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(AsiaGameHub) -   Indonesian authorities have seized assets valued at more than $3 million following a raid targeting an alleged online gambling operation. The South Jakarta District Attorney’s Office verified it had secured IDR 55 billion ($3.25 million) in "evidence" after the police operation, according to a report by the Indonesian media outlet Tempo. Prosecutors stated the raid was conducted by the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency, referred to as Bareskrim Polri. A public prosecutor, Murari Azis, announced the office is prepared to bring gambling-related charges against five suspects. $3 Million Raid: Investigations Expand All gambling activities are prohibited in Indonesia. Recently, police, prosecutors, and government bodies have initiated a significant nationwide clampdown on online gambling. Officials state urgent action is required as addiction rates keep climbing. The enforcement campaign is escalating across the country, with Bareskrim Polri units making arrests and confiscating assets. Investigators are widening their probes, which they say has led to the discovery of connected money laundering operations. In Tangerang, Java, police report confiscating cash, properties, high-end motorcycles, gold, and a "collection of luxury handbags" from an individual suspected of being a money laundering ringleader. Bareskrim Polri officials in Java said the probe started with a raid conducted on December 4, 2025. That operation led police to effectively close the online gambling platforms CIVICTOTO and JALUTOTO, as reported by the Indonesian media outlet Sin Po. Police stated these two sites yielded monthly net profits of up to $17,700 for their operators. As inquiries progressed, police claimed to have uncovered evidence that the alleged ringleader operated a network of at least 17 accomplices who assisted in laundering money from the platforms. “The suspect ran this illicit enterprise as if it were a professional company,” a senior Bareskrim Polri officer informed reporters. Online gambling addiction is escalating rapidly in Indonesia, leading government officials to label betting platforms a “social disaster.” Addiction Cases Increase Health authorities report a sharp rise in hospital admissions for severe gambling addiction. Officials at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in central Jakarta say they are treating a swiftly increasing number of inpatients and outpatients addicted to gambling. Government officials have previously estimated that as many as 9 million people in Indonesia suffer from online gambling addictions. Muhaimin Iskandar, the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, visited the hospital earlier. During his visit, he remarked, “Online gambling is a social disaster. It’s a disease that erodes social well-being.” Indonesian District Prosecutor’s Office vehicles. (Image: DARMAS BS 9 [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Police Warn of Rising Crime Police have cautioned that this surge in addiction is triggering an increase in crime. According to the Indonesian media outlet VOI, North Jakarta police arrested a 24-year-old employee of a drinking water depot suspected of stealing money from his employer to fund online gambling. The employee is accused of stealing a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and a drawer containing cash from the premises. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison. Police reported the man was found hiding at his grandmother's residence and has confessed fully. In recent weeks, North Sumatra police announced they had dismantled a cross-border gambling syndicate believed to have connections to Cambodia. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   FIFA appointed ADI Predictstreet as its official prediction market partner for the World Cup last week; however, the agreement is facing intense scrutiny because the company is mostly unlicensed and has not yet released a functional product. “This historic agreement highlights FIFA's ongoing dedication to innovation and engaging fans,” stated soccer’s governing body in a press release issued last week. The firm has not yet released a website or application, however. Attempts to access predictstreet.io resulted in an “Unprocessable Entity” notification. Although it recently secured a license to operate in Gibraltar, it does not possess official legal status in any other jurisdiction. While numerous European betting firms establish themselves in Gibraltar for tax advantages, they are required to possess local operating licenses. ADI Predictstreet, conversely, holds no additional licenses, restricting its services to Gibraltar’s population of 36,000. “This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone for ADI Predictstreet and the way audiences interact with major events, as we establish the groundwork for a new sector merging collective intelligence, technology, and real-world results,” stated Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia, Principal Council Member of ADI Predictstreet. This arrangement comes after Polymarket reached a deal with Spain's La Liga to serve as the soccer league’s official prediction market partner. Allegations of Insider Trading Against Bhatia “ADI Predictstreet's operations concerning the FIFA World Cup will adhere to FIFA's regulatory and integrity standards, featuring a robust integrity monitoring system that includes real-time surveillance of suspicious trading and structured reporting mechanisms,” FIFA commented. “These measures are designed to guarantee transparency, fairness, and participant safety.” Bhatia, who leads the company and appeared alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the announcement photo, faces accusations of insider trading. Image from Instagram showing FIFA President Infantino signing the agreement with Adistreet’s Ajay Hans Raj Bhatia. India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) alleged that Bhatia executed trades totaling over $900,000 involving the Indian firm Adani. According to Josimar, Bhatia reportedly had advance notice of a $2 billion investment in Adani, which allowed him to generate a profit of approximately $60,000. To resolve the issue, Bhatia consented to pay SEBI roughly $170,000 and accepted a six-month prohibition on trading in India. Various other prediction market platforms have encountered multiple accusations regarding the facilitation of insider trading. In the US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has pledged to suppress this activity. However, since ADI Predictstreet is licensed exclusively in Gibraltar, it is not subject to the regulator’s regulations. World Cup Anticipated to Generate Record Betting Volumes Following its agreement with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet is anticipated to roll out markets prior to the World Cup. It remains unclear where it will target users given its current licensing status. A post on X unveiling the platform stated that it was developed to reach more than 5 billion fans. Introducing @PredictstreetThe Official Prediction Market Partner of the @FIFAWorldCup 2026More than 5 billion fans will watch the World Cup.ADI Predictstreet was built to reach every single one of them.The first consumer-facing ecosystem project on ADI Chain is going… pic.twitter.com/oYJpD2eElv— ADI Chain (@ADIChain_) April 2, 2026 This tournament may rank among the largest betting events in history. Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer, Mark Bickerdike, expressed his belief that it will surpass the $35 billion wagered during the 2022 World Cup. “Anticipation for next summer's World Cup is immense. An extended tournament held in a time zone favorable to U.S. customers is likely to make this the highest-handling soccer competition the industry has ever witnessed,” remarked Bickerdike. Both prediction markets and sportsbooks will compete to attract bettors. Meanwhile, FIFA aims to monetize the tournament's popularity by implementing dynamic ticket pricing and establishing an online marketplace for ticket and NFT transactions. The organization, headquartered in Switzerland, has encountered a criminal complaint alleging that certain aspects of its ticketing system constitute illegal gambling. There has been no response to the allegations that ADI Predictstreet is an unfit partner due to its uncertain legal status. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In a Monday announcement shared on X, Polymarket stated it is rolling out what it describes as the largest infrastructure update since the decentralized prediction market first launched in 2020.  The updates include a reconstructed trading engine, revised smart contracts, and a new collateral token named Polymarket USD.  We’ve listened to your feedback, and we’re thrilled to announce Polymarket is receiving a full exchange upgrade.Over the coming few weeks, we’re launching a rebuilt trading engine, upgraded smart contracts, and a new collateral token (Polymarket USD) as we phase out USDC.e. — Polymarket (@Polymarket) April 6, 2026 Over the next two to three weeks, the event contract exchange will revamp its core infrastructure to boost execution speed, reduce gas costs, and build a more streamlined technical foundation for future development. The most noticeable change for the platform’s regular users will be the transition from USDC.e to Polymarket USD, which the company confirms is backed 1:1 by USDC.  Put simply, Polymarket will replace the token users submit as collateral with its own USDC wrapper, while also upgrading the behind-the-scenes trade matching system. Most front-end adjustments will be processed automatically, the company noted. However, open orders will be canceled for a short window during the maintenance period, which will be announced at least one week in advance.  What the Upgrade Actually Entails From a technical standpoint, Polymarket is launching CTF Exchange V2 and an updated iteration of its central limit order book, or CLOB. For those unfamiliar with the crypto space, these changes essentially translate to faster trade matching, lower transaction fees, and updated infrastructure for bots, apps, and other tools that connect to the exchange. The company also noted the new tech stack will support EIP-1271 signatures, a change that is expected to simplify interactions between smart contract wallets and the platform. The upgrades extend beyond the retail trading experience. In an X post explaining the update, Polymarket Developers stated API traders, bot operators, and other integrators will need to update their software development kits and re-sign orders using the new system structure. TypeScript, Python, and Go clients are expected to be available ahead of launch day, while migration documentation and a full API changelog will be released at a later date. Upgrade Follows a Series of Infrastructure-Related Deals Polymarket’s April 6 announcement comes on the heels of several moves the company made in early 2026 to strengthen the technical infrastructure supporting its exchange. The firm has spent the past few months building out its core technology via a series of acquisitions and major funding rounds. February 19: Polymarket purchased Dome, a Y Combinator-backed startup focused on unified API infrastructure, to simplify market data access for third-party tools. March 18: The company acquired Brahma, a DeFi infrastructure specialist, to enhance wallet creation, cross-chain operations, and token redemption processes. March 27: Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent entity of the New York Stock Exchange, finalized a $600 million direct cash investment in Polymarket. This followed ICE’s $1 billion investment in the platform in late 2025. As Polymarket integrates these specialized technologies and secures substantial institutional backing, it is increasingly positioning itself as far more than a standard betting platform. The new infrastructure provides Polymarket with the core trading “plumbing” it needs to reduce its dependence on third-party providers, enabling it to build a more stable, scalable environment as it continues its CFTC-regulated re-entry into the U.S. market. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The four Wabanaki tribes in Maine have submitted a legal motion in response to a lawsuit by Oxford Casino Hotel, which aims to prevent the tribes from debuting online casino platforms. Following Maine's legalization of tribal-led online casinos earlier this year, Oxford Casino filed a suit against the state, characterizing the legislation as an unlawful “race-based monopoly.” A judge has approved a joint request to intervene in the case filed last week by all four Wabanaki tribes: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Mi’kmaq Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Penobscot Nation. Does Tribal Exclusivity Constitute Racial Discrimination? In its January filing, the casino argued that “advancing iGaming through race-based preferences is a significant blow to Maine companies like Oxford Casino,” noting their substantial investments in the state. The casino further asserts that the introduction of online casinos could result in the loss of 378 jobs, $22 million in labor earnings, and $60 million in total economic value for Maine. Rejecting the allegation of racial favoritism, the tribes maintain that their exclusive gaming privileges are rooted in their status as sovereign political entities. Legal counsel for the tribes stated that “accepting the Plaintiffs’ equal protection arguments could jeopardize numerous laws that are based on the distinct sovereign status of federally recognized tribes.” The tribes currently hold exclusive rights to sports wagering, which debuted in 2023. However, this sector has faced opposition from the tribes regarding the emergence of sports prediction markets. Tribal Empowerment Through Online Casino Revenue Although Maine Governor Janet Mills was initially hesitant to legalize online casinos, she ultimately approved the measure to support tribal development. Mills remarked, “I have consistently aimed to collaborate with Tribal leaders to enhance the prosperity of the Wabanaki Nations, and I hope this new funding source achieves that goal.” Market experts estimate that iGaming could produce $100 million to $200 million in yearly revenue. From this, commercial partners DraftKings and Caesars, who manage tribal sports betting, could see $20 million to $30 million. Oxford Casino Argues Limited Benefits for Maine State tax forecasts suggest roughly $1.8 million in revenue during the first year, increasing to approximately $3.6 million the following year. Oxford Casino contends these tax figures do not justify the market's expansion and points to a poll showing that 65% of Maine residents are against online casinos. The complaint argues that there is no "compelling government interest" in prioritizing the financial welfare of the Wabanaki Nations over other state entities and citizens. Lenny Powell, representing the Wabanaki Nations via the Native American Rights Fund, noted that evidence indicates “both tribal and nontribal communities benefit when Tribal nations are granted the power of self-determination.” The legal challenge aims for a ruling that the law violates Maine's rules against special legislation and seeks an injunction. If the law stands, the first sites could launch next year. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi has secured a significant legal victory in the Third Circuit in New Jersey. The judges affirmed a prior decision to grant the company a preliminary injunction in its legal dispute with the state's gambling regulator. While this ruling does not definitively settle the legality of sports prediction markets, Dustin Gouker, a prominent industry analyst, described it as “the most important ruling to date concerning the legality of prediction markets and whether federal law supersedes state gaming regulations.” Gouker first reported this development in his newsletter, The Event Horizon, noting that two out of the three judges ruled in favor of Kalshi. In their written decision, the judges stated, “Kalshi was likely to succeed in demonstrating that the (Commodity Exchange) Act preempts New Jersey law from interfering with Kalshi’s CFTC-licensed DCM to prohibit sports-related event contracts.” Case Background New Jersey was among the initial states to challenge Kalshi regarding its sports markets, issuing the company a cease-and-desist letter in April of the previous year. In response, Kalshi initiated a lawsuit against the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) and the Casino Control Commission. Subsequently, a judge granted Kalshi a preliminary injunction, which halted the enforcement of the cease-and-desist order. New Jersey appealed this decision to the Third Circuit, but the judges ultimately upheld the original ruling. Implications for Sports Prediction Markets For the present, this judgment permits Kalshi to continue offering its sports markets within New Jersey. It is also anticipated that Kalshi will leverage this decision in other legal challenges across the nation. Concurrently, rulings in other states have been issued that Kalshi's adversaries are utilizing to bolster their arguments. Similar to New Jersey, Nevada initially granted Kalshi an injunction but later reversed its decision. This state is the sole jurisdiction that has successfully imposed restrictions on Kalshi's markets. In a court filing submitted in New Jersey last week, Kalshi pointed out that the ruling in Nevada was made without a hearing. The company's legal team also argued that imposing restrictions on federally regulated exchanges would lead to “complete chaos,” rendering platforms unable to provide equitable access to all eligible participants nationwide. CFTC Supports Kalshi The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submitted an amicus brief in support of Kalshi and has reaffirmed its position that it possesses exclusive jurisdiction over event contracts. The commission has further defended Kalshi and other platforms by filing lawsuits against state regulators in Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois. The New Jersey ruling strengthens the cases for both the CFTC and Kalshi, though the legal battle is far from over. Gouker commented, “New Jersey could request an en banc rehearing in the Third Circuit, where all the judges in the circuit would hear the case. It could also appeal to the US Supreme Court.” The Supreme Court is likely to be the venue where the legal standing of sports prediction markets will be determined. Legal experts anticipate this will occur within the next few years, potentially as early as next year. As with many matters, trading on these markets is available on prediction market platforms. Polymarket currently indicates a 60% probability that the Supreme Court will hear a case by the end of the year. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   An investigation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) into KPMG’s audit work on Entain’s financial accounts has been closed with no further action planned, though the circumstances of the underlying issue remain subject to upcoming legal proceedings. The FRC launched this probe into KPMG’s auditing of Entain’s 2022 accounts in 2024. It was opened as part of a broader case connected to Entain’s former operations in Turkey and allegations against the company’s former executives, dating back to when the firm operated as GVC Holdings. Between 2011 and 2017, while trading under the GVC name, Entain ran a Turkey-focused business called Headlong Limited. In 2019, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) opened an investigation into “potential corporate offending” at this entity. HMRC, the UK’s national tax authority, raised concerns that adequate anti-bribery and anti-corruption procedures were not being implemented at Headlong. The inquiry ultimately resulted in Entain entering a £615 million deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), made up of a £585 million financial penalty, a £20 million charitable donation, and £10 million to cover authorities’ investigation costs. In February 2023, Entain released its full annual accounts for the 2022 trading year. The group reported 11% growth in net gaming revenue, boosted by that year’s FIFA World Cup, and later lifted its 2023 EBITDA guidance to a range of £985 million to £995 million. The FRC subsequently questioned whether KPMG’s audit of these 2022 financial figures had fully accounted for any potential liabilities tied to the former Turkish business. It has now, however, concluded that KPMG did not commit any wrongdoing. “After reviewing all evidence gathered during the investigation and considering every relevant factor, the FRC’s Executive Counsel has decided not to pursue enforcement action,” the regulator’s statement said. “Therefore, in line with Rule 146 of the AEP, Executive Counsel has determined that the respondents to the investigation are no longer subject to enforcement action. As a result, the case has been closed.” A spokesperson for KPMG UK said: “We are pleased the investigation has concluded with no sanctions, and we remain committed to delivering consistent, high-quality audit work.” Upcoming Turkey-linked trials GVC officially rebranded as Entain in December 2020. This change followed the resignation of Kenny Alexander as Chief Executive Officer in July 2020, and the resignation of Lee Feldman as Chairman in March 2019. Alexander, Feldman, and five other former GVC executives are scheduled to stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on 14 February 2028. All seven face charges of fraud, bribery, and perverting the course of justice. Entain’s leadership team has changed drastically since Alexander and Feldman departed. After Alexander left the role, he was replaced as CEO by Shay Segev, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Segev held the CEO position for six months before resigning in January 2021 and leaving the company that June. He later became CEO of sports streaming platform DAZN, where he leads the platform’s expansion into the betting and gaming sector. Jette Nygaard-Andersen, who had served as a Non-Executive Director at the firm since 2019, then took over the CEO role. She held the position for more than four years before stepping down in December 2023. The role was then filled by Stella David on an interim basis starting in January 2024, before Gavin Isaacs took the top job between September 2024 and February 2025. David has returned to lead the company on a permanent basis since April 2025. Entain’s new leadership maintains that the company has put significant distance between itself and the 2010s-era GVC that was led by former CEO Alexander and former Chairman Feldman. For example, Barry Gibson, who served as Entain’s Chairman between 2020 and 2024, has stated that “the group has changed immeasurably since these events took place”, referring to Headlong’s 2010s Turkish operations. The company has still felt the impact of the legal developments and investigations, however. The £615 million DPA had a major effect on Entain’s 2023 finances, with the firm recording a £900 million loss that year. These developments also likely contributed to the company reaffirming its 2023 commitment to only focus on regulated and soon-to-be regulated markets, a promise first made in November 2020 just before the GVC rebranding was announced. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sportsbook provider Sportingtech has enhanced its offerings in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by introducing several new widgets designed to boost user engagement. The new additions include an Events Widget, a Groups Widget, and a Long-Term Bets Widget, all tailored to cater to the enthusiastic football audience as the tournament approaches. The Events Widget provides a comprehensive overview of match markets, improving the user experience from initial discovery to placing a bet. The Groups Widget, meanwhile, offers users detailed information on group fixtures and participating teams. The Long-Term Bets Widget provides direct access to outright and tournament special bets. Sportingtech stated that the objective is to prominently display key markets for players, thereby reducing friction in the betting process and enabling operators to benefit from increased bet volumes. Data cited by Sportingtech to support the launch of these specialized widgets indicates that 80% of player attention is concentrated above the fold, and strategic placement of widgets can increase engagement by up to 500%. With the 2022 World Cup generating approximately $35 billion (£26.3 billion) in total wagers, and FIFA expanding this year's tournament to 104 matches, there are even greater commercial opportunities available, which can be leveraged through smart widget positioning. All of Sportingtech’s widgets have been developed with a mobile-first approach, featuring a customizable front-end user experience to accommodate the specific needs of each operator. Tommy Molloy, Chief Product Officer at Sportingtech, commented: “The World Cup represents the most significant commercial opportunity in the sports betting calendar. Our operators deserve a product that meets this occasion.” “Through our close collaboration with our partners, we have gained a deep understanding of their requirements. These widgets were developed based on those discussions, aiming to reduce friction, highlight the most relevant markets, and deliver an experience optimized for the tournament. “The surge of casual bettors during the World Cup presents a valuable retention opportunity. The operators who succeed will not be those who are the loudest, but rather those whose user experience encourages players to return.” For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the central hub for multimedia content covering the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

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

(AsiaGameHub) -   SOFTSWISS has expanded into the prediction markets space with a new B2B offering that unlocks fixed-odds, event-based wagering. By removing peer-to-peer exchange mechanics, operators can directly engage audiences outside the scope of traditional sportsbooks by letting them wager on real-world events spanning politics, economics, technology, and other topics. This fixed-odds framework does not depend on external liquidity or market-based pricing, so it gives operators greater control over their pricing and margins while utilizing a familiar risk management structure. Operators looking to integrate this product can do so via a standalone iFrame widget or directly through the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook. Existing SOFTSWISS customers can launch the solution in roughly two to three days, while new customers will take up to three weeks to go live. Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of Operations at SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, shared: “For most operators, the real question isn’t whether prediction markets are compelling, but how to integrate them into an existing tech stack without completely rebuilding systems around exchange mechanics. “A fixed-odds model makes this far more practical. It lets operators test this demand using familiar risk and compliance frameworks, while also opening access to audiences who don’t typically engage with traditional sports betting behaviors.” Prediction markets have seen explosive growth in popularity over the past few years, with the largest surge in the United States driven by Kalshi and Polymarket – the two leading platforms in this sector. Unlike traditional sports betting offerings, participants wager against one another to predict the outcome of events ranging from global elections to the specific trick a mascot will perform during an NFL game. U.S. trading volume neared the $50 billion (£38 billion) mark in 2025, up from just $300 million the previous year. This lucrative commercial opportunity has led several major players in the gambling industry to expand into prediction markets, most prominently Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings’ dedicated offering. SOFTSWISS is not the first B2B company to enter this space. Just last week, Malta-based sportsbook solutions provider BETBY announced its own expansion into prediction markets, demonstrating that despite ongoing controversy in the sector, it is attracting significant commercial interest. Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, added: “We are seeing a growing player demographic. Prediction markets are not just an extension of sportsbooks – they bring in entirely new audiences who have never engaged with traditional betting products. “Their motivations differ: users are driven by their knowledge of global events rather than sports fandom. Paired with the constant flow of news and public discourse, this creates a more consistent engagement layer. Operators who underestimate this shift risk missing out on both consumer demand and a new wave of market participants.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Authorities in South Korea have launched a new initiative to combat underage gambling, introducing a fresh amnesty period for addicted youth and implementing stricter penalties for illegal operators who target minors. Last December, the South Gyeongsang Provincial Police initiated a similar amnesty, encouraging young residents to surrender voluntarily in exchange for cautions or reduced punishments. Following the conclusion of that program on February 28, officials declared it a success, noting that six teenagers had come forward to confess. According to reports from the local news agency Newsis, the same police department has decided to renew the initiative. Residents under the age of 19 within the province are encouraged to report themselves to the authorities before the June 30 deadline. In addition to the possibility of lenient sentencing, police confirmed that youth struggling with online betting will be provided with "guidance and recovery-focused treatment." This phase of the program also invites parents and guardians to contact the police if they suspect their children have developed gambling habits. South Korean Amnesty: Support for Gambling Addiction is Available Officials stated that specialists from the Gyeongbuk Gambling Problem Prevention and Treatment Center will conduct dedicated sessions for those who come forward. Police noted that participants might be "dismissed with a warning" or referred to summary courts if their infractions are considered minor. In the South Korean legal system, summary courts oversee minor offenses and typically issue small fines. Notably, these cases do not result in a permanent criminal record for the individual. Authorities added that even individuals with prior offenses could be granted clemency if they take advantage of the amnesty period. Those who surrender during this window may also receive a formal letter from the School Police Officer’s department. This specific department has the authority to petition the judiciary for leniency in instances where they believe a gambling offender has shown genuine reform. “This amnesty offers young people addicted to online gambling a chance to understand the risks involved,” a spokesperson commented. “It is an opportunity for them to return to a normal, healthy life. The support programs offered by the police and specialized agencies will be highly beneficial.” “We urge young people to make the brave choice to come forward,” the spokesperson added. “We are here to help them move past their struggles with online gambling.” Judiciary Introduces Stricter Sentencing Guidelines At the same time, the judicial branch is moving to strengthen the standards used to penalize gambling operators who exploit minors. As reported by Money Today, courts are being advised to issue longer prison sentences for these crimes. The South Korean Supreme Court. (Image: Seoul Institute [CC BY 4.0]) The Sentencing Commission of the Supreme Court has approved updated guidelines that are set to take effect on July 1. While these guidelines are not legally binding in the same way as statutes, they carry significant weight and are highly influential for lower court rulings. The commission explained that the increased sentencing standards are intended to "address the damaging impact of illegal gambling that targets the youth." Under these new rules, operators of unlicensed casinos can expect prison terms ranging from 10 months to two years in standard cases. For more aggravated offenses, the commission has recommended jail sentences between 18 months and four years. Updated Rules for Financial Crimes and Money Laundering The commission also revealed new protocols for other gambling-related violations, financial crimes, and money laundering. Furthermore, the body advised the judiciary to ignore "surprise deposits" when evaluating cases of investment fraud or gambling scams. This refers to instances where suspects send unsolicited "refunds" to victims during a trial in an attempt to gain the court's sympathy and a lighter sentence. In separate news, the South Korean casino firm Lotte Tour Development announced that its sales for March exceeded 50 billion won ($33 million) for the first time in the company's history. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   If the latest poll from Ipsos is any indication, the initial enthusiasm for legalized gambling in the United States might be waning. The survey indicates that a significant majority of Americans (56%) now believe sports betting compromises the integrity of sports, a figure that has risen by seven points since November 2025 and 19 points since 2023. The poll, which surveyed 1,020 U.S. adults between March 20 and 22, revealed that opposition to online or app-based sports betting within one's state now surpasses support, with 44% opposing compared to 25% supporting. This marks a first since Ipsos started monitoring the issue. Even among individuals who identify as sports fans, opposition to permitting online or app-based sports betting in their state is higher than support, at 47% versus 31%. Approximately half of Americans now perceive sports betting as having a detrimental effect on bettors (52%), society (50%), college athletes (47%), and professional athletes (46%). With the experience of watching sports increasingly resembling being in a sportsbook, the poll indicates widespread frustration among Americans, with 46% favoring a federal prohibition on sports betting advertisements during games. These findings suggest the industry is grappling with a significant reputational challenge as public confidence steadily declines. Growing Skepticism Among Americans Regarding Sports Betting The primary findings from Ipsos imply that the discussion surrounding sports betting has evolved beyond mere consumer choice or entertainment considerations. Americans are almost equally split between those who believe individuals should have the freedom to gamble on sports and spend their money as they wish (50%) and those who contend that sports betting is harmful due to its promotion of addictive behaviors (47%). These results mark a distinct change from previous years, when roughly three out of five Americans supported the idea of individuals being free to gamble as they chose. Official sports betting participation among Americans has also decreased, with only 8% reporting having placed an official bet on a live sporting event online or via an app in 2025. This figure represents a decline from 15% in November 2025 and 11% in February 2025. In-person betting participation also experienced a decline, falling from 10% in November 2025 to 4% since the start of 2026.Nevertheless, 3% of Americans indicated they had purchased a sports event contract via a prediction market this year, suggesting this emerging form of wagering might have influenced the reported figures for conventional sports betting. Consistent Concerns Revealed by Multiple Recent Polls The Ipsos poll aligns with a broader trend of a growing credibility deficit observed in various significant studies. Over the past year, multiple scandals within U.S. professional sports leagues have led the public to doubt the influence of betting on the impartiality of the competitions they follow. Speaking to CasinoBeats, sports integrity expert Rodrigo Arias Grillo stated that a loss of fan trust in a sport can have devastating consequences. He cautioned: Should stakeholders begin to perceive competitions as compromised, it fundamentally damages the essence of any sports association. Arias Grillo cited Italy’s 2006 Calciopoli scandal as an illustration of the repercussions when fans lose faith in a league. Following the revelation of match manipulation involving club officials and referees, Italian soccer's reputation suffered significantly. Although no U.S. sports league has yet reached the degree of distrust observed in Italy's Calciopoli scandal, recent polling indicates that organizations like the NBA, MLB, NCAA, and others should heed fan sentiment regarding these issues. Multiple polls have demonstrated a decrease in confidence in athletic competitions due to sports betting: NBC News Decision Desk: A poll released in December 2025 revealed that 70% of Americans somewhat or strongly concurred that betting diminishes game integrity. YouGov: This survey, published in early November, indicated that 65% of the public thinks athletes occasionally or frequently modify their performance to favor bettors. Sacred Heart University: A poll released in mid-November demonstrated that 79.1% of sports bettors lost trust in the NBA after recent investigations. The consistent findings across these polls imply that Americans are experiencing more than just scandal fatigue; increasingly, it appears that professional sports leagues in the U.S. are facing a credibility crisis. As Arias Grillo noted, once widespread suspicion takes root, restoring trust among fans and stakeholders becomes considerably more challenging. This article is provided by a third-party. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   Prediction market leader Polymarket encountered a wave of backlash on Friday after introducing an event contract concerning the outcome for a missing U.S. service member in Iran. The prediction exchange listed a “US confirms pilots rescued by…?” market shortly after news broke that an American F-15E Strike Eagle was downed over Iran on April 3. Both crew members were subsequently recovered in separate U.S. rescue missions. Backlash was immediate as news of the market spread on social media, with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) publicly criticizing the platform on X for offering the contract. There is an ongoing search and rescue operation for a missing American service member whose plane was shot down over Iran. Their safety is unknown. They could be your neighbor, a friend, a family member. And people are betting on whether or not they'll be saved.This is… pic.twitter.com/sMuS1x6YbL— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) April 3, 2026 He termed the contract a “dystopian death market,” called it “disgusting,” and drew attention to Polymarket’s association with Donald Trump Jr., who could potentially have access to classified, non-public information regarding the pilot’s status.Referencing Trump Jr. alluded to the widespread concern that insiders are earning profits from these markets. Two prominent instances of suspected insider trading on Polymarket involved the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, which yielded a six-figure payout following bets placed at suspiciously opportune times, and joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, where traders gained over a million dollars. Amidst the criticism, Polymarket acted quickly to remove the market, stating it “does not meet our integrity standards” and noting that it was looking into how the market was authorized.However, Moulton was not satisfied with this response, pointing out other war-related markets still on the site: “There are still 219 war bets active on your platform,” and insisting that Polymarket should “remove these immediately.” Social Media Debate Regarding Boundaries & Double Standards The response to the contract was swift on X, with critics arguing that betting on a missing pilot’s fate crossed a moral boundary. On the other hand, some dissenters noted that the market did not breach Polymarket’s terms of service and questioned the rationale for its removal. Kalshi promptly addressed Polymarket’s listing by mirroring Moulton’s language and calling it “disgusting,” while stating that a similar market “would never be allowed on Kalshi or any other regulated platform.” This is disgusting. Would never be allowed on Kalshi or any other regulated platform. pic.twitter.com/jcCyFMKAT2— Elisabeth Diana (@ediyork) April 3, 2026 Nevertheless, some X users highlighted what they view as hypocritical double standards within the prediction market industry, where certain contracts are considered acceptable depending on the identity of the individuals involved in the wagers. They pointed to previous contracts associated with war and humanitarian crises and accused those criticizing Polymarket’s contract of selective outrage. One specific example they provided was a Kalshi contract that asked, “Will the IPC classify Gaza as experiencing famine in 2025?”, which enabled users to trade on the potential mass starvation of civilians and resolved to Yes in August 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Lotte Tour Development, which operates the Jeju Dream Tower integrated casino-resort, has recorded March sales exceeding the 50 billion won ($33 million) threshold for the first time in its history. According to South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, the company stated that strong performance in the casino segment drove improved earnings. Last March, the firm generated casino and hotel revenues of 52.6 billion won—nearly $35 million. This marks a 15% increase compared to February’s figures and a 22% rise over March 2025 revenues. March is traditionally regarded as the off-peak season in South Korea, coming right after the Lunar New Year holiday period wraps up. This usually leads to a slowdown in visitor numbers from East Asian countries like China and Japan, resulting in lower casino footfall. “Last year, our monthly sales only hit the 50 billion won range in May,” a Lotte Tour Development spokesperson said. “But this year, we’ve reached that milestone two months earlier. This is blurring the line between peak and off-peak seasons.” Casino revenue rose by 24% month-on-month in March, which also represented an approximately 25% increase over the casino’s March 2025 figures. Inside the Lotte Dream Tower Casino-Resort in Jeju, South Korea. (Image: @chuntingqunar/YouTube/Screenshot) Dream Tower Casino: Record-breaking March Dream Tower Casino’s table drop figures also climbed 25% month-on-month, while visitor numbers increased by 22% from February to reach 53,587. Hotel room occupancy rates rose to more than 73%. In its recently released annual earnings report, Lotte Tour Development revealed it had ended a four-year streak of financial losses, with casino footfall up 62% compared to FY2025. The company also posted an all-time revenue high of $433 million, a year-on-year increase of nearly 39%. However, this positive news failed to impact the company’s share price. Over the past month, South Korean casino operators’ share prices have been in freefall amid a market slowdown. Lotte Tour Development’s share prices are down more than 17% over the past five days. Lotte Tour Development share prices have fallen by over 15% over the past month on the Korea Exchange. (Image: Google Finance) Share Prices Sliding Rivals like Paradise (operator of the Incheon-based Paradise City casino-resort) have also seen their share prices slip. Paradise’s shares are down 12% over the same period, while Kangwon Land’s share prices have fallen by almost 7%. The Dream Tower casino opened in 2020 in Jeju, a popular destination for Chinese tourists. The subtropical island province now hosts eight casinos that cater exclusively to foreign passport holders. However, police report that gambling-related crime is spiking on the island. Detectives say illegal currency exchanges are popping up around casino hotspots. Police also arrested several Chinese individuals following what they described as a “riot” at a Jeju casino in September. A brawl involving around 50 people broke out after a Chinese casino patron accused a dealer of rigging a table game. Several casino employees were also involved in the fracas, police officials said. Many Chinese gamblers stated they had instinctively rushed to the aid of their fellow countrymen. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The conflict between federal regulators and state authorities escalated on Thursday when the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) initiated a first-of-its-kind legal campaign across multiple states to prevent local officials from classifying prediction markets as unauthorized gambling ventures. Filed in federal courts in Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois, all three lawsuits contest those states' actions to prohibit event contracts, including sports-related ones, on exchanges overseen by the CFTC. In a press release detailing the moves, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting its domain, stating: The CFTC will continue to protect its exclusive regulatory control over these markets and shield participants from excessive state regulation. States have previously attempted to enforce conflicting and contradictory rules on market participants, but Congress explicitly rejected such a disjointed system of state oversight because it led to weaker consumer safeguards and greater potential for fraud and manipulation. The lawsuits contend that the Commodity Exchange Act grants the CFTC sole authority over event contracts traded on federally supervised designated contract markets. They allege Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois are illegally attempting to apply gambling regulations to products the agency asserts are covered by federal commodities law. Selig also used X to clarify the agency's position, noting the suits were launched to "reassert our statutory authority" following state officials' imposition of "inconsistent and contrary obligations" on prediction markets registered with the CFTC. The @CFTC has clear and longstanding exclusive jurisdiction to regulate prediction markets. But recently, state regulators have tried to impose inconsistent and contrary obligations on CFTC-registered prediction markets. In response, the CFTC and @TheJusticeDept today filed three…— Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) April 2, 2026 The CFTC's move to sue the states was not unexpected. In an X video from February, Selig indicated the agency would adopt a more forceful posture in the prediction market dispute, declaring: To anyone looking to contest the Commission's authority regarding these contracts, I want to be unambiguous: we'll see you in court. Arizona Case Centers on Criminal Charges Arizona has pursued the most aggressive stance against prediction markets, bringing criminal charges against Kalshi in March. In its new federal complaint, the CFTC cites Arizona's criminal prosecution of Kalshi as proof of the state's extensive efforts to control prediction markets.The complaint states Arizona first issued Kalshi a cease-and-desist letter in May 2025, followed by a 20-count criminal filing in March that accused the exchange of running an illicit gambling operation and placing bets on elections. The federal lawsuit alleges Arizona is seeking to "criminalize markets" that Congress placed under the CFTC's exclusive purview. It employs the details of Arizona's case against Kalshi to demonstrate the direct clash between state gambling statutes and federal derivatives oversight. The filing notes specific contentious allegations, such as wagers linked to the 2028 presidential election, the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race, individual player performances, and the potential enactment of the SAVE Act. It argues this shows Arizona is trying to enforce state gambling law on event contracts the agency maintains are regulated by federal commodities law. Connecticut & Illinois Cases Focus on Sports Wagering Claims Connecticut and Illinois have employed a different strategy than Arizona in their attempts to control prediction markets. Rather than filing criminal charges, both states have sent cease-and-desist orders to entities regulated by the CFTC. The two states describe the activity with minor differences: Connecticut labels it "unlicensed online gambling, more specifically sports wagering," while Illinois deems it illegal "sports wagering" or "gambling" under the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, Criminal Code, and Administrative Code. However, in the new federal complaints, the CFTC asserts both states are fundamentally doing the same thing: classifying event contracts on federally regulated exchanges as gambling products that must comply with state law. The agency maintains this is precisely what the Commodity Exchange Act forbids, as it gives the CFTC exclusive control over those markets and overrides enforcement at the state level. The complaints argue that gambling enforcement varying by state would upset the nationally consistent framework Congress established for derivatives markets. The Connecticut complaint states that applying state gambling laws to federally regulated exchanges would produce the very regulatory "patchwork" Congress aimed to avoid. The Illinois filing adds that state enforcement would "undermine that uniformity, thwart Congress’s scheme, and intrude on Plaintiffs’ exclusive jurisdiction." Arizona Case Quickly Folded Into Existing Kalshi Fight The CFTC's Arizona lawsuit is already merging with a related legal fight. Sports betting and gaming attorney Daniel Wallach reported on X that U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi has issued an order combining the CFTC's new suit against Arizona officials with Kalshi's ongoing case against the state. Arizona federal district judge Michael T. Liburdi enters order consolidating the CFTC's new lawsuit against @AZAGMayes and @AzGaming with the pending lawsuit filed by Kalshi. pic.twitter.com/u5ABgVIXwD— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 3, 2026 The combined case will move forward under Kalshi's lead docket number. This means one of the CFTC's three new legal challenges is already being incorporated into the larger judicial dispute over whether states can classify federally regulated event contracts as gambling. Liburdi stated consolidation was warranted because the two cases involve a "common question of law or fact" concerning Arizona's power to regulate these markets. This step positions Arizona to be among the first jurisdictions where courts evaluate the CFTC's argument that federal law supersedes state gambling enforcement actions against prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kentucky lawmakers have approved HB 904, the Wagering Consumer Protection Act, and forwarded the legislation to Gov. Andy Beshear, setting the stage for a major overhaul of the state’s sports betting, fantasy competition, and horse racing sectors.  A key change in the bill raises the minimum age for sports betting to 21 while establishing the minimum age for fantasy contests at 18.  The bill also expands the state’s regulatory framework and targets prediction markets directly. Under the legislation, an “event contract” is defined as a transaction linked to the outcome of a future event, and a “prediction market” is a platform where consumers can trade based on those outcomes.  These definitions include a restriction that bars Kentucky-licensed racetracks, fantasy operators, and their affiliates from participating in or contracting with platforms offering event contracts within the commonwealth. The measure introduces new rules for fixed-odds wagering on live horse racing, creates a licensing structure for fantasy contest providers, and strengthens responsible gaming provisions—including requiring the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to establish a self-exclusion list for problem gamblers. The bill further solidifies Kentucky’s horse racing regulator as the state’s central gaming watchdog. It grants the corporation expanded authority over sports wagering, fantasy contests, and fixed-odds wagering, while mandating new regulations on licensing, geolocation, integrity monitoring, audits, and enforcement. Governor Beshear is expected to sign the measure into law, completing a multi-year effort to refine Kentucky’s wagering statutes. Fixed-Odds Betting, Fantasy Contests, and New Mandates Among the changes HB 904 makes to Kentucky’s gaming laws, it adds new rules for fixed-odds wagering on live horse racing. Under the bill, fixed-odds wagers placed at a licensed track will be taxed at 9.75%, while online wagers will face a 14.25% tax—with revenue directed to a new purse stabilization fund. The measure also sets a mandatory minimum bet limit of at least $1,000 per race, with the betting menu determined by the host track. For sports betting, the bill bans certain prop bets on individual athletes from Kentucky college teams when the winning outcome depends on a player failing to meet a statistical threshold or posting a negative performance. Another provision in the bill addresses child support enforcement for online gaming accounts. It requires operators to check applicants against a child support registry, deny account creation to those on the list, and suspend existing accounts if they are later flagged. Fantasy Contests, Integrity Regulations, and Additional Changes The bill revises several other parts of Kentucky’s gaming law by establishing a comprehensive licensing and compliance regime for fantasy contest operators, including geolocation requirements, criminal background checks, annual compliance reviews, anti-fraud safeguards, and self-exclusion measures. To strengthen integrity protections, the bill requires fantasy contest operators to collaborate with regulators and law enforcement on investigations involving suspicious conduct tied to underlying sporting events—including match-fixing and other illegal activity. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A senior Russian Communist Party official has urged the Kremlin to dismiss the Ministry of Finance's contentious proposal to legalize online casinos. According to the Russian media outlet News.ru, Georgy Kamnev, a State Duma deputy and member of the Communist Party's Central Committee, demanded a "complete ban on online casinos in Russia." He insisted the Kremlin should block all internet-based gambling platforms "without exception." Kamnev called for banks and Roskomnadzor, Russia's internet watchdog, to "join forces" and render these platforms technically inaccessible to citizens. The lawmaker stated that commercial banks and Roskomnadzor need to intensify their efforts to block mirror sites operated by gambling platforms. He further pressed the government to eliminate "VPN bypasses" and instructed banks to halt any payments they believe are associated with online casinos. Georgy Kamnev, a State Duma lawmaker and a member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, speaking during a press conference in late 2024. (Image: @rlinetv/YouTube/Screenshot) Online Casino Legalization Plan Is ‘Dangerous,’ Says Lawmaker The Communist Party official described online casinos as a "dangerous sector that ruins people's lives." "Gambling addiction leads Russians to accumulate massive debts," Kamnev stated. "People take out microloans at exorbitant interest rates, mortgage their apartments, and even sell their property [to gamble]." Kamnev explained that once their funds are depleted, debt collectors "appear on the doorstep." In the worst instances, "it ends in suicide," the deputy added. He asserted that the state's duty is to protect its citizens, not to profit from their vulnerabilities. "The health of the nation and the well-being of Russian families are more important than boosting dubious tax revenues," he said. Tax Bookmakers More, Urges Politician The ministry argues that it requires new sources of tax revenue. It also claims that its attempts to close online casinos are mostly ineffective, as operators utilize a multitude of mirror and proxy sites to circumvent blocking measures. Finance officials state that imposing a tax of 30% on online casino operators' annual profits, after deducting winnings payouts, would generate billions of dollars annually for Moscow. However, legislators remain doubtful. Some have proposed different methods to tax the gambling industry without permitting online casinos. One such lawmaker is Sergei Mironov, the head of the A Just Russia political faction. In January, Mironov said the Russian government should raise profit taxes on bookmakers and legal land-based casinos to 50% rather than legalize online casinos. "We could also double tax rates on gaming tables, slot machines, and more. This will bring money into the state budget and curb the fast-growing profits of gambling establishments," Mironov stated. The A Just Russia leader informed the same media outlet that the nation already has "plenty of land-based gambling establishments." "There is no need to expand this sector any further," he concluded. Police Issue Warning Gambling industry representatives express confidence that legislators could approve the ministry's legislative proposals before the month's end. Experts and police officials report that betting addiction is increasing in Russia. Last month, police in Luzino, a village in the Omsk Oblast, charged a man with stealing his friend's phone. The suspect allegedly used the device to take money, which he then squandered on an illegal casino app. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   LaLiga has revealed a multi-year agreement with Polymarket, establishing the league as the first in European soccer to appoint a prediction market as its official and exclusive partner for the United States and Canada. This collaboration provides Polymarket with an entry point into one of soccer's most prestigious leagues, coinciding with the rising popularity of prediction markets and their deeper integration into mainstream sports. The arrangement, as detailed in the announcement, will feature Polymarket across U.S. and Canadian broadcasts, digital platforms, and social media, and grants the company rights to use specific LaLiga and club branding for matches in those regions. LaLiga framed the agreement as a strategic move to connect with soccer's expanding North American fanbase. Commenting on the partnership, Relevent CEO & Partner Boris Gartner stated: “Soccer’s growth, especially in North America, is spearheaded by young, diverse and multicultural audiences who consume the game across multiple screens, so it’s our goal to continue to engage these demographics in new and unique ways.” For its part, Polymarket stated the deal would offer supporters a novel method to engage with games, athletes, and seasonal results as they happen. “Our goal is to give fans a more expressive way to follow the game, where opinions on players, matches, and season outcomes can be reflected in real time,” said Polymarket’s Founder and CEO Shayne Coplan. The LaLiga agreement follows another soccer deal for Polymarket. Earlier this year, Major League Soccer designated Polymarket as its official and exclusive prediction market partner for MLS, the MLS All-Star Game, the MLS Cup presented by Audi, and the Leagues Cup. That earlier signing indicated soccer's growing significance within Polymarket's North American sports approach, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon. LALIGA Pitches Fan Engagement and Integrity Enhancing the fan experience is a central component of the partnership. LaLiga North America emphasized that the deal will combine fan-oriented activities with a "responsible and transparent framework" intended to uphold the sport's integrity. The issue of integrity has been a persistent concern, with sports leagues and regulators questioning if prediction markets have sufficient protections to prevent manipulation and insider trading. In a CasinoBeats interview, CAS arbitrator and FIFA consultant Rodrigo Arias Grillo noted that sports federations bear a responsibility to safeguard their competitions' integrity. He cautioned that failure to do so "crushes the soul of any sports association…you lose the fans, you lose the economic support." LaLiga's partnership with Polymarket seems to be a way to recognize the prevalence of fan activity on prediction markets while simultaneously emphasizing that integrity measures are a built-in part of the collaboration. MLS employed comparable terminology when announcing its Polymarket deal, highlighting safeguards like independent oversight of trading and cooperation on MLS and Leagues Cup markets. Other Leagues Are Joining the Prediction Market Trend The LaLiga partnership further extends Polymarket's growing roster of sports affiliations. This past March, Major League Baseball appointed Polymarket as its exclusive prediction market exchange partner. MLB also entered into a pioneering memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, establishing a formal pathway for sharing information related to baseball integrity issues. Prior to that, the National Hockey League formed multi-year partnerships with both Polymarket and Kalshi, and the UFC secured its own multi-year agreement with Polymarket to integrate prediction market elements into its fight broadcasts and live events. Collectively, these recent agreements demonstrate that major sports leagues are increasingly recognizing the commercial benefits of aligning with prediction markets, and that the industry is achieving greater legitimacy despite ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Police in Medan, Indonesia, have announced the dismantling of an online gambling syndicate that they allege has connections to Cambodia. According to the North Sumatra Regional Police Force’s Cyber Investigation Directorate, the gambling operation was based in three rooms within an apartment building located on the busy commercial street Jalan Palang Merah, in downtown Medan, as reported by Indonesian media outlet Kompas. Authorities conducted a raid on the apartment building on the evening of March 16. Detectives reported making 19 arrests across two separate investigations. A court in the city has ordered the group to be held in custody. Police stated that two siblings were in charge of the operations in one of the rooms. Their alleged subordinates were employed in various technical capacities or worked as marketers for online casinos, detectives added. Online Gambling Syndicate: Police Make 19 Arrests Officers indicated that one of the individuals arrested was the alleged mastermind behind the entire syndicate, responsible for personally recruiting all other suspects. The syndicate had reportedly been operating for approximately two years without drawing the attention of law enforcement. A police spokesperson stated that the group utilized a range of advanced technological tools to evade detection. “We are still investigating the possibility that this syndicate was operating as part of a wider network,” the official commented. “We are investigating possible links with foreign networks and other parties.” The official also revealed that one of the arrestees “previously worked in Cambodia,” adding that the investigation is ongoing. Central Medan, in North Sumatra, Indonesia. (Image: Edwin Petrus) Civil Servants Fired for ‘Gambling Violations’ All forms of gambling remain illegal in Indonesia, and police and public prosecutors are intensifying their crackdown on online casinos. Indonesian officials have attributed a wide range of social problems to online betting portals, including increased hospital bed occupancy and rising divorce rates. In Jambi, Sumatra, local government officials have announced the dismissal of four civil servants from their positions. According to reports from the Indonesian media outlet Detik, the four individuals allegedly took out illegal online loans and gambled the funds online, which is a violation of the civil service code. The Jambi mayor’s office stated that it “will not hesitate to impose sanctions” on the civil servants. The office further commented that such incidents “not only damage performance, but also destroy public trust.” The office issued a warning to all Jambi civil servants to “avoid negative activities, such as web-based gambling and online loans.” In Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi Province, police have accused a man of fabricating a report about a mugging to conceal his online gambling activities. The man initially told police that a group of motorcycle-riding assailants had robbed him in the street and stolen his money. However, during police questioning, the man admitted that he had invented the story to avoid being “scolded” by his wife. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Polymarket has been staying firmly in the public eye recently, and this time the prediction market platform is making headlines over a multi-year collaboration with LALIGA North America. This agreement marks the first ever official partnership between a European football league and a prediction markets operator, though the deal is targeted exclusively at football fans based in North America. Per the terms of the agreement, Polymarket becomes the Official and Exclusive Prediction Market Partner of Spain’s LALIGA in the U.S. and Canada, as both parties work to deepen fan engagement among a fast-growing, increasingly digital-first audience. According to LALIGA, the partnership reflects a wider strategic push to build connections with younger, multicultural fan bases in North America, where content consumption habits are shifting toward multi-screen and interactive experiences. “Soccer’s growth, particularly in North America, is led by young, diverse and multicultural audiences that consume the sport across multiple screens, so our goal is to keep engaging these demographics through fresh, unique approaches,” said Boris Gartner, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Relevent, which launched a 15-year, 50/50 joint venture with the Spanish league in 2018 to set up LALIGA North America. “It is critical that we move past traditional engagement efforts to bring these audiences closer to the beautiful game than ever before, and we could not think of a better partner than Polymarket to reach that goal.” The agreement covers a range of commercial and fan-focused activations, including premium broadcast exposure, integration into digital and social content, and access to exclusive perks such as VIP match hospitality and virtual meet-and-greet sessions with LALIGA legends. A core element of the deal is Polymarket’s right to use official league and club intellectual property, which will enable more in-depth integration of prediction-based engagement around live matches and season outcomes. Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, commented: “Our aim is to give fans a more expressive way to follow the sport, where their opinions on players, matches, and season outcomes can be reflected in real time. “Partnering with LALIGA brings this level of interaction to one of the most passionate global fan bases and introduces a new, more dynamic way for North American audiences to engage with the league.” Is there hope for Polymarket in Europe? For Polymarket, the agreement adds to its growing roster of major sports partnerships, which already includes deals with leagues such as MLB, NHL, UFC and MLS. The announcement came on the same day that the New York-headquartered firm lost its bid to operate in Romania, as the ONJN gambling authority rejected Polymarket’s appeal to be removed from the country’s service blacklist. The business has faced significant hurdles in its efforts to enter the European market. Along with Romania, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Portugal have all banned prediction markets from operating in their respective jurisdictions. Prediction markets, which have surged in popularity largely driven by the rise of Polymarket and fellow U.S. operator Kalshi, maintain that they do not offer gambling products, but rather ‘event contracts’ that let users wager against each other on the outcome of a given event. In the U.S., these platforms are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The previously mentioned European markets do not agree with this classification, however. Despite the challenges it faces in Europe, the LALIGA deal proves that prediction market platforms can still secure partnerships with European entities, even if those agreements are focused on North America, where the sector has seen the most favorable regulations to date. In a related note, Gibraltar, which shares a border with Spain, licensed a prediction markets platform as a B2C betting intermediary earlier this week, a move that may also add to Polymarket’s faint hopes of seeing prediction markets become operational on the European side of the Atlantic. Want to read more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new multimedia home for all SBC content, where our team deep dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The tender process for Paraguay's quiniela lottery has reached its concluding stage, with two domestic entities, Technologies Development of Paraguay (TDP) SA and the Daruma Sam Alliance, now confirmed as the final bidders for the franchise. Initiated in November 2025, this tender is a component of President Santiago Peña's wider plan to privatize businesses formerly controlled by the state, starting with gambling concessions historically run by state and municipal bodies. In late March, the Forte Capital Consortium—comprising Gambling SA, Talismán SA, and B-Gaming Vimérica SA—withdrew from the process, leaving TDP and Daruma Sam as the two remaining competitors. The National Gambling Commission, Conajzar, is supervising the proceedings. Its Interdisciplinary Review Committee (CRI) is responsible for evaluating the submissions within a 10-day period before the final decision. This tender represents a major regulatory change for Paraguay's gambling industry. The government has ended the long-standing monopoly, implementing a new system that permits up to three operators to receive quiniela licenses, indicating a shift to a more competitive market. Both bidders presented financial offers meeting the minimum criteria outlined in the tender specifications (PBC), proposing a 19% fee on monthly gross revenues. Conajzar has also set a minimum guaranteed payment of PYG 9.5 billion for the winning applicants. Daruma Sam already operates in Paraguay, running Aposta.LA betting shops in the Gran Asunción area. Review phase begins After the bids were opened, the CRI began a quantitative and technical review of all submitted documents, as mandated by Resolution No. 28/2026 from 5 February. The committee is anticipated to provide its assessment report within 10 days. A subsequent five working days will then be needed to officially confirm the chosen operators. The successful bidders will secure the right to operate the quiniela for a five-year period. Carlos Liseras, President of Conajzar, noted the process is now in a crucial verification phase: "A detailed control process has begun to ensure all technical and regulatory requirements are fully met." The potential rewards are substantial, with the Paraguayan quiniela market estimated by the industry to generate over $120 million in annual turnover. This tender holds considerable political importance as the initial trial of President Santiago Peña's pledge to reform state-supported monopolies. The accompanying legislative proposal involves re-examining gambling privileges given to municipal authorities, pointing to a more extensive restructuring of traditional market frameworks. Once the quiniela tender concludes in 2026, Peña is anticipated to undertake a comprehensive revision of Paraguay's gambling legislation, establishing this reform as a key element of his broader economic strategy. 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.