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(AsiaGameHub) -   The March Madness Final Four field is set following UConn’s remarkable comeback victory against Duke on Sunday. Saturday’s schedule features No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn (6:09 ET, TBS) and No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 1 Arizona (8:49 ET, TBS). Take a moment to revisit yesterday’s spectacular buzzer-beater by Braylon Mullins: BRAYLON MULLINS. THE SHOT. https://t.co/0V6OnPolR2 pic.twitter.com/5B83KGMdVT— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026 Let’s review the Final Four betting lines before diving into our analysis and selections. Final Four Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook As of this writing, DraftKings lists Illinois as a 2.5-point favorite over UConn with an over/under of 139.5, while Michigan is favored by 1.5 points against Arizona with a total set at 157.5. Here are the current championship futures for the remaining programs: Michigan +175 Arizona +175 Illinois +400 UConn +550 Best Bet Illinois vs. UConn: Against the Spread UConn erased a 19-point deficit to defeat Duke in the Elite Eight. The Huskies (33-5) are spearheaded by center Tarris Reed Jr. (14.7 ppg, 8.8 rpg) and forward Alex Karaban (13.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg). While Duke held Karaban to just five points yesterday, Reed stepped up with a team-high 26 points. The Huskies may see those roles flip against Illinois, whose interior defense restricted Iowa to only seven two-point baskets. Illinois is led offensively by freshman standout Keaton Wagler, who tallied 25 points in the Illini’s 71-59 victory over Iowa. Additionally, David Mirkovic has been a dominant force on the boards for the Illini throughout the NCAA Tournament. Here is a look at his rebounding totals across all four games: Penn (17) VCU (5) Houston (10) Iowa (12) Mirkovic is averaging 11 rebounds per game during the tournament. UConn averages 18 fouls per contest, ranking 225th in the country. Given that trend and the stifling nature of the Illini’s interior defense, we favor the favorite to win and cover in the opening semifinal. Pick: Illinois -2.5 (-102 at DraftKings) Best Bet Michigan vs. Arizona: UNDER 157.5 Michigan has eclipsed 90 points in every tournament game thus far. Arizona has been slightly less explosive, though they did put up 109 points against Arkansas in the Sweet 16. Why might this matchup stay under the total? Arizona played a lower-scoring game in the Elite Eight, defeating Purdue 79-64. It is worth noting that Purdue defeated Michigan in the Big Ten title game prior to the NCAA Tournament. While the Wildcats do most of their damage in the paint, Michigan offers a significant defensive hurdle with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara anchoring the rim. KenPom currently ranks the Wolverines No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency, and Arizona limits opponents to 39% shooting from the floor. We recommend taking the UNDER on this high total. Pick: UNDER 157.5 (-110) Best Player Props for Final Four UConn’s Alex Karaban OVER 11.5 Points (-122 at FanDuel) Although Duke contained Karaban, he recorded 22, 27, and 17 points in his previous three tournament appearances. Illinois’ defensive strength is inside, but Karaban is a perimeter threat. Iowa managed to shoot 37% from deep, hitting 11 three-pointers against the Illini. Karaban, who leads the Huskies with 73 made three-pointers this season, shoots 38.6% from beyond the arc. This matchup presents an ideal opportunity for the senior forward to bounce back. Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg OVER 16.5 Points (-114 at FanDuel) Yaxel Lendeborg is putting together a performance worthy of Most Outstanding Player honors. His last three outings have been remarkably efficient: 27 points, seven rebounds vs. Tennessee 23 points, 12 rebounds vs. Alabama 25 points, 6 rebounds vs. St. Louis You might also consider betting him to go OVER 2.5 three-pointers at +200 odds, as he has hit three, four, and three shots from deep in those respective games. 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 Star Entertainment Group has finalized a binding commitment for approximately AU$550 million (£285 million) in refinancing as it pursues a business turnaround. The Australian casino operator has entered into a binding commitment letter with funds managed by WhiteHawk Capital Partners to restructure its existing debt and enhance short-term liquidity. This agreement, signed on Friday, follows the company's H1 FY26 results released recently and is designed to stabilize its financial standing while supporting ongoing operations. The proposed refinancing involves a three-year facility totaling around $550 million, intended to fully repay existing group debt and provide additional liquidity. A minimum liquidity level of $50 million is stipulated for the initial 12 months post-financial close, increasing to $75 million between 12 and 18 months, and $100 million thereafter. Additional covenants include a minimum asset coverage ratio from December 2026 and a minimum EBITDA threshold from March 2027, along with standard reporting requirements and default clauses. An interest reserve account covering the first 12 months of interest payments will also be established as part of the financing structure. The completion of the refinancing is contingent upon several conditions, including regulatory approvals and the finalization of detailed financing documentation. A crucial condition is the successful disposal of The Star's stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC), which is a component of the broader restructuring plan. The Star aims to finalize the refinancing by May 15, 2026, in line with conditions set by its existing senior lenders in February for a waiver. The Star seeking a path to recovery This refinancing marks a significant step for The Star as it works to alleviate immediate financial pressures and ensure sufficient liquidity for continued operations. Despite reporting a loss of approximately $75 million for the year in its FY25 results, the business remains optimistic about its future prospects. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, who took over as Chief Executive Officer in December, has outlined plans to reassess the operator's resourcing structure and strategy, and has indicated that the corporate office is undergoing streamlining. Results from February revealed that the latter half of 2025, during which Bally’s Corporation acquired a majority 56.7% stake, generated net revenue of $585 million, a 10% decrease year-on-year. By securing additional funding and restructuring its debt, The Star is aiming to establish a more stable financial foundation as it proceeds with asset sales and operational adjustments. While the refinancing offers immediate support, its successful conclusion depends on meeting regulatory and transactional milestones in the coming weeks. The company has also faced challenges on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this year, with its shares declining by nearly 30% in 2026 to $0.12. Regulatory scrutiny in Australia is also contributing to the current difficulties faced by The Star, adding to the pressures on the business. However, securing this funding could signal the beginning of a turnaround for the 15-year-old company, which has established itself as a significant player in the Australian 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 Ukrainian gaming regulator has revoked the operating licence of the betting firm Patriot’s lottery. The regulator, PlayCity, stated it took action after receiving information about Patriot’s operator from the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation. On its Telegram channel, PlayCity wrote: “When issuing licenses to lottery operators and gambling organizers, we always involve law enforcement agencies.” Following a “comprehensive check” of the company and its connections, the bureau and the regulator agreed that Patriot was “non-compliant with legislative requirements.” The decision deals a significant blow to Patriot, which obtained its operating permit only in late January this year. PlayCity initially granted lottery operating permits to just three firms: the aforementioned Patriot, MSL, and the Ukrainian National Lottery. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Digital Transformation confirmed that all three lottery operators had successfully paid the government the mandatory 24.2 million hryvnia ($554,000) licensing fee, as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Interfax-Ukraine. A Ukrainian scratch card issued by the gambling operator Patriot. (Image: @naFARTnya/YouTube/Screenshot) Ukrainian Regulator: Lottery Operator Failed Compliance Check “The modern Ukrainian lottery market prioritizes security for the state and citizens, as well as the transparency and accountability of businesses,” PlayCity wrote. “We will continue to establish honest and understandable operational rules, under which only trustworthy operators will conduct business.” The regulator provided no further explanation for its decision, though Patriot retains the right to challenge it in court. Patriot began offering gambling products in the Ukrainian market in 1997. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Liga, the company is owned by the British firm Andalidi Invest. Liga reported that its “ultimate owner and beneficiary” is Andriy Matyukha. The outlet noted that between 2015 and 2018, the National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Patriot. Lawmaker’s Accusations Lawmaker Danylo Hetmantsev, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s tax committee, has repeatedly claimed that Matyukha holds Russian citizenship. Matyukha has denied these claims. In a post on his Facebook page last year, Hetmantsev referred to Matyukha as “a swindler with a Russian passport.” The Ukrainian gambling sector has drawn attention in recent months, with some lawmakers calling for a ban on online casino use by members of the armed forces. This month, Ukrainian casino industry officials dismissed claims from critics that gambling is rampant in the country’s military. Gambling industry officials stated that military personnel “gamble no more than the average Ukrainian.” They noted that gambling addiction is not widespread in the military, “nor is it unique to any group, including military personnel.” Late last year, PlayCity announced it had blocked residents’ access to over 2,500 illegal online casinos. 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 the past week, new lawsuits have targeted US betting firms, accusing them of promoting problematic gambling habits. In the UK, Bet365 faced criticism for not stepping in to prevent the death of a 19-year-old gambler. This has sparked debate over the responsibility of operators when gamblers lose control. We spoke with a recovered gambling addict to learn about his journey to overcoming the issue and his perspective on who bears blame. A UK inquest determined that Arthur Soames died by suicide, with his mental health struggles worsened by gambling. The coroner stated that on the day of his death, Soames had “drained all available funds and credit.” “That’s exactly how I felt,” remembers another UK resident who acknowledges battling a gambling addiction. He chose to stay anonymous, having never disclosed the full extent of his struggles to friends or family. “I took out bank loans, maxed out my overdraft, and had nothing left. I recall placing accumulators—parlays for those in the US—that could have recouped some losses. One looked set to win, but a team from a country I’d never heard of scored in the final minute, making me lose. I collapsed on the floor, screaming.” We asked the anonymous gambler about his recovery in an interview this week. “I searched online for ways to get out of debt and found something called Debt Management Plans. I contacted StepChange, and they were incredible. They reached out to my banks, froze interest on my loans, and I set up a repayment plan.” StepChange is a free UK service that assists people in managing debt. With a manageable payment plan, his finances stabilized, though the urge to gamble remained strong. “I still thought maybe I could win it all back. I’d been up before—had around £10,000 ($13,000) in my bank at one point. But then I lost it all and kept losing, trying to recover what I’d spent. “I lost that £10,000 and another £10,000. The biggest issue was chasing losses. I’d gamble on sports; if I lost, I’d switch to online casino games like blackjack or roulette, hoping to win back what I’d lost. Then I’d lose there too and keep gambling more to recover.” He remembers a day when he lost over £7,000 in a single session. “I used to have a strategy: I’d draw a line of how much I wanted to win. If I aimed for £100, I’d list five £20 increments. I’d place a bet combining two numbers—if I won, I’d cross off two; if I lost, I’d add one. In theory, I could profit by winning fewer times than losing. With a 50-50 bet like red or black on roulette, I thought it was a solid strategy. It worked—that’s how I won £10,000. But then it failed, and I lost 12 spins in a row.” The gambler’s fallacy suggests that if the roulette wheel lands on red, black becomes more likely next. Some roulette strategies advise increasing stakes, doubling down. Such traps can lead players to lose large sums. A different approach might be that of AC Milan manager Max Allegri, who gave large tips to dealers to influence wheel spins toward winning bets. “I kept betting on red, but it kept landing on black. The numbers on my line grew, and soon my bank account was empty. I think I lost over £2,000 on one spin—more than I earned in a month.” How did he stop? “After enrolling in the debt management plan, my mindset shifted. I finally realized I’d never get back that £10,000 I’d won. I gave up.” “I also left the UK. That helped—no more gambling shops around, no gambling ads in sight.” Are Gambling Companies to Blame? Calls to ban gambling advertising in the UK have grown louder. Starting next season, the Premier League will no longer feature betting companies on the front of team shirts, though anti-gambling groups urge the government to take more action and restrict all promotions. “Substantial evidence shows gambling harms many who engage with it and those around them, with advertising key to both starting and increasing gambling,” says the Coalition to End Gambling Advertising (CEGA). “There’s also evidence that gambling ads threaten recovery for those who’ve stopped.” The gambler we spoke to said changing his environment was crucial to quitting. He moved to a country with few betting options and made new friends who didn’t discuss gambling. Is banning gambling ads the solution? “I’m not sure ads need to be banned. Most people can bet without issues, but I lose control. It’s the same with other vices—alcohol, drugs, smoking, you name it.” Do you blame gambling companies? “No. I was the one who lost the money. I placed the bets. I don’t believe the companies went out of their way to encourage me. I think the key is for people to be informed. Understand your chances of winning. Consider how much you can afford to lose and never try to recoup losses. Money will return over time. It took me around four years to repay all I’d lost. At first, it seemed like it would never end, but I settled all debts about eight years ago.” Last week, we spoke to Robert Walker, author of a new book on DraftKings and the backlash the company faces over claims it promotes problematic gambling. Walker similarly emphasized that gamblers should take responsibility and understand why operators offer incentives like free bets to encourage gambling. Empathy Is Everything Are you still tempted to gamble? “Not really. I might bet on football (soccer) sometimes, but I know I won’t make money. Since paying off my debt, I’ve barely placed any bets.” Did you seek other help? “No. I never told anyone. Shame held me back. People say you shouldn’t fear asking for help, but I preferred keeping it to myself. I knew friends or family would be shocked and judge me. I didn’t want to be labeled a gambling addict—it feels like a failure, like weakness.” Noah Vineberg, another recovering gambling addict, says, “Empathy is everything.” He added, “Recovery is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself.” If you’re struggling with gambling and want to share your story, contact adam@casinobeats.com. Resources are available to help in the UK and the US. 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) -   Commercial and tribal casinos are actively engaging lobbyists to represent their interests, engaging in a competitive effort against prediction markets as the debate over the legality of sports event contracts intensifies. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour has alleged that casino lobbyists are behind recent legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting prediction markets. Casino lobby hard at work.There is a reason tens of millions of people use regulated prediction markets: it’s a better product.Banning just pushes this offshore, where no regulation exists.This bill isn’t about protecting consumers; it’s about protecting monopolies. https://t.co/otzm0U4Te8— Tarek Mansour (@mansourtarek_) March 23, 2026 Senator Adam Schiff was a co-sponsor of the Prediction Markets are Gambling Act introduced last week. Tribal casino groups are among the significant contributors to Schiff’s campaigns. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in the Bay Area and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians each donated $100,000 to a pro-Schiff PAC. These tribal groups have vigorously worked to maintain their exclusive control over gambling operations in California. The two tribes collectively contributed over $40 million to a campaign that opposed Proposition 26, a measure that would have legalized sports betting in the state. Kalshi has previously run advertisements with the slogan, “Sports betting in California is now legal.” Consequently, it is unsurprising that politicians supported by tribal interests are intensifying their efforts to impede the company. Schiff is also a co-sponsor of legislation designed to prevent government officials from profiting from event contracts by using insider information. Kalshi Responds With Increased Funding On the opposing side, Mansour and Kalshi are escalating their efforts to advocate for the legality of sports prediction markets. The company allocated over $1 million to lobbying initiatives last year. Only two gambling organizations, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Gila River Indian Community, invested more in lobbying. The AGA comprises numerous tribal groups, and several of its members have strongly opposed sports event contracts. This has created internal discord within the organization, leading to the departure of FanDuel and DraftKings as they introduce their own prediction market platforms. Kalshi’s largest expenditure last year was $430,000 to Miller Strategies LLC for “issues regarding rule proposal before the CFTC.” This firm collaborates closely with Donald Trump Jr., who serves as an advisor to both Kalshi and Polymarket. Furthermore, several officials appointed by Trump have a vested interest in maintaining the legal standing of sports prediction markets. According to ProPublica, three of these officials hold assets in Kalshi, 46 have connections to Robinhood, and 138 are linked to Coinbase. Trump Media has also entered into a partnership with Crypto.com, a deal that will integrate the platform’s markets into Truth Social. Financial Influence Drives Stance Changes Kalshi also provided $180,000 to the Lincoln Policy Group last year. This financial support contributed to a shift in the stance of its founder, former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, regarding sports event contracts. Previously, she had stated that sports contracts “would not serve any real commercial purpose. Rather, they would be used solely for gambling.” She is now registered as a lobbyist for Kalshi. In July of the previous year, she sent a letter to the CFTC, urging the organization not to impose restrictions on sports markets. The establishment of the Coalition for Prediction Markets is expected to result in intensified lobbying efforts. According to experts, its members, including Kalshi, Coinbase, and Robinhood, are positioned to rival the casino lobby groups. “We believe these groups have the balance sheets to sustain prolonged political influence and lobbying efforts,” Citizens analyst Jordan Bender informed Sportico. Last year, casino and gambling-affiliated groups spent nearly $50 million on lobbying, a record high. They may need to increase this spending further as prediction markets intensify their advocacy. 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 US gaming industry is expanding rapidly, yet the pace of regulatory change is even quicker. With states enhancing their oversight and enforcement actions increasing, operators in the sweepstakes and prediction markets face mounting pressure to maintain compliance within an environment that is constantly evolving. Broadcasting live tomorrow, Tuesday, 31 March, SBC Webinars, in collaboration with Vector Solutions and a panel of specialists, will analyze the current priorities. The webinar is designed to provide a clear perspective on the newest regulatory developments, the most significant compliance threats, and the tactics operators must employ to maintain a competitive edge. As scrutiny grows more intense, this represents a pivotal time for companies to grasp the market's direction and the necessary countermeasures. The panel of experts features: Tod Grossman, Director of Gaming Regulatory Compliance at PrizePicks Tom Nightingale, Senior Journalist at Canadian Gaming Business and SBC Americas Katie Lever, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer at Great Canadian Entertainment Event Details:Tuesday, 31 March1600 BST | 1200 EST | 0900 PST Registration is currently available. Capacity is restricted and interest is significant. [Register 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) -   Sports advocates, prominent politicians, and championship-winning players are calling on Thai officials to remove snooker from gambling-related legislation. These demands follow a surge in Thai snooker popularity triggered by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh’s recent victory. Un-Nooh, known as “F1,” claimed victory at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this month, defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of snooker's greatest players ever, in the championship match. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh triumphed at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this year. The Thai champion beat the seasoned British player 10-7, achieving a perfect 147 break during the match. However, supporters contend that aspiring young Thai snooker players face obstacles in emulating Un-Nooh's success due to a 1935 law. Thai Snooker Gambling Classification ‘Hurts Players’ According to Thai publication The Standard, the Gambling Act categorizes snooker and billiards as "gambling-like activities" instead of sports. These non-sporting classifications require official permits that are difficult for smaller clubs to acquire, and effectively prohibit players under 18 from participating in snooker. This categorization also restricts the growth of snooker infrastructure, youth training programs, and commercial tournaments. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), announced that the authority will soon file an official petition with the Ministry of Interior to exclude snooker from the Gambling Act. The SAT governor stated that this action would help "elevate snooker" to recognition as a "fully professional sport," creating opportunities for structural development across youth and national programs. Kongsak added that the new classification would enable Thai companies and sports organizations to host snooker events and produce income for the government. Champion Speaks Out The SAT pledged to require club owners to post clear warning signs about gambling risks during matches. "This issue requires discussion between the SAT and the snooker association," Kongsak explained. "All stakeholders must establish clear boundaries and show that our goal in reclassifying snooker is purely to promote it as a sport." The SAT and other supporters held a press conference on March 25, calling on the government to support their proposal. Participants included Un-Nooh, who told journalists that snooker "has been a part of Thai society for a long time," according to Thai news source Thairath Online. People's Party legislator Rakchanok Srinok urged the government to take swift action following Un-Nooh's triumph. She emphasized the significance of enabling young talents to train and achieve international recognition. In the Spotlight Thailand's gambling regulations have attracted significant attention recently. Last year, under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government attempted to classify poker as a sport. Bangkok aimed to draw major poker events to the nation and build integrated casino resorts. However, after the Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn from office, the government reversed its position, reclassifying poker as gambling. Anti-gambling advocates have also condemned politicians for exploiting lottery policies to gain votes. Thais reportedly wager approximately $8 billion annually on lottery tickets, yet several political parties promised voters they would expand lottery offerings. In the lead-up to last month's general election, the ruling Pheu Thai Party vowed to create nine new "millionaires" daily if victorious. The party pledged to reform current lotteries to guarantee nine winners per day of a 1 million baht prize, valued at over $30,000. 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) -   As the Final Four is now determined and March Madness approaches its conclusion, findings from a recent NCAA Student-Athlete Needs, Aspirations and Perspectives (SNAP) survey illuminate how sports wagering continues to influence the experiences of numerous Division I athletes.Men's Division I basketball players indicated the highest levels of betting-related mistreatment in the survey, with one in three stating that fans had directly held them responsible for gambling losses, while close to half (46%) experienced some type of online, verbal, or physical harassment. A majority of student-athletes (52%) feel that sports betting leads to undue examination of athletes, while 55% indicated it erodes the integrity of competition. In the press release announcing the survey results, NCAA President Charlie Baker said: "This season can be enchanting for numerous players, yet it can swiftly turn into a horror story because of mistreatment from fans who participate in sports betting. The NCAA is vigorously striving to safeguard collegiate athletes by tracking abuse via our partnerships with Signify and Venmo, and we are taking all possible measures to stop student-athletes from encountering such mistreatment. However, sportsbooks and regulators in certain states could take further action immediately by removing the proposition wagers that we know are causing harassment." Men's Basketball Players Endure the Bulk of Fan Mistreatment The NCAA sent the survey to nearly 56,000 Division I student-athletes at participating institutions from February 23 to March 2. In total, 7,493 athletes from 154 schools replied. Per the NCAA, the survey examined social media usage, views on betting and athletic integrity, firsthand encounters with bettor mistreatment, and the impact such abuse can have on wellness and athletic output. Although the study revealed that worries about sports betting are common, the outcomes for men's basketball were particularly notable. The survey indicates that 33% of Division I men's basketball players stated that fans directly faulted them for their gambling losses, with an additional 44% experiencing online mistreatment, and 26% encountering verbal or physical abuse. In total, 65% of surveyed athletes think that when fans single out players regarding sports betting, "the competitive spirit is undermined," while 62% stated that betting-related mistreatment "diminishes confidence between fans and athletes." The survey discovered that the impact of betting-related abuse extends well beyond an athlete's email or social media comment threads. Among athletes who had personally experienced mistreatment, 18% reported that it diminished their pleasure in participating in their sport. Another 14% said it undermined their self-assurance in their abilities, and 11% indicated it adversely impacted their athletic performance. Disturbing Trends Recognized Across Multiple Studies The most recent results contribute to a growing collection of research showing that harassment of prominent collegiate athletes by gamblers is growing more frequent, a problem the NCAA has highlighted repeatedly throughout the past year. Last November's SNAP research revealed that 36% of Division I men's basketball players had encountered betting-related mistreatment on social media during the prior year. Subsequently, in February, the NCAA's GOALS research discovered that 46% of Division I men's basketball players had gotten negative or menacing communications from individuals who had gambled on their contests. The GOALS study additionally found that 29% of players polled said they had engaged with fellow students on campus who had placed bets on their team. Though men's basketball players confront a "torrent" of mistreatment, other athletics demonstrate significantly reduced frequencies. For instance, merely 17% of FBS football players and 3% of DI men's soccer players reported getting menacing messages from gamblers. As the NCAA persists in its initiative to prohibit college player proposition wagers, these discoveries demonstrate that such worries are based on proof that present betting frameworks are progressively connected to the targeting and intimidation of student-athletes. 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 newly established trade body, composed of the largest associations in the region, will provide the Balkan gambling sector with unified international representation. Following a joint proposal from the Serbian and Bulgarian national gambling associations, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in Belgrade by a total of seven industry organizations. The signatories include Serbia’s AGOS and Bulgaria’s AOGGAB respectively, alongside Croatia’s HUPIS, Romania’s ROMSLOT, GPIS from Montenegro, UPIS RS from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia’s MAK GEJMING. Operating under the name Balkan Gaming Federation (BGF), these associations—representing gaming stakeholders such as online and land-based operators, suppliers, and manufacturers—will promote the region’s emerging markets while maintaining close internal collaboration to align their goals. The founding document outlines several areas of cooperation, including combating illegal gambling, fostering healthy competition, sharing best practices, engaging in legislative discussions, attracting investments, and organizing joint events. Within the broader European gambling sector, it is notable that several of the BGF’s founding associations are members of the European Gaming and Amusement Federation (EUROMAT). As a result, the BGF is expected to function as a regional cluster within EUROMAT, while retaining a distinct identity that specifically represents the Balkan region. Balkans as a hotbed of regulatory development The formation of the BGF coincides with a period of significant regulatory changes across the Balkan region. In Serbia, the government recently introduced a major legislative update allowing domestically licensed operators to offer jackpots, incentivizing players to use the regulated market and ultimately boosting channelization rates. Bulgaria is currently facing political pressure from within the government to further restrict the gambling sector by raising the minimum legal age from 18 to 21, less than two years after the nation’s gambling legislation underwent its most substantial overhaul in decades. Similar developments are evident in Romania, where the new President of the country’s gambling regulator has initiated rapid collaborative efforts with policymakers to revamp the gambling sector in favor of stronger player protection policies.In Montenegro, the gambling industry recently clashed with the government over a poorly executed attempt to alter the taxation system, which lacked supporting evidence and a clear assessment of its future impact. Croatia is in the process of rolling out a planned package of gambling reforms, with the first change being the launch of a new self-exclusion scheme. In North Macedonia, significant reforms appear imminent, driven by an outspoken Prime Minister who supports increased restrictions on the gambling industry. Meanwhile, discussions are intensifying in Bosnia and Herzegovina that could potentially lead to the abolition of the VAT exemption currently enjoyed by the gambling sector. Given the numerous concurrent regulatory changes, the establishment of an organization like the BGF to help navigate legislative complexities will certainly be a welcome step for all industry stakeholders involved in the Balkans. 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) -   Virgin Bet has debuted in South Africa, representing its initial foray beyond the UK market as part of its global growth strategy. Since arriving in 2019, the LiveScore Group subsidiary has become a prominent name within the UK's wagering sector. The expansion into South Africa is a calculated decision, targeting a region characterized by high sports interest and a rising appetite for licensed betting options. This development follows the group's established footprint in Africa, where LiveScore Bet already operates in Nigeria. The African continent is increasingly becoming a focal point for the international gaming industry. Virgin Bet has placed a strong emphasis on player safety for its South African debut. The virginbet.co.za site features various responsible gambling tools, including deposit caps, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options, along with strict age verification. To facilitate its entry, the company has put together a local management team to drive long-term success, including the naming of Gail Odgers as Head of Marketing. “Debuting in South Africa marks a significant milestone for our team,” stated Odgers. “At Virgin Bet, our philosophy of ‘A Good Bet’ involves providing top-tier experiences for our users while prioritizing our obligations to players and the wider community. “Sport is deeply ingrained in South African culture. Whether it is rugby, cricket, or football, it is a constant topic of discussion. That level of enthusiasm makes this a very appealing market for us. “Our objective is to improve that fan experience in a safe manner, providing great moments and rewards while maintaining high standards for responsible play from the start. We are dedicated to establishing trust and introducing Virgin Bet as a brand South Africans can rely on.” Will Virgin Bet leverage sponsorships once more? The operator intends to provide a variety of sports markets and promotional offers, alongside perks connected to the broader Virgin brand network. The company has heavily utilized marketing since its UK inception, securing major deals such as its partnership with TNT Sports for **UEFA Europa League** and **UEFA Conference League** broadcasts, as well as sponsoring several high-profile horse racing events across the UK and Ireland. The South African launch comes at a time of regulatory shifts. Data from the National Gambling Board of South Africa indicates that 66% of adults now participate in online gambling, a significant increase from 30% in 2017. Consequently, the government has suggested increasing the national tax on online gambling earnings to 20%. While the region offers significant potential, new operators may find themselves navigating a landscape of increasing legislative oversight. 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.