22 Years On, Netflix Delivers a Disappointing Remake of an Overlooked Denzel Washington Thriller

Netflix(SeaPRwire) -   John Creasy (portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is desperate for a lifeline. A former Special Forces mercenary of exceptional skill, Creasy lost his entire team during a high-risk mission in Mexico City, and their deaths weigh heavily on his conscience — his severe PTSD is so intense that he sleeps with a bag over his head, as if to block out the sensory reminders and memories of the world around him. Ever since A.Q. Quinnell’s 1980 thriller novel was published, John Creasy has been known as the “man on fire,” but before he’s pulled back into action, that fire smolders within him, consuming him from the inside out.In Netflix’s new TV adaptation of Man on Fire, redemption comes in the form of Paul Rayburn (Bobby Cannavale), an old comrade from Creasy’s Special Forces days who lives with his young family in Rio de Janeiro. Paul’s security firm has been hired to protect President Carmo (Billy Blanco Jr.) from terrorist attacks, but Creasy’s true test of character is yet to come — a catastrophic explosion destroys a Rio skyscraper, witnessed only by Paul’s now-orphaned teenage daughter, Poe (Billie Boullet). Creasy swears revenge on the bombers while taking on the role of Poe’s protector. Though he operates as a distrustful lone wolf, he soon finds himself relying on local favela residents like taxi driver Valeria (Alice Braga) and the awkward young Livro (Jefferson Baptista) to keep Poe safe.Even in its basic setup, Netflix’s Man on Fire differs from both the novel and the 2004 film version directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington. Scott moved the book’s action from Italy to Mexico City (the only adaptation set in Italy is an obscure 1987 film featuring Scott Glenn), and the series’ prologue depicting Creasy’s failed Mexico City mission is showrunner Kyle Killen’s clear nod to Scott and Washington’s legacy. However, stretching Quinnell’s core story into seven episodes causes Man on Fire to sacrifice the narrative’s ominous and primal potential.It might surprise you to learn that this latest adaptation of a novel about a burnt-out bodyguard who redeems himself by rescuing a kidnapped girl doesn’t actually include her kidnapping. Poe’s life is definitely at risk, but after the skyscraper bombing, Man on Fire focuses on Creasy protecting Poe from attempts on her life while seeking revenge for his friend. The story methodically addresses key questions: Is Poe safe in Rio’s favelas? What motivated the bombing? Will the ever-vigilant CIA (represented by Scoot McNairy as veteran agent Henry Tappen) interfere with Creasy’s mission? But without the raw, pervasive tension of a kidnapping plot underpinning these subplots, Man on Fire feels scattered, at least until it gains momentum in its later episodes.This fresh take on the material isn’t a total misstep — after all, Scott’s Man on Fire is at its best when Washington’s Creasy befriends young Pita (Dakota Fanning) before her kidnapping. By aging up the at-risk daughter and keeping Poe close to Creasy throughout the series, Killen uses the extra runtime of a TV show to deepen her perspective. Boullet delivers a confident, affecting performance as a character who isn’t afraid to call out Creasy on his self-destructive impulses, and she’s the one who realizes Creasy’s reluctance to open up stems from the same reason she wants his friendship: they’re each other’s final connection to Rayburn.Abdul-Mateen plays Creasy as a man teetering on the edge, caught between rage and paralyzing anguish. His performance becomes more rewarding when Creasy has to improvise a covert operation to hunt down the bombing culprits — when Creasy sets traps and sneaks around hotels to uncover his enemies and their secrets, his clever Bourne-like maneuvers are layered with a brooding intensity that plays to Abdul-Mateen’s strengths as a leading man. The more we see this side of Creasy, the better Man on Fire gets; the final three episodes are where the show hits its stride, with plenty of subterfuge and infiltration antics for Creasy and his unlikely local allies, building smoothly toward the story’s surprise reveals and hard-hitting climax.Extending the story into a TV series format allows the relationship between Creasy and his ward to be more fully developed. | NetflixAs an actor, Abdul-Mateen seamlessly transitions between film (Candyman, Ambulance, Aquaman) and television (Wonder Man, Watchmen). But the same can’t be said for Man on Fire. The series sometimes feels unprepared for its extended action and stunt scenes, as several VFX shots have the flimsy, unconvincing texture of pre-vis storyboards. The camerawork lacks confidence, leaning into Netflix’s bland, clumsy house style — even though it features a blockbuster director in its lineup: Steven Caple Jr., known for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Creed II.Instead of the disorienting freneticism of Scott’s experimental editing, the streaming version of Man on Fire has no visual imagination at all; each scene directed on autopilot drains the story’s danger and intensity. The visual dynamism and tight pacing of 2000s-era studio action movies would greatly benefit Netflix’s Man on Fire, as the show does little to complicate its simple character conflicts and is filled with awkward, redundant dialogue that’s sure to make even Netflix’s “second screen” audience wince.Scott’s Man on Fire is a major entry in Washington’s action career, but it’s far from perfect — Creasy’s vengeful quest through Mexico City’s seedy corners occasionally feels stilted, and the script lacks the complexity of Scott’s stylish visual design. Still, in Washington’s hands, Creasy is a wounded, volatile Angel of Death, whereas Netflix’s Man on Fire often struggles to give its likable but disposable ensemble meaningful things to do.In Scott’s film, Creasy’s isolation is part of what drives his redemptive mission, but to fill the expanded scope of a TV series, the new version gives Creasy too much support, undermining the premise’s action-hero-out-of-water tension. (Maybe Man on Fire and Friends is a more fitting title?) Even after it mostly finds its groove, this man on fire was never truly ablaze.Man on Fire is streaming on Netflix now. This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.

New York Initiates 10-Year Gambling Study as Bill Restricting Addiction Treatment Moves Forward

(AsiaGameHub) -   New York Governor Kathy Hochul has revealed a new decade-long initiative to study gambling habits and evaluate the effectiveness of addiction treatment. Simultaneously, a legislative proposal is moving forward that would prevent gambling operators from suggesting their own help resources to individuals facing addiction. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will manage this 10-year research project. A randomized group of adult residents across the state will be invited to participate. The study's objective is to better understand the frequency of gambling issues and how aware the public is of the risks involved. Furthermore, the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee has cleared a bill that would grant OASAS sole authority over problem gambling treatment referrals. Should it become law, this measure would bar gambling firms from pointing those in need toward any treatment options other than those sanctioned by the state. Safeguarding Residents from Gambling-Related Risks OASAS manages a variety of support services throughout New York, ranging from community programs to no-cost financial advice. “With the growth of gambling in our state, we must take a proactive stance to identify where more help is required for those struggling with addiction,” stated Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, OASAS Commissioner, in a recent statement. Conducted biennially, the study will reach out to selected individuals via mail or phone to participate in the “New York State Well-Being & Life Survey.” Cunningham noted that the data collected will shape future strategies to ensure New Yorkers are shielded from harm and can easily find necessary support. New York leads the nation in betting volume, with residents wagering over $26 billion in the past year. This reflects a 15.8% rise compared to 2024, marking the most significant annual growth since the 2022 debut of mobile sports betting. The Debate Over Restricting Treatment Choices While the survey is designed to "support the ongoing development and delivery of prevention and recovery programs," the proposed Assembly Bill 9146 would restrict the variety of services available to gamblers beyond state-run options. Under existing regulations, digital sportsbooks must display OASAS contact details. However, they are currently permitted to suggest external counselors or services that may not be OASAS-certified, located within the state, or provided for free. For instance, platforms like DraftKings often recommend Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a service that claims to mitigate gambling symptoms while improving mental resilience. Potential Conflicts of Interest The sponsor of AB9146, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, argues that ties between betting companies and treatment providers are problematic. “This presents a potential conflict between the mobile sports operator’s interest in generating revenue by the number of bets placed and lost versus an individual’s need for help to limit or stop gambling,” said Woerner. It is worth noting that OASAS also relies on gambling revenue. New York imposes a nation-leading 51% tax on gambling earnings, a portion of which is allocated to the agency. Additionally, the state is considering the legalization of online casinos. Projections indicate that operators could see revenues between $2.5 billion and $4.5 billion annually. If passed, $11 million of the state's tax share would be dedicated to problem gambling treatment and education. “New York remains dedicated to supporting anyone affected by problem gambling, regardless of their background,” Governor Hochul remarked. She added that the state looks forward to using the survey's data to inform strategic investments that protect citizens and improve access to essential care. 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.

BETBY broadens its presence in Asia by forming a partnership with QTech Games

(AsiaGameHub) -   BETBY has entered into a partnership with QTech Games, securing its role as the exclusive sportsbook provider for the aggregator’s global network of operators. Under the terms of the deal, the Malta-based company will integrate its full sportsbook solution onto QTech’s platform. This will grant partner operators access to a robust suite of products, including over 500,000 monthly sporting events, AI-powered trading tools, and its proprietary esports feed, Betby.Games.  Built on a single application programming interface (API), this integration is intended to streamline sportsbook deployment and drastically cut down on the technical hurdles that have long come with launching sports betting offerings. “Partnering with QTech Games is a natural step for BETBY,” said Stefanos Karakidis, Business Development Director at BETBY. “They have cemented their status as one of the leading aggregators in Asia, boasting robust distribution networks and deep local expertise, while continuing to expand across other high-growth markets.  “QTech has a sharp grasp of local player behaviors and operator requirements, and together we’ll be able to deliver a Tier-1, mobile-first sportsbook experience perfectly suited to the demands of the markets they serve.” This partnership also aligns with BETBY’s wider global expansion strategy. Leveraging QTech’s established footprint, particularly in Asia, the company will gain entry to key emerging markets while strengthening its reach in regions such as Latin America and Africa.  By merging BETBY’s sportsbook capabilities with QTech’s aggregation and localization know-how, the partnership aims to deliver more competitive and tailored betting experiences to end users. Philip Doftvik, Chief Executive Officer at QTech Games, added: “We are delighted to add BETBY’s award-winning sportsbook to our platform.  “Their product is modern, flexible, and built for fast-growing markets, which aligns exactly with what our operator partners are looking for.  “From AI-driven tools to a robust esports portfolio, BETBY brings a level of innovation that elevates our offering and supports our mission to deliver the best content available across emerging iGaming markets.” BETBY’s expansion follows a strong start to 2026 As noted earlier, BETBY already has a presence in Latin America and Africa, and recently bolstered its footprint in the former region with the appointment of Gonzalo Navarro as Senior Business Development Manager. The firm also reported a record-breaking month in March 2026 – part of a Q1 which saw a 61% year-on-year growth in gross gaming revenue (GGR).  The company launched a push into prediction markets in April 2026, but has stated its intention to avoid the more controversial segments that have marred the sector in recent months.  With multiple global moves already underway in 2026, the operator looks poised to dive headfirst into a busy upcoming period for the iGaming industry. 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.

Founders Metals Hits 12.95 g/t Gold over 6.0 m Confirming High-Grade Gold Potential at Lower Antino

Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - April 30, 2026) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) ("Founders" or the "Company") reports high-grade gold results from the Lower Antino Target at its Antino Gold Project ("Antino" or the "Project") in southeastern Suriname (Figure 1). Results include 6.0 metres (m) of 12.95 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) - a significant high-grade intercept at Lower Antino - while continued systematic drilling expands the mineralized system along strike.Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, "The 6.0 metres of 12.95 g/t gold in LA060 is an important result for Lower Antino. While the system has consistently delivered broad, lower-grade mineralization, this intercept suggests the presence of a higher-grade component - a characteristic we have been actively testing for. Additional drilling in this release continues to grow the mineralized extent of Lower Antino, and we will incorporate these results into our geological models to better define the geometry and continuity of mineralization as the program advances."HighlightsHigh-grade drill-confirmed intercept near surface at Lower Antino confirms high-grade component within the tonalite-hosted gold system:6.0 m of 12.95 g/t Au from 55.0 m (LA060)Intercept extends mineralization approximately 250 m west of the nearest previous drillingContinued systematic drilling expands the mineralized system with wide intercepts along strike:Drilling to the east confirms continued growth of the mineralized system (LA055, LA056) (Figure 2)200 m step-out to the south intersects intrusion-hosted mineralization with 18.0 m of 0.68 g/t Au from 59.1 m (LA054)Geological DiscussionThe westernmost hole in this release, LA060, intersected 6.0 m of 12.95 g/t Au from 55.0 m depth, delivering the highest-grade composite interval returned from Lower Antino drilling to date and extending mineralization approximately 250 m to the west. This result confirms the presence of a high-grade shear-related component within the broader tonalite-hosted gold system, consistent with previously reported historical high-grade channel and grab sample results, but that had not yet been confirmed by drilling.Systematic step-out drilling to the east and south continues to expand the mineralized footprint. Holes LA055 and LA056 confirm broad, consistent gold mineralization along strike to the east, while LA054 intersected gold mineralization in a 200 m step-out to the south. Sheared and altered tonalite intrusions have been observed in multiple holes with assays pending between known mineralized corridors. Holes LA051 and LA052, the farthest south holes at Lower Antino to date, are interpreted to have been drilled east of the mineralized tonalite bodies.Lower Antino is one of two Advanced Targets within Founders' 102,360-hectare contiguous land package, which hosts eight drill-tested gold targets across the 55 km long Antino concession. The Company currently has four diamond drill rigs operating at Antino, with two rigs at Antino North, one at Upper Antino, and one at Lower Antino, with results pending at all locations. The Company will continue to systematically advance its highest-priority targets across the district.Figure 1: Antino Gold Project Property MapTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/295168_be3d3fa8d4df5acc_001full.jpgFigure 2: Lower Antino Plan MapTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/295168_be3d3fa8d4df5acc_002full.jpgTable 1: Drill Hole Assay ResultsDrillholeFrom (m)To (m)Interval (m)Au (g/t)LA051NSALA052NSALA053NSALA05459.1077.1018.000.68incl.59.1062.103.002.70and243.00246.003.001.71LA0550.0056.1056.100.28incl.33.6042.609.001.13and102.00154.0052.000.36and162.00213.0051.000.36and264.00274.0010.000.30LA0560.0017.1017.100.38and102.00117.0015.000.27and218.00224.006.000.21and241.00247.006.000.46LA057118.00127.009.000.37and308.00316.008.000.40LA058159.00165.006.000.29LA0590.008.108.100.24and59.0067.008.000.20and124.00128.004.000.42LA06055.0061.006.0012.95incl.56.0059.003.0025.70and128.00132.004.002.03 *Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are estimated to be approximately 85% of the down-hole interval based on currently available results and observations. All are diamond drill holes. Interval average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher grade gold intercepts. Intercepts are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Intervals below 2.0 gram-metre or with average grade below 0.2 g/t Au are not reported.Table 2: Drill Hole LocationsHole IDEasting (m)Northing (m)Elevation (m)Azimuth (°)Dip (°)Depth (m)LA051821874.33399865.00135.00240.40-50.30275.00LA052821926.67400017.00144.55240.40-50.00251.21LA053821612.00400866.67138.58270.10-49.90251.29LA054821454.60400868.00159.90270.00-50.30251.15LA055821885.33401403.00136.5190.20-50.30314.12LA056822043.67401403.67112.8990.00-50.00353.48LA057821801.00401167.50160.93270.10-50.30338.00LA058821472.33401578.67130.68270.30-50.20266.15LA059821068.67401278.00146.41270.30-50.20251.00LA060820919.33401273.50131.64270.40-50.30290.00 About Founders Metals Inc.Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield - the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is backed by strategic partnerships with Gold Fields and B2Gold and is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname's next major gold camp.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,Per: "Colin Padget"Colin PadgetPresident, Chief Executive Officer, and DirectorContact InformationKatie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate DevelopmentTel: +1 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.comCautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the Company's exploration plans, anticipated drilling results, and the Company's prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" occur or be achieved.Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.Quality Assurance and ControlDrill holes are drilled as NQ- and HQ-diameter diamond core. Core is sawed in half, with one half submitted for assay and the other retained for reference. Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut is taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.Qualified PersonsThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/295168 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Online Casino Use Linked to Rising Divorce Rates in Indonesian Regions

(AsiaGameHub) -   Courts in multiple Indonesian regions are reporting that increasing divorce rates are being fueled by a surge in online casino activity. The Tarempa Religious Court, which handles civil law matters in the Anambas Islands Regency, reported finalizing 33 divorces within the year's first four months. It is currently processing an additional 60 active cases, with women initiating the vast majority. Most of these filings cite online gambling or illegal loans as a primary cause. According to the Indonesian media outlet Batam Pos, the court stated that divorce rates are climbing at a rapidly accelerating pace. Tarempa District Court Judge Irma Zhafira Nur Shabrina Hajidah remarked that the number is “relatively high, considering Anambas's relatively small population.” Tarempa Harbor, in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands Regency (Image: a_rabin [CC BY 2.0]) “Most of the families are now financially deprived. Infidelity does occur, but it’s not widespread. Gambling remains the most prevalent factor in divorce cases,” the judge stated. The court urged lawmakers to enhance education regarding family financial management. Indonesian Regions: Divorce Rates Spike Due to Online Gambling Statistics from Bojonegoro Regency support the notion that online gambling is driving a nationwide trend in divorces. Based on early 2026 data, the court reported that women are now nearly 50% more likely than men to file for divorce. The Bojonegoro Religious Court, cited by the Indonesian media outlet Kabarpasti, said the majority of these women are under 30. “A significant number of women choose to separate because their husbands no longer fulfill their financial responsibilities due to their addiction to online gambling,” stated Sholikin Jamik, the court’s Chief Clerk. The court attributed the increase to “the pressures of a digital lifestyle and instant gratification culture.” It emphasized that financial literacy is one of the “keys to maintaining a strong marriage.” Meanwhile, in the Bogor Regency, data from the West Java Central Statistics Agency indicates that courts have dealt with 175 divorce cases linked to online gambling this year. The agency's data, reported by the Indonesian media outlet Pojok Bogor, shows Bogor leads in the number of divorce cases involving online casino users. Cianjur Regency followed in second place with 102 cases, and Bandung Regency was next with 68 cases. Families at Risk Other areas of West Java also recorded high figures, including Ciamis with 51 cases, Sumedang with 41 cases, and Indramayu with 36 cases. Four other regions in West Java also documented more than 25 divorce cases filed this year that were connected to online gambling. “This phenomenon demonstrates that the impact of online gambling extends beyond economics. It also destroys family relationships,” a West Java official commented. “It is leading directly to divorce.” These reports echo similar concerns raised by courts in other areas, such as the Bungo Regency and Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi province. 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.

22 Indicted in Connection with Illegal Gambling Operation Based at Indiana Steakhouse

(AsiaGameHub) -   Twenty-two people have been indicted by prosecutors for their alleged involvement in an illicit gambling operation based out of Gino’s Steakhouse in Merrillville, Indiana. James Gerodemos, also known as Jimmy the Greek, and Dean Gialamas are alleged to have been the heads of the Gerodemos Gambling Organization. The indictment states that the pair managed illegal betting services via the websites Garden City Bets and ABC Wagering. Both sites are still active, with Garden City Bets providing an online casino, a sportsbook, and a racebook. Websites Use Official Logos to Appear Legitimate To seem more authentic, ABC Wagering displays the English Premier League (EPL) logo. It also uses trademarks from the NBA, NHL, NCAA, and NFL. ABC Wagering homepage Prosecutors state the Super Bowl was a major revenue source for the enterprise, with the sale of line pool betting cards costing between $500 and $25,000 per line. This brought in between $700,000 and $900,000 annually from the high-profile event. Although the platforms operated similarly to legal gambling sites, prosecutors allege the Gerodemos Gambling Organization offered lines of credit to its customers. Even after the indictments, the websites seem to be active, as Garden City Bets and ABC Wagering display future sports events on their main pages. Garden City Bets continues to show upcoming sports events Criminal Network Threatened Gamblers Agents and bookies collected money from losing bets and received commissions of 25% to 50% on the debt they managed to collect. The remaining profits were sent up the illicit network's hierarchy to Gerodemos and Gialamas. Employees from both Gino’s Steakhouse and the Paragon restaurant in Indiana were utilized by the network to assist in the collection and distribution of gambling proceeds. The indictment details multiple threatening messages Gerodemos sent to gamblers concerning unpaid debts. On occasion, he made threats against the victims' families. One individual responded to the intimidation by informing Gerodemos that a police report was being filed. “You guys keep t[h]reating me, Again and again, I’m paying what I have to pay, To james, I file a police report on all the [threats] that you guys making, To me no problem, When you involve families is another situation, You guys didn’t give me any other option, To file a police report,” he wrote in a text message, as revealed in the indictment. Gerodemos is facing 17 criminal counts, including extortion, money laundering, and running an illegal gambling business. Undercover Agents Trailed By Accomplices Law enforcement initiated an investigation into the Gerodemos Gambling Organization, with undercover officers starting to surveil its operations. According to the indictment, earlier this month, one of Gerogemos’s accomplices, Michael Campbell, then participated in secret countersurveillance operations. Campbell was seen “following the undercover agent and driving erratically at speeds in excess of 100 mph.” The probe found that Gerodemos had been running the illegal gambling operation since January 2021. The 62-year-old had previously spent six months in prison for possessing more than 16,000 pounds of illegal explosives. Indiana Clamps Down on Illegal Gambling Alongside the probe into Gerodemos' activities, Indiana has also been intensifying its crackdown on sweepstakes casinos. The state enacted a law this year to specifically prohibit the platforms. The legislation grants the Indiana Gaming Commission the power to issue civil penalties of up to $100,000 against operators or individuals who knowingly provide sweepstakes games to Indiana residents, including out-of-state platforms that serve players in the state. For Gerodemos, facing extortion and money laundering charges means he is subject to a much more severe potential punishment. 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.

Regulator: South Korea’s Illegal Gambling Market Now Worth $65 Billion

(AsiaGameHub) -   A lawmaker has issued a warning about the rapid expansion of the South Korean illegal gambling market, urging fellow parliamentarians to combat a surge in betting addiction among young people. According to a report by the South Korean broadcaster SpoTV News, the remarks were made by lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi, a member of the ruling Democratic Party. Jeon stated that recently gathered statistics from the Korea Gambling Control Commission indicate the nation's illegal gambling networks are valued at approximately 96 trillion won, equivalent to $65 billion. The commission also disclosed that its data indicates 4% of all minors have engaged with illegal gambling websites or placed bets offline. Figures released by the National Police Agency also signal a major uptick in gambling cases involving youth. The agency reported a 62% increase in illegal youth gambling cases last year. “The issue of illegal youth gambling has become substantial and grave,” Jeon stated. “We have reached a stage where all of South Korean society must acknowledge this as a severe problem.” Jeon committed to guaranteeing that “active discussions concerning the problem of illegal youth gambling are held at the National Assembly level.” He is a member of the assembly’s National Policy Committee. The floor of the South Korean National Assembly building, in Seoul, South Korea (Image: Dmthoth [CC BY-SA 3.0]) South Korean Illegal Gambling Market Grows, Youth Pay Costs Jeon made these comments at an anti-youth gambling forum held at the National Assembly, which was co-sponsored by the Korea Sports Press Association. Reform advocates informed attendees that enhancing school and after-school physical education programs could assist children in avoiding the development of betting addictions. They discussed establishing a “first-line of defense system” through the “revitalization of youth sports and arts programs.” Kim Dong-hwan, an emeritus professor of sports coaching at Hanyang University and former head of the Competitive Equestrian Federation, also supported the proposal. “The most practical approach to addressing illegal gambling in younger demographics is to actively use the existing school system,” Kim said. “Enhancing the skills of physical education teachers and incorporating more sports into the curriculum will have a preventative impact.” “The quickest method to stop illegal gambling among young people is to fully leverage and reinforce the current school system,” he added. Youth Gambling Costs: A $1.4 Billion Bill The National Gambling Control Commission, South Korea's gambling regulator, reported that the expenses associated with youth gambling are increasing. The commission’s Secretary-General, Lee Jin-sik, stated that tackling youth gambling “necessitates the engagement of not just the sports community but also the Ministry of Education, Welfare, Gender Equality and Family.” “According to the data, the social cost of youth gambling reaches 2 trillion won [$1.4 billion],” Lee said. “It is now time for the government to authorize significant research in this field. Greater national consciousness of this problem is required,” Lee added. Police authorities also contributed to the discussion. “Illegal gambling within youth groups is evolving into a societal issue. It is not confined to the act of gambling itself,” stated Ha Dong-jin, head of the Women and Youth Division at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. “Rather, it results in secondary offenses, as young gamblers seek ways to finance their illegal gambling activities.” One proponent suggested that South Korea emulate the United States' approach to school sports programs. The advocate proposed that Seoul implement a US-inspired model. This could involve granting successful young athletes extra credit to improve their academic scores. Last year, the South Korean National Police Agency documented a 24-fold increase in gambling-related juvenile crime cases from 2021 to 2024. A recent study also found that a growing number of South Korean children are being exposed to illegal betting advertisements online. In Gangwon and Jeju provinces, 56% of school-age children reported having seen or clicked on online gambling ads. 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.

Datavault AI and Kings Mine Capital Agree to Establish $150 Million+ GoldVault(TM) Tokenization Program

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Datavault AI Inc. ("Datavault AI" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:DVLT), a provider of data monetization, credentialing, digital engagement, and real-world asset ("RWA") tokenization technologies, and King Mining Capital ("King Mining Capital") today announced that they have entered into a agreement for a multi-component strategic transaction that will combine a Datavault AI equity investment in King Mining Capital, a Datavault AI stock-funded purchase of 20,000 ounces of physical gold bullion, and the launch of a $150 million-plus GoldVault™ tokenization program backed by King Mining Capital's high-grade gold resources.Direct Equity, Physical Bullion, and Stock-Funded ConsiderationSubject to entering into a definitive agreement with King Mining Capital, Datavault AI plans to receive a 5% equity interest in King Mining Capital at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the agreement, together with a warrant to acquire an additional 5% equity interest in King Mining Capital upon completion of the GoldVault™ tokenization program. Datavault AI anticipates it will also have the right to acquire 20,000 ounces of physical gold bullion from King Mining Capital for delivery within 24 months [of signing of a definitive agreement], payable in Datavault AI common stock at a 30% discount to prevailing market gold prices. Based on current spot pricing and Datavault AI's internal analysis, the bullion acquisition is projected to generate approximately $40 million in profit.[1] The structure aligns Datavault AI directly with the long-term performance of King Mining Capital's underlying mineral assets while expanding the Company's strategic balance-sheet exposure to U.S.-aligned precious metals.$150 Million+ GoldVault™ Tokenization ProgramThe GoldVault™ program will deploy Datavault AI's patented Information Data Exchange®, DataScore®, and DataValue® blockchain platform to mint $150 million or more in digital tokens, each representing pro-rata digital ownership in premium in-ground and refined gold assets with strong American mining ties. Pricing will track the COMEX gold benchmark on a per-ounce basis. Tokens will be initially issued at a discount to prevailing spot gold market valuations, providing holders with a built-in value margin at issuance. Token holders will additionally participate in a royalty stream tied to ongoing King Mining Capital's production, generating recurring economic upside beyond underlying metal price appreciation. The program is targeted for launch by the third quarter of fiscal 2026, making tokenized American-aligned gold accessible to global investors.Executive StatementsNathaniel T. Bradley, CEO of Datavault AI, said, "This King Mining Capital transaction is the most fully integrated RWA structure Datavault AI has executed to date. We are taking a direct equity position in the miner, locking in 20,000 ounces of physical bullion at a meaningful discount to spot, and giving GoldVault™ token holders a royalty stream tied to actual production. That alignment between issuer, miner, and investor is what positions our patented platform as the model for compliant tokenization of strategic natural resources."Jeffrey Katz, Managing Principal of King Mining Capital LLC, added, "Partnering with Datavault AI is a game-changer for King Mining Capital. It validates our high-quality gold assets, provides immediate access to global digital capital markets, and creates exciting new liquidity and upside for our stakeholders. Together, we're advancing production and development plans that will deliver real value from these exceptional resources while embracing the future of tokenized mining assets."Platform ArchitectureIt is anticipated that the tokenized assets will utilize Datavault AI's proprietary smart-contract technology for ownership verification, AI-driven valuation, and revenue participation rights linked to future commercial gold production.Market OpportunityGold is in a powerful structural bull market. Central banks continue aggressive accumulation as a hedge against currency diversification and geopolitical risk, while investor demand surges amid economic uncertainty. Mine supply remains constrained and slow to respond, with global production growth expected to stay modest in 2026. Analysts project gold prices could reach $4,900-$5,500/oz by year-end 2026 (perJ.P. Morgan Global Research, December 2025), driven by sustained official sector buying (potentially 800+ tonnes annually) and robust investment flows (perWorld Gold Council, Gold Demand Trends Full Year 2025). Tokenizing high-quality gold resources positions investors at the intersection of physical scarcity and digital liquidity.Expanding Strategic Minerals Tokenization PortfolioThe King Mining Capital transaction marks the latest high-impact milestone in Datavault AI's rapid expansion into tokenized critical minerals and precious metals. It follows the Company's recent $100 million Coppercoin™ program with Coppercore Inc. (announced March 31, 2026) for high-grade copper resources and the $78.2 million initiative with American Strategic Minerals Inc. for U.S.-mined antimony, gold, copper, and silver (announced March 26, 2026). These collaborations showcase Datavault AI's systematic build-out of a diversified RWA portfolio - spanning industrial metals essential for AI infrastructure and electrification (copper) to defense-critical materials (antimony) and now premium precious metals (gold). The Company believes that its platform is fast becoming the industry benchmark for bridging high-value mineral assets with global digital capital markets.About King Mining Capital LLC.King Mining Capital is a North American-based advisory and investment company focused on the investment, acquisition, and development of mineral exploration and mining companies.About Datavault AIDatavault AI™ (NASDAQ:DVLT) is a pioneer in AI-driven data experiences, valuation, and monetization of assets in the Web 3.0 environment. The Company's cloud-based platform delivers comprehensive solutions across its Acoustic Sciences and Data Sciences divisions.Datavault AI's Acoustic Sciences division features WiSA®, ADIO®, and Sumerian® patented technologies for spatial and multichannel wireless, high-definition sound transmission. The Data Science Division harnesses Web3 and high-performance computing to enable experiential data perception, valuation, and secure monetization across industries, including sports & entertainment, biotech, education, fintech, real estate, healthcare, energy, and more.The Information Data Exchange® (IDE®) is a token exchange technology powered by Nasdaq Financial Infrastructure. The Company owns and operates exchanges powered by its patented technology, including but not limited to International Elements Exchange (IEE), Sports Illustrated Exchange (SIx), New York Interactive Advertising Exchange (NYIAX), and American Political Exchange (APE). The Company is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Learn more at httos://www.dvlt.ai.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and other securities laws. Forward-looking statements use words such as "will," "expects," "plans," "projects," "targets," "intends," or similar terms. They include statements about the entry into a definitive agreement for, and the potential closing of, a transaction involving Datavault AI's 5% equity investment in King Mining Capital and the warrant for an additional 5%, Datavault AI's potential acquisition of 20,000 ounces of gold bullion, the projected $40 million in profit from the bullion acquisition, the anticipated issuance of GoldVault™ tokens at a discount to spot with a production-linked royalty stream, the targeted $150 million-plus token mint and launch in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the market opportunity for the tokens, and the Company's expansion into other critical minerals and precious metals. These statements are based on estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are inherently uncertain.Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these and other forward-looking statements contained herein.Actual results may differ materially as a result of various risks, including: risks that the equity investment, the warrant, or the bullion Agreement may not close on the contemplated terms or timeline; risks relating to the issuance of Datavault AI common stock as bullion consideration, including dilution; risks that the projected $40 million profit may not be realized due to gold price movements, delivery delays, or settlement costs; risks relating to the discount-at-issuance and royalty-stream features of GoldVault™ tokens, including their regulatory characterization; changes in market demand for Datavault AI's services and products; changes in economic, market, or regulatory conditions; risks relating to evolving regulatory frameworks applicable to tokenized assets; risks associated with technological development and integration; and other risks more fully described in Datavault AI's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and other filings, available atwww.sec.gov.The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Datavault AI undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.Datavault AI may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on them. Datavault AI's forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, or investments it may make.Industry and Market DataWithin this press release, we reference information and statistics regarding the market for our products. We have obtained some of this information and statistics from various independent third-party sources, including independent industry publications, reports by market research firms, and other independent sources. Some data and other information contained in this press release are also based on management's estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of internal surveys and independent sources. While we believe such information is reliable, we have not independently verified any third-party information. Market, ranking, and other industry data included in this press release, and estimates and beliefs based on that data, may not be fully reliable.Trademarks, Trade Names, Service Marks, and CopyrightsWe own or have rights to use various trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws. This press release also contains trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights of other companies, which are, to our knowledge, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, certain trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights referred to in this press release may appear without the ® or ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors to these trademarks, trade names, service marks, and copyrights.Sources1.J.P. Morgan Global Research, Gold Price Outlook (December 2025) - 2026 Market Outlook recorded December 9-17, 2025, including end-of-2026 gold price forecasts.2.World Gold Council, Gold Demand Trends Full Year 2025 (January 29, 2026) - Full-year 2025 central bank demand of 863t, supply constraints, and 2026 outlook.Media Contact:marketing@dvlt.aiInvestor Contact:Edward BargerVP, Investor Relationsebarger@dvlt.ai | ir@dvlt.aiSOURCE: Datavault AI Inc Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

OMP Ranked in Highest Two Across All Four Use Cases in the 2026 Gartner(R) Critical Capabilities for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Process Industries

ANTWERPEN, BELGIUM, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - OMP, a leading provider of AI-powered supply chain planning, has been ranked in highest two across all four Use Cases in the 2026 Gartner® Critical Capabilities for Supply Chain Planning Solutions report for process industries. This report, a companion to the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™, evaluates 16 vendors on Critical Capabilities and real-world Use Cases, helping organizations assess how well solutions support different levels of supply chain planning maturity.This recognition follows OMP's recent position as highest in Ability to Execute and furthest in Completeness of Vision in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Process Industries. Get the full Gartner® Critical Capabilities report.Consistent strength in real-world planning Use CasesThe critical capabilities that most distinguish supply chain planning (SCP) vendors for process industries from each other in 2026 are AI-driven planning and decision automation, scenario management and financial impact modeling, user experience (UX), and unified data integration.OMP's scores place it among the highest two in all four evaluated Use Cases: Supply Planning, End-to-End Multi-enterprise planning, Demand Planning, and Decision-Centric Planning. We believe these results reflect OMP's ability to support organizations in aligning demand and supply, evaluating trade-offs, and executing decisions in dynamic environments."As supply chains grow more complex, the ability to make fast, confident decisions is what separates resilient organizations from reactive ones," says Philip Vervloesem, Chief Commercial & Markets Officer at OMP. "This recognition reflects our focus on decision-centric planning and our commitment to helping customers act with clarity, even in the most demanding environments."Driving the shift to decision-centric planningThe 2026 report highlights a shift toward decision-centric planning and higher levels of automation, as organizations seek to improve decision speed and quality.OMP's Unison Planning platform supports this shift by connecting scenarios, data, and decisions, enabling organizations to evaluate trade-offs and act with confidence. Ongoing innovations such as UnisonIQ and Unison Decision-Centric Planning further enhance explainability, scenario exploration, and automated decision-making."Planning is evolving from generating plans to enabling better decisions," says Tom Wouters, Chief Product Officer at OMP. "Our focus is to help organizations increase decision velocity through AI, transparency, and real-time insights."Built for decision speed and resilienceSupply chain planning solutions play a critical role in improving decision quality, aligning plans across the enterprise, and enabling faster responses to disruption.OMP supports organizations in translating complexity into faster, more informed, and more resilient decisions.Get your copy of the Gartner® Critical Capabilities reportGet your copy of the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ reportSolution and product inquiriesContact OMP+32 3 650 22 11Media inquiriesKira Perdue (Carabiner)Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Process Industries, Julia von Massow, Eva Dawkins, Jan Snoeckx, Buse Aras, Joe Graham, Pia Orup Lund, 18 March 2026Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning Solutions: Process Industries, Pia Orup Lund, Joe Graham, Buse Aras, Jan Snoeckx, Eva Dawkins, Julia von Massow, March 18, 2026Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.DisclaimerGartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.SOURCE: OMP Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

DATA.BET enters prediction markets, citing industry momentum

(AsiaGameHub) -   DATA.BET, a Cyprus-based technology firm, has become the latest B2B company to enter the prediction markets sector—an industry that’s both rapidly growing and controversial. The company’s new product, Prediction Markets, lives up to its name, so to speak: the platform expands the range of markets its clients can offer betting options for. Like the world’s two largest prediction platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket, DATA.BET’s prediction market covers politics, geopolitics, finance, technology, crypto, economics, culture, and weather. DATA.BET states that the new platform features transparent pricing, fiat transactions, and an intuitive user experience. The firm added it aims “to reduce the structural complexity typical of exchanges.” “Our recent launch represents a technically complex challenge that our team managed to solve with a strong focus on usability,” said Yurii Berest, Chief Executive Officer of DATA.BET. “Prediction markets will continue to gain momentum, but the key difference will be how effectively this mechanic is adapted to sportsbooks and casino environments. This is exactly where we see our strength. “Building them as a standalone vertical, without blending sports, esports, and virtual sports content into the same category, we ensure clear product structure and positioning for operators and platform providers.” Prediction markets have become a global phenomenon, but the U.S. has long been a focal point for key players—especially Kalshi and Polymarket, though the latter was effectively barred from its home country between 2020 and 2025. These platforms have found popularity among specific consumers, particularly those with a strong interest in geopolitics, economics, and business. Some jurisdictions, like Gibraltar, have embraced the platforms as cutting-edge new products. Others, however, have not been as receptive. Polymarket has been banned in a long list of countries including the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Romania, and Ukraine. In the UK, predictions are not banned, but they require a betting license—something Polymarket and Kalshi would be opposed to. This hasn’t stopped B2C betting companies from joining the space, though. Notable players to enter include Flutter Entertainment via FanDuel and later Betfair, Allwyn via PrizePicks, and UK betting exchange Matchbook. It’s no surprise that DATA.BET sees an opportunity to work with operators in the predictions space, given the global interest from established gaming companies despite some initial reservations. The company has not stated which markets its new predictions platform will target, though it’s reasonable to assume Europe and Latin America are on its radar given its prior activity in these regions. 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.

teamLab Borderless Ranked Among the World’s 100 Most Visited Art Museums and 4th in Japan

TOKYO, Apr 30, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mori Building Co., Ltd. and the art collective teamLab are pleased to announce that teamLab Borderless has been ranked 42nd globally and 4th in Japan in the world’s most visited art museums in 2025 published by the international monthly arts newspaper The Art Newspaper.Details: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/31/exclusive-the-worlds-100-most-visited-museums-in-2025-new-museums-a-big-hit-with-visitorsteamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM, Tokyo © teamLabThe Art Newspaper is a monthly newspaper founded in 1990 with offices in London and New York. Leveraging an international network of correspondents active in more than 30 countries, it provides comprehensive coverage of the global art world. In 2025, the top 100 museums in the rankings attracted a total of 200 million visitors, and among them, teamLab Borderless rose significantly in the rankings from 52nd place in 2024.Artworks Featuring Cherry Blossoms and Other Spring FlowersAt teamLab Borderless—a “museum without a map” showcasing borderless artworks—works that change along with the seasons throughout the year are also exhibited, in the same flow of time as in the real world.This season, in Memory of Topography, which depicts the memories of a timeless rural mountain landscape, spring flowers (including cherry blossoms) and budding rice plants spread throughout the space, responding to the movements of visitors. Additionally, in Proliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per Year, visitors can immerse themselves in a vast space where countless giant spring flowers are born, bloom profusely, and eventually scatter all at once.Furthermore, at EN TEA HOUSE, when a cup of tea has been prepared, spring flowers bloom infinitely within the cup, allowing visitors to drink in the infinitely expanding world. In Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity II, flowers change with the real-time seasons, and the light and shadow within the exhibition space shift in sync with the actual sunrise and sunset.In the real world, cherry blossom season will soon come to an end, but at teamLab Borderless, spring flowers will continue to bloom for a little while longer. Please come and experience this moment of spring within a world of art that changes with the seasons.Memory of TopographyAs the seasons change, the flowers and other elements that fill up the space transform. The gentle breezes move in response to the behavior of people. And as the flow of air changes, it blows the scattering flower petals in different directions. teamLab, Memory of Topography © teamLabThe budding rice plants, still small in the spring, grow larger in the summer and turn golden in the fall. teamLab, Memory of Topography © teamLabProliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per YearFlowers repeat the cycle of birth and death, proliferation and extinction, changing along with the seasons. As people touch them or as they are influenced by other works, the flowers fall and die. teamLab, Proliferating Immense Life - A Whole Year per Year © teamLabFlowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup *Inside EN TEA HOUSEWhen a cup of tea is made, flowers bloom inside the teacup. When the teacup is lifted, the flower petals scatter and spread outside of the cup. Flowers bloom infinitely as long as there is tea. Drink in the infinitely expanding world. This artwork is born with the tea and vanishes once the tea is drunk. teamLab, Flowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup © teamLabContinuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity IIFlowers, eternally repeating the process of life and death, change daily along with the real-time seasons. As the sun rises in Tokyo, the world of the artwork becomes brighter, and as the sun sets, it becomes darker. teamLab, Continuous Life and Death at the Now of Eternity II © teamLabEver-evolving teamLab BorderlessteamLab Borderless, a “museum without a map,” showcases borderless digital artworks produced by the art collective teamLab. The artworks expand dynamically out of rooms and interact with and are influenced by other works; there are no boundaries between the works, and at times they intermingle with each other. Through such a group of works, teamLab Borderless is one borderless world without boundaries. Visitors can additionally immerse themselves in the borderless art to “wander, explore, discover in one borderless world,” enjoying a unique experience.Furthermore, teamLab Borderless has been selected for the American international news magazine TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2024.”Museum OverviewName:teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUMhttps://www.teamlab.art/e/tokyo/ Location:Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1F (5-9 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo)(Azabudai Hills https://www.azabudai-hills.com )Hours:8:30 - 21:00*Last entry one hour before closing* EN TEA HOUSE opens 30 minutes after the museum opening time, and last orders are taken 30 minutes before closing.*Open days/hours are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.*Closes at 17:00 on Tuesday, May 26*Closes at 22:00 from Thursday, April 23 through Tuesday, April 28; Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, May 5Closed:Tuesday, May 19; Tuesday, June 23, 30*Closed days are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the official website.Ticket Prices:Adults (18 and above): JPY 3,600~13 - 17 years: JPY 2,8004 - 12 years: JPY 1,5003 years and under: FreeVisitors with disabilities: JPY 1,800~*Tickets have designated dates/times.* Tickets for adults and visitors with disabilities are subject to a dynamic pricing system.Please purchase a ticket for the designated date/time upon checking the ticket price for that day.*Tickets purchased on site at the museum will be +JPY 200 in addition to the above price.Ticket Purchasehttps://www.teamlab.art/e/tokyo/Press Kithttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/ktiauv5xq8s0jzr/AAASjm3y4EKWTqRidKoIuCM5a?dl=0 Press InquiriesteamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM  Public Relations Office (within Kyodo Public Relations Co., Ltd) Email:  borderless-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260430_EN.pdf  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Betano Becomes Official Sponsor of World Cup Champion Argentina

(AsiaGameHub) -   Betano, the operator owned by Kaizen Gaming, has been appointed as an Official Regional Sponsor of Argentina’s national football team as it continues to expand its footprint across Latin America. This agreement comes at a critical juncture—just weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026—as global attention starts to shift toward football ahead of the North American tournament this summer. Through this partnership, Betano states it aims to deepen its connection with Argentine fans by rolling out a series of highly engaging activations, each designed to bring supporters closer to the national squad. As the reigning world champions, Argentina remains one of football’s most iconic nations, boasting three World Cup titles and a rich history of international success. The last World Cup in Qatar saw Lionel Messi lift the trophy for the first time ever after Argentina defeated France in the final—a match many regard as one of the most thrilling finals in World Cup history. For Betano, aligning with such a globally renowned team allows the company to strengthen its presence in a key football market while boosting its international brand visibility. The sponsorship will be supported by integrated 360-degree marketing campaigns across digital platforms, television, and out-of-home advertising, featuring the brand’s Spanish-language tagline “Confiá”. These initiatives are intended to maximize fan engagement and embed the brand within key football moments leading up to the World Cup. Betano’s familiarity with South America Betano is no stranger to sponsorship deals in South America, though most of its activity in the region has been heavily focused on Brazil. The operator currently has a high-value partnership with Flamengo, in addition to past collaborations with Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense, and it holds the naming rights to the Brasileirão—Brazil’s top-tier football division. According to Sensor Tower’s State of Mobile 2026 report, its app was also the most downloaded in the sports category across the country. However, Betano does have existing ties to Argentina: it is the main sponsor of Liga Profesional de Fútbol side River Plate, the most successful club in the country’s history. A recent launch in Ghana—Betano’s 20th move into a regulated market—alongside this landmark Argentina football deal shows the operator is showing no signs of slowing down as we approach the busiest sporting period of 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Radisson Extends High-Grade Gold Mineralization at O’Brien to 1.9 Kilometres Depth with Latest Drill Results

Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - April 30, 2026) - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV: RDS) (OTCQX: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from sixteen new drill holes completed at its 100%-owned O'Brien Gold Project ("O'Brien" or the "Project") located in the Abitibi region of Québec. Of note, today's results include significant intercepts of high-grade gold in the new pilot hole OB-26-384 at 1.9 kilometres vertical depth, the deepest hole ever drilled at the Project. These results are the latest from the Company's ongoing 140,000-metre step-out drill program and extend the scope of gold mineralization beyond the Company's recent updated March 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate. Highlights include (summarized below, and in Figure 1):OB-26-384, the deepest hole ever drilled at the O'Brien Gold Project, intersected 4.54 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") over 12.0 metres (core length) including 16.85 g/t Au over 1.0 metre and including 12.87 g/t Au over 1.0 metre and 7.21 g/t Au over 2.0 metres including 9.91 g/t Au over 1.0 metre;OB-25-378W2 intersected 5.96 g/t Au over 6.9 metres including 8.77 g/t Au over 3.7 metres and 11.65 g/t Au over 1.5 metres and 8.77 g/t Au over 1.3 metres;OB-26-385W1 intersected 20.39 g/t Au over 1.5 metres and 16.61 g/t Au over 1.5 metres;OB-26-385 intersected 4.13 g/t Au over 4.7 metres including 15.29 g/t Au over 1.0 metre and 5.55 g/t Au over 1.2 metres;Matt Manson, President and CEO: "Since late 2024 we have been engaged in an aggressive 140,000-metre program of step-out drilling at the O'Brien Gold Project with the objective of testing the full scope of mineralization down to a 2-kilometre floor. Drill results reported through the course of 2025 and early 2026 confirmed the presence of an increasingly significant, high-grade gold vein system beneath the historic O'Brien mine workings and below the modern mineral resource area. On March 2nd we published an interim update to the Project's Mineral Resource Estimate with a meaningful 82% increase in Inferred Mineral Resources based on the drilling completed to that date. Now, we are reporting additional high-grade results that extend the scope of mineralization further still. The headline result is from new pilot hole OB-26-384, the deepest drill hole ever completed at the Project, which has returned multiple high-grade intercepts of gold in classic vein settings at 1,900 metres vertical depth, a full 350 metres below the current limit of mineral resources in this area (Figure 1). Overall, seven out of seven holes completed in the central "O'Brien" and "East O'Brien" target areas have returned intercepts with thicknesses and gold grades consistent with the Project's mineral resources, giving an overall success rate of 79% for the step-out drilling completed to date. A fence of nine shallow holes in the lower-priority "Thompson-Cadillac" area have confirmed the extension of the Project's mineralizing system west of the historic mine, albeit at lower average grades. Looking forward, seven drill rigs are active at the Project, with twenty-two additional holes completed or in progress, thirteen of which have returned visible gold intercepts."Figure 1: Longitudinal Vertical Section and Plan View of Gold Vein Mineralization and Mineral Resources at the O'Brien Gold Project, with Today's Drill Holes IllustratedTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_001full.jpgTable 1: Assay Results from Select Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_002full.jpgNotes on Calculation of Drill Intercepts:The O'Brien Gold Project Mineral Resource Estimate effective January 31, 2026 ("MRE") utilizes a 2.20 g/t Au bottom cutoff, a US$2,500 gold price, a minimum mining width of 1.2 metres, and a 60 g/t Au upper cap on individual assays. Intercepts presented in Table 1 are calculated with a 3.00 g/t Au bottom cut-off. Sample grades are uncapped. True widths, based on depth of intercept and drill hole inclination, are estimated to be 30-80% of core length. Table 3 presents additional drill intercepts calculated with a 1.00 g/t bottom cut-off over a minimum 1.0 metre core length so as to illustrate the frequency and continuity of mineralized intervals within which high-grade gold veins at O'Brien are developed. Drill holes OB-26-388 and 389 at Thompson-Cadillac did not return any intercepts averaging above 1.00 g/t Au. Lithology Codes: PON-S3: Pontiac Sediments; V3-S, V3-N, V3-CEN: Basalt-South, North, Central; S1P, S3P: Conglomerate; POR-S, POR-N: Porphyry South, North; TX: Crystal Tuff; ZFLLC: Larder Lake-Cadillac Fault ZoneStep-Out Drilling at O'BrienSince the end of 2024, Radisson has been pursuing a program of broad step-outs beneath the historic O'Brien Gold mine and the existing mineral resources designed to test the extent of mineralization at the Project. This drilling is accomplished with pilot holes followed by wedges and directional drilling to maximize drill efficiency. In October 2025, Radisson announced the expansion of the step-out drill program to 140,000 metres employing an eventual eight drill rigs (see Radisson news release dated October 16, 2025). Since this program began, 79% of completed drill holes have intersected gold mineralization with grades and core-lengths consistent with the Project's Mineral Resources, including the results published today (Table 2). Radisson publishes the results of all completed drill holes.Figure 2: Vertical Section through "Trend #1 with Pilot Hole OB-26-384 at 1.9 kilometres Vertical DepthTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_003full.jpgThe origin of the step-out drill program was the deep pilot hole OB-24-337, which was the first exploration drill hole located below the former mine workings since mining ended in 1957. This hole intersected 31.24 g/t Au over 8.0 metres, including 242.0 g/t Au over 1.0 metre at approximately 1,500 metres vertical depth (see Radisson news release dated December 16, 2024). Fifteen wedge branches were completed from OB-24-337 delineating up to eight gold-bearing veins over a 250-metre x 700-metre area (see Radisson news release dated February 12, 2026), contributing significant new mineral resources in the March 2026 update. Pilot hole OB-26-384, which is highlighted in today's news release, is the deepest hole ever drilled at the O'Brien Gold Project and has been positioned to test the downward plunge of mineralization in "Trend #1" (Figures 1 and 2). This hole returned (in core lengths) 4.54 g/t Au over 12.0 metres including 16.85 g/t Au over 1.0 metre and also including 12.87 g/t Au over 1.0 metre at 1,900 metres vertical depth, 350 metres beneath the base of the mineral resource area above and approaching the 2-kilometre exploration floor. The observed gold mineralization is within characteristic quartz-sulphide-gold veins and alteration envelops developed within the conglomerate and porphyry units of the Piché Group, consistent with the mineralization observed at higher elevations (Figure 2). This represents a significant potential expansion in the scope of mineralization at the Project. Wedge branches from this new pilot hole are ongoing.Today's results also include the first assays from pilot hole OB-26-385 and its first wedge branch (385W1) drilled between the OB-24-337 drill pattern and the base of the historic workings at approximately 1,100 metres vertical depth, and the first wedge branches from pilot hole OB-25-378 (378W1 and 378W2) drilled below the 337 pattern at approximately 1,700 metres vertical depth (Figure 1). All of these holes have returned multiple intercepts with high grades over characteristic vein intervals, such as (in core lengths) 20.39 g/t Au over 1.5 metres, 16.61 g/t Au over 1.5 metres, 4.13 g/t Au over 4.7 metres including 15.29 g/t Au over 1.0 metres, 11.65 g/t Au over 1.5 metres and 5.96 g/t Au over 6.9 metres including 8.77 g/t Au over 3.7 metres. These results demonstrate the up-dip and down-dip continuity of this newly delineated vein system, and additional wedge branches in these areas are also ongoing.Table 2: Drill Results Published for the O'Brien Gold Project since December 2024Date of PublicationTotal Number of Drill HolesDrill Holes with Intercepts >+3g/tSuccess Rate (%)April 30th, 2026-O'Brien77100%April 30th, 2026-Thompson-Cadillac9222%January 27th, 202677100%January 6th, 20266583%October 28th 2025151387%September 8th, 2025151387%July 16th, 2025141179%April 2nd, 202533100%February 26th, 2025201575%December 16th, 202411100%Total977779% Gold Mineralization at O'BrienGold mineralizing quartz-sulphide veins at O'Brien occur within a thin band of interlayered mafic volcanic rocks, conglomerates, and porphyritic andesitic sills of the Piché Group occurring in contact with the east-west oriented Larder Lake-Cadillac Break ("LLCB"). Gold, along with pyrite and arsenopyrite, is typically associated with shearing and a pervasive biotite alteration, and developed within multiple Piché Group lithologies and, occasionally, the hanging-wall Pontiac and footwall Cadillac meta-sedimentary rocks.As mapped at the historic O'Brien mine, and now replicated in the modern drilling, individual veins are generally narrow, ranging from several centimetres up to several metres in thickness and are associated with broader, mineralized alteration envelopes. Multiple veins occur sub-parallel to each other, as well as sub-parallel to the Piché lithologies and the LLCB. Individual veins have well-established lateral continuity, with steeply plunging grade shoots developed over significant lengths. Based on the historic data available, it is clear that the former mine was "high-graded", with mining focussed on a main central stope and parallel veins identified but left undeveloped.The historic O'Brien mine produced over half a million ounces of gold from such veins and shoots at an average grade exceeding 15 g/t Au and over a vertical extent of at least 1,000 metres. Modern exploration has focussed on delineating well developed vein mineralization to the east of the historic mine, with additional high-grade shoots becoming evident in the exploration data over what has been described as a series of repeating trends (Trend #s 0 to 5).QA/QCAll drill cores in this campaign are NQ in size. Assays were completed on sawn half-cores, with the second half kept for future reference. Drill core samples are sent to MSALABS's analytical laboratory located in Val-d'Or, Québec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried and crushed (70% passing a 2-millimeter sieve) and split to 500 g. The analysis for gold is performed on an approximately 500 g aliquot using Chrysos PhotonAssay™ technology. Mineralized zones containing visible gold were analyzed to extinction whereby the entire sample is split into multiple jars, each is analysed by PhotonAssay, and the average of the results is used for reporting. Standard reference materials, blank samples and duplicates were inserted for quality assurance and quality control.MSALABS operates under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, utilizing industry-standard QA/QC frameworks for gold analysis. By integrating blanks, duplicates, and CRMs into their workflows, the laboratory adheres to established benchmarks that ensure precise, reliable, and verifiable results.QP DisclosureDisclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Richard Nieminen, P.Geo, (QC), a geological consultant for Radisson and a Qualified Person for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Luke Evans, M.Sc., P.Eng., ing, of SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., is the Qualified Person responsible for the preparation of the MRE at O'Brien. Each of Mr. Nieminen and Mr. Evans is independent of Radisson and the O'Brien Gold Project.Table 3: Detailed Assay Results (see "Notes on Calculation of Drill Intercepts")To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_004full.jpgTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_005full.jpgTable 4: Drill Hole Collar Information for Holes contained in this News Release To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10977/295118_9c85cad7c404bb29_006full.jpg Notes:Hole lengths for wedges represent meterage from point of wedge. Drill holes OB-25-377 and 378 were completed in 2025 while their wedge branches were drilled in 2026.About Radisson MiningRadisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned O'Brien Gold Project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Québec. A July 2025 PEA described a low cost and high value project with an 11-year mine life and significant upside potential based on the use of existing regional infrastructure. Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.63 Moz (3.49 Mt at 5.59 g/t Au), with additional Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 1.69 Moz (10.37 Mt at 5.08 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 "O'Brien Gold Project Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, Québec, Canada" effective June 27, 2025, Radisson's news release dated March 2, 2026 "With Step-Out Drilling Continuing, Radisson Demonstrates Meaningful Resource Growth at O'Brien with an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate" and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedarplus.ca for further details and assumptions relating to the O'Brien Gold Project. For more information on Radisson, visit our website at www.radissonmining.com or contact:Matt MansonPresident and CEO416.618.5885mmanson@radissonmining.comKristina PillonManager, Investor Relations604.908.1695kpillon@radissonmining.comForward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the ability to execute the Company's plans relating to the O'Brien Gold Project as set out in the Preliminary Economic Assessment; the Company's ability to complete its planned exploration and development programs; the absence of adverse conditions at the O'Brien Gold Project; the absence of unforeseen operational delays; the absence of material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render the O'Brien Gold Project profitable; the Company's ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance its operations; the ability to realize on the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; assumptions regarding present and future business strategies; local and global geopolitical and economic conditions and the environment in which the Company operates and will operate in the future; planned and ongoing drilling; the significance of drill results; the ability to continue drilling; the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource; and the ability to incorporate new drilling in an updated technical report and resource modelling; the Company's ability to grow the O'Brien Gold Project; and the ability to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources.Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements Forward-looking information is based on estimates of management of the Company, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others; the risk that the O'Brien Gold Project will never reach the production stage (including due to a lack of financing); the Company's capital requirements and access to funding; changes in legislation, regulations and accounting standards to which the Company is subject, including environmental, health and safety standards, and the impact of such legislation, regulations and standards on the Company's activities; price volatility and availability of commodities; instability in the global financial system; the effects of high inflation, such as higher commodity prices; the risk of any future litigation against the Company; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; risks relating to the drill results at O'Brien; the significance of drill results; and the ability of drill results to accurately predict mineralization. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company believes that this forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.Please refer to the "Risks and Uncertainties Related to Exploration" and the "Risks Related to Financing and Development" sections of the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated April 23, 2026 for the year ended December 31, 2025 available electronically on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/295118 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Isle of Man Gambling Legislation Bill is now nearer to coming into force

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Isle of Man has reached a significant milestone in updating its gambling framework as the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill passed through Tynwald following the approval of final revisions. The Bill, which is now awaiting Royal Assent, marks a major overhaul of the island’s regulatory system. It is designed to bolster oversight, improve compliance, and ensure the long-term viability of the local iGaming industry. These reforms were developed through extensive collaboration with industry partners throughout 2025 and are being managed by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). “I want to express my gratitude to the many individuals in the e-gaming sector who provided feedback on the implementation and consequences of these updates, as well as the GSC and Treasury staff for drafting this significant legislation,” stated Treasury Minister Chris Thomas, who guided the Bill through the House of Keys for the GSC. “Ms Lord-Brennan MHK, Mr Clueit MLC, and Mrs August-Phillips MLC introduced several vital amendments stemming from this industry engagement as the legislation progressed.” Two major updates At the heart of the changes is the creation of a standardized Fitness and Propriety requirement, which will apply to: Licensed entities Owners and stakeholders Board members and executive management This replaces the previous, disjointed suitability criteria found in the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 and the Casino Act 1986. While the current system focuses primarily on integrity, the new framework expands this to include three pillars: integrity, professional competence, and financial stability. The GSC notes that this brings the Isle of Man in line with international best practices and stricter global standards for risk management and governance. The GSC also specified that it may evaluate the associates of any applicants. Another key update is the establishment of a formal civil penalty system, enabled by revisions to the island’s anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Under the new rules, the GSC will have the power to: Levy financial fines on operators Set penalty amounts based on the specifics of each case Adhere to a structured process that includes notification and appeal rights For the first time, fines can also be levied against individuals, such as owners, key personnel, and senior executives, if violations occur through “consent, connivance or negligence,” particularly regarding AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combatting the Financing of Terrorism) regulations. This represents a significant move toward personal liability, mirroring regulatory shifts seen in major markets like the UK and the EU. The GSC is currently holding consultations on the application of the new Fitness and Propriety standard and the specific guidance for civil penalties, with both open for feedback until 25 May. Operators in the region will face more stringent vetting and executive oversight as the Isle of Man seeks to tighten regulations on a sector that accounts for approximately 14% of its national income, according to recent data. Isle of Man strengthens its position The Isle of Man is the latest jurisdiction to take such action, as gambling oversight intensifies globally to combat illicit operations and the increasing use of fraud and money laundering tactics. This follows a report last month in which the Isle of Man’s GSC increased its money laundering risk rating to ‘medium high’ following a National Risk Assessment (NRA). As one of the world’s longest-standing iGaming hubs, the island has been proactive in recent years with updates intended to safeguard its reputation. Although its 0% corporate tax on gaming profits remains a draw for international companies, the island has recently aligned with the UK’s stance, committing to more rigorous supervision of both current and prospective licensees. 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.

evoke: streamlined William Hill estate moves closer to profitability

(AsiaGameHub) -   Full-year financial results from William Hill's parent company evoke paint a mixed performance picture for the firm that is currently seeking a buyer. Some industry observers find the timing of evoke's FY25 results release somewhat unusual. While the LSE-listed gambling firm is publishing its 2025 full-year financial statements now, most of its peer companies are already releasing their Q1 2026 performance figures. This delay in publishing results is likely linked to ongoing discussions the company has been holding with Bally's Intralot over a potential acquisition. Both parties confirmed these talks earlier this month, with Bally's evaluating a bid of 50p per evoke share, putting the company's total valuation at $225m. So what do the FY25 results reveal about the company's standing? First, the positive metrics: revenue climbed 2% year-over-year to £1.78bn, up from £1.75bn in the prior period, while profitability also saw meaningful progress as EBITDA jumped 43% from £211.4m to £301.3m. Per Widerström, evoke's Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Across 2025, we delivered steady operational improvements that created a more efficient, focused and disciplined business, delivering higher marketing returns, tighter cost control, improved operating leverage, and a transformative shift in underlying profitability.” Turning now to the negative points. Despite the EBITDA-related profitability gains, evoke still operates at a loss. After-tax losses surged a substantial 149% from £220.9m to £549.1m, while the group's net debt for the year reached a staggering £1.9bn. This debt load will be a key consideration for Bally's Intralot. Bally's Intralot also carries a high level of debt, incurred when Intralot took out loans to fund its acquisition of Bally's International Interactive, the transaction that led to the company's formation last year. If Bally's Intralot's offer is accepted by the 18 May deadline, developing a plan to eliminate this debt, or at minimum incorporate it into long-term strategic planning, will be a top priority.  However, as Widerström and Sean Wilkins, evoke's Chief Financial Officer, emphasized to analysts during the company's earnings call earlier today, the group has put extensive work into cutting operational costs… evoke’s UK&I performance remains resilient … for now Evoke reports its revenue across two core segments: UK&I, and International. The UK&I segment is further split into two subsegments: retail, which covers William Hill's high street betting operations; and online, which includes William Hill Online, the 888 portfolio of betting, gaming and bingo brands, and the Mr Green casino. Total UK&I revenue fell 2% last year, dropping from £1.2bn to £1.17bn. Declines were recorded across both retail and online divisions, though the online drop was actually steeper than the retail decrease – a trend that stands out against Gambling Commission data showing online gross gaming yield (GGY) has risen consistently quarter-on-quarter, while retail GGY falls steadily. In response to falling retail performance, evoke carried out a comprehensive review of its William Hill brick-and-mortar portfolio during Q1. This process led the company to decide to close 270 underperforming William Hill shops, a move confirmed in today's announcement. “We are well aware of the broader macro trend of digital outperforming retail,” said Widerström, in response to a question from SBC News during this morning's call. “The entire sector is facing cost pressures, but as we laid out in our report, we completed a very thorough review of our retail estate, and identified 230 shops that we will be closing. “We have over 1,000 excellent remaining locations that deliver great service and entertainment to our customers, and with this more streamlined retail portfolio, we have meaningfully boosted long-term sustainability, cash flow and profitability.” Wilkins offered additional context for the results, attributing the overall 2% UK&I revenue drop to 'operator-friendly sports results' during the fourth quarter. He also revealed that 888 brand revenue in the UK and Ireland fell 8% specifically. Still, the CFO emphasized that 'gaming performance remained steady', driven largely by 'strong results from William Hill'. He added that the firm is 'focused on securing appropriate ROI before scaling up any further investment' in the UK market. Unquestionably, the group's UK&I outlook will be shaped by the new tax regime that came into effect on 1 April 2026. While he acknowledged it is still too early to assess the full impact of the new taxes, Wilkins offered an optimistic forecast. “We initially projected the tax impact would be between £125-£130m, and I now expect that figure will be slightly lower, as we have revised our UK revenue expectations downwards,” he said, responding to a question from analysts. “We are already rolling out the 50% mitigation measures we previously announced. We also expect market consolidation to occur, which will allow us to grow our market share. In the first 30 days of the new regime, we have actually seen no negative impact at all. The company is pleased with how the UK&I online segment is performing.” International division – a mixed picture for evoke’s ‘growth engine’ Per Wilkins, the international segment was evoke's 'growth engine' throughout 2025. However, he added that the division's performance still fell short of the company's expectations. International revenue rose 9.3% from £555.2m to £606.9m. EBITDA also climbed 49.2% from £130m to £175.4m. Growth in Italy, Denmark and Romania was cited as the main driver behind these gains. According to Wilkins, the firm is continuing to grow its market share in Romania, following its acquisition of Winner.ro in August 2024. However, company leadership also noted ongoing challenges in the Romanian market. “Romania has seen sharp growth in black market activity following a recent tax hike, and as regulated operators, this is negatively impacting our business,” said Wilkins, echoing a common industry concern raised across the UK, Netherlands, Germany and other markets. “We have had to scale back marketing and promotional activity to protect profitability, while unregulated black market operators do not face the same constraints, which puts pressure on our revenue.” He also cited the impact of Romania's recession as a drag on business performance in the country. Outside of Romania, leadership expressed disappointment with results in Spain, where performance was described as 'flat'. Looking ahead, evoke clearly has significant potential across its brand portfolio, and given the strength of these brands, it is no surprise the group has attracted acquisition interest ever since it launched a strategic review in December 2025. However, ongoing operating losses and a heavy debt burden could hold the company back, and leadership appears fully aware of these risks. “Our core focus for 2026 is heavily centered on cash generation and strengthening our balance sheet,” said Wilkins. Following the release of its FY25 results, evoke's share price has stayed largely stable, edging down slightly by 0.90% to hold at roughly 40p per share. 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.

ELA Games presents live coverage of Day Two at SBC Summit Malta

(AsiaGameHub) -   The second day of SBC Summit Malta has officially commenced, and it is already proving to be a busy day filled with engaging discussions. Today’s agenda covers a wide range of topics, including the future of casino, strategies for overcoming SEO attacks, and how to create a standout World Cup offering. Additionally, discussions will address the evolving affiliate landscape, the increasing impact of AI, and the emerging trends shaping the iGaming workforce. Similar to yesterday, we will provide updates on the key developments at this week’s SBC Summit Malta, with live news brought to you by ELA Games. The on-site team for today consists of Martyn Elliott, Ted Menmuir, Craig Davies, Joe Streeter, Jyoti Rambhai, Viktor Kayed, and Luke Miles. They will be delivering all the latest news from SBC News, iGaming Expert, and Affiliate Leaders. This live coverage is made possible with the support of ELA Games. ELA Games is a prominent slot provider within the iGaming industry, committed to delivering captivating player experiences through its high-quality slot games. Since its establishment in 2022, the company has been focused on building a strong reputation in the sector by offering games with superior graphics, highly interactive gameplay, and innovative features. The provider’s portfolio is rapidly expanding, with an emphasis on creating immersive experiences through compelling stories and narrative-driven entertainment, alongside a diverse array of other engaging titles. You can play the demo and explore more of ELA Games’ titles here. 10:30am: AI – the future of affiliation? Reporting by Jyoti Rambhai, Editor of Affiliate Leaders Affiliate management is a skill that marketers acquire through practical experience rather than formal education, as highlighted by Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director at TAG Media. She noted that this lack of standardized training leads to "no uniform terminology… everyone call these things different things.” Gardiner conducted an experiment to assess how different LLMs would interpret affiliate-related queries. One of the questions she posed was: “I’m looking at my affiliates’ stats. They have 4 NDCs and 5 FTDs. What does that mean? What is the difference?” She found that “ChatGPT is the most disappointing,” which is particularly concerning as it is “the most common one people are using.” “It just gave me a lot of fluff,” Gardiner stated, adding, “[…] It said I should check the IP addresses.” In contrast, Claude “could not understand the small nuances in the industry.” However, Gardiner praised the performance of “well done Elon Musk (with Grok) and Gemini),” as these platforms provided the most relevant answers. 10:20am: Scale is a weapon when combatting SEO fraud Reporting by Joe Streeter, Editor of iGaming Expert The conference sessions for day two have begun… This morning, Ivana Flynn is leading the discussions, focusing on the rise of DCMA SEO fraud and its implications for global iGaming markets. As malicious actors become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for legitimate affiliates to stay ahead of the curve regarding the threat of site scraping. 10:00 am: Welcome back! We are back and ready for day two at SBC Summit Malta! Yesterday was a highly successful day featuring conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. To conclude the day, the team attended the VIP affiliate and operator dinners, followed by the official party at Infinity by Hugo’s – it was a memorable evening! Today is already shaping up to be an excellent day. The weather is sunny, the Intercontinental is bustling with attendees, and we are anticipating a great day of conference sessions. With numerous workshops and insightful panel discussions scheduled, we will be bringing you the most significant stories of the day, delivered live by ELA 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.

Excent Capital Upgrades Its Proprietary Platform with New Chart Tools and MAM Enhancements

Mahe, Seychelles, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Excent Capital, the global multi-asset trading platform that builds and owns its technology, announces a major update to its platform. The release introduces a redesigned chart, new tools, drawing instruments, on-chart position management, and improved MAM capabilities.Built Different, Delivered FasterIn an industry where most brokers rely on white-label solutions and third-party platforms, Excent Capital has taken a different path. The company develops its platform internally, maintaining direct control over performance, execution quality, and product evolution.That structure allows the team to move faster, releasing features frequently, responding directly to partner feedback, and refining the trading experience. This update reflects that approach in practice.A Smarter, More Capable ChartThe redesigned layout introduces a new side toolbar with streamlined access to Fibonacci tools, drawing instruments, and zoom controls. Navigation has also been refined, with gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, drag movement, and vertical swipe to adjust candle height, allowing traders to move through price action with greater precision.New drawing tools have been integrated directly into the chart, including circles for marking key zones, trend lines across price action, text labels, and a date/price range tool that measures movement across both time and price. A five-wave pattern tool has also been added, enabling traders to map Elliott Wave structures more efficiently.The Fibonacci retracement tool has been updated with improved precision and expanded visual customisation across both desktop and mobile.Positions Managed Directly on the ChartOpen positions are now displayed directly on the chart at their entry price, with profit and loss, lot size, and spread cost visible in real time.From the same view, traders can set Take Profit and Stop Loss levels or close positions without navigating away. The result is a more integrated workflow, where analysis and execution coexist within a single interface.A Consolidated Mobile Portfolio ViewMobile users now have access to a unified Portfolio view, bringing positions and orders into a single dedicated space.Orders are organised by status, with count indicators and collapsible groupings, while the full account history remains easily accessible. The update aligns the mobile experience more closely with the desktop environment, reducing friction between devices.Expanded MAM CapabilitiesExcent Capital's MAM Account is designed for synchronised execution across all linked Echo accounts.With this update, users gain access to a full position breakdown for each master trade, including detailed metrics, linked sub-positions, and direct actions such as closing or hedging from a single panel.Echo Finance has also been integrated into a dedicated Dashboard section, where users can monitor aggregated transactions, review linked positions, and access detailed information for each connected account.Made For Traders, By TradersBehind the platform is a dedicated support team with direct knowledge of the product. The proximity between development and support allows for faster resolution, clearer communication, and continuous iteration based on real user interaction. Traders operate across FX, equities, indices, commodities, cryptos and ETFs within a single environment designed for consistency and reliability.Excent Capital continues to expand its platform and infrastructure, with new products and markets already in development.Create the free demo account and explore the platform: https://excent.capital/About Excent CapitalExcent Capital Ltd. develops and maintains its own proprietary trading technology, giving clients direct access to a platform built and controlled entirely in-house. With five years of sustained growth and a presence across multiple regions, the company has established itself as a reliable and innovative force in the trading industry. Excent Capital continues to scale its platform while maintaining full control over its infrastructure, technology, and service delivery, ensuring that performance, security, and client experience remain at the highest standard.Contact InformationBrand: Excent CapitalContact: Ryccielli Ongaratto, Marketing ManagerWebsite: https://excent.capital Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

Excent Capital Upgrades Its Proprietary Platform with New Chart Tools and MAM Enhancements

Mahe, Seychelles – April 30, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – Excent Capital, the global multi-asset trading platform that builds and owns its technology, announces a major update to its platform. The release introduces a redesigned chart, new tools, drawing instruments, on-chart position management, and improved MAM capabilities. Built Different, Delivered Faster In an industry where most brokers rely on white-label solutions and third-party platforms, Excent Capital has taken a different path. The company develops its platform internally, maintaining direct control over performance, execution quality, and product evolution. That structure allows the team to move faster, releasing features frequently, responding directly to partner feedback, and refining the trading experience. This update reflects that approach in practice. A Smarter, More Capable Chart The redesigned layout introduces a new side toolbar with streamlined access to Fibonacci tools, drawing instruments, and zoom controls. Navigation has also been refined, with gestures such as pinch-to-zoom, drag movement, and vertical swipe to adjust candle height, allowing traders to move through price action with greater precision. New drawing tools have been integrated directly into the chart, including circles for marking key zones, trend lines across price action, text labels, and a date/price range tool that measures movement across both time and price. A five-wave pattern tool has also been added, enabling traders to map Elliott Wave structures more efficiently. The Fibonacci retracement tool has been updated with improved precision and expanded visual customisation across both desktop and mobile. Positions Managed Directly on the Chart Open positions are now displayed directly on the chart at their entry price, with profit and loss, lot size, and spread cost visible in real time. From the same view, traders can set Take Profit and Stop Loss levels or close positions without navigating away. The result is a more integrated workflow, where analysis and execution coexist within a single interface. A Consolidated Mobile Portfolio View Mobile users now have access to a unified Portfolio view, bringing positions and orders into a single dedicated space. Orders are organised by status, with count indicators and collapsible groupings, while the full account history remains easily accessible. The update aligns the mobile experience more closely with the desktop environment, reducing friction between devices. Expanded MAM Capabilities Excent Capital’s MAM Account is designed for synchronised execution across all linked Echo accounts. With this update, users gain access to a full position breakdown for each master trade, including detailed metrics, linked sub-positions, and direct actions such as closing or hedging from a single panel. Echo Finance has also been integrated into a dedicated Dashboard section, where users can monitor aggregated transactions, review linked positions, and access detailed information for each connected account. Made For Traders, By Traders Behind the platform is a dedicated support team with direct knowledge of the product. The proximity between development and support allows for faster resolution, clearer communication, and continuous iteration based on real user interaction. Traders operate across FX, equities, indices, commodities, cryptos and ETFs within a single environment designed for consistency and reliability. Excent Capital continues to expand its platform and infrastructure, with new products and markets already in development. Create the free demo account and explore the platform: https://excent.capital/  About Excent Capital Excent Capital Ltd. develops and maintains its own proprietary trading technology, giving clients direct access to a platform built and controlled entirely in-house. With five years of sustained growth and a presence across multiple regions, the company has established itself as a reliable and innovative force in the trading industry. Excent Capital continues to scale its platform while maintaining full control over its infrastructure, technology, and service delivery, ensuring that performance, security, and client experience remain at the highest standard. Contact Information Brand: Excent Capital Contact: Ryccielli Ongaratto, Marketing Manager Email: support@excent.capitalWebsite: https://excent.capital

Wintermar Offshore (WINS:JK) Reports 1Q2026 Results

JAKARTA, INDONESIA, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Wintermar (WINS:JK) records attributable net profit growth of 194%YOY to US$4.8million for 1Q2026 on 47.8% YOY revenue growth.Owned Vessel DivisionWith more High Tier vessels in operation since December 2025, 1Q2026 recorded a 53.9% YOY increase in Owned Vessel Revenue amounting to US$22.8million, resulting in Owned Vessel gross profit doubling to US$12.7million for 1Q2026 on gross margins of 55.7% compared to 41.1% in 1Q2025. Chartering Division and Other ServicesManagement continued to focus on marketing Owned Vessels and grow the Other services division where margins higher, resulting in a fall in Gross profit from chartering to US$0.03million (-15%YOY) while Other Services contributed gross profit of US$0.5million (+17%YOY) with gross margins of 34.1%.Direct Expenses and Gross ProfitIn line with the larger fleet of High Tier Vessels in operation, depreciation rose by 20.0% YOY to US$4.0million while Crewing rose by 24.2% YOY to US$2.9million and Operational costs grew 38.5% to US$1.1million for 1Q2026.As more vessels were in operation compared to 1Q2025, maintenance costs were lower by 1.8%YOY at US$1.7million. Fuel bunker was also lower at US$0.4million as there were fewer idle vessels, and no significant mobilization costs as compared to 1Q2025 where the Company mobilised vessels for international contracts.Total Gross Profit rose by 101.6%YOY to US$13.3million largely from a strong performance in the Owned Vessel Division which enjoyed a utilization rate of 62% compared to 55% in 1Q2025.Indirect Expenses and Operating ProfitTotal Indirect Expenses rose by 14.6%YOY to US$2.8million, largely due to staff expenses which increased by 16.7%YOY to US$2.1million.  This was because the timing of Hari Raya bonuses and annual bonuses falling in the same quarter this year.  Marketing costs rose by 33.2%YOY to US$0.2million, reflecting more tendering activity, while professional fees rose by 46.3%YOY to US$0.08million due to the upgrading of payroll software. Office utilities fell by 13.0%YOY.Operating Profit rose by 153.0%YOY to US$10.5million for the first quarter.Other Income, Expenses and Net Attributable ProfitInterest expenses fell slightly by 1.2% to US$0.5million due to refinancing at lower interest rates while interest income fell by 14%YOY to US$0.2million due to decrease in time deposit interest rates. There were no vessel sales this quarter, but associated companies recorded a net loss of US$0.5million due to lower utilization of fleet. The Company recorded a lower loss of Forex at US$0.15million compared to US$0.36million in 1Q2025, as earnings are in US$.Total attributable Net Profit amounted to US$4.8million (+194%YOY) for 1Q2026, yielding an Earnings per share of Rp18.4 in 1Q2026 compared to Rp6.3 in 1Q2025.As a result of these better operational conditions, EBITDA rose by 92.2%YOY to US$14.6million in 1Q2026 compared to US$7.6million in 1Q2025.Industry OutlookThe Iran war has continued into the second quarter of this year, with an uncertain ceasefire providing some relief at the time of writing this newsletter. Oil prices have eased but continue to be volatile and supply of Oil remains restricted with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  The high risks of relying on Middle Eastern oil has strengthened the resolve of governments across the world towards energy security.  Globally, there are up to US$40 billion worth of upstream projects slated for acceleration, including some in Indonesia.Business ProspectsWith a strong market outlook for OSV demand, the Company is making plans to grow the fleet through investing in new building as well as acquisitions. The Group’s eighth Platform Supply Vessel that was purchased in end 2025 is currently undergoing repair and upgrading, and should be operational in mid 2H2026.  At the present time, Wintermar’s vessels are still largely chartered on spot contracts but there are some longer term contracts in the bidding process for 2027. However, Associate Company Fast Offshore Supply Pte Ltd in Singapore has won a long-term contract to build a fleet of Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) in Singapore and Batam for delivery in 2027, which should start contributing earnings when the vessels commence operations next year. Total contracts on hand as at end March 2026 amount to US$47.8million.About Wintermar Offshore Marine GroupWintermar Offshore Marine Group (WINS.JK), developed over nearly 50 years with a track record of quality that is both a source of pride and responsibility that we are dedicated to upholding, and sails a fleet of more than 44 Offshore Support Vessels ready for long term as well as spot charters. All vessels are operated by experienced Indonesian crew, tracked by satellite systems and monitored in real-time by shore-based Vessel Teams.Wintermar is the first shipping company in Indonesia to be certified with an Integrated Management System by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, and is currently certified with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality), ISO14001:2015 (Environment) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety). For more information, please visit www.wintermar.com. For further information, please contact:Ms. Pek Swan Layanto, CFAInvestor RelationsPT Wintermar Offshore Marine TbkTel +62-21 530 5201 Ext 401Email: investor_relations@wintermar.com  Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

After 19 Years, the Most Overlooked Fantasy Film of the 2000s Gets a Major Upgrade

Paramount Pictures(SeaPRwire) -   With the arrival of Good Omens “Season” 3 next month and the ongoing Harry Potter reboot that only HBO's accountants requested, distinguishing inspiring works from their problematic creators remains as challenging as ever. J.K. Rowling's role as executive producer on the new Potter series, coupled with her substantial royalties funding campaigns against trans rights, makes avoiding the show a straightforward moral decision for many.Neil Gaiman, for his part, distanced himself from Good Omens following sexual assault accusations from nine women, muddying fans' connection to the series. The fact that the show will get a severely shortened third season is more than other Gaiman projects received: a Graveyard Book film, a new Coraline musical, and an Anansi Boys TV series were among the canceled productions, even though the last two were nearly ready to launch. This leaves us to question what to do with the art that's already out in the world.Films are collaborative efforts involving many people's labor, even when a single notorious figure overshadows the credits. Yet, is it possible to cherish a love story penned by someone so difficult to admire? That's a personal choice, but perhaps it's appropriate that Stardust, first released in 2007 and newly reissued on 4K UHD Blu-ray by Paramount, tells the story of a young man who believes he has found his soulmate, only to discover she was quite terrible and that his true affections lie somewhere else.On a more practical note, Gaiman was minimally involved in adapting his 1999 novel, and the film altered several elements from the book to create a better cinematic experience. Directed by Matthew Vaughn and co-written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman, Stardust stands firmly as its own peculiar and endearing creation.How Was Stardust Received Upon Release?The reception was largely favorable. Critics were divided over its pacing and overall effectiveness, but most found something to appreciate in its procession of fantastical charm. The plot follows Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) as he leaves his boring English village for the magical realm of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star for the object of his affection. His journey is packed with incident; not only is the star revealed to be Claire Danes, but other characters—such as the merciless witch Lamia (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the equally cutthroat Prince Septimus (Mark Strong)—are also determined to capture her for their own purposes.This required Vaughn to manage numerous subplots and tangents. As these storylines and motives converge, Stardust occasionally resembles a fairy-tale version of a complex, Pulp Fiction-esque crime adventure. Whether that appeals to you is a matter of taste, but for most audiences, its unique mix of romance, action, and comedy succeeded.Pfeiffer's portrayal of a vain and scheming character was widely praised as a standout. Opinions on Robert de Niro's role as Captain Shakespeare, a menacing airship pirate with a flamboyant secret, were sharply divided (and, in what now seems prescient criticism, several reviewers at the time found Ricky Gervais irritating). Empire magazine's 2007 assessment that the film is "Patchy but great fun, peppering plenty of black humour into a sweet if silly fairy-tale romance" remains accurate today.Tristian and Septimus wear their morality on their sleeve. | Paramount PicturesWhy Is Stardust Important To See Now?Because it manages to feel both current and eternal. It's enjoyable to watch a young Charlie Cox smile and engage with others, especially as Daredevil: Born Again debuts another season. It also serves as a welcome reminder of Matthew Vaughn's directorial skill before the misstep of Argylle. Stardust was only Vaughn's second film as director (after the underrated crime movie Layer Cake), and the style he showed here rightly led to opportunities with major franchises like X-Men and Kingsman. Revisiting the film is particularly intriguing to see Vaughn deploy his action and comedic talents within a PG-13 framework—a space he probably won't return to in the near future.Furthermore, as the "romantasy" genre appears poised to dominate fantasy literature, a coming slew of adaptations, and perhaps all of contemporary pop culture, it's refreshing to watch a film rooted in the spirit of a classic fairy tale instead of a calculated assembly of marketable tropes. Unabashedly and straightforwardly romantic, Stardust is akin to The Princess Bride tilted slightly further toward the absurd. It may not have achieved the timeless classic status of Rob Reiner's film, but it is more than capable of providing a delightful evening's entertainment.Michelle Pfeiffer and her witchy sisters are a highlight. | Paramount PicturesWhat New Features Does The Stardust 4K Blu-Ray Have?Strictly speaking, the 4K release does not contain any brand-new special features. However, given that the 2024 4K edition is a limited Steelbook and the prior Blu-ray was released in 2010, the included legacy extras will probably be new to most viewers. These features consist of:Commentary by director Matthew Vaughn and writer Jane GoldmanCrossing the wall: The making of StardustBehind-the-scenes featurettesDeleted scenesBlooper reelTheatrical trailerStardust 4K Blu-RayAmazon - This article is provided by a third-party content provider. SeaPRwire (https://www.seaprwire.com/) makes no warranties or representations regarding its content. Category: Top News, Daily News SeaPRwire provides global press release distribution services for companies and organizations, covering more than 6,500 media outlets, 86,000 editors and journalists, and over 3.5 million end-user desktop and mobile apps. SeaPRwire supports multilingual press release distribution in English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Russian, Indonesian, Malay, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more.