Marvel Studios(SeaPRwire) - Creating a multiverse-focused movie without the God of Mischief seems unthinkable now. While it might have been feasible in the past, the conclusion of Loki Season 2 makes such an omission impractical and illogical. The series provided fans with the most comprehensive understanding of Marvel’s multiverse and its intricate mechanics. Although Kang the Conqueror is no longer the central threat of the Multiverse Saga, disregarding Loki would be unwise. After all, the show’s protagonist (played by Tom Hiddleston) essentially became the multiverse itself at the end of the series, sacrificing himself to bring stability to Marvel’s countless timelines. He has since become arguably the most vital character in the franchise.Despite how impactful Loki’s ending was, it felt like a risky move for a universe that's supposed to be heading toward chaos and destruction. With Avengers: Doomsday and its follow-up Secret Wars, the multiverse will undergo both fragmentation and reconstruction, raising questions about Loki’s future in this process.Hiddleston is understandably unable to reveal much about his role in Doomsday, which marks the first time his character will reunite with the Avengers—and notably his brother Thor (Chris Hemsworth)—in seven years. However, during a recent interview with The River, the actor offered a tantalizing hint about his return, suggesting it will live up to the excitement surrounding it.Doomsday may not deliver what you expect, but that could ultimately be a positive. | Marvel Studios“Avengers: Doomsday is going to be magnificent and will defy all your expectations,” Hiddleston shared. “It surprised me when I read the script. I thought, ‘This is going to be extraordinary.’”We hope Hiddleston’s enthusiasm for the Doomsday script translates into a storyline that honors Loki’s growth. Throughout the MCU, the God of Mischief has often been dealt unfair blows, particularly within the context of the Avengers. To be fair, he initially served as one of their fiercest enemies, so some consequences may have felt deserved. Yet, as the MCU evolved and Loki continued to suffer setbacks, justifying those narrative choices grew increasingly difficult. Loki directly addressed this issue, deepening the character’s complexity and giving him a meaningful purpose. Most importantly, the series brought closure to his arc. This makes his upcoming appearance in Doomsday particularly nerve-wracking, given the history of past Avengers films undermining his development to deliver emotional punches to Thor. But considering Hiddleston’s comments about defying expectations, there’s reason to believe Doomsday will break from tradition.Loki’s conclusion in his own series was near-perfect, but nothing remains static in the MCU. Optimistically, Doomsday could surpass even the highest stakes already present, offering something bigger and more surprising than fans anticipate.Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters on December 18. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Netflix’s ‘One Piece’ Remake to Overcome the Anime’s Major Hurdle
Toei Animation(SeaPRwire) - One of Netflix’s greatest strengths is its ability to platform international series that are already hits in their own country and turn them into global sensations. Take, for example, Old Enough!, the adorable hidden-camera show that follows toddlers as they run errands all by themselves. The series has long been a hit in Japan, but captured the hearts of international audiences when it was added to Netflix. Perhaps the biggest Netflix international success story is One Piece, the massively popular (and just massive) anime series that’s released over 1,100 episodes during the last 27 years. Netflix’s live-action remake has introduced a whole new group of fans to Monkey D. Luffy’s pirate adventures, and now it's making the anime itself a bit less daunting with a streamlined, stylized remake. Back in 2023, Netflix announced The One Piece, an anime remake in collaboration with Wit Studio, the animation studio behind the first three seasons of Attack on Titan. But aside from a few character sketches, we’ve heard precious little about the project ever since. That’s now changed, as Netflix has released a first-look image and revealed when fans can expect the series: February 2027, less than a year away.Our first look at Netflix’s The One Piece remake. | NetflixNetflix’s statement says the image “captures a moment in Windmill Village, where the story’s protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, spent his childhood. The scene shows Luffy enjoying a lively time at the village bar, PARTYS BAR, alongside the visiting Red-Hair Pirates captain Shanks and first mate Benn Beckman, and the bar’s owner, Makino.” The aesthetic of this version looks completely different, with a more watercolor-influenced style and different character designs. We also learned a little about the format of this new version of One Piece. The anime’s first season will only contain seven episodes, which may be disappointing for fans who have waited years to see it. But there’s a silver lining — the seven episodes will have a combined runtime of 300 minutes, the equivalent of about 15 episodes of the original anime once you remove credits, intros, and recaps. Netflix has already remade One Piece as a live-action series. | NetflixOne Piece gained fans after the live-action series debuted, but starting the anime can be daunting. The pacing can be glacial, especially at the beginning, and the high episode count can make it feel like you’re not even making a dent. This remake will condense the first 50 chapters of the original anime into seven episodes, making it a much better starting point. Fans can get in on the ground floor and not have to worry about catching up on literal decades of backstory.So whether you’re a longtime fan excited for yet another fresh look at this timeless saga, or a new fan looking for an easier way to access the live-action’s source material, start the countdown for February. Then, it’s time to set sail. The One Piece premieres on Netflix in February 2027. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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A Decade Later, the MCU Is Finally Re-entering Gaming
NetEase Games(SeaPRwire) - Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe has dominated Hollywood and captivated audiences for nearly two decades, it is surprising that a game specifically based on the MCU has not been released in ten years. While James Gunn recently discussed efforts to create games within the newly revived DC cinematic universe, the last proper licensed MCU tie-in game was 2016's Lego Marvel’s Avengers. If Lego adaptations are excluded, the most recent was Iron Man 3: The Official Game three years prior, which was a mobile clone of Temple Run.However, Marvel properties outside the MCU have seen a series of acclaimed games over recent years, such as Square Enix's surprise success Guardians of the Galaxy and 2K Games' Midnight Suns. The year 2023 introduced Insomniac's hugely popular Spider-Man 2, a title that featured on numerous year-end Best Of lists and, by selling 2.5 million copies in a day, set a record as the fastest-selling PlayStation Studios game ever. Following this, NetEase Games delivered another major hit for Marvel with Marvel Rivals. This free-to-play hero shooter has now become the first title in ten years to re-engage with the MCU timeline, leading up to Avengers: Doomsday.In just two years, Marvel Rivals has become one of the most consistently played online multiplayer games. | NetEase GamesOn April 30, Marvel Rivals introduced a new game mode inspired by 2012's The Avengers. This asymmetric PvP mode pits one player controlling a powered-up Loki against a team of the MCU's original six Avengers. Loki not only gets a significant health increase but also a new playstyle drawn from his use of the Mind Stone in the film: he can turn other players against their teammates and summon variants of the Avengers from alternate universes to fight for him. This new mode is a component of a continuing update named Path to Doomsday, through which Rivals will reinterpret key scenes from the movies via gameplay styles, events, and rewards.While Rivals has regularly honored the MCU with alternate skins, this event is undoubtedly the largest film-inspired addition since launch, representing a smart concept. The live-service, ever-evolving model of Rivals perfectly mirrors what Doomsday is expected to be: both a nostalgic look back and an advance into new territory. Doctor Doom has been a looming presence in the game's original narrative, likely timed to coincide with another future in-game film crossover.Victor Von Doom is lurking in the background of the MCU and Marvel Rivals. | NetEase GamesRegarding officially licensed MCU games, Marvel (and DC, until lately) stepped back from this approach for multiple reasons. Disney-owned Marvel Games now conducts far less internal development, and licensed games impose stricter requirements on external studios—they must adhere to established canon, design characters to look like the current actors, and more. Titles like Spider-Man 2 and Rivals earn praise partly because they can apply their own distinctive interpretations to classic characters, a liberty they would lose if bound strictly to the MCU.Nevertheless, with DC Studios showing renewed interest in licensed games, the possibility exists for official Marvel tie-ins to stage a comeback, particularly if Doomsday and Secret Wars genuinely reboot the franchise creatively. In the meantime, Marvel Rivals will offer its own distinctive retrospective on two decades of MCU stories.Marvel Rivals is free-to-play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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‘The Odyssey’ Trailer Shows a Twist on the Classic Tale
Universal Pictures(SeaPRwire) - Christopher Nolan redefined what a blockbuster could be with Oppenheimer. Although it was paired with Barbie as part of the Barbenheimer phenomenon, it also stands alone as a powerful example of grand-scale, epic filmmaking. The film reignited interest in large-format 70mm film, with screenings at the limited number of theaters offering this format selling out almost instantly.Nolan is now returning to his passion for cinematic scale by adapting one of literature’s most legendary epics: The Odyssey, Homer’s ancient tale of Odysseus’s ten-year journey home following the fall of Troy. Featuring an all-star cast and produced entirely in IMAX, The Odyssey aims to push the boundaries of modern filmmaking even further. The newly released trailer debuted on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, offering fans their first detailed look at what awaits on the big screen this summer. Watch the trailer below:“Tell me what you remember,” says Charlize Theron’s character Calypso to Matt Damon’s Odysseus. The trailer traces the span of his 20-year odyssey—from battles at Troy to perilous voyages across the wine-dark sea and clever escapes from life-threatening situations. While much of the narrative remains true to the original The Odyssey, a key difference emerges in how frequently the story returns to Ithaca, where Odysseus’s wife Penelope and son Telemachus have waited faithfully for decades. In traditional versions of the epic, the Ithaca storyline typically takes center stage only near the conclusion. However, this adaptation appears to give equal prominence—and possibly comparable screen time—to both Odysseus’s journey and the events unfolding back home.This trailer arrives during the final weeks of The Late Show, which will conclude later this month. The Odyssey boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as his devoted wife Penelope, Tom Holland as their son Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Penelope’s suitor Antinous, Zendaya as the goddess Athena, Charlize Theron as the enchantress Calypso, Jon Bernthal as Spartan king Menelaus, and Benny Safdie as his brother Agamemnon.These are only the roles that have been officially confirmed so far. Additional casting includes a diverse range of talent such as Elliot Page (The Umbrella Academy), rapper Travis Scott, former NHL player Sean Avery, and beloved children’s entertainer Bill Irwin, who plays Mr. Noodle from Sesame Street.The Odyssey marks Christopher Nolan’s latest contribution to the tradition of epic blockbusters. | Niviere David/ABACAPRESS.COM/ShutterstockThe Odyssey has already sparked significant debate, particularly due to Christopher Nolan’s reliance on Emily Wilson’s contemporary translation of the ancient Greek text—a version that preserves the original meter but renders it in accessible iambic pentameter. The film’s unconventional release strategy has also drawn attention; dozens of 70mm screenings sold out more than a year before the premiere, prompting the construction of new large-format theaters. This trend echoes earlier films like Sinners, The Brutalist, and Frankenstein, all of which prioritized immersive, high-resolution viewing experiences.Regardless of its final form, The Odyssey is poised to transform how audiences experience cinema. Just as the original story has endured for millennia, this ambitious adaptation may come to define the future of cinematic storytelling.The Odyssey opens in theaters on July 17, 2026. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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20 Years Ago, The Most Mediocre Mission: Impossible Movie Was Secretly Its Most Essential
Paramount Pictures(SeaPRwire) - J.J. Abrams' reputation has been in decline since he left Star Wars in a predicament from which it is still trying to recover. The Rise of Skywalker represented the lowest point for the sequel trilogy both critically and at the box office, and although it earned a massive sum for Disney, the franchise now appears directionless following the hollow conclusion of the Skywalker Saga.However, Abrams would never have been entrusted with that role without first proving his worth, having demonstrated his skill at revitalizing struggling franchises long before Palpatine's inexplicable return. He directed The Force Awakens, naturally, but he secured that job by successfully reviving Star Trek for the big screen when the series was stagnant. And three years prior to that, he was the caretaker of a franchise that would later achieve extraordinary, spectacular feats.Mission: Impossible III is arguably the most average film in the M:I series, and possibly its most crucial one in secret. As devotees of the series are aware, the franchise was still defining itself when III premiered two decades ago today; the 1996 reboot was a comparatively realistic Brian De Palma thriller, whereas M:I-2 was the most intensely John Woo film imaginable. III struck a middle ground as a solid yet forgettable action movie that, looking back, maintained the franchise's appeal and significance just long enough for it to evolve into the contemporary pinnacle of stunt-based filmmaking.As the final installment to operate on the assumption that Ethan Hunt is an ordinary person, III finds him engaged to be married and retired from active duty, content to work as an IMF instructor by day and live as a regular citizen by night. This premise feels somewhat absurd now, with the knowledge that four subsequent films featuring ever more outlandish antagonists and set pieces were on the horizon. At the time, however, Tom Cruise was already 44, making it plausible to assume that both he and his character shared the same mortal constraints as everyone else.Predictably, Hunt is drawn back into the field after his best protégé is captured, leading to a tumultuous conflict between Hunt and arms dealer Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman) over possession of a lethal MacGuffin known as the Rabbit's Foot. Hoffman embodies a chilling antagonist who appears capable of outmatching Cruise through pure mercilessness. Although the storyline feels tenuous in parts, the narrative was never the primary draw for audiences.He shoots, he drives, and you’d better believe he sprints. | Paramount PicturesMoviegoers attended for the spectacle, and Abrams provided it with a high-energy assault on a German facility, a frantic pursuit through Shanghai, a fiery battle on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and, most memorably, a lengthy Vatican City sequence where Hoffman's character is impersonated by a disguised Cruise. The action occasionally borders on confusion—the film was produced at the peak of the jarring shaky-camera trend and marked Abrams' directorial debut after years in television. Yet the successful sequences are exceptionally effective, and the sight of Cruise leaping between Shanghai high-rises hinted at the expanding scale of the series' aspirations.And while Mission: Impossible III was never a contender for accolades in character development (Maggie Q and Jonathan Rhys Meyers appear only once in the series as underdeveloped allies for Hunt), it remains fascinating to watch Cruise portray a part he doesn't often embody: an everyday person who visits convenience stores, drives an average car, and speaks of love without melodrama. The casual dialogue between Cruise and Ving Rhames about balancing personal relationships with their dangerous jobs feels generic, but by the time Dead Reckoning Part One was released last year, their interactions had become so consumed by exposition that their humanity was nearly forgotten.Although M:I III garnered mostly positive reviews, several commentators noted the franchise was still seeking its place alongside the likes of Bourne and Daniel Craig's James Bond. This assessment was valid—this is a film where Cruise reciting "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall" after climbing the Vatican serves as the height of cleverness—but Abrams' workmanlike, reliable style generated sufficient revenue to buy the series time to find its footing. After oscillating between Cruise as a reluctant desk analyst and Cruise as a flamboyant, leather-wearing stunt rider, a "competently straightforward" entry was a prudent and essential move.Cruise, Rhames, and two friends who will never be seen again. | Paramount PicturesFive years later, Brad Bird's Ghost Protocol would propel the franchise to wildly exaggerated new levels, after which Christopher McQuarrie solidified the tone for the subsequent four films with a consistent mix of boundary-testing action and intricate, solemn plots. McQuarrie's movies have notable strengths and tedious weaknesses, but audiences understood the experience they were signing up for with each installment. Could he—and could viewers—have had the opportunity to cement that identity if Abrams, who continued as a producer for the next three films, had not steadied the ship during a critical period?The answer is uncertain. Yet given the substantial criticism he has received for his damaging impact on Star Wars, it is only just to acknowledge his contributions where they are deserved. Abrams' traditional, formulaic direction proved advantageous for Mission: Impossible III, offering the series a much-needed coherent path forward. He may not be a master at repairing franchises, but for this particular one, he served as its rescuer.Mission: Impossible III is available for streaming on Paramount+. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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German officials warn Islamist and far-left rhetoric is fueling a surge in antisemitic attacks
(SeaPRwire) - Germany is experiencing a significant surge in antisemitism, with authorities cautioning that Islamist and left-wing extremist groups are capitalizing on the Middle East conflict to disseminate anti-Jewish messages, rally followers, and incite harassment and violence targeting Jewish populations.According to research from the Hessian State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, these factions are leveraging the Israel-Hamas war and wider regional strife to intensify antisemitic discourse. This includes labeling actions in Gaza as "genocide" and framing Israel as a colonial power—rhetoric that officials state is more frequently employed to rationalize animosity and, at times, violent acts against Jews.German Interior Minister Roman Poseck cautioned that the situation is intensifying."Antisemitism poses one of the most severe dangers to our societal unity—particularly emanating from Islamist and left-wing extremist circles," Poseck stated.These trends are causing alarm outside Germany, as officials and Jewish leaders note comparable surges in antisemitic language linked to Middle East hostilities in other Western democracies, such as the United States. Given Germany's historical context and its legal stance on hate speech, which have long made it an indicator, the study's results are seen as a cautionary example of how extremist views can infiltrate mainstream conversation.Poseck, who ordered the Hessian report, expressed concern about a worsening social environment, noting that "antisemitic attitudes are growing more unacceptable, even in public areas.""I feel profound shame for what Jewish people in Germany must suffer eight decades after World War II," he added. "We Germans, especially, carry a permanent duty to never forget the past."A recent national study by the Central Council of Jews in Germany revealed that 46 out of 102 Jewish communities polled had experienced antisemitic events, underscoring the expanding nature of the danger.The Central Council's survey listed verbal assaults, menacing phone calls, property damage, and antisemitic graffiti as among the most frequent occurrences. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed reported feeling less secure in Germany since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023."After the dramatic increase in antisemitism post-October 7, a 'new normal' has settled in," said Central Council President Josef Schuster in the release. "This is a reality where Jewish communities need perpetual security and antisemitism has been mainstreamed into public life."The report also indicated that wider geopolitical events persistently affect German Jewish communities directly. Sixty-two percent of participants stated their unease heightened after the recent conflict with Iran, and two-thirds reported that a Gaza ceasefire did not enhance their security.Jewish leaders report tangible effects on everyday existence. Fearing harassment, many Jewish individuals are refraining from displaying symbols of their faith, like the Star of David or a kippah. Some community gatherings have been called off over safety issues.Simultaneously, the report notes a steep drop in perceived public backing. Merely 35% of communities sensed solidarity from wider society, a decrease from 62% in 2023.Authorities state that the mainstreaming of this rhetoric is redrawing the lines of what is considered acceptable public debate.The results highlight increasing alarm that antisemitism, previously regarded as marginal, is now more prominent in public, making Jewish communities feel more vulnerable and alone. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Entain confirms Ricky Sandler’s exit after Eminence Capital closure
(AsiaGameHub) - Entain has verified that Ricky Sandler, the founder of Eminence Capital, has stepped down from his role as Non-Executive Director. This announcement comes after the reported shutdown of the Eminence fund last week, during which Sandler noted that the business had “fallen short of our very high standard and your expectations”. Eminence was understood to be the third-largest shareholder in Entain, owning roughly 6.5% of the Ladbrokes Coral parent company. Sandler took his seat on the board in early 2024. Sandler’s history with Entain During that era, and indeed beforehand, he was highly critical of the company’s $766m (£565m) purchase of Polish operator STS Group, calling the move “perplexing on many levels”. However, he seems to have built a friendly rapport with Entain Chairman Pierre Bouchut and current CEO Stella David. David was the interim CEO when Sandler joined, taking over after Jette Nygaard-Andersen left. It should be noted that the STS Group deal was finalized under Nygaard-Andersen’s watch, following her departure amid claims she was losing favour with shareholders.Addressing Sandler’s exit, Bouchut remarked: “On behalf of the board, I thank Ricky for his support over the past two years. “Thanks to his contributions the company is in a stronger position and is well equipped to capitalise on the many opportunities in the global sports betting and gaming market.”Entain was not the only gambling firm in Eminence’s portfolio; they also held stakes in US-listed DraftKings and Flutter Entertainment, though Sandler did not sit on the board of either. Since joining Entain, Sandler witnessed the company navigate numerous challenges, including tax hikes across Europe—especially in the UK—as well as management changes and store closures. Nonetheless, in his final statement as an Entain Director, Sandler reiterated his belief in the company. “It has been a pleasure to have served on the Entain board for the last two years,” he stated. “During that time, Entain has seen significant operational transformation, and the business is well positioned to deliver continuing strong growth. I have the utmost confidence in Entain’s management and board to deliver enhanced shareholder value. “Entain shares are held in accounts and funds managed by Eminence Capital, which will be liquidated in an orderly manner, without any pre-determined time constraints, with the intention of maximising value realisation.” Ricky Sandler. Credit: Eminence Capital Sandler’s departure arrives shortly after Entain released its Q1 2026 results, which showed resilience despite the tax issues mentioned earlier. The firm posted a 3% rise in group-wide Q1 revenue, with strong showings in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. The company stays on the FTSE 100—the London Stock Exchange’s leading index—and executives are confident about gaining market share, even though it now sits as the 94th most valuable company on the index with a market cap of about £3.63bn. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Meridian Holdings Reports $2.3m Net Profit in Q1 Under New Identity
(AsiaGameHub) - Meridian Holdings has achieved a significant milestone, reporting its initial profitable quarter since adopting its new corporate identity. In the first quarter, Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI), listed on NASDAQ, finalized its rebranding to Meridian Holdings, also changing its ticker to MRDN as part of a broader strategic shift to become a multi-market gaming entity. Upon releasing its Q1 financial results, Meridian disclosed total group revenue of $50.1 million (£37 million), representing a 17% increase year-over-year from $42.5 million. Gross profit climbed to $28.1 million (a 16% rise), with profit margins remaining consistent at 56.2%, largely mirroring the previous year's figures. Meridianbet, which stands as the largest gambling company in Serbia and Montenegro, remains the primary engine of growth. This segment contributed $34.9 million in Q1 revenue, a 26% year-over-year increase, making up almost 70% of the group's overall revenues. Meridian's corporate financial statements revealed a net income of $2.3 million, marking its inaugural profitable quarter since adopting the new identity structure. This indicates that its restructuring and rebranding efforts are starting to yield positive financial outcomes. Chairman William Scott characterized this quarter as a pivotal moment for the company. Scott stated, “This quarter represents a significant achievement in our trajectory of growth.” “We achieved revenues consistent with our projections, surpassed our profitability forecasts, and further solidified our balance sheet, all while investing in our proprietary technology and extending our presence into regulated markets,” he added. Enhanced balance sheet performance was a prominent aspect of the report. Net debt decreased by 62% year-over-year to $13.4 million, and total debt was reduced by over 50%. The group concluded the quarter with $16.2 million in cash, demonstrating a more prudent financial position post-transformation. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) showed new customer registrations climbing 41% year-on-year to almost 500,000, with active users growing 21% to 333,700. This underscores sustained demand across both physical and online platforms. In other areas, RKings Competitions recorded $7.7 million in sales within the UK, bolstered by better per-customer economics. In Australia, Classics for a Cause surpassed 10,000 VIP subscribers, and Mexplay, the group's brand targeting Mexico, saw its registrations more than triple year-on-year to 74,000. For the upcoming period, Meridian projects Q2 revenues to be between $51 million and $53 million, suggesting ongoing double-digit year-over-year growth of 18% to 23%. Meridianbet identifies substantial growth prospects in its core markets of Serbia and Montenegro, which are undergoing regulatory changes in the second half of the year. To conclude the update, Chairman William Scott reiterated the company's commitment to profitability as Meridian proceeds with its search for a new CEO, following Brian Goodman's departure in December 2025. Scott further stated: “These outcomes affirm that our transformation efforts are yielding results. Meridian Holdings now operates with enhanced discipline, more robust cash flow fundamentals, and a distinct path toward sustained long-term expansion.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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United States Kills Two More Suspected Drug Traffickers in a Boat Strike
(SeaPRwire) - The U.S. military attacked a boat in the Caribbean connected to suspected drug trafficking operations, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, U.S. Southern Command announced.In a post on X, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) stated that Joint Task Force Southern Spear executed a "lethal kinetic strike" on May 4 under the orders of commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.The command noted that intelligence indicated the vessel was moving through known drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was allegedly involved in such activities. Furthermore, the boat was reportedly operated by groups designated as terrorist organizations by officials.The statement reported that two male suspects identified as "narco-terrorists" were killed, and no American service members were injured.This strike falls within a continuous campaign against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in Latin American waters, which began in early September and has resulted in at least 188 deaths overall. Additional strikes have occurred in the eastern Pacific Ocean.Despite the U.S. being involved in conflict with Iran, operations have intensified in recent weeks, as noted by officials and previous military statements.U.S. officials characterize this initiative as a component of a larger strategy to combat "narcoterrorism" in the Western Hemisphere, as described by the administration. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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by: osami
Chinese Gamblers Seek Rural Retreat for Illegal Gambling Amidst Tech Startup Targeting
(AsiaGameHub) - Chinese gamblers are traveling to isolated rural regions to avoid police oversight, yet law enforcement officials are persisting in their efforts, closing down numerous outdoor betting operations across the country. In their most recent operation, officers from the Banqiao Police Station and the Luoping County Public Security Bureau detained more than a dozen individuals caught placing bets in a secluded evergreen forest area, according to Chinese media outlet ZJW. Authorities released pre-arrest photos of the group, showing several people seated on lightweight plastic stools around a foldable wooden table that appeared to be loaded with gambling paraphernalia. Officers stated they carried out the raid on April 22, following multiple instances of remote monitoring of the group’s activities. Luoping County, Yunnan Province, China. (Image: Fanghong [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Chinese Gamblers Turn to Hills & Fields to Dodge Law Enforcement Investigators explained that the group had meticulously planned their activities to “evade police crackdowns and avoid CCTV surveillance and street patrols.” Instead, this alleged gambling ring “specifically selected remote, mountainous areas as their temporary betting dens,” officers noted. Members of the group reportedly took turns acting as lookouts, aware that police are now actively targeting gambling rings that gather in rural areas and abandoned buildings. Banqiao Police Station officers said they had identified the group’s members, meeting patterns, and gathering locations prior to their operation. During the raid, authorities seized over 30,000 yuan ($4,400) in cash and a variety of gambling paraphernalia. The station has imposed administrative penalties on eight of the arrestees. Police placed several others under administrative detention ahead of a court hearing. Banqiao Police Station stated it would seek to punish gambling offenders “without leniency.” The station also said it will increase police patrols in remote areas as part of an effort to “maintain peace and stability in the area.” All forms of gambling are illegal in China, except for state-run welfare and sports lotteries. These lotteries are legally classified as a form of fundraising, as they contribute to government welfare and sporting programs. Tech Startup’s Website Is Exploited by Online Casino Promoters Meanwhile, in the city of Putian, Fujian Province, police responded to a tip-off from internet users who discovered a tech startup’s website had been hijacked by online casino promoters. The startup had recently rebranded and migrated its operations to a new site, the city’s Municipal Public Security Bureau cybersecurity department wrote in an official release. However, the unnamed firm—identified only as a Changsha-based technology company—had “failed to promptly cancel the website registration for its former domain name.” Opportunistic criminals reportedly took advantage of this gap, purchasing the domain name registration and using it to promote an illegal online casino platform. The police department said the site has since been shut down. Officers also summoned the firm’s executives to explain what had happened and instruct the company on steps to prevent a recurrence. Late last month, Chinese police repatriated a man suspected of masterminding a cross-border sports betting ring. Thai police arrested the man, surnamed Huang, after he fled to Thailand from Cambodia. Prosecutors have accused him of overseeing an illegal gambling empire worth around $73 million. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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IDF announces elimination of Hamas commander involved in Oct. 7 attack
(SeaPRwire) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it had eliminated Hamas Commander Anas Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, who had infiltrated Israel and taken part in the Oct. 7 Nova Music Festival Massacre.Hamed was reportedly killed in a targeted strike carried out in Gaza on Monday, the IDF confirmed on Tuesday.In a Tuesday morning post on X, the IDF stated, "The IDF struck yesterday in the center of the Gaza Strip and eliminated Ans Muhammad Ibrahim Hamed, Nukhba commander in the Hamas terror organization, who raided the territory of the State of Israel and the Nova festival during the murderous massacre on October 7."The IDF characterized Hamed as an "immediate threat to IDF forces operating in the Gaza Strip," adding that he was "eliminated in a precise airstrike."The IDF mentioned that its forces are "deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat."Nukhba, an Arabic term meaning elite, functions as the special forces unit for the Al-Qassam Brigades, which constitutes Hamas' military wing.Both units reportedly played a crucial role in the Oct. 7 massacre. The Al-Qassam Brigades were responsible for planning and executing the assault, according to both the IDF and the Counter Extremism Project. An August 2024 assessment by the IDF indicated that over 3,800 of the 6,000 individuals who invaded Israel during the attack were Nukhba fighters.The Oct. 7 attack led to the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis and initiated an extensive Israeli military operation in Gaza. Throughout this campaign, the IDF has eliminated two commanders of the al-Qassam Brigades, along with numerous other figures within the group's military leadership.Mohammed Deif, who was then the al-Qassam Brigades Commander, was killed in a targeted strike in July 2024. His successor, Mohammad Sinwar, was subsequently killed in another airstrike in May 2025.This most recent Israeli strike in Gaza takes place less than seven months after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, brokered by President Donald Trump, in October. The IDF previously accused Hamas of breaching the ceasefire in February by utilizing ambulances to move terrorists and weapons throughout the Gaza Strip.Conversely, Hamas has also leveled accusations against Israel, claiming violations of the ceasefire through daily airstrikes.Last week, Trey Yingst inquired of Secretary of State Marco Rubio whether Hamas' continued refusal to disarm would lead the Trump administration to endorse Israel's resumption of combat operations in Gaza.Rubio responded to Yingst, stating, "Let’s hope we can avoid that. That’s not the outcome we want." He further elaborated, "The outcome we want is for Hamas to be demilitarized, and a Palestinian security force backed by an international security force is able to secure Gaza. Digital contacted both the IDF and the White House for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.' Yonat Friling provided contributions to this report. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Kyrgyzstan President Says Legalizing Casinos ‘Paid Off’ as Visitors Spend ‘Millions’
(AsiaGameHub) - Legalizing casinos for foreign passport holders in 2022 has proven to be economically beneficial, according to the President of Kyrgyzstan, with visitors spending “millions” since the first Kyrgyz casinos opened. The decision has “proven its worth economically,” President Sadyr Japarov said, per the Russian-language media outlet Gazeta. “As far as the state is concerned, there is nothing reprehensible about our decision to enact the law,” he said. “This decision wasn’t made to further anyone’s personal interests. And time has proven us right.” “When it was passed, there were concerns that Kyrgyz citizens would start visiting casinos, which would lead to ruined lives,” Japarov stated. “However, [since the first casinos opened], we have not seen a single case of a Kyrgyz citizen visiting a casino.” Japarov: Legalizing Casinos ‘Not Reprehensible’ Japarov reiterated that Kyrgyz casinos are “only accessible to foreigners,” adding that they also generate revenue for the budget in the form of tourism revenues and taxes. They have also created scores of new jobs, he added. Japarov said that when it was drafting the 2022 legalization law, the government was “counting on tourists and wealthy citizens in neighboring countries.” “Rich foreigners are leaving their wealth in Kyrgyzstan, and jobs are being created for our citizens,” the President said. “Thousands of our Kyrgyz citizens, who previously worked in countries like Cyprus, are returning to work in their homeland.” The government outlawed casinos in 2012, with bookmakers and betting shops ordered to close in 2015. Officials said at the time they were responding to “numerous complaints” from the relatives of people who had “lost their property and their savings.” But the 2022 law reversed the 2012 ban, albeit with one key caveat. Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan. (Image: @KR_President/Telegram) Casinos: A Kyrgyz Tourism Boost? The 2022 law prohibits Kyrgyz citizens and foreign passport holders under 21 from visiting casinos. “Casinos generate revenue for the budget, while our citizens suffer no losses,” Japarov said. “That’s the key result. We have achieved a balance. The millions our wealthy citizens once lost abroad are now offset by the money foreign visitors lose in Kyrgyzstan.” “The money returns to the country through tourism,” the President concluded. “And that was our main goal in drafting this law.” Despite the President’s claims, illegal online casino operators continue to target domestic gamblers. Earlier this year, promoters took over the former website of a state-owned trading company. The company, now defunct, was previously run by Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers. The promoters used the website to redirect visitors to the Olymp Casino betting platform. The platform operators offered a range of sports betting and slots options, allowing patrons to pay in Kyrgyz currency. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Minnesota Considers Bans on Prediction Markets and Sweepstakes Casinos
(AsiaGameHub) - Two legislative proposals are moving forward in Minnesota that would ban sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets covering a broad spectrum of events, including sports. The Minnesota Senate has already given its approval to bill SF4511, which would significantly limit prediction markets within the state. This legislation was received by the House on Monday and has been referred to the Commerce, Finance, and Policy committee. Last week, the Senate also passed SF4474, a bill proposing a ban on sweepstakes casinos. This bill has been assigned to the Public Safety Finance and Policy committee. House representatives have until May 18 to advance the bills to Governor Tim Walz. Prediction Market Prohibition The legislation concerning prediction markets would prohibit companies from offering markets related to the following: All athletic competitions, including horse racing Events such as wars, natural disasters, mass shootings, and other tragic or violent occurrences The outcomes of legal proceedings Elections Entertainment-related markets, such as award ceremonies and release dates Mention markets Short-term weather phenomena The Senate approved the legislation with a 56-10 vote last week. According to Sen. John Marty, one of the bill's sponsors, the vote indicated lawmakers' belief that prediction markets have become unmanageable. “It shows that people of both parties, people who are pro-gambling and anti-gambling together, can recognize that the prediction markets are ripe for conflict of interest, things like insider trading for politicians, for others. It’s a huge thing ripe for scandal. And it’s gone out of control,” Marty stated. The ongoing debate across the US regarding whether prediction markets constitute legal trading or illegal gambling continues to attract significant attention. Minnesota currently prohibits both retail and online sports betting, and Sen. Marty highlighted that the bill aims to establish that prediction markets are considered illegal gambling. “We’re saying no, these are bets, sports bets, bets on politics, things that are currently illegal,” he remarked during a hearing last month. Minnesota Senator Wagering on Himself Sparks Ban The US Senate recently imposed a unanimous ban on all Senators participating in prediction markets. This action followed an instance where Minnesota Sen. Matt Klein placed a wager on himself to win his primary election on Kalshi. Klein reached a settlement with Kalshi, agreeing to a $539.85 fine and a five-year prohibition from the platform. He expressed support for the ban on Senators using prediction markets, commenting that his experience, “like many other Minnesotans, points to the need for clearer rules and regulations for these types of markets.” Kalshi also took action against a California gubernatorial candidate for placing a bet on themselves on the platform. “As a candidate in a race, you can (and probably should) follow and use Kalshi’s market forecast, but you should not trade on it,” the company stated when announcing it had fined Kyle Langford over $2,000 and banned him from the platform for five years. Sweepstakes Ban Also Progressing Amidst its stringent anti-gambling laws, Minnesota is also moving to close another legal avenue that permits residents to gamble online. Similar to the prediction market ban, lawmakers approved a prohibition on sweepstakes casinos last week. The legislation defines an online sweepstakes casino as “a game, contest, or promotion that: (1) is available on the Internet or accessible via a mobile device, computer terminal, or similar access device; (2) uses a dual-currency system of payment that allows the player to exchange the currency for a prize, award, cash, cash equivalent, or an opportunity to win a prize, award, cash, or cash equivalent; and (3) simulates casino-style or another form of gambling“ Currently, only a limited number of platforms restrict access to their sites in Minnesota. If enacted, the bill would grant the state's Attorney General the authority to pursue action against operators and promoters. Indiana and Maine have already passed legislation banning sweepstakes casinos this year, joining several other states that prohibited these platforms last year. However, lawmakers in Tennessee did not approve legislation specifically criminalizing operators. Despite this, the state has already taken enforcement measures against numerous companies, though some continue to operate. The two bills in Minnesota are gaining momentum in a state that has adopted a firm anti-gambling stance. There appears to be minimal interest in expanding the state's gambling industry, as a proposal to legalize sports betting did not advance earlier this year. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Separatists in Alberta claim to have sufficient signatures for a referendum on seceding from Canada
(SeaPRwire) - Separatists in Alberta announced they have collected enough signatures to hold a vote on whether the province should leave Canada. The Stay Free Alberta group stated on Monday that it had formally submitted nearly 302,000 signatures after gathering the required 178,000 names to compel the province to consider such a ballot measure. If the signatures are verified, the issue of separation could appear on a province-wide ballot as early as October, following Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s previous statement that she would support proceeding once sufficient valid signatures are confirmed. "This day is historic in Alberta history," Mitch Sylvestre, leader of Stay Free Alberta, declared on Monday upon arriving at the Elections Alberta office in Edmonton with a convoy of seven trucks carrying the petition. "It’s the first step to the next step — we’ve cleared Round 3, and now we’re in the Stanley Cup final." While Smith has publicly expressed personal opposition to Alberta’s secession from Canada, she has criticized previous federal Liberal governments for enacting legislation she claims restricts Alberta’s oil production and export capabilities, resulting in billions of dollars in economic losses for the province. She has also emphasized her desire to prevent the federal government from interfering in provincial matters, according to The Associated Press.More than 300 supporters gathered in Edmonton on Monday, waving the provincial flag and chanting “Alberta strong.” A “yes” vote on independence would not automatically grant secession; instead, formal negotiations with the federal government would be necessary. Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, told the AP that despite ongoing independence efforts, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney remains popular even in Alberta. “The push for independence among some Albertans predates his tenure as prime minister and stems from longstanding economic, fiscal, and political grievances about what they perceive as unfair treatment by the federal government,” Béland explained. “These concerns intensified during Justin Trudeau’s premiership but have since eased following his departure.” Béland noted that several Indigenous groups are already using legal avenues to block an independence referendum and may continue to do so through courts or other forums to prevent secession. The petition drive faces a potential legal obstacle this week, as an Edmonton judge is expected to rule on a challenge filed by First Nations in Alberta, who argue that provincial separation would violate treaty rights. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.
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Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit to reconvene at SBC Summit Canada 2026, spotlighting AI and risk management
(AsiaGameHub) - As AI broadens the attack surface and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the gaming industry is under growing pressure to boost oversight and control mechanisms. The Cybersecurity in Gaming Summit will return in 2026 to tackle these challenges, with a focus on risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. Held on Wednesday, May 20, the summit is a component of the SBC Summit Canada 2026 conference agenda. Co-developed with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), it brings together cybersecurity leaders, legal and compliance experts, and industry specialists for an in-depth exploration of one of the sector’s most rapidly expanding areas of concern. In addition to identifying risks, the programme will examine how organizations can respond—from handling AI-powered threats to establishing governance frameworks that can withstand growing regulatory scrutiny. “Gaming operators manage large amounts of player data and financial transactions, which makes cybersecurity a key priority for the entire industry,” stated Graham Reed, Vice President of Cyber and Information Security at OLG. “Each time we advance with technology, the risks evolve alongside it. With AI, the current difference lies in the speed and scale of those threats. The question ‘are we moving quickly enough?’ is more crucial than ever. This summit is focused on ensuring Canadian operators are thinking about what comes next.” As the industry navigates these challenges, the summit will showcase prominent figures in AI and ethics, including Nell Watson—a philosopher, engineer, and author—who will participate in two sessions during the day. Watson has spent decades working in ethics, emerging technologies, and AI, holding leadership positions at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the European Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office (EURAIO), and providing advice to organizations like Apple and Amazon. She is also the author of two AI-focused books and has spoken at institutions including the World Bank, the United Nations General Assembly, and the Royal Society. Watson will present a keynote on the “Leaders Stage” titled “The Agent in the Machine: Trust, Capability and the New AI Era,” which explores how agentic AI is transforming cybersecurity and pushing organizations to reevaluate trust and control. The session will also cover how operators can implement AI responsibly while upholding effective governance. Watson will also join the fireside chat “Bonus Level: An Interactive Conversation with Our Keynote”. Alongside OLG’s Graham Reed, she will respond to questions about agentic AI and strategy before opening the session to a live audience Q&A. The session “Cybersecurity in Gaming: Emerging Risks and Opportunities” will look at how cyber threats are becoming more automated, organized, and influenced by AI—including the growth of agentic systems. Experts Rick Carville (VP, Cybersecurity & CISO, Great Canadian Entertainment) and Bryan Pollitt (Associate Partner, Consulting, EY Canada), along with moderator Graham Reed (Vice President, Cyber & Information Security Office, OLG), will discuss the most significant pressure points, evolving attack methods, and ways organizations can enhance their resilience. “Mastering Agentic AI: The Playbook for Safe & Scalable Autonomy” will center on how agentic AI is changing organizational operations, necessitating a shift from risk management to building cross-organizational capabilities. Led by Graham Reed and moderated by Tom Nightingale (Editor, Canadian Gaming Business), the session will explore how to align cybersecurity, IT, and business teams to safely deploy autonomous systems. The panel “Proving Control: Compliance and Accountability in a Changing Risk Environment” will tackle how organizations can go beyond understanding risks to demonstrating control and accountability as new technologies develop. Graham Reed, Tony Wong (General Counsel, OLG), Karl Rempel (Senior Manager, Technology Regulation and Compliance, ACGO), and Danielle M. Bush (Senior Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault) will discuss strategies for building compliance frameworks that can adapt to regulatory changes and emerging technologies. “Cybersecurity is emerging as one of the key challenges facing the gaming industry,” noted Aidan Brain, VP of Conference Production at SBC. “Partnering with OLG lets us root this programme in real-world operational experience and focus on the risks organizations are facing right now.” OLG is a Crown agency responsible for overseeing lottery, casino, digital, and charitable gaming operations in Ontario, as well as supporting the province’s horse racing industry. Since 1975, OLG has contributed nearly $64 billion to the people and Province of Ontario, supporting critical priorities like healthcare, problem gambling treatment and prevention, and amateur sports. Its revenues also benefit host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers, and local charities throughout Ontario. All of OLG’s profits are reinvested into the province. SBC Summit Canada will be held from May 19–21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, gathering operators, suppliers, regulators, and affiliates at a critical juncture for the Canadian gaming industry—especially as Alberta progresses toward launching a regulated market that is expected to mirror Ontario’s model. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Ilkka Kosola Takes CFO Role in 2027 Gambling Makeover
(AsiaGameHub) - Veikkaus has named Ilkka Kosola as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with responsibilities that include supervising the regulatory overhaul of Finland’s gambling sector. Kosola will assume the position at the end of September 2026, becoming part of the executive leadership team to reshape Veikkaus prior to Finland’s shift to a multi-licence online gambling framework, set to launch at the beginning of next year. First launched in 2024, this regulatory reform will see the Finnish government roll back parts of the monopoly rights awarded to Veikkaus, meaning the firm will no longer act as the sole provider of online gambling services in Finland. His hiring is directly tied to Veikkaus’ 2030 strategy, which outlines the group’s goals to evolve into a more flexible, commercially competitive, and globally reputable operator. Core pillars of this strategy include stricter financial governance, enhanced capital efficiency, and the capacity to implement structural adjustments – all areas where Kosola is slated to take the lead. CEO Olli Sarekoski stressed the significance of this appointment. He stated: “Ilkka’s extensive, global experience leading finance and IT departments, paired with his demonstrated track record of delivering change and carrying out strategic deals, makes him an ideal match for Veikkaus as we steer through this era of major transformation. “We are certain that his expertise will be an enormous asset to our company and our executive leadership team as we progress toward our 2030 strategic objectives.” Kosola joins Veikkaus from Reaktor, where he held the post of Group CFO, and has previously occupied senior positions at Adven Group, TietoEVRY, Basware and Fortum. His professional background covers leading financial restructuring efforts, building digitally powered finance teams, and incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI into financial workflows. Commenting on his new role, Kosola said: “I am excited to join the Veikkaus team and to be given the chance to contribute to the next stage of this well-known Finnish institution’s development. “Veikkaus stands at a critical juncture in its history, and I am keen to put my experience to use to support the company’s transition and the rollout of its new strategy amid the opening up of the licensing market.” The CFO appointment coincides with wider governance overhauls at Veikkaus, pointing to a planned restructuring of the operator’s leadership team in preparation for the upcoming regulatory changes. During its March 2026 Annual General Meeting, the company updated its Board of Directors, keeping Kaisa Olkkonen in the role of Chair while adding new members to boost its expertise in international business and transformation projects. Olkkonen remarked on the board update: “Our preparations for the new licensing framework and the introduction of competition in the Finnish market are progressing smoothly, and at the same time we are working toward our target of becoming a respected, successful international gambling group by 2030. “The Board has been enhanced with deep experience from firms that operate in global markets as well as those that have navigated complex transformation scenarios, which will greatly support Veikkaus as it continues its transition.” Combined, the changes at both the executive and board level highlight Veikkaus’ aim to align its governance, overall strategy and financial strategy – positioning the operator as a top brand before the new regulatory rules come into force. As Finland moves closer to implementing its multi-licence system, the operator is faced with the twofold challenge of upholding its public remit while demonstrating that it can compete effectively amid commercial pressures. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Stake launches in Mexico as its second market entry of 2026 prior to FIFA World Cup
(AsiaGameHub) - Stake has launched in Mexico, just weeks ahead of the country hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Stake already operates across Latin America, with established markets in Colombia and Peru. This latest launch marks its second market entry of 2026, coinciding with industry forecasts predicting significant growth in Mexico’s betting sector as the tournament approaches. The platform will be accessible via the stake.mx domain, offering Mexican players its globally recognized online casino and sportsbook products. A time of regulatory reform in Mexico The expansion takes place during a period of regulatory change in Mexico. Earlier this year, the Special Tax on Products and Services (IEPS) on bets increased from 30% to 50%, often referred to as a sin tax, while operators are also subject to a 30% corporate income tax (ISR). In addition, gambling advertising has faced stricter regulation in 2026, with proposals introduced to ban such advertising between 06:00 am and 10:30 pm. … but Stake still sees opportunity Despite these challenges, Stake remains confident about capitalizing on what it expects to be a major betting market surge this summer. Mexico has drawn attention from several betting brands aiming to expand in the region, with interest intensifying ahead of the World Cup. Carolina Diniz Flauzino, Business Development Manager at SOFTSWISS, recently commented on an SBC webinar: “I think Mexico is going to be the next up-and-coming country globally that will boom this year and in the next few years, especially as physical operators begin integrating with online casinos. “It’s particularly important given Mexico is co-hosting the World Cup this summer—this event is expected to bring substantial new exposure.” For Stake, Mexico presents key opportunities for commercial growth and brand development. In Mexico, the company operates under a permit-based system regulated by SEGOB (the Ministry of Interior), functioning as an agent under Uno Capali’s license agreement. While Stake has previously attracted regulatory scrutiny—including a UK ban following controversial advertising involving an adult actress near Nottingham Trent University—it continues to pursue global expansion. Recent milestones include a launch in Denmark, a partnership with Belgium’s football legend Eden Hazard, and profits exceeding £100 million, reflecting sustained upward momentum. Jarrod Febbraio, Stake Director, stated: “Mexico is a vital and exciting market for us—one characterized by strong growth potential and a deep cultural passion for sport, which aligns perfectly with Stake’s core mission. We have built significant traction across Latin America in recent years, including in Peru and Colombia, and Mexico represents a logical next step due to its size and long-term prospects. With Mexico set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this timely launch enables us to establish a robust presence ahead of one of the world’s largest sporting events and deliver a top-tier experience to Mexican players.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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Brazil warns public on illegality of prediction markets
(AsiaGameHub) - Brazil’s PT government has launched a public awareness campaign warning that “betting will never be an investment or income.” This follows the recent ban on prediction markets across Brazil, with authorities emphasizing that such platforms do not qualify as financial instruments. The campaign began on Friday through the government’s official X account, where officials adopted the clear slogan “enough on gambling addiction.” The message labels prediction markets as illegal betting services, directly associating them with increased debt and social harm. The warning reflects a firm regulatory stance on the status of prediction markets in Brazil, following action by the National Monetary Council (CMN), which concluded that prediction markets—regardless of their branding—function identically to fixed-odds betting. The CMN, Brazil’s authority overseeing financial markets and monetary policy, has ruled that derivatives cannot be tied to sporting events, political outcomes, or entertainment results. This classification underpins a coordinated enforcement effort combining financial regulations, telecom oversight, and political messaging into a unified regulatory direction. Chega de vício. O Governo do Brasil BARROU a entrada das plataformas de previsão no país. Elas são um tipo de bet que negocia palpites sobre qualquer coisa que exista. Isso tá oficialmente proibido: não pode. Aposta não é investimento, bet não é renda. Digital/PR pic.twitter.com/eyDDMqCsZV — Governo do Brasil (@govbr) April 28, 2026 No status for Prediction Markets The decision was triggered by Kalshi’s attempt to launch in Brazil. As reported by SBC Noticias, the U.S.-based company had identified Brazil as its first international market, aiming to enter using its regulated status in the United States—only to be blocked by the CMN. However, Brazilian regulators determined that Kalshi’s model exposed a structural loophole—one that could allow betting products to operate under the cover of financial derivatives. That gap has now been closed. Banco do Brasil implemented the prohibition via Resolution No. 5,298, banning derivatives linked to non-financial events such as sports, elections, and entertainment outcomes. Financial contracts are now limited exclusively to recognized economic indicators, eliminating any legal route for prediction-style products within Brazil’s financial system. Enforcement has also extended to access. The National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) has been assigned to block both domestic and international platforms, ensuring that prediction markets cannot reach Brazilian users through digital channels. The dual strategy—cutting off both financial infrastructure and user access—shows regulators are determined to eliminate the sector entirely, rather than regulate or license it. Government officials have justified the move on several grounds. At the regulatory level, prediction markets are viewed as bypassing the existing Bets framework, creating an unlicensed parallel market. Socially, the platforms are linked to rising household debt, with policymakers increasingly citing gambling as a factor contributing to financial instability. Politically, the administration has drawn a clear boundary, stating it will not allow “life and politics to be shaped by gambling,” especially when event-based speculation intersects with elections or public affairs. The crackdown also reflects Brazil’s broader regulatory approach: instead of allowing innovation to test legal boundaries, authorities prefer preemptive control—defining acceptable products before they gain scale. As a result, prediction markets cannot be considered a new asset class. Lula to show the way On the wider issue of gambling, this intervention is part of a tightening policy cycle led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In his 2026 campaign platform, Lula pledged to introduce a presidential decree on comprehensive online gambling reforms, signaling further restrictions. Among proposed measures is a ban preventing individuals receiving government aid from accessing betting platforms—framed as a step to “remove gambling from debt” and protect vulnerable populations. The broader agenda indicates that Brazil’s gambling regulatory framework remains in flux, despite the launch of the Bets regime on January 1, 2025. While the market has attracted operator interest and generated significant tax revenue, it has also drawn intensified political attention regarding its social consequences. Brazil will permit only strictly regulated betting within clearly defined limits. Products that blur the line between finance and gambling will face immediate opposition. For Kalshi and similar companies, the outcome is decisive: Brazil will not serve as a gateway market to other South American jurisdictions. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.
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by: emer
The Machine Era of Spam Calls: The Ten Most Spammed Countries in the World
JAKARTA, May 5, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Indonesia is the most spammed country in the world. In 2025, Truecaller identified 79 percent of all unknown calls in Indonesia as spam or fraud. Chile follows at 70 percent, up from 51 percent in just six months. Vietnam, Brazil, and India round out the top five. The data comes from Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication, with over 500 million users globally and over 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025.Behind each country’s ranking is a different story. In Indonesia and Mexico, over 40 percent of spam calls are identified as financial institutions – banks, lenders, and loan services. In Chile, the dominant category is not sales or scams but debt collection, which accounts for 38 percent of all spam, the highest concentration of any single category in any market globally. In Brazil and Nigeria, calls from Telcos flood the landscape, making it nearly impossible for users to distinguish a genuine carrier message from fraud. These findings point to a broader global shift — as automated spam scales, trust in unknown calls continues to decline."The scale of what this data shows should concern everyone. Fraud, impersonation, and scams are affecting people's daily lives in a way we have never seen before. In some countries, most unknown calls are now spam — that is a fundamental breakdown in how communication works. Our mission is to build trust in communication, and in 2026, we are focused on stopping fraud before it reaches people," said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller.On March 31, 2026, Truecaller crossed 500 million monthly active users, with more than 150 million outside India. The full Spam and Fraud Report, including the complete top 10 ranking and regional breakdown, is available at the Truecaller Insights page.About TruecallerTruecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for 500 million active users worldwide, with more than one billion downloads since launch and 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025 alone. The company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021. For more information, visit www.truecaller.com. For more information, please contact press@truecaller.com. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
The Oscars Impose Major Restrictions on Controversial Technology
ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images(SeaPRwire) - Hollywood’s top stars and most influential studios are strongly pushing the idea that AI integration is unavoidable. Actors like Matthew McConaughey and Sandra Bullock claim we have almost no choice but to embrace this new technology; given that directors such as Steven Soderbergh and Darren Aronofsky have already woven generative AI into their filmmaking, their argument might seem valid. Still, those worried about other issues (like AI’s harmful effect on the environment, or our own cognitive awareness) aren’t ready to let tech fully replace the humans who’ve been making films for the past century. Some forms of AI do have utility, especially in tech-heavy fields like visual effects. But there are places AI should never be allowed—particularly if the user wants to win an Oscar.Last week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences updated its guidelines and regulations for several categories. Among positive changes for international features (which will now be awarded to directors instead of the sponsoring country), the Academy has permanently banned AI-generated performances from Oscar eligibility. Only acting roles “credited in the film’s legal billing and demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” can be considered for awards like Best Actor or Best Supporting Actress. Sorry Tilly Norwood!Deepfake performances have come a long way, but they’ll never be Oscar-eligible. | LucasfilmThe Academy’s generative AI crackdown also feels like a direct response to the controversy around As Deep as the Grave. The upcoming indie film features an AI-generated recreation of the late Val Kilmer. The actor was cast in 2021 but couldn’t shoot any scenes due to his throat cancer battle. He passed away in 2025, but his likeness was revived via cutting-edge tech in partnership with Kilmer’s estate. “This is what Val wanted,” director Coerte Voorhees recently told Variety. Whether true or not, the film could be entirely barred from any Oscars campaign.And that’s not the only category genAI is banned from: moving forward, only “human-authored” scripts are eligible for screenplay awards at the Oscars. The Academy reserves the right to ask for more context about a script’s creation and AI’s role in it, so there may be some flexibility here. What’s more, there are no rules yet barring genAI in categories like visual effects or sound—and likely for good reason.Tech use in these fields is much murkier, and the Academy may need to refine its language. Still, it’s a relief to know the most vulnerable filmmaking areas are getting some protection against exploitation. Those determined to integrate AI into their productions can’t be stopped outright, but the Academy’s new rules ensure there’s no reward for cheating actors or writers. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.