PR in the Philippines

(AsiaGameHub) -   Officials report that Indonesian online gambling deposits are surging following the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr for the second consecutive year. The alert was issued by the country's anti-money laundering body, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), according to Indonesian news outlet Tempo. PPATK runs an automated system that monitors transactions to detect online gambling activity in bank accounts. The agency collaborates with major Indonesian banks to freeze accounts identified as having gambling-related deposits or withdrawals. According to PPATK officials, there was a "sharp" rise in suspicious transactions potentially linked to online gambling both during and right after the Eid al-Fitr holiday. This year, Eid was observed by the Islamic world from March 19 to March 20. Inside a mosque in Central Java, Indonesia. (Image: Ed Us) Online Gambling Deposits: On the Rise The agency declined to disclose the precise magnitude of the increase, stating that official data would be released in April. Nevertheless, it noted that the figures from late March were substantially higher than those recorded in January and February. Experts informed the media outlet that increased leisure time during the holiday contributed to higher gambling activity. PPATK head Ivan Yustiavandana affirmed that "online gambling deposits generally rise following the conclusion of the holiday." "The [sharpest] upward trend usually occurs after Eid, when money circulation increases nationwide," he said. Upward Trends Statistics from 2025, when Eid occurred on March 29-30, seem to support the PPATK's assertion. In January 2025, Indonesian players placed deposits totaling IDR 2.96 trillion ($175 million) on unlawful betting sites. Deposits grew marginally to IDR 3.05 trillion ($180 million) the next month. Transaction values fell to IDR 2.59 trillion in March. However, April witnessed a 96% surge in deposits to IDR 5.08 trillion ($300 million), which then declined to IDR 2.29 trillion ($153 million) in May 2025. Gambling in all its forms is prohibited in Indonesia. Despite the prohibition, online casino applications continue to be widely used, prompting authorities to launch an extensive enforcement campaign in recent years. The enforcement actions have also generated substantial revenue for the Indonesian Treasury. Prosecutors in West Jakarta recently transferred approximately $31.3 million to government accounts following the closure of an online casino and its connected money-laundering operation. Medical professionals caution that the growing popularity of online gambling is increasingly impacting public mental health. Psychiatric units in major Indonesian urban centers report being inundated with admissions of patients battling gambling dependency. Certain regions report hospitals operating at 90% occupancy. Physicians indicate this is contributing to rising gambling-associated crime. Additionally, courts across the country have expressed concerns that addiction to unlawful casino platforms is causing divorce rates to climb. 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) -   Lottery powerhouse Allwyn has prolonged its partnership with Formula 1. As part of this multi-year extension, the company revealed the launch of the Allwyn League within F1 Predict, enabling users to earn rewards for accurate race predictions. Allwyn initially joined forces with F1 last year and, in a press statement confirming the agreement’s extension, noted that the first year had been successful. Pavel Turek, Chief Officer of Global Partnerships at Allwyn, said, “We are excited to advance our official partnership with Formula 1 to a new stage, marking our most substantial long-term dedication to the sport to date. By continuing our collaboration, we are upholding our shared conviction in the power of Formula 1 to connect with and inspire a global audience.” Prediction League Aims to Engage Fans Allwyn is now the world’s second-largest gaming company, following a €16 billion ($18.5 billion) all-share merger with Greece’s state-authorized gambling operator OPAP last year. The company intends to utilize F1’s widespread appeal to boost its brand and has rolled out the Allwyn League on the F1 Predicts platform. Turek added, “This new phase enables us to strengthen that bond even more through the introduction of the Allwyn League fan experience, our leading partnership for the Formation Lap, and the expansion of our F1 Allwyn Global Community Award programme. We will ensure the thrill of the track provides an enriching experience for fans and a lasting positive effect for the communities we visit.” F1 Predicts lets fans predict the results of key moments during a Grand Prix weekend. The Allwyn League will offer prizes, including Grand Prix tickets, to top-performing participants. Allwyn Leaning Into Prediction Markets Allwyn mainly operates lotteries but has been branching into other gambling sectors. The company obtained a controlling interest in PrizePicks last year. Historically a DFS platform, PrizePicks secured approval from the CFTC to enter prediction markets. It then formed a partnership with Polymarket before formally launching PrizePicks Predicts in collaboration with Kalshi last November. The platform features various F1 markets, where users can predict driver performance in races. Gambling Sponsors Prominent in F1 The agreement with Allwyn is the most recent in a string of high-profile sponsorships between F1 and gambling firms. Stake has served as the primary sponsor of the Sauber team since 2024, while Williams had a prior agreement with Sportsbet.io. PokerStars was also formerly the official betting sponsor of F1. On the deal with Allwyn, F1 CCO Emily Prazer commented, “We’re pleased to be extending and enhancing our partnership with Allwyn, which benefits our fans and the communities where we hold races.  “Our collaboration with Allwyn demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a positive legacy and using innovation to deliver new fan experiences both at home and at our global events. Allwyn is a strong and valued partner to F1, contributing both to the growth of the sport and to the well-being of the people it reaches worldwide.” 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) -   Formula 1 has prolonged its partnership with Allwyn via a new multi-year agreement, following a successful first season of collaboration. The sport has seen rapid global expansion in recent years, and this deal comes after a season in which it reached 827 million fans and achieved a cumulative global TV audience of 1.8 billion.  The extended partnership with the UK’s National Lottery operator focuses on boosting fan engagement through digital channels. “We’re delighted to be expanding and enhancing our partnership with Allwyn, bringing benefits to our fans and the communities where we race,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1. “Our work with Allwyn reflects our shared commitment to creating a positive legacy and using innovation to deliver new fan experiences—both for those watching from home and at our global events.  “Allwyn is a strong and valued partner to Formula 1, contributing to the growth of the sport and benefiting the people it reaches worldwide.” Trends continue for Allwyn and Formula 1 A key new element is Allwyn’s integration into the Formula 1 Predict platform, where fans can predict race outcomes during a Grand Prix weekend.  The new “Allwyn League” will offer prizes including race tickets, Paddock Club access, and exclusive memorabilia, while the company will have increased visibility during the formation lap of selected races throughout the season.  The Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Awards programme, launched in 2025, will expand in 2026 to support up to eight organizations across host cities—doubling the number of beneficiaries from its first year. Pavel Turek, Chief Officer of Global Partnerships at Allwyn, said: “We are thrilled to take our official partnership with Formula 1 to the next level, marking our most significant long-term commitment to the sport to date.  “By continuing our collaboration, we are reaffirming our shared belief in the power of Formula 1 to reach and inspire a global audience.  “This next chapter allows us to deepen that connection further through the launch of the Allwyn League fan experience, our headline partnership of the Formation Lap, and the expansion of our Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Award programme.  “We will ensure the excitement of the track delivers a rewarding experience for fans and a lasting positive impact for the communities we visit.” Allwyn is just one of many industry operators to have engaged with Formula 1 in recent years, having already partnered with the McLaren team.  Earlier this month, Super Group-owned Betway was announced as the first official betting operator of the sport in a multi-year partnership. Before that, the company had also launched a branding partnership with the Atlassian Williams Racing team.  This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Russian law enforcement persists in its efforts to combat unlawful gambling establishments, as a personal development coach becomes the most recent individual charged with running a secret betting operation. Law enforcement stormed the establishment, situated in downtown Perm, detaining nine individuals, according to Russian news source Pro Perm. Mushfig Akhundov, alleged to be the ringleader who established the illicit gambling site, was among those taken into custody. A municipal court has mandated that the suspect remain in pretrial detention through May 19. Sverdlovsk District Court Judge Yana Abadzheva granted authorities' petition to detain Akhundov for "unlawfully organizing and operating gambling activities within an organized criminal group." Russian Authorities: Gambling Establishment Takedown Officers executed synchronized raids on the gambling venue, dubbed "Penthouse," along with each suspect's home. Personnel from the regional offices of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Investigative Committee, together with Russian National Guard troops, participated in the operations. Investigators reported seizing currency valued at 2.5 million rubles (approximately $31,000) from the locations. A spokesperson stated authorities believe the funds were acquired through "illegal operations." Akhundov, known on social media as Misha, operates within the personal development sector. He featured on the popular Russian reality television program "Success in Everything" in 2021. Mushfig Akhundov, pictured in 2020. (Photo: @akhundov91/VK) He also maintains involvement in athletics, having officiated as a judge at prominent wrestling competitions. A law enforcement representative indicated that the court granted bail to the other suspects. Authorities report that the illegal gambling operation launched in late 2023 and functioned continuously until the raid earlier this month. The operation follows closely after a prominent case in Perm, where 17 people face prosecution for allegedly managing four unlawful gambling establishments. Those gambling venues commenced operations in September 2022, with law enforcement conducting raids in December 2024. During coordinated raids on all four locations, investigators confiscated numerous computer terminals, mobile devices, and more than $12,900 in currency. Authorities' Divisive Proposal Across the nation, debate intensifies amid reports that officials are preparing to authorize internet-based gambling establishments. A prominent legislator has become the most recent figure to criticize the proposal, which originated from the Ministry of Finance. "I don't believe this initiative serves Russia's interests," State Duma deputy Yevgeny Marchenko told Russian news agency NSN. "We previously invested considerable resources to shut down casinos nationwide. Now, apparently, we're reversing that progress." "Russia currently possesses designated gambling areas capable of hosting brick-and-mortar casinos," Marchenko continued. "I believe that should be sufficient." 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 No. 11 Texas Longhorns take on the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers in tonight's first March Madness Sweet 16 matchup. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS. Texas upset No. 3 Gonzaga, 74-68, to reach the Sweet 16. Purdue easily defeated Miami, 79-69. DraftKings has set Purdue as a 7.5-point favorite with a total of 147.5. We're looking at the total, with 63% of handle and 72% of tickets on the OVER at DraftKings at the time of writing. Recommended Bet Texas vs. Purdue: OVER 147.5 (-112) KenPom places the Boilermakers No. 1 in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency. Purdue is scoring an average of 91.5 points per game in the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers are also a top-10 team in three-point shooting. Purdue shoots 38.8 percent, eighth-best in the country. While the Boilers excel at shooting the three, they're poor at defending it, ranking No. 173 nationally in allowing opponents to shoot 33.9% from beyond the arc. Texas is even worse at No. 253, allowing 35.1%. Expect Purdue's Fletcher Loyer to have a big game tonight. The senior guard is shooting exceptionally well from three-point range. Loyer leads Purdue in 3P% at 43.3%. Here are his last five games shooting from behind the arc: 4 of 4 vs. Miami 4 of 8 vs. Queens 3 of 4 vs. Michigan 4 of 10 vs. UCLA 4 of 9 vs. Nebraska Texas responds with guard Dailyn Swain (17.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg), who could be a difficult matchup for Purdue. Center Matas Vokietaitis (15.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg) can score effectively, and Texas also features double-digit scoring from Tramon Mark and Jordan Pope. Selection: OVER 147.5 Top Player Prop for Purdue Boilermakers Fletcher Loyer OVER 14.5 Points (+100 at FanDuel) For all of the reasons mentioned above, expect Loyer to exceed this total tonight. He's fresh off scoring 24 points against Miami. Loyer shot perfectly from the free-throw line (8 of 8), three-point line (4 of 4), and missed just one of seven field goal attempts. Jordan Pope OVER 13.5 Points (+100 at FanDuel) The Longhorns have relied on Jordan Pope's scoring during March Madness. Swain, the team's leading scorer, has been held to an average of 12.5 ppg in two tournament games. Pope made three 3-pointers against both BYU and Gonzaga. Along with Vokietaitis, he tied for the team lead with 17 points in the win over the Zags. 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) -   Europe's gambling industry is taking an active role in the European Commission's (EC) initiative to combat online fraud throughout the continent. Early this year, the EC started developing an action plan designed to enhance cross-border cooperation among member states in tackling online organised crime. To build a comprehensive strategy, the EC invited stakeholders to provide feedback and share best practices for combating fraud schemes, including gambling industry representatives who have long been fighting the black market. As a sector representative, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) responded to the EC's request for input by highlighting how illegal gambling providers target unsuspecting players by masquerading as licensed operators. To support its position, EGBA provided evidence including websites with domain names that closely mimic those of legitimate operators, exploiting the regulated market's reputation. Additional evidence revealed illegal mobile gambling apps on Google and Apple platforms, black market promotions on social media, and phishing schemes. The trade association also reminded the EC that illegal gambling platforms accounted for approximately 27%, or €18 billion, of Europe's total online gambling market GGR in 2025. This exposes players to considerable risk, as these platforms lack the protections offered by licensed operators and instead heighten the risk of identity theft, financial losses, and problem gambling. Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, stated: "Our collected evidence demonstrates how fraudsters are systematically exploiting consumer trust in the licensed gambling sector, endangering European consumers and enabling the illegal online gambling market to expand. "From counterfeit websites and fraudulent applications to phishing operations and social media fraud, these threats resurface as fast as they are removed. Piecemeal national responses to such fraud are insufficient – we require coordinated EU-wide action to prevent consumers and legitimate operators from facing an uphill struggle against fraud." The EC's Action Plan on Combating Online Fraud is anticipated to be adopted in the second quarter 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A former teammate of AC Milan manager Max Allegri has disclosed how the veteran football coach scores major wins at casinos. On the DoppioPasso podcast, Gianluca Atzori shared an anecdote about a gambling session with the former Juventus boss. Atzori and Allegri played together at Perugia during the 1990s when the team earned promotion from Serie B. The squad would celebrate wins by visiting gambling establishments. “We traveled to Venice for a match, and Allegri informed us that a victory would be followed by a casino visit, instructing us to pack our suits. He mentioned this to me and (Federico) Giunti,” Atzori remembered. Following Perugia's victory, the players headed straight for the gaming tables. Allegri Rewards Croupiers Generously Atzori continued, “We each contributed 500,000 lire (approximately $350) and handed it to Allegri; he was fond of casinos and navigated them expertly.” “It was my first time inside a casino. At the roulette table, the croupier spun the ball as Allegri placed his wager. When the ball settled on his chosen number, Max reacted with childlike excitement, and our payout was 36 times our original bet.” “He then made a second wager, doubling his stake. Our winnings grew from 3.6 million to 7 million; across two bets we accumulated 10 million (roughly $7,000), and he handed the croupier a 2 million ($1,400) gratuity.” In games of chance such as roulette, players seek any advantage possible. Various strategies exist, including the James Bond method, which involves spreading bets across a wide portion of the table. Atzori initially disapproved of Allegri's lavish tipping, though he later understood it was a calculated move to secure the croupier's goodwill. “When I witnessed this, I seized him by the chest and exclaimed: ‘That's my money too – 2 million – have you lost your mind?’ Yet I failed to grasp that generously tipping the croupier might influence him, intentionally or not, to guide the ball toward your numbers since he anticipated another substantial gratuity. Ultimately, we walked away with considerable winnings.” Previous Gambling Controversies As Atzori noted, Allegri's well-known gambling habit has previously created difficulties for the former footballer and coach. In 2000, he received a suspension amid match-fixing allegations while at Pistoiese. The charges were later dismissed after an appeal. More recently, in 2021, he faced investigation for allegedly utilizing a Malta-based gambling firm to launder money, with suspected connections to the 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate. He reportedly expended over $400,000 across two overseas casinos. Financial regulators labeled these transactions as “suspicious,” triggering additional probes. No legal consequences have materialized from the case. The 58-year-old currently serves his second term as AC Milan manager, returning to the club last year. He previously guided Juventus to five straight Serie A championships between 2014 and 2019. 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 operator of bwin's Danish domain, part of Entain's international sportsbook portfolio, has been fined for breaching national marketing regulations. The Copenhagen City Court imposed a DKK 500,000 (£57,000) penalty following a Consumer Ombudsman complaint regarding ElectraWorks' promotional campaign. The campaign, run by ElectraWorks as operator of the Danish bwin site, was a 'Risk-Free Gambling' promotion. The Ombudsman reported it to Danish police as misleading in 2024 after a consumer complaint. The promotion featured the slogan 'risk free gambling up to 1000 DKK'. After viewing the ad, a consumer placed a DKK 1,000 bet on bwin.dk that lost. After getting a DKK 1,000 free bet, the customer made a second wager that won. However, they complained to the Ombudsman after receiving just DKK 15 in winnings. Both consumer and Ombudsman argue the ad was misleading because the customer finished with less money than started, contradicting the 'risk-free' claim. Torben Jensen, the Consumer Ombudsman, said: "When a gambling firm advertises 'risk-free' betting, consumers should face no financial risk. "I must therefore emphasize that marketing games as 'risk-free' is clearly misleading if consumers can lose money." Ads on Danish political agenda The Court further ruled that bwin's actions constituted 'illegal marketing' under the Marketing Practices Act, which bans advertising that may mislead typical consumers. The court noted 'illegal marketing had occurred for several years', targeting games at young people to attract new customers, requiring extra caution. This fine comes as Denmark overhauls gambling advertising laws to improve consumer protection in its regulatory framework. Denmark re-regulated its gambling market in 2012, ending the Danske Spil state monopoly. Since then, many operators have launched, including LeoVegas (running BetMGM and Nye Expekt sportsbooks), Unibet, bet365 and Stake. The overhaul, led by Taxation Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, will likely ban marketing during sports events and in public spaces. 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) -   Washington’s legislative effort to restrict prediction markets shows no signs of slowing, as lawmakers continue their attempts to impose limits on these event contract platforms. The latest example is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), which would bar members of Congress, senior federal officials, and other covered government personnel from trading on prediction markets tied to political events and government actions.  Smith and Budzinski introduced the bill on March 25, adding another ethics-focused measure to the growing list of legislation targeting prediction markets.  Named the Preventing Real-time Exploitation and Deceptive Insider Congressional Trading Act, or the PREDICT Act, the bill aims to prevent public officials from leveraging their access to sensitive information for personal gain.  In the press release announcing the legislation, Smith stated:  “Serving the American people is a privilege, not a means to profit. Our common-sense, bipartisan bill will assure Americans that their elected officials’ decisions are driven by merit, not personal gain. I am proud to collaborate with Representative Budzinski to ensure government officials do not profit from the sensitive information they are entrusted with.” The bill follows a series of high-profile trades that anticipated major geopolitical events, including joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the U.S. military’s capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, drawing scrutiny to insider trading on prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi. Budzinski emphasized these concerns in her statement about the proposed legislation: “In recent months, we’ve witnessed cases where lesser-known traders made significant profits on events ranging from potential conflict with Iran to the duration of government shutdowns, raising valid questions about the use of inside information.”  PREDICT Act Goes Beyond Members of Congress As drafted, the PREDICT Act would not be limited to members of Congress; it would also apply to their spouses and dependent children, congressional staff, the president, the vice president, political appointees, certain senior executive branch officials, and members of the judiciary.  The bill would prohibit these covered individuals from “enter[ing] into an agreement, contract, or transaction that provides for any purchase, sale, payment, or delivery dependent on the occurrence, nonoccurrence, or extent of occurrence of a specific political event.”  While some congressional bills have not specified penalties for violating their provisions, this legislation includes enforceable measures. It states that violators would face a penalty equal to 10% of the value of the prohibited trade and must forfeit any profits, with the funds paid into the U.S. Treasury. The bill also requires ethics offices to publish fines and the reasons for them on a public website. However, the effectiveness of these proposals as deterrents remains uncertain, given that similar legislation—such as the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, passed over a decade ago—has not resulted in any insider trading prosecutions to date. Congress Keeps Targeting Prediction Markets The PREDICT Act is the latest addition to a rapidly expanding list of federal proposals aimed at regulating the event-contract industry. Here is an overview of other active measures: Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act: Introduced by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) in early January, this bill targets officials who trade on government-related contracts while in possession of “material nonpublic information.” End Prediction Market Corruption Act: Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) proposed this bill on March 5 to entirely prohibit the president, vice president, and members of Congress from trading event contracts. DEATH BETS Act: Introduced by Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on March 11, this legislation seeks to explicitly ban contracts related to war, assassinations, and individual deaths. Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act: Sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Andy Kim (D-NJ), this March 11 proposal focuses on consumer protections, age verification, and returning regulatory authority to individual states. Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act: Introduced on March 25 by Sens. John Curtis and Schiff, this bill aims to prohibit CFTC-regulated platforms from listing sports-related or casino-style event contracts. Given the pace of legislative activity, there is no doubt that prediction markets are a focus of Congress. However, with so many bills now in motion, it remains unclear which, if any, will have a realistic path to becoming law.  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) -   SBC Summit Malta 2026 will include a specialized marketing track designed to assist brands in evolving their acquisition and engagement strategies for the modern age. As regulatory environments tighten and media channels multiply, marketing has become one of the gaming industry's most intricate sectors. Teams are no longer merely fighting for visibility; they are operating within a landscape defined by constraints and rapid evolution. Scheduled for 29-30 April, attendees will hear from CEOs, CMOs, and marketing experts as they address the primary hurdles of modern marketing, including rising costs, changing player habits, and the increasing impact of AI and data. The agenda is divided into two distinct segments. Marketing Unplugged, held on Wednesday 29 April, will focus on the strategic mindset required to solve the industry's major marketing issues, while Marketing in Action, on Thursday 30 April, will provide workshops centered on practical execution. “Marketing departments are facing unprecedented pressure as costs climb and the room for error diminishes,” noted Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “By offering various learning styles, this stage enables participants to grasp modern marketing theories and apply them through hands-on practice.” Marketing Unplugged will utilize diverse formats like CEO fireside chats, masterclasses, and live campaign reviews to promote deep engagement and discussion. Discussions will cover Malta’s status as a global gaming center, leadership insights from CEOs, and campaign teardowns by CMOs. Experts will also discuss AI regulatory frameworks and the changing landscape of search. Malta: The Global Gaming Powerhouse The CEO Chat Show: Leadership Insights AI Under the Microscope: Regulation and Responsibility Marketing Channels: Balancing Spend and Savings for 2026–2027 The CMO Review: Live Campaign Analysis SEO Trilogy Marketing in Action will transition from theory to practice, featuring interactive workshops where attendees can develop and test frameworks for immediate use. Participants will explore narrative-driven messaging, loyalty frameworks, and the psychological aspects of branding. Sessions will also demonstrate how AI and data can enhance campaign results and provide a competitive edge. Media & Messaging: Storytelling in a Regulated Era Player Retention and Loyalty: Maximizing Lifetime Value Branding and Psychology: Capturing Market Share AI and Data-Driven Marketing: Optimizing Campaigns Speakers appearing throughout the track include Sam Behar (Marketing Director, Sky Gaming), Sean Bianco (Co-Founder, Gain Change), Conrad Bugeja (Head of SEO at LiveScore Group), Brian Christopher (CEO & Creator, BC Ventures), Alina Famenok (Growth & Partnerships Expert, Former-CEO Already Media), Ivan Filletti (CEO, Gaming in Malta), Nikola Jellacic (CMO, Casumo), Jesper Kärrbrink (CEO, Immense Group), Karolina Moscicka (COO, BugsyEmpire), Francesco Postiglione (CEO, Casumo), Dmitry Starostenkov (CEO, Evenbet), and Marco Trucco (CMO, Immense Group). SBC Summit Malta 2026 is set for 28–30 April at the InterContinental Malta, expecting 6,000 industry professionals. The event also features tracks on product, regulation, affiliation, and leadership. Register for SBC Summit Malta The VIP Event Pass is available for €600, providing full access to the three-day conference and exhibition. Expo+ Passes are €150, while operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary entry via the official links. 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) -   Maine legislators have approved a bill that would prohibit credit card use for sports wagering and online gaming. LD 2080 now awaits review by Governor Janet Mills after the Legislature gave its approval on March 25 following Senate passage.  Should the governor sign the measure into law, it would bar operators and management services licensees from taking bets placed with credit cards and mandate that regulators configure systems to block such transactions on mobile applications, digital platforms, and at physical betting sites.  This legislative action occurs as Maine gets ready to launch its newly approved online gaming market and while legislators evaluate additional gambling-related proposals, such as a separate measure to prohibit sweepstakes casinos that remains under consideration.  Representative Marc Malon (D) filed the bill in January under the title "An Act to Protect Consumers by Prohibiting the Use of Credit Cards in Sports Wagering" to safeguard Maine residents from gambling addiction, though the name was subsequently modified to encompass internet gaming.  At that time, Malon described the legislation as a means to balance the economic advantages of legalized gambling with consumer safeguards, stating: "Legal and regulated gaming generates employment and delivers substantial revenue for our state. However, as sports wagering gains popularity and online gaming launches, the Legislature must focus on measures that balance these economic benefits with reasonable protections to prevent Mainers from developing addictions and accumulating debt. This legislation achieves that equilibrium."  Measure Revised and Broadened via Committee Amendment The legislation experienced several modifications before taking its current form as "An Act to Protect Consumers by Prohibiting the Use of Credit Cards in Sports Wagering and Internet Gaming."  Initially submitted in January, LD 2080 originally covered only sports wagering, but an amendment adopted earlier this month extended its reach to include internet gaming and revised its title accordingly.  Under the revised version, operators offering both sports wagering and internet gaming would be prohibited from accepting bets from customers attempting to use credit cards for payment.  The measure would additionally compel regulators to establish rules blocking credit card usage across all betting channels, including mobile platforms and in-person kiosks, thereby strengthening the prohibition through both operational and technical protections. In addition to approving this bill, the Legislature is examining legislation aimed at sweepstakes casinos. Earlier this month, Maine's Senate approved LD 2007, which would prohibit dual-currency online platforms. The concurrent consideration of these measures indicates that lawmakers are increasingly focused on consumer protections as legal gambling expands in the state.  Sector Shifting Away From Credit-Based Betting If LD 2080 is enacted, Maine will become part of an expanding group of states that have prohibited credit card gambling in various forms, including Iowa, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Vermont, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Major operators have also begun eliminating credit card acceptance. In August 2025, DraftKings ceased accepting credit cards for sportsbook and online casino deposits following a $450,000 penalty in Massachusetts for inadequate transaction blocking. FanDuel followed on March 2, discontinuing credit card deposits nationwide for its sportsbook, casino, and racing offerings. These recent developments indicate the industry may be voluntarily adopting standards that prioritize debit-based and direct bank transfer methods.  .  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.