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(AsiaGameHub) -   Indonesian authorities have seized assets valued at more than $3 million following a raid targeting an alleged online gambling operation. The South Jakarta District Attorney’s Office verified it had secured IDR 55 billion ($3.25 million) in "evidence" after the police operation, according to a report by the Indonesian media outlet Tempo. Prosecutors stated the raid was conducted by the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency, referred to as Bareskrim Polri. A public prosecutor, Murari Azis, announced the office is prepared to bring gambling-related charges against five suspects. $3 Million Raid: Investigations Expand All gambling activities are prohibited in Indonesia. Recently, police, prosecutors, and government bodies have initiated a significant nationwide clampdown on online gambling. Officials state urgent action is required as addiction rates keep climbing. The enforcement campaign is escalating across the country, with Bareskrim Polri units making arrests and confiscating assets. Investigators are widening their probes, which they say has led to the discovery of connected money laundering operations. In Tangerang, Java, police report confiscating cash, properties, high-end motorcycles, gold, and a "collection of luxury handbags" from an individual suspected of being a money laundering ringleader. Bareskrim Polri officials in Java said the probe started with a raid conducted on December 4, 2025. That operation led police to effectively close the online gambling platforms CIVICTOTO and JALUTOTO, as reported by the Indonesian media outlet Sin Po. Police stated these two sites yielded monthly net profits of up to $17,700 for their operators. As inquiries progressed, police claimed to have uncovered evidence that the alleged ringleader operated a network of at least 17 accomplices who assisted in laundering money from the platforms. “The suspect ran this illicit enterprise as if it were a professional company,” a senior Bareskrim Polri officer informed reporters. Online gambling addiction is escalating rapidly in Indonesia, leading government officials to label betting platforms a “social disaster.” Addiction Cases Increase Health authorities report a sharp rise in hospital admissions for severe gambling addiction. Officials at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in central Jakarta say they are treating a swiftly increasing number of inpatients and outpatients addicted to gambling. Government officials have previously estimated that as many as 9 million people in Indonesia suffer from online gambling addictions. Muhaimin Iskandar, the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, visited the hospital earlier. During his visit, he remarked, “Online gambling is a social disaster. It’s a disease that erodes social well-being.” Indonesian District Prosecutor’s Office vehicles. (Image: DARMAS BS 9 [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Police Warn of Rising Crime Police have cautioned that this surge in addiction is triggering an increase in crime. According to the Indonesian media outlet VOI, North Jakarta police arrested a 24-year-old employee of a drinking water depot suspected of stealing money from his employer to fund online gambling. The employee is accused of stealing a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and a drawer containing cash from the premises. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison. Police reported the man was found hiding at his grandmother's residence and has confessed fully. In recent weeks, North Sumatra police announced they had dismantled a cross-border gambling syndicate believed to have connections to Cambodia. 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) -   FIFA appointed ADI Predictstreet as its official prediction market partner for the World Cup last week; however, the agreement is facing intense scrutiny because the company is mostly unlicensed and has not yet released a functional product. “This historic agreement highlights FIFA's ongoing dedication to innovation and engaging fans,” stated soccer’s governing body in a press release issued last week. The firm has not yet released a website or application, however. Attempts to access predictstreet.io resulted in an “Unprocessable Entity” notification. Although it recently secured a license to operate in Gibraltar, it does not possess official legal status in any other jurisdiction. While numerous European betting firms establish themselves in Gibraltar for tax advantages, they are required to possess local operating licenses. ADI Predictstreet, conversely, holds no additional licenses, restricting its services to Gibraltar’s population of 36,000. “This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone for ADI Predictstreet and the way audiences interact with major events, as we establish the groundwork for a new sector merging collective intelligence, technology, and real-world results,” stated Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Principal Council Member of ADI Predictstreet. This arrangement comes after Polymarket reached a deal with Spain's La Liga to serve as the soccer league’s official prediction market partner. Allegations of Insider Trading Against Bhatia “ADI Predictstreet's operations concerning the FIFA World Cup will adhere to FIFA's regulatory and integrity standards, featuring a robust integrity monitoring system that includes real-time surveillance of suspicious trading and structured reporting mechanisms,” FIFA commented. “These measures are designed to guarantee transparency, fairness, and participant safety.” Bhatia, who leads the company and appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the announcement photo, faces accusations of insider trading. Image from Instagram showing FIFA President Infantino signing the agreement with Adistreet’s Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia. India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) alleged that Bhatia executed trades totaling over $900,000 involving the Indian firm Adani. According to Josimar, Bhatia reportedly had advance notice of a $2 billion investment in Adani, which allowed him to generate a profit of approximately $60,000. To resolve the issue, Bhatia consented to pay SEBI roughly $170,000 and accepted a six-month prohibition on trading in India. Various other prediction market platforms have encountered multiple accusations regarding the facilitation of insider trading. In the US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has pledged to suppress this activity. However, since ADI Predictstreet is licensed exclusively in Gibraltar, it is not subject to the regulator’s regulations. World Cup Anticipated to Generate Record Betting Volumes Following its agreement with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet is anticipated to roll out markets prior to the World Cup. It remains unclear where it will target users given its current licensing status. A post on X unveiling the platform stated that it was developed to reach more than 5 billion fans. Introducing @PredictstreetThe Official Prediction Market Partner of the @FIFAWorldCup 2026More than 5 billion fans will watch the World Cup.ADI Predictstreet was built to reach every single one of them.The first consumer-facing ecosystem project on ADI Chain is going… pic.twitter.com/oYJpD2eElv— ADI Chain (@ADIChain_) April 2, 2026 This tournament may rank among the largest betting events in history. Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer, Mark Bickerdike, expressed his belief that it will surpass the $35 billion wagered during the 2022 World Cup. “Anticipation for next summer's World Cup is immense. An extended tournament held in a time zone favorable to U.S. customers is likely to make this the highest-handling soccer competition the industry has ever witnessed,” remarked Bickerdike. Both prediction markets and sportsbooks will compete to attract bettors. Meanwhile, FIFA aims to monetize the tournament's popularity by implementing dynamic ticket pricing and establishing an online marketplace for ticket and NFT transactions. The organization, headquartered in Switzerland, has encountered a criminal complaint alleging that certain aspects of its ticketing system constitute illegal gambling. There has been no response to the allegations that ADI Predictstreet is an unfit partner due to its uncertain legal status. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In a Monday announcement shared on X, Polymarket stated it is rolling out what it describes as the largest infrastructure update since the decentralized prediction market first launched in 2020.  The updates include a reconstructed trading engine, revised smart contracts, and a new collateral token named Polymarket USD.  We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’re thrilled to announce Polymarket is receiving a full exchange upgrade.Over the coming few weeks, we’re launching a rebuilt trading engine, upgraded smart contracts, and a new collateral token (Polymarket USD) as we phase out USDC.e. — Polymarket (@Polymarket) April 6, 2026 Over the next two to three weeks, the event contract exchange will revamp its core infrastructure to boost execution speed, reduce gas costs, and build a more streamlined technical foundation for future development. The most noticeable change for the platform’s regular users will be the transition from USDC.e to Polymarket USD, which the company confirms is backed 1:1 by USDC.  Put simply, Polymarket will replace the token users submit as collateral with its own USDC wrapper, while also upgrading the behind-the-scenes trade matching system. Most front-end adjustments will be processed automatically, the company noted. However, open orders will be canceled for a short window during the maintenance period, which will be announced at least one week in advance.  What the Upgrade Actually Entails From a technical standpoint, Polymarket is launching CTF Exchange V2 and an updated iteration of its central limit order book, or CLOB. For those unfamiliar with the crypto space, these changes essentially translate to faster trade matching, lower transaction fees, and updated infrastructure for bots, apps, and other tools that connect to the exchange. The company also noted the new tech stack will support EIP-1271 signatures, a change that is expected to simplify interactions between smart contract wallets and the platform. The upgrades extend beyond the retail trading experience. In an X post explaining the update, Polymarket Developers stated API traders, bot operators, and other integrators will need to update their software development kits and re-sign orders using the new system structure. TypeScript, Python, and Go clients are expected to be available ahead of launch day, while migration documentation and a full API changelog will be released at a later date. Upgrade Follows a Series of Infrastructure-Related Deals Polymarket’s April 6 announcement comes on the heels of several moves the company made in early 2026 to strengthen the technical infrastructure supporting its exchange. The firm has spent the past few months building out its core technology via a series of acquisitions and major funding rounds. February 19: Polymarket purchased Dome, a Y Combinator-backed startup focused on unified API infrastructure, to simplify market data access for third-party tools. March 18: The company acquired Brahma, a DeFi infrastructure specialist, to enhance wallet creation, cross-chain operations, and token redemption processes. March 27: Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent entity of the New York Stock Exchange, finalized a $600 million direct cash investment in Polymarket. This followed ICE’s $1 billion investment in the platform in late 2025. As Polymarket integrates these specialized technologies and secures substantial institutional backing, it is increasingly positioning itself as far more than a standard betting platform. The new infrastructure provides Polymarket with the core trading “plumbing” it needs to reduce its dependence on third-party providers, enabling it to build a more stable, scalable environment as it continues its CFTC-regulated re-entry into the U.S. market. 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 four Wabanaki tribes in Maine have submitted a legal motion in response to a lawsuit by Oxford Casino Hotel, which aims to prevent the tribes from debuting online casino platforms. Following Maine's legalization of tribal-led online casinos earlier this year, Oxford Casino filed a suit against the state, characterizing the legislation as an unlawful “race-based monopoly.” A judge has approved a joint request to intervene in the case filed last week by all four Wabanaki tribes: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation. Does Tribal Exclusivity Constitute Racial Discrimination? In its January filing, the casino argued that “advancing iGaming through race-based preferences is a significant blow to Maine companies like Oxford Casino,” noting their substantial investments in the state. The casino further asserts that the introduction of online casinos could result in the loss of 378 jobs, $22 million in labor earnings, and $60 million in total economic value for Maine. Rejecting the allegation of racial favoritism, the tribes maintain that their exclusive gaming privileges are rooted in their status as sovereign political entities. Legal counsel for the tribes stated that “accepting the Plaintiffs’ equal protection arguments could jeopardize numerous laws that are based on the distinct sovereign status of federally recognized tribes.” The tribes currently hold exclusive rights to sports wagering, which debuted in 2023. However, this sector has faced opposition from the tribes regarding the emergence of sports prediction markets. Tribal Empowerment Through Online Casino Revenue Although Maine Governor Janet Mills was initially hesitant to legalize online casinos, she ultimately approved the measure to support tribal development. Mills remarked, “I have consistently aimed to collaborate with Tribal leaders to enhance the prosperity of the Wabanaki Nations, and I hope this new funding source achieves that goal.” Market experts estimate that iGaming could produce $100 million to $200 million in yearly revenue. From this, commercial partners DraftKings and Caesars, who manage tribal sports betting, could see $20 million to $30 million. Oxford Casino Argues Limited Benefits for Maine State tax forecasts suggest roughly $1.8 million in revenue during the first year, increasing to approximately $3.6 million the following year. Oxford Casino contends these tax figures do not justify the market's expansion and points to a poll showing that 65% of Maine residents are against online casinos. The complaint argues that there is no "compelling government interest" in prioritizing the financial welfare of the Wabanaki Nations over other state entities and citizens. Lenny Powell, representing the Wabanaki Nations via the Native American Rights Fund, noted that evidence indicates “both tribal and nontribal communities benefit when Tribal nations are granted the power of self-determination.” The legal challenge aims for a ruling that the law violates Maine's rules against special legislation and seeks an injunction. If the law stands, the first sites could launch next 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi has secured a significant legal victory in the Third Circuit in New Jersey. The judges affirmed a prior decision to grant the company a preliminary injunction in its legal dispute with the state's gambling regulator. While this ruling does not definitively settle the legality of sports prediction markets, Dustin Gouker, a prominent industry analyst, described it as “the most important ruling to date concerning the legality of prediction markets and whether federal law supersedes state gaming regulations.” Gouker first reported this development in his newsletter, The Event Horizon, noting that two out of the three judges ruled in favor of Kalshi. In their written decision, the judges stated, “Kalshi was likely to succeed in demonstrating that the (Commodity Exchange) Act preempts New Jersey law from interfering with Kalshi’s CFTC-licensed DCM to prohibit sports-related event contracts.” Case Background New Jersey was among the initial states to challenge Kalshi regarding its sports markets, issuing the company a cease-and-desist letter in April of the previous year. In response, Kalshi initiated a lawsuit against the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and the Casino Control Commission. Subsequently, a judge granted Kalshi a preliminary injunction, which halted the enforcement of the cease-and-desist order. New Jersey appealed this decision to the Third Circuit, but the judges ultimately upheld the original ruling. Implications for Sports Prediction Markets For the present, this judgment permits Kalshi to continue offering its sports markets within New Jersey. It is also anticipated that Kalshi will leverage this decision in other legal challenges across the nation. Concurrently, rulings in other states have been issued that Kalshi's adversaries are utilizing to bolster their arguments. Similar to New Jersey, Nevada initially granted Kalshi an injunction but later reversed its decision. This state is the sole jurisdiction that has successfully imposed restrictions on Kalshi's markets. In a court filing submitted in New Jersey last week, Kalshi pointed out that the ruling in Nevada was made without a hearing. The company's legal team also argued that imposing restrictions on federally regulated exchanges would lead to “complete chaos,” rendering platforms unable to provide equitable access to all eligible participants nationwide. CFTC Supports Kalshi The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submitted an amicus brief in support of Kalshi and has reaffirmed its position that it possesses exclusive jurisdiction over event contracts. The commission has further defended Kalshi and other platforms by filing lawsuits against state regulators in Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois. The New Jersey ruling strengthens the cases for both the CFTC and Kalshi, though the legal battle is far from over. Gouker commented, “New Jersey could request an en banc rehearing in the Third Circuit, where all the judges in the circuit would hear the case. It could also appeal to the US Supreme Court.” The Supreme Court is likely to be the venue where the legal standing of sports prediction markets will be determined. Legal experts anticipate this will occur within the next few years, potentially as early as next year. As with many matters, trading on these markets is available on prediction market platforms. Polymarket currently indicates a 60% probability that the Supreme Court will hear a case by the end of the 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   An investigation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) into KPMG’s audit work on Entain’s financial accounts has been closed with no further action planned, though the circumstances of the underlying issue remain subject to upcoming legal proceedings. The FRC launched this probe into KPMG’s auditing of Entain’s 2022 accounts in 2024. It was opened as part of a broader case connected to Entain’s former operations in Turkey and allegations against the company’s former executives, dating back to when the firm operated as GVC Holdings. Between 2011 and 2017, while trading under the GVC name, Entain ran a Turkey-focused business called Headlong Limited. In 2019, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) opened an investigation into “potential corporate offending” at this entity. HMRC, the UK’s national tax authority, raised concerns that adequate anti-bribery and anti-corruption procedures were not being implemented at Headlong. The inquiry ultimately resulted in Entain entering a £615 million deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), made up of a £585 million financial penalty, a £20 million charitable donation, and £10 million to cover authorities’ investigation costs. In February 2023, Entain released its full annual accounts for the 2022 trading year. The group reported 11% growth in net gaming revenue, boosted by that year’s FIFA World Cup, and later lifted its 2023 EBITDA guidance to a range of £985 million to £995 million. The FRC subsequently questioned whether KPMG’s audit of these 2022 financial figures had fully accounted for any potential liabilities tied to the former Turkish business. It has now, however, concluded that KPMG did not commit any wrongdoing. “After reviewing all evidence gathered during the investigation and considering every relevant factor, the FRC’s Executive Counsel has decided not to pursue enforcement action,” the regulator’s statement said. “Therefore, in line with Rule 146 of the AEP, Executive Counsel has determined that the respondents to the investigation are no longer subject to enforcement action. As a result, the case has been closed.” A spokesperson for KPMG UK said: “We are pleased the investigation has concluded with no sanctions, and we remain committed to delivering consistent, high-quality audit work.” Upcoming Turkey-linked trials GVC officially rebranded as Entain in December 2020. This change followed the resignation of Kenny Alexander as Chief Executive Officer in July 2020, and the resignation of Lee Feldman as Chairman in March 2019. Alexander, Feldman, and five other former GVC executives are scheduled to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on 14 February 2028. All seven face charges of fraud, bribery, and perverting the course of justice. Entain’s leadership team has changed drastically since Alexander and Feldman departed. After Alexander left the role, he was replaced as CEO by Shay Segev, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Segev held the CEO position for six months before resigning in January 2021 and leaving the company that June. He later became CEO of sports streaming platform DAZN, where he leads the platform’s expansion into the betting and gaming sector. Jette Nygaard-Andersen, who had served as a Non-Executive Director at the firm since 2019, then took over the CEO role. She held the position for more than four years before stepping down in December 2023. The role was then filled by Stella David on an interim basis starting in January 2024, before Gavin Isaacs took the top job between September 2024 and February 2025. David has returned to lead the company on a permanent basis since April 2025. Entain’s new leadership maintains that the company has put significant distance between itself and the 2010s-era GVC that was led by former CEO Alexander and former Chairman Feldman. For example, Barry Gibson, who served as Entain’s Chairman between 2020 and 2024, has stated that “the group has changed immeasurably since these events took place”, referring to Headlong’s 2010s Turkish operations. The company has still felt the impact of the legal developments and investigations, however. The £615 million DPA had a major effect on Entain’s 2023 finances, with the firm recording a £900 million loss that year. These developments also likely contributed to the company reaffirming its 2023 commitment to only focus on regulated and soon-to-be regulated markets, a promise first made in November 2020 just before the GVC rebranding was announced. 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) -   Sportsbook provider Sportingtech has enhanced its offerings in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by introducing several new widgets designed to boost user engagement. The new additions include an Events Widget, a Groups Widget, and a Long-Term Bets Widget, all tailored to cater to the enthusiastic football audience as the tournament approaches. The Events Widget provides a comprehensive overview of match markets, improving the user experience from initial discovery to placing a bet. The Groups Widget, meanwhile, offers users detailed information on group fixtures and participating teams. The Long-Term Bets Widget provides direct access to outright and tournament special bets. Sportingtech stated that the objective is to prominently display key markets for players, thereby reducing friction in the betting process and enabling operators to benefit from increased bet volumes. Data cited by Sportingtech to support the launch of these specialized widgets indicates that 80% of player attention is concentrated above the fold, and strategic placement of widgets can increase engagement by up to 500%. With the 2022 World Cup generating approximately $35 billion (£26.3 billion) in total wagers, and FIFA expanding this year's tournament to 104 matches, there are even greater commercial opportunities available, which can be leveraged through smart widget positioning. All of Sportingtech’s widgets have been developed with a mobile-first approach, featuring a customizable front-end user experience to accommodate the specific needs of each operator. Tommy Molloy, Chief Product Officer at Sportingtech, commented: “The World Cup represents the most significant commercial opportunity in the sports betting calendar. Our operators deserve a product that meets this occasion.” “Through our close collaboration with our partners, we have gained a deep understanding of their requirements. These widgets were developed based on those discussions, aiming to reduce friction, highlight the most relevant markets, and deliver an experience optimized for the tournament. “The surge of casual bettors during the World Cup presents a valuable retention opportunity. The operators who succeed will not be those who are the loudest, but rather those whose user experience encourages players to return.” For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for multimedia content covering the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Optimove has finalized an agreement to purchase Smartico, aiming to boost its 'positionless marketing' offerings for iGaming clients. The deal, announced on Easter Monday (6 April), positions Optimove to become a worldwide frontrunner in both CRM marketing and gamification. The acquisition is particularly important as it will improve Optimove's specialized services for the global iGaming industry. Leadership aims to bolster its marketing platforms for a market forecast to be worth $185bn (£140bn) by 2033. As explained to the media: “Optimove pioneered CRM marketing for iGaming, establishing the category and growing the market. Over the years, Optimove observed competitors entering the field. One company was exceptional. Smartico introduced the combination of gamification and CRM marketing to the iGaming sector.” Founded in 2019 by CEO Arman Gal and Yuval Mechoullam, Smartico has developed an all-inclusive CRM platform for iGaming operators. This system encompasses automation, gamification, free-to-play mini-games, bonus engines, jackpots, and risk modeling. Smartico remains autonomous According to the agreement's terms, Smartico will keep operating as a completely independent entity. It will retain its current leadership, product development plans, and customer service. Optimove stressed that Smartico's existing clients will experience no interruption, as the company preserves its commercial and operational independence. Gal highlighted that the deal was designed to maintain Smartico's autonomy while creating new avenues for growth: “Since its inception, Smartico was founded with a clear goal: to make player engagement more dynamic, rewarding, and effective for operators. Aligning with Optimove confirms that vision, but crucially, it does not alter our identity. “We continue to be fully independent, with unchanged leadership, the same strategic roadmap, and an unwavering dedication to our clients. This partnership provides us with greater scale—access to more resources, broader reach, and enhanced capacity to innovate rapidly in an increasingly complex market.” Gal further stated that the synergy between the two firms would enable Smartico to speed up the development of its gamification and real-time engagement products, all while remaining a direct competitor in the CRM arena. Optimove shows hand At the Optimove Conference in London this March, Founder and CEO Pini Yakuel told SBC the company was putting the finishing touches on a “seismic M&A deal for iGaming partners,” scheduled for announcement in the following weeks. The Smartico acquisition marks Yakuel's sixth M&A transaction as founder. This follows Optimove's $75 million strategic funding round, which enabled the integration of various technologies such as Adact (gamification engine), Graphyte (personalization), Kumulos (messaging), Axonite (marketing data), and DynamicMail. Elaborating on the reasoning for the purchase, Yakuel pointed out that Smartico was unique among numerous CRM rivals: He said: “What stood out to us about Smartico wasn't only their product, but their company's foundation. Similar to us, they bootstrapped, maintained discipline, and concentrated intensely on providing tangible value to operators. In a market filled with followers, Smartico developed something truly innovative—integrating gamification into CRM as a central driver for engagement. “This isn't merely consolidation to grow larger. It's about supporting a company that helped define the same market category from a distinct perspective. We carved out one route into iGaming CRM, and with Smartico, we are fortifying another. That is the evolution of the market.” Yakuel added that this deal aligns with Optimove's long-term plan to broaden its “positionless marketing” concept. The strategy involves incorporating complementary technologies while preserving competitive dynamics within the industry. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. . This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   SOFTSWISS has expanded into the prediction markets space with a new B2B offering that unlocks fixed-odds, event-based wagering. By removing peer-to-peer exchange mechanics, operators can directly engage audiences outside the scope of traditional sportsbooks by letting them wager on real-world events spanning politics, economics, technology, and other topics. This fixed-odds framework does not depend on external liquidity or market-based pricing, so it gives operators greater control over their pricing and margins while utilizing a familiar risk management structure. Operators looking to integrate this product can do so via a standalone iFrame widget or directly through the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. Existing SOFTSWISS customers can launch the solution in roughly two to three days, while new customers will take up to three weeks to go live. Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of Operations at SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, shared: “For most operators, the real question isn’t whether prediction markets are compelling, but how to integrate them into an existing tech stack without completely rebuilding systems around exchange mechanics. “A fixed-odds model makes this far more practical. It lets operators test this demand using familiar risk and compliance frameworks, while also opening access to audiences who don’t typically engage with traditional sports betting behaviors.” Prediction markets have seen explosive growth in popularity over the past few years, with the largest surge in the United States driven by Kalshi and Polymarket – the two leading platforms in this sector. Unlike traditional sports betting offerings, participants wager against one another to predict the outcome of events ranging from global elections to the specific trick a mascot will perform during an NFL game. U.S. trading volume neared the $50 billion (£38 billion) mark in 2025, up from just $300 million the previous year. This lucrative commercial opportunity has led several major players in the gambling industry to expand into prediction markets, most prominently Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings’ dedicated offering. SOFTSWISS is not the first B2B company to enter this space. Just last week, Malta-based sportsbook solutions provider BETBY announced its own expansion into prediction markets, demonstrating that despite ongoing controversy in the sector, it is attracting significant commercial interest. Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, added: “We are seeing a growing player demographic. Prediction markets are not just an extension of sportsbooks – they bring in entirely new audiences who have never engaged with traditional betting products. “Their motivations differ: users are driven by their knowledge of global events rather than sports fandom. Paired with the constant flow of news and public discourse, this creates a more consistent engagement layer. Operators who underestimate this shift risk missing out on both consumer demand and a new wave of market participants.” 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) -   Authorities in South Korea have launched a new initiative to combat underage gambling, introducing a fresh amnesty period for addicted youth and implementing stricter penalties for illegal operators who target minors. Last December, the South Gyeongsang Provincial Police initiated a similar amnesty, encouraging young residents to surrender voluntarily in exchange for cautions or reduced punishments. Following the conclusion of that program on February 28, officials declared it a success, noting that six teenagers had come forward to confess. According to reports from the local news agency Newsis, the same police department has decided to renew the initiative. Residents under the age of 19 within the province are encouraged to report themselves to the authorities before the June 30 deadline. In addition to the possibility of lenient sentencing, police confirmed that youth struggling with online betting will be provided with "guidance and recovery-focused treatment." This phase of the program also invites parents and guardians to contact the police if they suspect their children have developed gambling habits. South Korean Amnesty: Support for Gambling Addiction is Available Officials stated that specialists from the Gyeongbuk Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center will conduct dedicated sessions for those who come forward. Police noted that participants might be "dismissed with a warning" or referred to summary courts if their infractions are considered minor. In the South Korean legal system, summary courts oversee minor offenses and typically issue small fines. Notably, these cases do not result in a permanent criminal record for the individual. Authorities added that even individuals with prior offenses could be granted clemency if they take advantage of the amnesty period. Those who surrender during this window may also receive a formal letter from the School Police Officer’s department. This specific department has the authority to petition the judiciary for leniency in instances where they believe a gambling offender has shown genuine reform. “This amnesty offers young people addicted to online gambling a chance to understand the risks involved,” a spokesperson commented. “It is an opportunity for them to return to a normal, healthy life. The support programs offered by the police and specialized agencies will be highly beneficial.” “We urge young people to make the brave choice to come forward,” the spokesperson added. “We are here to help them move past their struggles with online gambling.” Judiciary Introduces Stricter Sentencing Guidelines At the same time, the judicial branch is moving to strengthen the standards used to penalize gambling operators who exploit minors. As reported by Money Today, courts are being advised to issue longer prison sentences for these crimes. The South Korean Supreme Court. (Image: Seoul Institute [CC BY 4.0]) The Sentencing Commission of the Supreme Court has approved updated guidelines that are set to take effect on July 1. While these guidelines are not legally binding in the same way as statutes, they carry significant weight and are highly influential for lower court rulings. The commission explained that the increased sentencing standards are intended to "address the damaging impact of illegal gambling that targets the youth." Under these new rules, operators of unlicensed casinos can expect prison terms ranging from 10 months to two years in standard cases. For more aggravated offenses, the commission has recommended jail sentences between 18 months and four years. Updated Rules for Financial Crimes and Money Laundering The commission also revealed new protocols for other gambling-related violations, financial crimes, and money laundering. Furthermore, the body advised the judiciary to ignore "surprise deposits" when evaluating cases of investment fraud or gambling scams. This refers to instances where suspects send unsolicited "refunds" to victims during a trial in an attempt to gain the court's sympathy and a lighter sentence. In separate news, the South Korean casino firm Lotte Tour Development announced that its sales for March exceeded 50 billion won ($33 million) for the first time in the company's history. 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.