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(AsiaGameHub) -   Casino operator Bally’s, based in the US, has tabled a £225 million ($303 million) bid to acquire Evoke. The betting group, whose leading brands are 888 and William Hill, is reported to have granted Bally’s the status of preferred bidder. Evoke initiated a strategic review in December that opened the door to a potential sale. Following news of the possible acquisition by Bally’s, the company's share price has surged more than 30% in the past week. The price is currently 40.76 GBX, a significant increase from 20.95 GBX at the beginning of December. According to Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, the share price increase “suggests the market is sceptical this is a winning bid”. “Shareholders aren’t in a strong position to demand more money,” he continued. “Bally’s doesn’t need to be generous with an offer because it holds the advantage in negotiations. Evoke is in such a weak position, and its long-term viability is uncertain if it cannot find a buyer for part or all of the business.” William Hill Takeover Straddled Evoke With Debt Evoke is currently burdened with approximately £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) of debt, largely stemming from its £2.2 billion ($2.97 billion) purchase of William Hill in 2021. This deal did not include William Hill’s US operations, which were acquired by Caesars Entertainment that same year. “This massive debt load presents Bally’s with two choices,” Coatsworth stated. “It can purchase the entire business and gradually reduce the debt, or it can buy Evoke and promptly break it up to recoup cash and speed up repayments.” The company's challenges have been worsened by recent tax increases in the UK. Since the start of April, the government has been taxing online casino revenue at 40%, a sharp rise from the former rate of 21%. Evoke estimated the new tax regime would result in an annual cost of between £125 million and £135 million (approximately $170 million). In response, William Hill has shuttered hundreds of its betting shops. “We have moved quickly and decisively to execute on our mitigation plans, including the closure of retail stores that are no longer sustainable as well as broader cost savings, and we will update shareholders on our progress and updated strategic plan in due course,” Evoke CEO Per Widerström commented while presenting the firm’s most recent financial results. Users Fighting Evoke Over Online Casino Glitch Compounding the issues from UK tax hikes, a system malfunction at Evoke created turmoil for its customers. A technical error in the company’s Jackpot Drop games led to thousands of players winning large amounts, but 888 and William Hill subsequently invalidated those payouts. A number of users are now threatening to sue the company, asserting that their winnings should be paid. One Canadian player, James Kotylak, who won over CA$1 million (around $940,000) on 888, expressed his intention to speed up legal action. He fears the potential takeover could jeopardize his opportunity to seek compensation. Kotylak condemned both the decision to void his winnings and the company's handling of communications, claiming he was repeatedly misled and provided with incorrect details. “To have a life‑changing win like that erased by a vague ‘glitch’ with no evidence has been devastating,” Kotylak told CasinoBeats in an interview this month. “I’m not asking for special treatment — just for the casino to be held to the same standard of proof and accountability that they expect from their 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ranging from Italy's full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation.  To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry's next phase of growth. Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability. Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy's new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework. “UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives. A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta's evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners). “Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe's largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany's current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing). “The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands' gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl). “Finland's Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country's transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz). Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry's next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners). SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600.  Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here | Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has indicated that the nation's unregulated gambling sector is continuing to expand. In a recent monitoring report, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen noted that primary metrics—such as the volume of licensees, the number of active players, and total revenue within the legal market—have remained largely stable compared to the previous six-month period. This plateau reflects the influence of regulatory changes implemented throughout 2024 and 2025, including higher gambling taxes, stricter advertising rules, and the introduction of deposit limits. Despite the market stagnation, the KSA observed a continued decline in average player losses, which dropped to approximately €120 (£104) per month in the latter half of 2025—a decrease of more than 25% year-on-year. However, the KSA expressed renewed concern regarding the scale of the black market. The proportion of gross gaming revenue (GGR) captured by licensed operators dipped from 56% at the start of 2025 to 53% by the second half of the year, indicating that nearly half of all gambling expenditure is now directed toward unlicensed platforms. Michel Groothuizen. Credit: LinkedIn “Research indicates that the illegal market is expanding globally, a trend we are observing in other European nations as well,” Groothuizen stated. “Technological advancements, including AI, and the rise of cryptocurrency gambling are contributing factors. In the Netherlands, this shift may also be linked to the measures we have implemented to enhance player protection at legal sites, such as the aforementioned deposit limits. “While we did not initially observe that individual provider deposit limits were leading to the creation of multiple accounts, we are now seeing a slight rise in the number of accounts held per player. “It is quite possible that the financial capacity checks triggered at certain thresholds are encouraging individuals to open additional legal accounts elsewhere to bypass these checks, or to migrate entirely to illegal platforms.” As Groothuizen noted, the rise of the black market is not unique to the Netherlands. Regulators worldwide appear to be struggling to manage the surge in unlicensed operators within their respective jurisdictions. For instance, a recent YieldSec study revealed that 62% of gambling activity in South Africa occurs on unlicensed sites. Sean Coleman, CEO of the South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA), told SBC News that local regulatory bodies “lack the resources and expertise to effectively combat the illegal market.” This sentiment is shared by many experts globally; a study commissioned by Flutter Entertainment highlighted how black market operators in the UK can function illegally with minimal consequences. Researcher Alex Wood noted that addressing these operators from a legal perspective is “impossible” due to the complexities of cross-border enforcement. The KSA’s future plans Looking ahead, Dutch policymakers are considering a universal deposit limit to prevent players from migrating between licensed operators. While this could curb circumvention within the legal market, Groothuizen acknowledged it might also drive some users toward illegal alternatives. The KSA reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous duty-of-care standards, citing ongoing concerns regarding high-risk gambling. Approximately 6% of the Dutch adult population engages in online gambling, and it has been noted that no other age demographic holds as many gambling accounts, proportionally, as 18-year-olds. Groothuizen cautioned that relaxing player protection measures would be ill-advised, emphasizing that the safety of vulnerable users remains a primary objective. Just last week, the KSA allocated additional funding to its Addiction Prevention Fund to combat problem gambling. While the regulator remains a prominent voice in global discussions regarding gambling harm and illicit activity, it is clear that it continues to face widespread challenges that extend well beyond the Netherlands. Groothuizen concluded: “Strict adherence to the duty of care remains one of our top priorities for the legal market. “It goes without saying that the illegal sector has no regard for the harm that gambling can cause.” 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 Romanian regulator, the ONJN, is allocating €5 million (£4.3m) in grants to tackle problem gambling. This financing is being distributed under the National Public Interest Programme 'Conscious and Free', a commitment formalized by the ONJN and published in the Official Gazette in December 2025. The grants will provide non-reimbursable funding for non-profit initiatives, drawn directly from the ONJN's 2026 budget earmarked for promoting socially responsible gambling. The allocation is divided into three key areas. The majority of the funds, €3.6 million, is designated for prevention, education, safeguarding minors, treatment, counselling, research, digitalisation, and the promotion of responsible gambling. An amount of €1.2 million is set aside specifically for establishing or expanding specialised treatment centres, a category of funding exclusively available to public authorities. The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments to guide the development of future public policies and intervention strategies. A complete timeline has been announced, outlining four distinct phases. The deadline for application submissions is 11 May, with eligibility assessments to be published on 15 May. A window for appeals will run from 18-20 May, followed by the release of final resolutions and compliance results between 21-26 May. On 8 July, the ONJN will publish the findings of an independent analysis along with the report from a specially appointed ONJN Evaluation Commission. These preliminary results can be challenged until 13 July, with the definitive results scheduled for publication on 28 July. The concluding phase involves finalising funding contracts from 29-31 July, with a target start date for all projects set for 3 August. Each initiative is planned to run for a four-month period, concluding in December 2026. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, stated: “I promised that these projects would materialize. Despite all the obstacles in the past, the projects will exist and, most importantly, they will help vulnerable people. “We are thus ensuring the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of programs and, at the same time, the necessary regulatory framework has been created for funding in the coming years. “I would like to remind you that, in order for these fundings to become possible, a collective effort was needed by ONJN, the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, an effort that involved: amending the law; reforming the internal responsible gaming service existing at the level of ONJN; building the legal mechanism and adopting two orders of the President of ONJN that established the methodology and the applicant’s guide; public consultations; creating a platform for submitting projects; approving the State Budget Law; publication of the program and the announcement.” 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) -   Caixa Econômica Federal has verified the suspension of its initiative to introduce an online gambling platform in accordance with Brazil's Bets Law. Late last week, the bank declared it would halt the launch of its online betting brand scheduled for 2026, choosing to "observe upcoming changes in federal online gambling regulations". Consequently, Caixa will suspend its BRL 30 million (€6 million) license fee payment to the Ministry of Finance's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the body responsible for regulating fixed-odds betting in the country. As reported by SBC Noticias Brazil, the state-supported financial institution faced examination from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), which mandated it reveal its online gambling platform strategy and detail its planned use of public funds. Having been the sole operator of Brazil's lottery system since 1962, under a decree from President João Goulart, Caixa maintains this role today. Its subsidiary, Caixa Loterias, runs the nation's premier lottery games such as Mega-Sena, Lotofácil, Quina, and Lotomania, and also manages infrastructure and bidding for state lottery concessions. The suspension of Caixa's plans occurs against a backdrop of political disputes concerning the destiny of the Bets Law. Bets in limbo A bill (PL 1808/2026) was introduced last week by the Workers' Party congressional caucus, advocating for the full dismantling of the Bets framework and a ban on all online gambling nationwide, excluding state-run lottery offerings. This represents a potential reversal for Brazil, which only enacted its online gambling laws 16 months ago and has been viewed as a future major global market for the industry. While supported by 68 PT lawmakers, the bill lacks official approval from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or top government officials, making its political influence unclear. Additional doubt emerged on Friday when O Globo reported that President Lula is drafting a decree to modify parts of the existing betting system. The anticipated changes are likely to aim at limiting gambling access for economically at-risk populations, with a focus on safeguarding the Bolsa Familia welfare program. The President is also expected to propose extensive restrictions on advertising and promotional offers. These events have positioned Caixa in a delicate political situation. The federal bank's 2025 authorization to join the Bets market attracted criticism from political figures concerned about a state-owned entity advertising online gambling under the Caixa Loterias name. Caixa Loterias is obligated to direct approximately 40% of lottery income to public finance, aiding education, healthcare, sports, and social security initiatives, which establishes it as a crucial contributor to social investment in Brazil. Addressing the present ambiguity, Caixa reaffirmed it is keeping a close watch on regulatory changes. The bank stated: "Caixa clarifies that it continuously and responsibly assesses opportunities in the fixed-odds betting market, in line with the regulatory landscape. No contracts for platform operation have been signed to date, and there are no fines to be paid regarding this issue." It further noted that its strategic choices are based on "technical, legal, and sustainability principles, and continue to follow the federal government's guidance." This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   evoke and Bally’s Intralot have officially confirmed that acquisition discussions are underway. A public announcement from evoke, which has been approved by the Bally’s Intralot Board, indicated that talks are progressing regarding a potential acquisition of all of evoke’s issued and to-be-issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share. As of April 17, the LSE-listed gambling group had 450 million shares outstanding. At 50 pence per share, this would place the purchase value at approximately £225 million. Following this announcement, evoke’s share price has seen an increase, trading around the 42 pence mark, its highest in a month. Credit: Google Bally’s Intralot retains the right to alter the terms of any potential offer, with May 18 set as the deadline for confirming such an offer. Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Intralot, stated: “We have established a business with a margin profile that distinguishes itself within this industry. evoke possesses the necessary scale. “We perceive a significant opportunity to apply our operating model to a considerably larger entity, with the potential to enhance its financial performance through substantial synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with strong conviction.” The acquisition would consolidate three major brands under the Bally’s Intralot umbrella: evoke’s iGaming platforms 888casino and MrGreen, along with William Hill, which is the leading retail bookmaker in the UK and also a prominent online brand. However, this acquisition would also involve taking on significant debt, as evoke reported a net debt of -£1.8 billion in its interim H1 2025 results. At the close of 2025, evoke confirmed it was conducting a strategic review with the assistance of financial advisors Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co, which is when speculation about a sale intensified. This speculation was further fueled when evoke postponed its FY25 results to April 29, a month later than its usual reporting schedule in recent years. The news regarding the strategic review followed shortly after the UK Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who confirmed an increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, effective from April. Prior to the budget, evoke had decided to scale back its international presence for William Hill, withdrawing the brand from 13 markets to concentrate primarily on the UK. Subsequently, it was confirmed that an additional 200 shops would be closed within its domestic market. For Bally’s Intralot, the advantages are evident: a leading position not only in the UK but also in several other key European markets, such as Italy, where evoke recently secured a €7 million license under a newly regulated framework. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Scottish Greens have committed to implementing a new levy on gambling establishments as part of their 2026 manifesto, with the goal of funding services for addiction prevention, recovery, and support. Under these plans, land-based businesses such as bookmakers and casinos would be subject to an additional surcharge on non-domestic rates. The resulting income would be allocated to public health programs designed to mitigate gambling-related issues. The party stated that this policy is intended to ensure that companies take responsibility for the societal expenses linked to their operations, particularly regarding the effects of problem gambling on local communities. “A significant number of gambling firms generate profit by taking advantage of addiction and vulnerability, while the public sector, families, and communities are left to manage the fallout,” remarked Gillian Mackay, Co-Leader of the Scottish Greens. “What is frequently presented as harmless entertainment can escalate into a much more grave situation. “For many individuals, gambling leads to addictive behaviors that result in debt, intense stress, mental health challenges, and lasting damage to family life. This harm is not confined to the individual; it impacts their relatives, their homes, and their wider neighborhoods. “Our strategy focuses on shifting accountability back to where it belongs. Quite simply, if a firm is profiting from harm and addiction, it should not be permitted to avoid the associated social costs. If a business makes money from activities that cause this level of damage, it must contribute to the cost of the response. This is a matter of fundamental fairness. “With public services already under significant strain, it is not right for the NHS, local areas, and families to carry the burden while gambling firms continue to see profits.” While the Scottish Greens are a smaller political force compared to the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Labour opposition, they still maintain a level of influence. Two Green MPs served in ministerial roles from August 2021 to April 2024 through a coalition with the SNP. The party also strongly backed a bill from an SNP MSP to outlaw greyhound racing, which has since been enacted. The prospect of the party shaping policy is plausible, as recent data suggests the Scottish Greens could potentially win up to 17 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the country. In addition to advocating for higher gambling taxes, the Scottish Greens are also pushing for a total ban on betting sponsorships within the sports industry. This move might find support among certain groups of Scottish football fans—who have frequently voiced their opposition to gambling ads—though it could also represent a financial challenge for clubs. Mackay further stated: “Gambling addiction takes lives and should be addressed with the same urgency as drug addiction. This requires a comprehensive public health strategy centered on recovery and prevention rather than overlooking the extent of the damage. “This is why we are also dedicated to prohibiting gambling sponsorships in sports. When someone is trying to overcome an addiction, they shouldn't be constantly triggered by it during sporting events. Furthermore, those under 18 should not be exposed to a gateway for problem gambling. “On 7 May, a vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote to ensure that businesses profiting from harm are finally held accountable, benefiting all of Scotland rather than just wealthy gambling corporations.” Which sports organizations would feel the impact? Several of Scotland’s most prominent sporting institutions have partnerships with gambling firms. For instance, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is currently sponsored by William Hill, which is owned by evoke. The nation’s two most successful football clubs—Celtic and Rangers—both feature gambling companies as primary shirt sponsors, with the former partnered with Dafabet and the latter with Unibet. Another significant gambling-related sponsorship in the region is Coral’s association with the Scottish Grand National. Scottish Greens align with similar European initiatives The proposals from the Scottish Greens reflect similar measures taken across Europe, where sports gambling sponsorships have been restricted or banned entirely. A notable example is the Netherlands, which implemented a ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships for sports competitions and clubs in July of last year. The focus on responsible gambling in the UK is more critical than ever as figures for gambling-related harm continue to rise. The introduction of a new statutory levy has also caused debate, as the government is now tasked with allocating funds for prevention charities, replacing the now-defunct GambleAware. The Scottish Greens' initiative to use gambling revenue for harm prevention charities is likely to be supported by both the public and charitable organizations. Nevertheless, if the Scottish Greens succeed in the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election next month, many sports organizations may find themselves searching for ways to fill a significant financial gap caused by new taxes and the loss of gambling sponsors. 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) -   Google has removed hundreds of millions of gambling-related advertisements for violating its policies, with the tech company noting that its safety teams are operating around the clock. Despite these efforts, Google, along with other major technology firms, continues to face regulatory scrutiny regarding the promotion of illegal gambling across various international markets. The Alphabet subsidiary has been utilizing its Gemini AI technology to identify "bad ads"—promotions on the Google Ads network that fail to meet its standards. In 2025, the company blocked or took down 8.3 billion advertisements, a figure roughly equivalent to one banned ad for every person on Earth, based on April 2026 Worldometer projections. Gambling and gaming represented the eighth-largest category of prohibited advertisements, with more than 270.7 million ads removed in 2025. Additionally, the sector accounted for 123.9 million restricted ads, making it the third-largest category in that segment. “Our teams have long used advanced AI to identify and stop scammers, and Gemini takes that work even further,” stated Keerat Sharma, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Ads Privacy and Safety. “Our models analyse hundreds of billions of signals — including account age, behavioural cues and campaign patterns — to stop threats before they reach people. “Unlike earlier keyword-based systems, our latest models better understand intent, helping us spot malicious content and preemptively block it, even when it’s designed to evade detection.” Whose ads have been removed?… Gambling advertising has increasingly become a focal point for Google over the past year, driven by rising public and political pressure regarding the visibility of betting content—both legal and illegal—across multiple regions. In response to concerns raised in countries including the UK, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Australia, Google has taken action. In January, Google Ireland announced that its advertising policies would be tightened starting in March 2026. The Google Ads team in Ireland informed stakeholders that accounts experiencing repeated policy violations or certification revocations could face permanent loss of certification or the rejection of future applications. Google’s 2025 report also highlighted significant enforcement against publishers, noting 9.7 million policy violations by gambling and gaming publishers, ranking the sector fifth in terms of page volume. However, the report does not clarify whether the gambling platforms being promoted were licensed or unlicensed within their respective target markets. This distinction is critical for gambling regulators demanding accountability from tech companies. The prevalence of unlicensed advertising on social media has been a frequent subject of debate in the UK, particularly regarding regulation and taxation. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the nascent "Bets" market continues to contend with a long-standing black market that existed for decades prior to the formal legalization of the sector on January 1, 2025. On Saturday, April 18, the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) issued letters to Google Brazil and Apple, demanding clarification regarding the presence of illegal betting applications on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. According to the MJSP, these applications were not licensed by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the betting regulator under Brazil’s Ministry of Finance. The apps were identified through monitoring conducted by the General Coordination of Rating Classification of the National Secretariat of Digital Rights (SEDIGI). The MJSP has requested that Google and Apple provide comprehensive details regarding their internal policies, screening processes, and an updated inventory of all lottery, betting, and casino applications available on their platforms. Pressure remains high on Big Tech firms like Google and Apple, as well as social media platforms like Meta and X, to curb the spread of online gambling. Regulators in markets such as the UK and Brazil have also highlighted the use of influencers to promote illegal gambling products. Nevertheless, Google maintains confidence in its ability to police its advertising platform. Emphasizing the effectiveness of the Gemini AI system, Sharma noted that the technology has “dramatically improved our ability to detect and stop bad ads”. “Our systems caught over 99% of policy-violating ads before they ever served, and we’re continuing to evolve our defenses to stay ahead of even the most advanced schemes,” Sharma asserted. 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.