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(AsiaGameHub) -   A probe into how easily minors in the Netherlands can access gambling services has resulted in increased collaboration between licensed operators and the country’s regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The regulator was prompted to launch the investigation in 2025 after receiving multiple reports of minors successfully creating accounts with legal online gambling providers. A small set of findings— which the KSA noted do not represent the overall state of the Dutch market— revealed that minors were bypassing strict ID checks during registration by using another person’s bank account, such as that of a parent or a legally aged friend. When the KSA approached online gambling providers to discuss the issue, it received feedback that there was no immediate solution available to address it. However, the regulator has now announced that such a solution “is now available” and will be highlighted during an upcoming technical session with the licensed sector, though the date of this session has not yet been disclosed. Overall, no serious violations were recorded, with the KSA concluding that it is “virtually impossible” for minors to gamble with licensed operators, and that this activity primarily occurs on black market gambling platforms. Michel Groothuizen, Chairman of the KSA, commented: “The KSA is deeply concerned about underage gambling. Fortunately, it turns out this rarely happens with license holders, but we do have clear signs that it still occurs.” “That activity takes place on the illegal market. Illegal providers often have no or low age verification standards and target this young demographic with advertising— for example, via TikTok. “This is extremely harmful, so the KSA is committed to combating illegal supply. We are also placing a stronger focus on educating minors to make them aware of the risks of gambling.” Legal action against offshore operators has been ramping up recently in the Netherlands. Novatech and Fortaprime SRL were the latest to face penalties from the KSA, with fines of €24.9m and €1.8m respectively. It appears the licensed market has had enough of Novatech in particular, as Nederlandse Loterij— the largest legal gambling operator in the domestic market— has initiated its own legal action against the offshore competitor, at a time when channelisation rates are constantly threatened by the growing prominence of illegal gambling. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all multimedia content at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories 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) -   A national media organization in Curaçao is now casting doubt on the nation's gambling laws after the Nederlandse Loterij initiated legal action against Qbet, which is owned by Novatech. This development follows the Nederlandse Loterij describing the Curaçao-based and licensed operator as "the largest illegal gambling site" in the Netherlands. It also comes after a series of fines have been issued in the Netherlands and throughout Europe to companies headquartered in Curaçao. Numerous firms holding Curaçao licenses, such as Stake, Santeda International, and the previously mentioned Novatech, have repeatedly appeared in regulatory statements. The last two companies also manage a vast network of subsidiaries that have faced fines or investigation for either having weak security protocols or for operating in jurisdictions where they are not authorized. This situation has started to worry the country's media, which is beginning to voice apprehensions regarding the Curaçao Gaming Authority (CGA). An anonymous opinion piece in the Curaçao Chronicle stated: “For years, Curaçao has been known as one of the world’s most accessible licensing hubs for online gambling. That position has brought economic benefits, from licensing fees to international business activity. “But it has also created a system where the line between legitimate operations and questionable practices is often blurred. “The current case in The Hague reflects a shift in how regulators are approaching the problem. Authorities are no longer focusing solely on the visible front end – the gambling websites themselves – but are increasingly targeting the infrastructure behind them. “Trust offices, payment processors, and corporate structures are now part of the legal conversation. That shift matters for Curaçao. “Because whether policymakers on the island like it or not, Curaçao is part of that infrastructure. The presence of locally registered entities in international cases is not incidental. It is structural. And that means the island cannot dismiss these developments as foreign legal disputes with no local relevance.” The debate also highlights wider fears about Curaçao's standing internationally. As regulators worldwide intensify their examination of online gambling, there is a growing recognition that being viewed as having lax supervision could negatively impact the island's entire financial services industry. Concurrently, industry representatives point out that corporate service providers are not enforcement agencies and might have limited insight into their clients' international operations. Fraud specialist Alex Wood, who investigated the unlicensed market and directly experienced the risks these sites pose to consumers, shared this view. He managed to register on certain sites, many of which are owned by Santeda, using identities of fictional characters, racehorse trainers, racehorses, and individuals below the legal gambling age. Nevertheless, he cautioned that legally confronting these operators would be a monumental challenge, as payment service providers and social media platforms also benefit from the expansion of the black market. Wood stated plainly: “When it’s cross-border like that, it’s impossible.” However, calls from the Curaçao media to strengthen gambling regulations could mark a pivotal moment. If domestically licensed operators faced more rigorous rules, the spread of their brands into illegal markets might be reduced. The Curaçao Gaming Authority, despite being a popular jurisdiction for operators, has been relatively lenient in addressing international problems related to its licensees conducting illegal activities. In July 2025, the regulator reached an out-of-court settlement amounting to 360,000 Caribbean Guilder (£148,700) with 12 anonymous online casino operators, following a criminal probe that uncovered extensive shortcomings in verifying player identities. This amounts to a fine of approximately £12,391.67 per operator—a trifling sum relative to the revenues these companies are likely generating. Curaçao Gaming Authority introduces new reforms Reforms unveiled today could signal a move toward more stringent regulations, as the authority rolls out new compliance guidelines as part of a comprehensive restructuring of the island's gambling industry under the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK). The rules, set to take effect starting in October 2026, mandate that licensed operators bolster their terms and conditions and adhere to more rigorous regulatory standards. These changes prioritize transparency and consumer protection, with the goal of improving the jurisdiction's credibility and its heavily criticized reputation. Operators are required to provide clear, easy-to-understand terms, guarantee that users explicitly accept them, and openly disclose their identity verification and anti-money laundering processes. The updated framework also brings in tougher penalties, where non-compliant businesses risk fines, license suspension, or cancellation, indicating a potential island-wide move to a more strictly controlled setting. However, as suggested by the country's own media, these new rules might be insufficient. The article went on: “Laws on paper are not enough. What matters is enforcement, consistency, and the willingness to act when standards are not met. “There is also a reputational dimension that cannot be ignored. In an increasingly interconnected world, perception matters. If Curaçao is seen as a weak link in the global regulatory chain, that perception will have consequences, not only for the gambling sector but for the broader financial services industry. “The island faces a clear choice. It can continue to operate in a reactive mode, responding to international pressure case by case, or it can take a proactive approach and define its own standards for what responsible participation in the global digital economy looks like. “The ongoing case in the Netherlands is not just a legal dispute abroad. It is a mirror. And what Curaçao chooses to see – and to do – will shape its position in the global economy for years to come.” 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) -   Kambi is expanding beyond the sports betting sector through a collaboration with Google, seeking to improve the tech giant's esports offerings. Under this agreement, Kambi will supply Google with various esports data sets, such as schedules, match results, statistics, team and player details, and scores. The covered titles feature major games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Dota 2 and Valorant. These data packages come from Abios, Kambi's dedicated esports arm. Werner Becher, Chief Executive Officer of Kambi Group, stated: “Teaming up with Google marks a major milestone for Kambi and Abios, serving as a strong validation of the sophisticated data infrastructure and expertise we've built over the years. “Leveraging Google's worldwide reach, this partnership will enhance how global audiences access and experience esports data.” Notably, the agreement does not mention gambling. This seems to be Kambi's first venture outside its traditional betting and gaming market, where it has operated since starting in 2010. Established in Sweden with its main office in Malta, Kambi originally had Swedish B2C betting firm Kindred as a majority stakeholder until a sale in 2014.  Over the next nine years, Kambi gained greater independence from Kindred, finishing with the full repayment of a multi-million euro loan in 2023. Nevertheless, Kindred and its Unibet and 32red brands—currently under French group FDJ United—continue to be a major client for Kambi. The Google partnership comes after a busy period for Kambi in the sportsbook sector, during which it signed agreements to provide its technology and data to entities such as France's PMU, Swedish peer Comeon Group, and Finnish startup SuomiVeto. For its part, the IT and search behemoth Google notes that it intends to deliver more comprehensive esports features to fans via Google Search and the Google App.  Marvin Brischke, EMEA Sports Partnerships Lead at Google, commented: “Esports is seeing rising global popularity, and we are happy to collaborate with Kambi and Abios to expand the range of esports information we offer our users.” Interested in more similar stories? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for SBC's multimedia content, featuring in-depth analysis of major trends in the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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) -   World-famous DJ Oliver Heldens is set to headline INFINITY Florida for its much-awaited second edition, marking an electrifying end to SBC Summit Americas. Happening on Thursday, June 11, at Miami’s DAER Nightclub and Dayclub, the official closing party guarantees a memorable evening where guests can network, toast the week’s successes, and immerse themselves in a top-tier EDM experience. First launched in Lisbon in 2024, the INFINITY brand made its Florida premiere in 2025, featuring an unforgettable headlining set by Steve Aoki. By blending elite DJs with premium production values, pyrotechnics, laser displays, and free drinks, it creates a festival-like vibe that’s become a signature element of the SBC experience. Previous performers include Afrojack, Alok, Darude, Dubdogz, Galantis, Timmy Trumpet, and Öwnboss. “INFINITY Florida is where we elevate the experience beyond the ordinary. It’s not just about making connections—it’s about crafting a night that guests will remember forever,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “Oliver Heldens is the ideal artist for this. He brings massive energy, impactful moments, and a set that keeps the audience dancing nonstop from beginning to end.” Oliver Heldens is a Dutch DJ, producer, and radio personality who’s emerged as one of the most well-known figures in electronic music, racking up more than 4 billion streams across the globe. With over 10 years in the industry, he’s earned a reputation for fusing house, techno, and pop elements into a unique sound that’s solidified his place as a mainstay in the international dance community. His breakthrough came in 2013 with ‘Gecko’, a track that achieved triple platinum status and topped the UK charts after a collaboration with Becky Hill. Since then, Heldens has dropped globally popular tracks like ‘Last All Night (Koala)’, ‘The Right Song’, and ‘Turn Me On’, and collaborated with A-list artists including Nile Rodgers, Kylie Minogue, David Guetta, and Armin van Buuren. He’s also remixed songs for acts like Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Jamiroquai, and Justin Timberlake. Famous for his dynamic, high-energy performances, he now entertains over 2 million fans annually. In 2025 alone, he headlined events at the Indianapolis 500, F1 Dutch Grand Prix, Ultra Music Festival Miami, Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and London’s O2 Academy Brixton. In addition to his own music, Heldens has left a lasting impact through his record label ventures. In 2015, he founded HelDeep Records to support up-and-coming producers and DJs, and the label has since backed artists like ALOK, Chocolate Puma, and Dada Life. He expanded his label lineup in 2020 with OH2 and in 2023 with HILOMATIK, strengthening his influence across various subgenres of electronic music. In 2015, Heldens ventured into a darker, more high-energy techno sound under his HI-LO moniker, making his debut with the track ‘Renegade Mastah’. This project has since become a standalone success, gaining support from industry leaders like Carl Cox, Solomun, Charlotte de Witte, and Amelie Lens, among others. The INFINITY Florida closing party will wrap up SBC Summit Americas, an event that will gather thousands of industry experts from North, Central, and South America for three days of learning, networking, and product exploration. The summit will include an exhibition floor with hundreds of exhibitors and sponsors, a six-track conference program, and a busy calendar of networking activities. Get Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas:  Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): For groups of three or more, this pass offers complete access to conference sessions, the exhibition floor, networking events, and evening parties—all at a discounted rate of $559 per person. The individual VIP Pass costs $779. Secure your Group Pass.Networking Pass: This is your go-to option for maximum networking at SBC Summit Americas, giving you entry to the show floor, SBC Connections, and our evening events (including the Official Opening Party and INFINITY Florida) for only $399. Grab your Networking Pass.  For all other ticket options, click 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) -   Hong Kong’s Kowloon police have announced the arrest of eight individuals following a raid on an unlicensed fishing machine gambling den. Seven of those taken into custody were customers, while the eighth was the den’s operator, according to the Hong Kong arm of Chinese media outlet On. Fishing machine games are large console devices typically found in video game arcades. Players use virtual water cannons to target fish moving across the screen. Most games grant points for each fish hit, with shots at extremely rare fish earning additional points. Chinese fishing game consoles (Image: aB476DqSZRPSwIWEBdzvNQ/haokan.baidu/Screenshot) These games are extremely popular in both Mainland China and Hong Kong. However, in recent years, gambling den operators have started providing secret gaming sessions in unauthorized temporary arcades. Operators of such dens usually offer cash rewards to players who score high points. Hong Kong Police: Raid on Fishing Game Gambling Den Authorities in Hong Kong’s Sham Shui Po District stated they acted on a tip from a member of the public. Following a thorough investigation, officers raided a commercial space on Cheung Sha Wan Road on the afternoon of April 9. Officers seized five fishing game machines, along with gambling-related items and an unspecified sum of cash. Police have identified the suspected operator of the gambling den as a 54-year-old Hong Kong man with the surname Chan. The suspected patrons consisted of one man from Mainland China, five Hong Kong men, and one Hong Kong woman. The oldest among those arrested was in his early 70s. If found guilty, Chen faces a maximum fine of HKD 5 million (around $640,000) and a seven-year jail term. Patrons found guilty could be fined up to HKD 50,000 ($6,400) and sentenced to up to nine months in jail. Earlier this year, Macao police arrested a self-proclaimed gambling expert on fraud charges.The man, a native of a Mainland Chinese city,is said to have borrowed money from a female client.After losing the funds at two Macao casinos, he attempted to escape and was apprehended at a border crossing. 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) -   Leading Thai anti-gambling campaigners support a movement to eliminate the gambling-associated stigma attached to snooker, though some caution that legal reforms could have unintended negative consequences. Snooker is currently experiencing a revival in Thailand, largely driven by the success of Thai player Thepchaiya Un-Nooh. Last month, Un-Nooh claimed victory at the World Open tournament in China. The Thai star defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan—one of snooker’s most prominent figures—in the final. In late March, he also joined the campaign calling for snooker to be removed from the Gambling Act. Under the act, snooker is categorized as a “gambling-like activity” rather than a sport. This means most under-18s are barred from playing, and smaller clubs cannot obtain special operating licenses. Challenges with Snooker’s Gambling Classification The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Thailand’s top sports body, last month urged the government to revise the act. The Gambling Act dates back to the mid-1930s. Snooker qualifies as a sport because it is a skill-based activity with clear rules, said Wasin Pipatnachat, a lawyer and manager at the Public Health Network for Managing Health Risk Factors, according to Thai media outlet Nation TV. However, Pipatnachat noted that the problem lies in the fact that players and spectators often place bets on snooker match outcomes. The lawyer added that if the government wants to treat snooker as a sport, all forms of snooker-related betting must be eliminated. He said this would involve introducing new “legal mechanisms” to “prevent the misuse of snooker for gambling purposes,” he further explained. Snooker player Mark Williams competing at the German Masters tournament. (Image: DerHexer [CC BY-SA]) Anti-Gambling Activist Calls for Consensus Among All Stakeholders Thanakorn Komkrit, Secretary-General of the Anti-Gambling Foundation, expressed his support for reclassifying snooker as a sport. But he pondered: “The question is: ‘What has historically linked snooker to gambling?’” Komkrit proposed a meeting of “all relevant parties,” including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Sports, Sports Authority of Thailand, Snooker Association, professional snooker players, and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. “They should discuss the legal barriers hindering the process and find ways to remove them,” the foundation chief said. Komkrit stated that a ministerial order is preferable to a legal amendment, as legislation could “potentially turn a minor issue into a major one.” “The Gambling Act is tied to numerous forms of gambling—perhaps hundreds—and amending it would involve overcoming many hurdles,” he explained. “Many countries clearly separate sports from gambling. If snooker is a sport, it must be registered as a club or sports promotion institution with clear regulations prohibiting gambling, and no age restrictions for minors.” Thanakorn also suggested the government should “reconsider whether gambling oversight should remain with existing agencies or if a new body should handle it.” In March, Thai police announced they had “dismantled” the Eu9thaff gambling portal. Officers said they arrested eight people and froze bank accounts the platform operators allegedly used to launder funds. Detectives also seized cell phones and narcotics during a series of raids. 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 Indonesian government has announced it has blocked over 1,000 bank accounts, as their holders used them to deposit funds into online casino platforms. Indonesian media outlet Antara News reported that the announcement came from the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the country’s top anti-money laundering body. Since launching its crackdown in 2024, the OJK has frozen a total of 33,252 accounts using its Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) tool. The OJK has ordered all commercial banks in the country to deploy this tool. Banks use the EDD to sift through transaction data for signs of gambling-related activity. If they detect a transaction that appears to be a transfer to an online gambling platform, banks must notify the regulator. Following further checks, the OJK can then issue a freezing order. Indonesian Government Uses AI to Track Down Online Gamblers “Online gambling has a broad impact on the economy and financial sector,” said Dian Ediana Rae, the OJK’s Chief Executive for Banking Supervision. The OJK stated it is also stepping up oversight of the banking sector to ensure financial providers comply with its EDD anti-gambling rules and other related protocols. The regulator noted it has revoked the business licenses of six banks as part of its campaign. The Indonesian government is also partnering with AI startups to combat the relentless rise of online casino platforms. Meutya Hafid, from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), said the government has signed agreements with two domestic tech firms. She explained these firms will help provide Jakarta with machine learning-powered tools that can “detect and trace the payment infrastructure pathways frequently used in online gambling activities.” Indonesian media outlet Indoraya News reported that the Komdigi chief said the startups were “creating artificial intelligence-based solutions that are relevant to the nation’s needs.” Earlier this month, police in Medan city said they had dismantled an online gambling syndicate with alleged ties to Cambodia. The Great Mosque of Medan. (Image: Daniel Berthold [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Police arrested 19 people during a series of raids on multiple addresses across the city. 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) -   Japan’s Aichi Prefecture has revealed plans to develop one of the nation’s first licensed integrated casino resorts (IRs), pending approval. Aichi’s prefectural officials state they are seeking an operator to construct the IR on roughly 50 hectares of “usable land” on Chubu Centrair International Airport Island. This man-made island already houses a major air terminal. Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport (Image: 663highland [CC BY 2.5]) The winning IR operator will receive an initial 35-year lease, per the prefecture’s press release. Aichi Prefecture has announced that applications are now open for companies looking to build and operate the IR. Aichi Prefecture, Japan: Open for IR Operator Applications The prefecture noted it will accept applications until July 31. It will then select a potential operator between fall 2026 and spring 2027, before finalizing its bid and submitting it to the central government. The central government has already approved a bid for an IR in Osaka. Construction on the Osaka IR began late last year, with U.S.-based operator MGM partnering with Japanese firm Orix on the project. The provisionally named MGM Osaka is set to open in 2030. Tokyo aims to approve up to two more IR bids by next year, but most Japanese prefectures have shown reluctance—Aichi being the exception. Foreign firms are closely monitoring the situation. Last month, Bally’s Corporation said it would invest in Japan’s casino-resort sector if given the opportunity. Bally’s chairman Soo Kim has previously expressed interest in launching an IR in Fukuoka. Aichi reported conducting a feasibility study with 15 private businesses between February 25 and March 19. The prefecture requires the future operator to purchase the existing Aichi International Exhibition Center, and the initial 35-year permit will be extendable. The prefecture will also retain a buyback clause that takes effect at the end of the 35-year term. Conference Center Aspirations Aichi specifies the operator must agree to build a state-of-the-art conference center at the site. The plans state the site can host no more than one casino, which may make up no more than 3% of the IR’s total floor area. The prefecture expects the operator to develop hotel and tourism facilities covering at least 100,000 square meters. Meanwhile, Japanese police say they are struggling to remove illegal online casino-related web pages and social media posts, despite recent crackdowns. 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.