month exemption provision only applies to iGaming suppliers that have paid the required fees and received written confirmation from AGLC that their application was accepted. The AGLC stated: "Despite strong interest from over 55 operator sites, only nine have paid the required fees to date. Regulatory Services is closely monitoring advertising and overall market activity, and continued non-compliance could significantly affect future suitability determinations." Regarding player accounts on unregulated sites transitioning to the regulated market, the AGLC stated that all outstanding bets must be resolved or cancelled beforehand, including settling open wagers, returning account balances, and notifying players about account closure timelines and procedures. Earlier this year, the AGLC published the Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming, which outlines key iGaming components for the province, including licensing fees, tax rates, advertising, and player protection. Portions of the province's iGaming framework have been known since spring last year, when the iGaming Alberta Act was passed. 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 Care Quality Commission (CQC) has called on the UK’s new gambling harm treatment commissioners to maintain continuity during the shift to a statutory levy. Charities part of the National Gambling Support Network were commended for delivering ‘safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led’ treatment. However, the CQC also recognized worries raised by GambleAware that the ongoing quality of care could be impacted as service commissioning moves to the NHS under a new funding model. The report stated: “We would urge commissioners to review the findings of this report to make sure services continue to provide care in a similar way so that people experiencing gambling harms still receive the care and support they need, and that there is ongoing oversight and assessment of the quality of services.” The Gambling Commission and GambleAware requested the CQC to conduct the review, with inspections occurring from May 2025 to March 2026. The 14 charities included in the review were the EPIC Restart Foundation, ARA Recovery For All, NECA, Gordon Moody, Beacon Counselling Trust, Primary Care Gambling Service, Aquarius, GamCare, GamCare Helpline, Adferiad, RCA Trust (Scotland), Betknowmore UK, Breakeven and Reframe Coaching. Findings showed that individuals dealing with gambling harm ‘could access services when needed and received personalized, needs-based treatment and support’. Longheld concerns The CQC joins a growing list of organizations expressing fears that the funding transition will slow treatment progress as the NHS becomes the primary treatment administrator, with services divided between England, Scotland and Wales. GambleAware noted in its legacy report ahead of closing on 31 March: “There is a concern that differences in local capacity could mean that the quality of services varies from place to place. Without deliberate action, these risks could erode progress made in prevention, early intervention, and equity of response.” The Welsh Government has already granted the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board £1.3 million to operate a gambling helpline for those with gambling problems in Wales. However, this will run alongside the well-known National Gambling Helpline operated by GamCare, sparking worries about confusion for people seeking help. GamCare confirmed it has contacted Welsh Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy regarding the decision, aiming to clarify how the two services will work together to support those in need. The charity’s CEO, Victoria Corbishley, said: “The shared aim must be to minimise any confusion for those reaching out in moments of vulnerability. Our focus remains firmly on the people we serve.” Independence vote Organizations like GamCare are currently learning how much funding they’ll receive from the £120 million raised in the first year of the statutory levy—funded by a percentage of UK licensed operators’ gross gaming yield. But uncertainty around funding for longstanding charities has grown due to rumors that groups with past industry ties would be excluded. However, this position seems to be easing, according to Duncan Garvie, founder of BetBlocker. Speaking at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, he said: “Pragmatically, there was always going to be some level of disruption. What I hope to see if a softening of positions and to reach a place where all stakeholders can be included in the conversation without the stigmatisation.” During the third sector charity review, GamCare shared that the CQC found no evidence its support and treatment were influenced by the gambling industry. Corbishley welcomed the feedback, stating that being recognized as independent is ‘fundamental to the trust people place in us’. “This independent assessment is important assurance for commissioners, partners, and above all for the people who rely on our services,” she added. 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) - Louis Theroux’s in-depth investigation into the ‘manosphere’ and contemporary media consumption habits has highlighted a troubling strategy used by unregulated operators to attract a fresh audience to their sites. While the bulk of his new Netflix documentary examined the perspectives of four prominent influencers within this controversial movement, the film also featured several clips displaying the branding of gambling firms Stake and Rainbet. These clips and live streams are essential for maintaining engagement within the manosphere, attracting millions of views from a younger, more impressionable demographic across various social media channels. A significant aspect of this engagement is that these broadcasts often provide these viewers with their initial introduction to gambling. While the regulated industry implements safeguards to protect adolescent males, the unlicensed market aggressively targets their interest. HSTIKKYTOKKY just landed a massive 4x HUGE REDS win while ice fishing, taking home a significant sum... #stake #hstikkytokky pic.twitter.com/EJN94dBo96 — Soneclip (@soneclips) December 13, 2025 Both companies have gained a reputation for finding ways to ensure their logos are prominently displayed on social media, regardless of the nature of the associated content. Last year, Stake confirmed its departure from the UK market following a controversial promotional stunt involving adult film star Bonnie Blue at a British university. The manosphere has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by figures such as Andrew and Tristan Tate, Jordan Peterson, and HSTikkyTokky—one of the central subjects of the documentary—who have collectively amassed millions of followers. At the heart of this movement are highly contentious views regarding the roles of men and women in society, which are regularly broadcast across social media platforms. This often manifests as misogynistic, racist, and homophobic rhetoric that is subsequently adopted by young, impressionable audiences. Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere arrives on March 11. For his debut feature-length documentary on Netflix, Louis visits Miami, New York, and Marbella to interview the influencers and creators driving the Manosphere movement.— netflix⁷ (@netflix) February 25, 2026 Despite these controversies, manosphere influencers are increasingly moving into influential circles, particularly in the United States. For instance, Donald Trump Jr, son of US President Donald Trump and a Strategic Adviser for Kalshi, has been seen in the company of Andrew Tate. The fact that even the most disreputable segments of the gambling industry are linked to these figures should be a major concern for the rest of the sector. Industry experts are aware that Stake and Rainbet operate within the black market, which carries significant implications for player safety and overall credibility. However, the typical viewer watching the documentary or encountering manosphere content on social media may simply view gambling as an inherent component of the movement. Studies across various regions have indicated that users of the black market are often unaware that they have moved away from the licensed sector. This highlights that the target demographic for unlicensed operators is no longer just the most vulnerable individuals; they are now aiming to ensure that many people's first experience with gambling occurs on unlicensed platforms. This represents a serious concern, as it suggests a potential shift in gambling culture for the next generation. As the regulated gambling industry faces ongoing pressure from activists and legislators regarding its reputation, it is now vital for the licensed sector to actively promote the advantages of the regulated market. The industry has frequently discussed the need to combat the black market, especially as the financial costs of operating legally continue to rise, yet there has been little concrete action so far. If consumers are unaware that a black market even exists, how can they be expected to remain within legal boundaries? Operating within a credible, licensed market should be considered a mark of integrity. As the distinction between legal and illegal sectors continues to fade, it is the responsibility of licensed operators to educate the public. 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) - Grupo Codere has allegedly hired Jefferies and Macquarie Capital to provide advisory services for the company’s planned $2.3 billion sale. Spanish business publication Expansion, through Reuters, reported on Wednesday that though the sale remains in its early phases, non-binding indicative bids are due by mid-May, and binding offers are anticipated in early July. A finalized deal is expected to be targeted prior to August. iGaming Expert has contacted Codere seeking comment regarding the reported sale and the appointment of Jefferies and Macquarie Capital as advisors. Codere operates both land-based and iGaming services across Europe and Latin America in regulated markets including Spain, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Uruguay. The report further noted that the transaction will encompass the group’s digital division, Codere Online. The gaming operator is owned by roughly 84 investment funds, with Davidson Kempner serving as its largest shareholder holding a 13.3% stake. This ownership setup has remained in place since 2024, when a debt-for-equity swap transferred control of Codere from the founding Martinez Sampedro family. Codere has faced a turbulent 12 months, as its online division was at risk of being delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market in May of the previous year after it missed the deadline to file its Form 20-F for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Within the following month, after fulfilling the stock exchange’s listing criteria, Codere Online successfully regained compliance with Nasdaq following the submission of the required form to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. For the fourth quarter of 2025, Codere Online announced a 15% rise in revenue, jumping from €52.7 million to €60.7 million, alongside quarterly and annual growth in active player counts: a 13% increase for the full 2025 year and a 20% uptick in Q4. Aviv Sher, Chief Executive Officer of Codere Online, stated: “In the fourth quarter of 2025, our net gaming revenue hit €60.7 million, which stands as the highest quarterly total in the company’s history. “This growth was primarily fueled by Mexico, where our net gaming revenue rose 31% following a 43% increase in our active customer base in the nation. In December, we reached a milestone of 100,000 active players in the country, putting us in a strong position for the upcoming summer World Cup.” Codere Online projects net gaming revenue of €235 million to €245 million and adjusted EBITDA ranging from €15 million to €20 million by the end of 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.