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(AsiaGameHub) -   The Superfecta is classified as an exotic wager, and stands as one of horse racing’s most challenging yet potentially highly profitable bets. To win, bettors must accurately forecast the top four finishing horses in their exact final order. Superfecta wagers are available for this year’s Kentucky Derby, which takes place on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Superfecta bets can generate enormous payouts, and the minimum wager amount is as low as 10 cents or $1. What Was Last Year’s Kentucky Derby Superfecta Payout? We can use the final finishing results from the 2025 Kentucky Derby to illustrate how the Superfecta functions. Sovereignty (18), Journalism (8), Baeza (21), and Final Gambit (3) took first, second, third, and fourth place, respectively. A $1 Superfecta bet on the 18-8-21-3 combination returned $1,682.27. It is extremely difficult to correctly predict the exact order of the top four finishers with a straight bet of this kind, but there are alternative structures for placing Superfecta wagers. Varieties of Superfecta Bets Below are different variations for placing Superfecta bets. Superfecta Box The Superfecta box bet lets you wager on the top four finishers without needing to select their exact final order. Think of “boxing” four horses as a form of coverage that accounts for every possible winning permutation. When you select four horses, there are 24 distinct winning combinations. As a result, your $1 Superfecta box bet will cost a total of $24. Unsurprisingly, the more horses you include in your box, the higher the total cost of the wager becomes. Superfecta Full Wheel If you are confident about which horse will win the race but unsure which competitors will take the next three positions, you can place a Superfecta full wheel bet. This wager is designed to cover every possible Superfecta combination that has your selected winner in first place. For example, if there are six horses in the race total, this type of bet will cost you $60. The wager becomes more expensive as more horses are added to the race field. Superfecta Part Wheel You place a Superfecta part wheel bet by selecting a horse to win, paired with a set of horses you expect to finish in positions 2 through 4. The key difference here is that you are not including every other horse entered in the race, just three specific horses of your choosing. If you bet the No. 2 horse to win, paired with No. 8, No. 5, and No. 10 for the remaining top four spots, there are 24 different winning combinations covered. This wager will cost you a total of $24. Superfecta Key The Superfecta key bet lets you wager on a “key” horse that you predict will win the race. You can then select a combination of three or more other horses to fill the second, third, and fourth place positions. As an example, you might pick the No. 3 horse as your winning key, with No. 7, No. 10, and No. 18 as the horses you expect to round out the top four. You will cash your winning ticket if your key horse takes first place, and any three of your selected horses finish in second, third, and fourth position. Largest Superfecta Payouts in Kentucky Derby History As noted earlier, Superfectas can deliver exceptionally large payouts. When Rich Strike won the 2022 Kentucky Derby as an 80-1 longshot, a $1 Superfecta bet returned $321,500.10. 1st place: Rich Strike (80-1 odds) 2nd place: Epicenter (4-1 odds) 3rd place: Zandon (6-1 odds) 4th place: Simplification (35-1 odds) Payout amounts vary based on the odds of the horses finishing first through fourth, and the total number of winning tickets sold. In the 2022 case, Rich Strike was the biggest longshot to win the Kentucky Derby since Donerail in 1913. Simplification, which finished in the top four at 35-1 odds, also helped drive this unusually high payout. What is the largest Superfecta payout in Kentucky Derby history? That record was set in 2005, when Giacomo, Closing Argument, Afleet Alex, and Don’t Get Mad finished first through fourth respectively, delivering a $864,253.00 payout for a $1 Superfecta bet. 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 competition for industry accolades has commenced with the release of the 2026 SBC Awards Americas shortlist, which spotlights the leading companies in the gaming sector across the Americas. Scheduled for June 10 at the Broward County Convention Center as a key event of the SBC Summit Americas 2026, the awards ceremony will gather 600 professionals to honor excellence in the North and Latin American gaming markets. This year's program includes 34 categories that acknowledge exceptional accomplishments by operators, affiliates, industry leaders, and a diverse array of suppliers, including platform providers, payment experts, and game studios. Rush Street Interactive tops this year's list with eight nominations, while Betting Hero follows with six. Optimove, Wazdan, and Betsson Group are also front-runners, each securing five nominations. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, stated: “The prestige of the SBC Awards Americas is increasing as the regional competition intensifies. The companies on this year's shortlist are not only achieving high performance but are also advancing standards in operations, technology, marketing, payments, compliance, and player engagement. Earning a place on the shortlist is a significant accomplishment, and all finalists deserve to be proud of this recognition.” Within the North American operator segments, FanDuel will attempt to protect its 2025 Sportsbook Operator of the Year award against rivals such as BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock Bet. For the casino award, BetMGM will strive to keep its title in a field featuring Caesars Entertainment, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet Casino, and Rush Street Interactive. In the Latin American operator categories, prominent firms like Betsson Group, Kaizen Gaming, Megapari, and Rush Street Interactive have been named as finalists, demonstrating their expanding presence and impact in the region. For the affiliate awards, Flashscore Network will try to defend its Sports Affiliate of the Year – LATAM award against competitors including Better Collective, Betting Hero, and MediaTroopers, all of whom are also finalists in the Sports Affiliate of the Year – North America category. In the supplier sections, firms like Optimove and Wazdan are at the forefront with five nominations apiece. Sportradar, SoftConstruct, and OpticOdds are also strongly represented, emphasizing the rising significance of data, platforms, and content for operators throughout the Americas. Alea will seek to repeat its previous Employer of the Year victory. The company is up against Betsson Group, Rush Street Interactive, and BetMGM in a category expected to be fiercely contested. In the payments and compliance sections, OKTO will aim to keep its Payment Solution of the Year – Latin America award, and Trustly will try to defend its North American counterpart. Other contenders for Compliance Solution of the Year include GeoComply, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and OpenBet. The awards will also highlight new brands gaining traction in the industry, with companies like Octoplay, BETER, OpticOdds, and WagerWire appearing in the Rising Star in Casino and Rising Star in Sports Betting categories. The full roster of shortlisted companies can be viewed on the SBC Awards Americas website. Please be aware that a distinct ticket is necessary for ceremony attendance. Options for tables and tickets are available here. Secure your ticket for the SBC Summit Americas: Expo Pass (Free): Entry to the exhibition floor, showcasing hundreds of brands from North and Latin America, plus basic SBC Connect access. Conference Pass ($399): Includes expo entry and the complete two-day conference agenda, with over 250 speakers on six stages, and admission to ‘Inner Circle’ sessions. Networking Pass ($399): Provides expo access and the full SBC Connections schedule, encompassing ‘The Hive,’ ‘The Exchange,’ ‘The Briefings,’ ‘The Walk Around,’ and ‘The Inner Circle,’ as well as official evening networking events. Business Pass ($549): A comprehensive package with full expo access, the conference program, networking events, and improved SBC Connect access. VIP Event Pass ($799): The ultimate all-access pass, including the conference, networking, and exhibition, along with premium perks such as entry to the Operator Platinum Lounge and free admission to the Food Festival. 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) -   Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) asserts that a regulatory loophole exists between the Irish National Lottery and licensed bookmakers, as bookmakers currently offer wagers on lottery draw outcomes. The FDJ United-owned operator is calling on the government to prohibit bookmakers from accepting bets on lottery draws, arguing that this practice siphons off potential sales and funding from the official lottery. Irish lottery cites €289m in lost revenue PLI presented its arguments to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) via its newly published ‘Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the National Lottery’. The report features a full section exploring the impact of lottery betting on the official lottery’s revenue and the funds it allocates to good causes. In this section, PLI states that €289m (£250m) in National Lottery sales were lost in 2024 alone, as a direct result of lottery betting services offered by licensed bookmakers. PLI’s calls for policy adjustments are the latest appeals submitted to the Irish government, coming just two years after the Gambling Regulation Act was signed into law, which established a new regulatory body for the betting and gaming sector: the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). “A large number of participants take part for the chance to win a prize in an enjoyable, regulated environment, while contributing to extremely worthwhile causes,” said Cian Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery. “The National Lottery plays a critical role in funding Good Causes, supporting thousands of jobs, and driving economic activity in communities across the country.  “Lottery betting offered by bookmakers poses a very tangible threat to this entire ecosystem, reducing the funds available for local sports clubs, youth centres, arts programmes, and community services.” PLI reports €81m drop in Irish good cause returns Unsurprisingly, PLI’s report has focused heavily on how lottery betting impacts returns to good causes – a core mandate of the Irish National Lottery and its 10-year operating contract, as is standard for all state-backed lotteries. The report, compiled by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants, estimates that roughly €81m in good causes donations were lost due to lottery betting in 2024, with an average annual loss of €63m recorded between 2021 and 2024. This calculation is based on the estimate that around 28% of National Lottery sales income was allocated to good causes in 2024 – €239.3m out of total sales of €853m. PLI and Indecon applied this 28% ratio to the total estimated value of lost lottery sales, which stands at €289.7m. “The charity and voluntary sector relies heavily on consistent annual funding to sustain and expand its services,” said Aine Myler, CEO of Charities Institute Ireland (CII). “The National Lottery Good Causes Fund serves as a critical source of support for a wide range of organisations operating across the sports, arts, heritage, youth, community, and health sectors. “CII has submitted multiple representations to the government calling for this policy change to be implemented, so we now urge the Minister once again to address this issue. There is a clear public policy justification for measures that protect National Lottery funding and the communities that depend on it.” PLI presents macro-economic arguments for the ban PLI’s Murphy added that the operator considers it has a ‘responsibility to safeguard the National Lottery’s long-term value’, including shielding it from revenue losses to betting operators. “Given the scale of these impacts, we have no choice but to request appropriate action from the Government on this issue, in the interest of preserving current Good Causes funding levels, protecting players, and ensuring that the National Lottery, as a State asset, remains an attractive investment that delivers tangible returns for the State when its licence comes up for renewal in eight years’ time.” The firm has built its case not just on the impact to its own revenues and good causes returns, but also on what it describes as wider knock-on economic impacts. It estimates that retailers lost £12m in commission in 2024, as part of a total $132m loss across broader related retail sales. This impact extends to employment, with PLI estimating that “1,219 fewer jobs are sustained due to the presence of lottery betting”. This in turn creates further broader economic costs for the Irish state, including a €5m loss in exchequer revenue according to PLI’s calculations. Tara Buckley, Director General of the Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association (RGDATA), said: “Retailers see first-hand the tangible difference that Good Causes funding makes to clubs and organisations, most of which are volunteer-led, in their local areas. “It is critical that the government acts now to safeguard Good Causes funding and prevent the National Lottery from being increasingly undermined by lottery betting. Ireland should no longer be an outlier in Europe and move immediately to ban lottery betting.” PLI is not alone in pushing for the policy change As referenced by RGDATA’s Buckley, the appeal submitted to the Irish government by PLI and its charity and retail sector partners is partially grounded in comparisons to regulatory frameworks in other European nations. The three groups noted that 25 out of 27 European Union member states, as well as the UK, draw a clear regulatory distinction between national lottery services and betting and casino operators. In the UK, for instance, operators are prohibited from offering bets on domestic National Lottery draws – though they are permitted to take wagers on Irish and Spanish lottery draws via many high street and online bookmakers such as Paddy Power, Betfred and Coral, to name just a few examples. Back in Ireland, PLI’s request to the government highlights that multiple quarters remain dissatisfied with Ireland’s new regulatory framework. Gambling reform advocates, such as the Labour Party for example, are pushing for additional changes focused specifically on advertising regulations. As the Irish betting sector faces similar challenges to other global markets – including an ongoing decline in retail betting activity, with the key exception of taxation rules – Irish bookmakers are likely to lobby back against calls to end lottery betting services. SBC News has contacted the Irish Bookmakers’ Association (IBA) to request comment on the matter. 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) -   AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) has experienced a 'continued tough market situation' that has impacted its performance in the first quarter. The company is implementing redundancies and an internal restructuring as part of its strategy to manage external economic pressures. In its financial results for the three months ending March 31, 2026, the Swedish operator reported that its top-line figures were 'on par with the previous year,' necessitating an internal reorganization to streamline operations. Total revenue for the period reached SEK 1.4bn (£111.9m), representing a slight increase of just under 1% compared to the same period last year. Net gaming revenue exceeded SEK 1.2bn. A difficult quarter for sports betting Casino appears to be the primary driver of growth, with revenue increasing by 20% during the period. However, ATG noted that this growth was 'partly due to one-off events in 2025'. The results stated: “The growth in casino includes one-time effects in the comparison figures, but even taking that into account, there is growth.” The company's core horse racing division remained relatively stable, despite increased international interest in the vertical. In contrast, overall sports betting saw an 11% decline. “Horse betting is stable and still our largest gaming product. It is also the foundation of our business and the commitment to horse betting is strong, both externally and internally,” ATG commented. “The sports product area had a weaker quarter, with net gaming revenue down around 11% year-on-year. This is mainly due to the outcome of sporting results, as this type of variation is not uncommon between quarters. At the same time, we see signs that we need to continue developing our offering to our customers.” Lotta Nilsson, CFO and Deputy CEO at ATG Despite the subdued performance, ATG remains optimistic about regaining momentum in the latter half of the year. Lotta Nilsson, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ATG, stated: “We are improving our results in a continued tough market situation. “It is a statement of strength. At the same time, we are not satisfied with the development of revenue – it should increase, and we are acting to have an effect already during the year.” Leadership reshuffles have had an impact The beginning of the year presented challenges for ATG, not only in terms of revenue growth but also with significant leadership changes. In February, CEO Hans Lord Skarplöth stepped down after 13 years. Peter Norman was initially appointed acting CEO, but a few weeks later, Jörgen Forsberg, CEO of Svensk Travsport, was named the new acting CEO pending the hiring of a permanent replacement. During this period, Nilsson also took on the role of Vice President. A complete leadership overhaul is a substantial undertaking for any company. ATG navigated these changes while simultaneously managing an overall company restructuring that led to a reduction in its workforce. Looking beyond Sweden Despite the internal challenges, potential new growth opportunities are emerging, though their presence within Sweden remains uncertain. ATG's Q1 results highlight its international strategy as a key long-term growth catalyst. ATG's Danish operations are reportedly 'developing well,' with a 13% increase in overall NGR (in Swedish Kroner) during Q1 2026. Similar to Sweden, this growth was primarily driven by casino (55%), followed by horse racing (27%) and sports betting (18%). Furthermore, ATG is exploring new opportunities in Finland through its Hippos ATG subsidiary, contingent on regulatory approvals. With the market preparing for licensing and regulated operators expected to launch in 2027, expansion into Finland could provide a vital new revenue stream, offsetting challenges posed by Sweden's mature market and regulatory landscape. Beyond specific regional subsidiaries, ATG is committed to actively expanding its international horse racing betting business throughout 2026. In Q1, this division generated SEK 817m, a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This international expansion strategy is heavily reliant on distributing its proprietary racing content and betting pools to global partners. The results concluded: “We have several challenges ahead of us, the biggest of which is creating growth in horse racing. At its core, ATG is something unique: a gaming company with a mission that extends beyond numbers and balance sheets. The values that horse betting holds. “The community, the analysis and the presence in the experience itself provide direction in our mission: to create revenue for Swedish trotting and galloping sports. We do this by continuing to offer exciting games in a fair and smooth way. “Our mission remains the same – we will be the horse industry’s engine and the gaming industry’s compass.” 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) -   Sweden’s regulator, Spelinspektionen, is continuing to implement supervisory actions over evoke’s online gambling brand, Mr Green. In the most recent regulatory update, Mr Green was identified alongside three other brands—CoinToss Ltd, Kaprifol Services Ltd, and Mr Vegas Ltd—that are now under intensified scrutiny. These measures are designed to ensure that all four operators adhere to the necessary customer protection protocols established by the Swedish gambling regulations, with a particular focus on player deposits. Licensed operators are legally mandated to follow up with any player whose monthly deposits exceed SEK 10,000 (£800). At this threshold, the gambling provider must contact the player to request proof of income and assess their risk of problem gambling. The heightened monitoring of Mr Green may be linked to a financial penalty imposed by the Swedish regulator in 2024. At that time, the evoke-owned property was fined SEK 12m (£900k) due to shortcomings in its Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures that occurred in 2021. This penalty was a reduction from an initial, much larger fine of SEK 31.5m (£2.35m), which the Swedish Supreme Court decided to halve to ensure it was proportionate to the severity and duration of the violations. While Spelinspektionen rarely suspends the licenses of regulated operators, with most bans targeting offshore companies, Mr Green must proceed with caution to avoid further regulatory displeasure. This imperative for strict compliance is further amplified by the ongoing discussions between Mr Green’s owner, evoke, and Bally’s Intralot regarding a complete acquisition, as recently disclosed by both major gambling entities. A negative outcome in a European market could significantly hinder evoke’s position in these discussions, especially considering Bally’s Intralot’s potential to become a leading force across the continent by combining its market share with evoke’s brand presence in Spain, Italy, Romania, the UK, Belgium, and Denmark. 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 study conducted by the University of Cambridge has intensified the discussion surrounding gambling advertisements in Ireland, coinciding with broader concerns about the gambling industry's societal effects within the nation. Ireland is currently undergoing a period of regulatory reform, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) now overseeing the country’s betting market as mandated by the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. Similar to the review of the Gambling Act in the United Kingdom, the re-regulation of Ireland's betting market has left proponents of gambling reform, such as the Labour Party, advocating for more substantial changes to advertising regulations. According to research jointly undertaken by the University of Cambridge and Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, gambling advertisements in Ireland disproportionately affect young men. The university's study examined social media advertising through the Meta Ad library, analyzing published advertisements and demographic data across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Dr Elena Petrovskaya, the lead author of the report from the university’s Department of Computer Science and Technology, noted that "not that many adverts directly targeted men to begin with." However, she elaborated: "But even when adverts were set to reach all genders, they still reached that very vulnerable group of young men. “It shows that if companies just put ads on social media, they are still reaching young men – the group we know from other research is most at risk of gambling harms.” Cambridge researchers analyzed 411 advertisements from 88 licensed Irish operators, concluding that young men were 2.3 times more likely to be exposed to social media advertisements than women, despite the ads not being specifically targeted at men. Individuals in the 25-34 age group constituted one-third of all unique accounts reached, accumulating 6.2 million impressions. The researchers highlighted one particular advertisement that reached 1.32 million unique accounts. Irish advertising debate continues unabated The discourse concerning gambling in Ireland, much like in other significant European gambling markets such as the UK, Netherlands, and Italy, has largely centered on sponsorship arrangements. The presence of bookmaker branding in prominent Irish sports competitions, including the Gaelic football and hurling leagues of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the League of Ireland (LOI), has been a contentious issue for many years. The GAA ultimately decided to cease partnerships with gambling sponsors, citing concerns regarding customer protection and societal impact. The LOI, in contrast to its English counterparts in the EFL and the governing bodies of the Premier League, has been more reluctant to sever commercial ties with the sport due to the revenue generated. The Gambling Regulation Act and the GRAI's mandate are now established, with the latter assuming licensing responsibilities this year. Nevertheless, certain political figures, such as Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, remain firm in their conviction that a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising in Ireland is essential. Research from institutions like Cambridge and MTU is expected to play a significant role in this debate, particularly given its focus on the impact of social media advertising, adding another dimension to a discussion that has predominantly revolved around sports sponsorships and television commercials. The findings from the researchers regarding the impact of advertising on young men, who according to Irish government statistics are among those most susceptible to gambling-related harm, will be particularly important for advocates of gambling reform. “This research provides valuable insights that establish a baseline for the reach of gambling advertising on social media in Ireland before the introduction of a regulatory framework,” stated Dr Deirdre Leahy from MTU, a co-author of the research. “This baseline will be essential for assessing the impact of reforms under the Gambling Regulation Act.” 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) -   Australia’s leading casino brand The Star Entertainment Group has recorded a major year-on-year improvement, reporting an AU$1m (£530,000) loss for Q3 2026, down from a $24m loss in the same quarter of 2025. That said, the quarter was slightly weaker than Q2, with revenue falling and profitability slipping back into negative territory, as regulatory pressures and lower visitor numbers continued to weigh on performance. Group revenue landed at $266m, down 12% quarter-on-quarter and slightly lower than the $268m recorded in the prior corresponding period. The company posted an EBITDA loss of $1m, reversing the $6m profit it gained in Q2, though the result is still a marked improvement on 2025 figures driven by cost-cutting efforts. Declines were largely fueled by ongoing soft performance in Sydney, where revenue dropped 10% versus the previous quarter and 9% year-on-year. Table games were a particular weak point, and the impact of mandatory carded play and cash limits continues to be felt – average daily revenue at the Sydney property is still roughly 20% below pre-reform levels. Examples of these regulatory reforms include a $100 cash load-up limit for Victorian poker machines and a delayed rollout of $1,000 daily cash limits at New South Wales casinos, where the limit will remain at $5,000 until August 2027. Across other locations, performance was mixed. The Gold Coast delivered modest year-on-year growth, supported by stronger electronic gaming and hospitality results, while Brisbane’s numbers were impacted by the transition out of the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) joint venture and changes to the operator fee structure. Cost reductions were a clear positive highlight, with operating expenses falling 11% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year. This reflects the early impact of “cost out” initiatives launched by the company’s new leadership team, including corporate streamlining and reviews of supplier costs. Latest updates on The Star’s turnaround plan Even so, The Star’s broader overall financial position remains fragile. Available cash dropped to $90m at the end of March, and the company is working against a tight deadline to complete refinancing by 15 May to avoid breaching its existing debt agreement. A binding refinancing commitment with WhiteHawk Capital Partners, announced at the end of last month, is already in place, and all required regulatory approvals have been secured. The refinancing package consists of a three-year facility totaling around $550m, which will be used to fully refinance the group’s existing debt while also providing extra liquidity. A minimum liquidity requirement of $50m has been set for the first 12 months after financial close, which the company is on track to meet. The requirement rises to $75m between 12 and 18 months post-close, and $100m after that period. Additional covenants include a minimum asset coverage ratio starting December 2026 and a minimum EBITDA threshold starting March 2027, alongside standard reporting obligations and default provisions. An interest reserve account that will cover the first 12 months of interest payments will also be set up as part of the new financing structure. “The Star is working to complete the refinancing as soon as possible, but no later than 15 May 2026, to meet the conditions of the waiver granted by existing SFA lenders,” a company statement read. The Star has also made progress on its strategic reset, completing the first stage of its exit from the Brisbane joint venture with DBC. This step included the release of a large parent company guarantee tied to $1.4bn in debt facilities. Financial challenges will not be resolved immediately Despite these recent steps, The Star has reiterated that material uncertainty remains over its ability to continue as a going concern, with multiple interconnected factors including refinancing, regulatory outcomes and operational recovery still unresolved. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, has continued advancing the turnaround strategy, which included appointing two new Non-Executive Directors – Brooke Lindsay and Grant Bowie – this month. The business remains in a transitional period following a $300m strategic investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year, a deal that will eventually give Bally’s a 56.7% stake in The Star. The company is also navigating ongoing regulatory change across Australia, where a key recent policy focus has been cracking down on gambling advertising. The Murphy report, written by late MP Peta Murphy and holding 31 recommendations for Australian regulatory reform, has still not seen most of its suggestions implemented across the country. For The Star, an immediate return to profitability was always highly unlikely. Despite the unavoidable pressures it faces from both internal and external sources, the company is in a much healthier position today than it was at the start of 2025, when it was grappling with losses of more than $300m. 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) -   Tipico Sportwetten has kicked off a new “leadership era”, with Mate Bacic taking over from Axel Hefer as Chief Executive Officer of the largest sports betting and iGaming brand operating in the DACH region. This leadership transition follows Hefer’s decision to resign from the new leadership team of Banijay Gaming – the division established in April 2025, after Banijay Group finalized its €3 billion acquisition of Tipico. Hefer’s exit comes after he fulfilled his remit of restructuring Tipico to position it for an eventual multi-billion-euro sale. During his three-year tenure, the company pulled out of the US market, selling its domestic US operations to MGM Resorts, and purchased Admiral Austria to boost its regional presence. The business ultimately became an acquisition target itself, when its former private equity owner CVC Capital reached an agreement to sell Tipico to Banijay in October 2025. Speaking about his departure, Hefer said: “I joined the Tipico Group nearly three years ago with one clear goal: to lay the groundwork for the company’s future international growth. Now that the sale to Banijay Group is complete, my work here has been successfully finished. “I am fully confident that with Mate Bacic leading the company and as part of Banijay Gaming, Tipico is extremely well positioned for future success. I wish Mate and the entire team all the best in the coming years.” New leadership steers the business into its next chapter Bacic, who has held executive roles at Tipico for almost a decade, has been promoted to the CEO position from the group’s existing senior leadership ranks.  As Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services, he played a key role in building and restructuring the operator’s land-based retail network, which now covers more than 1,250 outlets across Germany and Austria. Most recently, he oversaw the integration of Admiral Austria into the wider group during his tenure as CEO of the Atlas Group. Before joining Tipico, Bacic held senior leadership positions at Telefónica Germany, bringing deep operational and commercial expertise to his new top role. Discussing his new appointment, Bacic said: “I am thrilled to lead Tipico through this critical phase for the business. We have a powerful brand, a highly committed team, and trusted partners supporting us. Working alongside Banijay, we will speed up innovation efforts, invest in technology, and set new benchmarks for customer service.” He added: “We aim to deliver the best and most secure experience possible for sports betting fans — both online and across our more than 1,250 retail shops. I also want to thank Axel for his reliable partnership and his significant contributions to putting Tipico in such a strong position for the future.” Credit: Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock Under the revised leadership structure, Nicolas Béraud, former Betclic CEO, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Banijay Gaming. Joachim Baca, Chairman and former CEO of Tipico, will act as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Operational leadership roles across the group’s core brand portfolio have also been reshuffled, with Julien Brun, previously Chief Operational Officer, stepping into the role of CEO of Betclic. Banijay’s leadership team has given its full endorsement to this internal succession, with Béraud stating: “Following the completion of Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of the Tipico Group, I am convinced that Mate, with his extensive industry experience, in-depth understanding of the Tipico Group, and strong leadership capabilities, will make a major contribution to building our large-scale European gaming platform. “Axel was an exceptional partner throughout the Betclic/Tipico transaction, and I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.” 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 Pittsburgh Penguins are set to host the Philadelphia Flyers for Game 5 this evening at PPG Paints Arena. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN. Pittsburgh avoided elimination from the playoffs with a 4-2 victory against the Flyers on Saturday. According to DraftKings, the Penguins are listed as a -135 home favorite with the total set at 5.5. Betting data shows 37% of the moneyline handle and 45% of tickets are backing the Penguins. Although player props are the primary focus, the recommendation is for the OVER to be a winning bet tonight. The current price for the OVER is -120. Best Player Props for Flyers vs. Penguins Philadelphia holds a commanding 3-1 series lead, but the experienced Penguins are expected to be a difficult opponent to eliminate. A maximum effort is anticipated from Sidney Crosby and his teammates. Below are the top player props for tonight's game, with odds provided by DraftKings. Arturs Silovs OVER 22.5 Saves (-110) Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs received his first postseason start in Game 4. Silovs stopped 28 shots in the 4-2 road win against Philadelphia. His performance represented a significant upgrade over Stuart Skinner, who began the series with an 0-3 record for Pittsburgh. Skinner conceded nine goals and posted a 3.08 goals against average. Sidney Crosby OVER 2.5 Shots (-160) Crosby is the Penguins' playoff leader with 13 shots on goal. His shot totals to begin the series are 3, 4, 3, and 3. Facing elimination, Pittsburgh is expected to direct a heavy offensive push toward Flyers goalie Dan Vladar, with Crosby once again leading the attack. An interesting note: Crosby's 555 career playoff shots place him 20th on the NHL's all-time list. Trevor Zegras OVER 0.5 Points (-160) Trevor Zegras has been a significant contributor for the Philadelphia Flyers in this series. He leads the team with four points (1 goal, 3 assists) and has recorded a point in three of the four games. During April, Zegras has notched at least one point in eight of his last 11 contests, including regular season games. He is a crucial component within Philadelphia's core of young talent. Christian Dvorak OVER 0.5 Points (+105) The presence of Porter Martone is prominent among the Flyers, even for his linemate Christian Dvorak. Despite this, Dvorak has successfully benefited from playing alongside the rookie standout. Dvorak has registered a point in three of the four games. He is tied with Zegras and Sean Couturier for the team lead with three assists. Looking back to the regular season, Dvorak has collected a point in five of his last seven outings. 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) -   Japanese police state that online casino-related arrests have surged over the past two years, hitting a record peak of 196 in 2025. According to Japanese daily newspaper Asahi Shimbun, this figure represents a more than 38% rise compared to the 2024 arrest tally. Total case volumes also climbed nearly 300% to reach 158, the National Police Agency announced. For comparison, law enforcement recorded 25 online casino-related arrests in 2023, and only one single arrest back in 2022. A police official confirmed that all individuals taken into custody had accessed online casinos through their smartphones or other internet-connected devices. Online casinos are prohibited under Japanese law. Accessing offshore-hosted online casinos from within Japanese territory is also classified as a criminal offense. Online Casino Operators Also Face Criminal Charges The National Police Agency noted it has additionally arrested 25 people suspected of running, promoting, or handling payment processing for unlicensed online casinos. Arrestees in this category included payment processing firms that collected commissions for facilitating bet placements and disbursing payouts to winning users. The agency also took a small number of the so-called "affiliates" into custody. These were primarily social media influencers who accepted payments from operators in exchange for advertising online casinos to their followings. A National Police Agency patrol car in Tokyo, Japan (Matsujima [CC BY-SA 4.0]) "We believe anonymous, highly agile criminal groups are involved in the online casino sector," said National Police Agency Commissioner Yoshinobu Kusunoki. "These groups are amassing massive amounts of illicit profits," the commissioner added. "We will work vigorously to dismantle their unlawful business frameworks." The agency also detained 165 people for placing online wagers using terminals and personal computers at illegal gambling dens. Celebrities Under Police Scrutiny Last year, police and public prosecutors launched a sweeping crackdown targeting celebrities and sports stars who have used overseas-based online casinos. Officers filed charges against multiple top-tier comedians, pop singers, professional baseball players, and sports coaches for accessing online gambling services via their mobile devices. Dozens of public figures were fined or issued formal warnings as part of the crackdown. The agency states it believes these enforcement actions have helped raise public awareness of relevant laws. Police note that many online casino users claim they were unaware that accessing offshore online gambling portals is illegal. Major sports governing bodies have responded by rolling out dedicated training sessions that educate rookie players on the risks of online gambling. Earlier this month, prosecutors in Akita Prefecture accused an active sitting Japanese judge of embezzling funds earmarked for civil servants. Officials allege the judge used the misappropriated funds to support his addiction to placing bets on online baccarat platforms. 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) -   PlayCity, Ukraine's gambling regulatory body, has canceled the operating license held by Spaceiks, the entity running the Cosmolot online casino platform. According to the regulator, it conducted an on-site audit which uncovered inconsistencies in the operator's financial processing activities. In a public statement, PlayCity noted that the audit uncovered proof of anomalous payment activities. The operator is alleged to have permitted its customers to utilize peer-to-peer payment platforms. Spaceiks is also alleged to have let users add funds to their gaming accounts using bank cards belonging to third parties. Both of these practices are in breach of Ukrainian legal provisions. The regulatory body also imposed a penalty of nearly $300,000 on Spaceiks. More than two thirds of that fine sum relates to breaches linked to peer-to-peer payments, while the remaining portion is tied to violations involving third-party bank card usage. Central Kyiv, Ukraine Ukrainian Gambling Regulator Conducting Wide-Ranging Compliance Audits This announcement follows less than four weeks after PlayCity canceled the operating authorization for betting company Patriot Lottery. PlayCity had issued an operating permit to Patriot in January of the current year. However, following what officials described as a "full review" of the company and its associated parties, the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation alongside the regulator concluded that Patriot failed to meet legal compliance standards. For context, Spaceiks was the very first gambling company to receive an operating license under the provisions of Ukraine's 2020 Gambling Act. PlayCity's preceding regulatory body, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries, awarded the company a five-year online casino operating license at the start of 2021. At that time, Spaceiks paid a license fee of 39 million Ukrainian hryvnia, which is valued at more than $885,000 at current exchange rates. “Holders of gambling licenses and permits are required to operate in line with all legally mandated requirements,” stated Gennady Novikov, PlayCity's chief executive. “Our remit is to deliver consistent, transparent oversight of all licensed entities. We have to make sure the market functions under the same set of rules for every participant.” New Regulatory Changes Set to Be Introduced The Ukrainian government is set to support the regulator by rolling out a series of as-yet-unannounced adjustments to existing legislation. Oleksandr Bornyakov, the acting head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, confirmed that his department has prepared draft changes to Ukraine's gambling legislation. “These proposed changes […] will allow us to implement more robust oversight mechanisms for the Ukrainian betting industry,” Bornyakov noted. Bornyakov further stated: “The core aim of these amendments is to tighten regulatory protections for bettors. We also plan to raise the standards required for the monitoring of gambling operator activities.” Back in December of last year, PlayCity reported that it had blocked access to more than 2,500 online casino sites. The regulatory body, which was established just a little more than 12 months ago, also noted that it had collected more than $33 million in license fees from gambling operators holding valid permits. Earlier in the current year, PlayCity announced that it would prioritize state and public safety, as well as improve the "transparency and accountability of all businesses operating in the gambling sector." 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) -   Flutter Entertainment has committed an additional £1.5 million to responsible gambling and player safety, establishing a new specialised centre at a key UK headquarters. Based at the company's Leeds, West Yorkshire, headquarters, the 'Centre of Excellence' is designed to be a hub for collaboration, learning, and innovation in responsible gambling and customer protection. This initiative is part of a broader strategy on safer gambling tools. Flutter has a goal of having 75% of its customers use these tools by 2030. The parent company of Sky Bet, Paddy Power, and Betfair reports the current usage rate is 60%. The new centre will be home to Flutter's 450-member customer safety team, providing a space for them to create and trial new technological solutions in this area. The hub's launch coincides with the Ethical Gambling Forum being held at Flutter's Leeds office. Steve Hoare, editor of SBC's Player Protection Hub, will moderate two sessions at the event. Richard Clarke, Flutter’s Managing Director of Customer Product, stated: “We are extremely proud to host the Ethical Gambling Forum in Leeds, which we see as recognition of our industry-leading stance on customer safety. “In the past year, we have completely overhauled our systems and integrated AI modelling to enhance our monitoring of risky behaviours. We continuously invest in, enhance, and perfect our market-leading systems that take proactive steps to promote positive play and more considered decision-making. “Our goal is to pioneer, develop, and ultimately establish a benchmark for data-driven customer safety for the entire industry, from here in Leeds.” Flutter reinforces RG commitment in UK&I Flutter's emphasis on responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility has a long history. The company has notably engaged with startups in these fields. Its Alpha Hub, a technology unit launched in 2018 to focus on startup collaboration, has worked with new companies on responsible gaming and other projects. Globally, the firm invested £100 million in safer gambling capabilities during 2024, reflecting its extensive international presence from the UK and Ireland to the US, where it owns the FanDuel brand. From that £100 million total investment in 2024, £65 million was allocated to the UK and Ireland. These markets, where Flutter originated from the 2016 merger of Paddy Power and Betfair, continue to be a central focus for the group and its responsible gambling objectives. Last week, the company revealed a partnership in Ireland with EPIC Global Solutions, an organisation dedicated to gambling harm prevention education. The collaboration focuses on the League of Ireland (LOI), Ireland's top professional football league. The partners are creating a gambling awareness programme for all 32 senior men's and women's teams over three years. Flutter is financing the effort, which involves 70 workshops aiming to engage 2,000 participants annually. Scott Davies, Irish football player and manager, attending the EPIC / LOI event – Source; EPIC Global Solutions The schedule features 32 sessions for senior LOI teams, covering 20 men's and 12 women's sides; 26 sessions for academy clubs, including U-17 men's and women's teams; plus 10 sessions for Women’s Development League senior teams and one session for match officials. A workshop has also been conducted for Football Association Ireland (FAI) staff. More than 100 FAI employees attended a session on 21 April, led by Manchester-based EPIC. EPIC has a lengthy track record of collaborating with Flutter, including on projects in the US with FanDuel, and with other leading betting operators such as William Hill. On the new education programme, LOI Director Mark Scanlon commented: “We were very pleased to observe the initial effects of our partnership with EPIC, and the early outcomes confirm our dedication to proactive education. “The surge in integrity awareness – especially within our women’s teams, from 53% to 94% – demonstrates that this education is truly resonating with players and creating tangible change. “We anticipate expanding the education programme to our clubs' academy teams in the coming months and are sure this preventative strategy will yield substantial benefits throughout the three-year partnership.” Soon after announcing the EPIC and LOI partnership, Flutter revealed the winners of the Tech4Good Awards 2025, another example of the NYSE-listed firm engaging with both charitable and technology startup sectors. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Penn Entertainment‘s share price jumped more than 11% after the firm released its Q1 results last week. The company recorded significant growth from its online casino segment, and is focusing on leveraging its land-based properties to promote its digital division. In-person retail operations still make up the majority of Penn’s revenue. The company’s 42 properties across 19 U.S. states generated $1.4 billion, a 2.8% increase compared to Q1 2025. Thirty of these venues are located in states that offer either online sports betting or iGaming. While announcing the results, CEO Jay Snowden said he expects the company’s digital segment to turn profitable by the end of the year. Online Casinos Post Record Revenue Penn’s interactive segment generated $172.5 million, up from $161.9 million in the same period one year prior. Online casinos were the main driver of this growth, with revenue rising 15% from Q1 2025. Snowden noted that Hollywood Casino‘s standalone app has “really good momentum.” Penn launched the platform in Pennsylvania in December 2024, before expanding the service to Michigan. The company is using its brick-and-mortar Hollywood Casino locations in these states to promote the brand. Converting existing in-person casino customers and retail sports bettors into online casino players is a core company strategy. Snowden shared that 60% of its online casino customers were originally sports betting users. New Casino Developments Deliver Strong Results Hollywood Casino will also open a new property in Aurora this coming June. Last year, the company redeveloped its Hollywood Joliet location, converting it from a riverboat casino into a full-scale casino resort. The updated location hit record revenue levels in Q1. Snowden said the company remains “excited about the anticipated returns on our development project investments based on the success to date from our recent openings at Hollywood Casino Joliet and M Resort.” M Resort Hotel Tower opened at the company’s Nevada property this past December, wrapping up a $206 million expansion project. Just like the Joliet casino, it posted record revenue in this year’s first quarter. theScore Aims for Alberta Launch In Canada, theScore is Penn’s flagship brand, and since the wind-down of ESPN Bet, it has also expanded its presence across the U.S. once again. Alberta will launch its regulated gambling market later this year, and Penn hopes to capture a substantial share of the new market. “Look, we’ve already launched in Ontario and we hold a very strong market share there today,” Chief Technology Officer Aaron LaBerge stated. “It’s a core part of our gaming business, and we expect to achieve similar market share in Alberta based on the investments we’re making ahead of launch.” The company confirmed it is investing around $20 million in customer acquisition for the Alberta market. After shifting to its simplified business strategy, Penn’s stock price now sits at $17.24, back to the level it was at in October of last year. The company still has a long way to go to recoup the billions of dollars it invested in Barstool Sports and ESPN Bet, but there are clear signs that it is now moving in the right direction. 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) -   Novibet has named Yiannis Stravroulas as its new Chief Technology Officer, tasking him with a primary focus on integrating AI and other modern technologies. The Greek-headquartered operator is a dominant force in its domestic market and Cyprus, while maintaining a significant international presence across eight additional nations. Since the launch of Brazil's regulated online betting and iGaming sector on January 1, 2025, Novibet has been operational there, alongside its activities in Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Canada, Finland, and Ireland. In an official announcement regarding the appointment, the company highlighted that the new CTO will be instrumental in achieving its objective of becoming a ‘global GameTech company’. Stravroulas, who previously served as Chief Operations Officer at the Greek IT organization Cognity, is responsible for strengthening Novibet’s technical infrastructure to support its growth, product development, and user experience. “Joining Novibet represents a significant move beyond my comfort zone,” Stavroulas shared via LinkedIn. “I am entering this role backed by my experience and thrilled by the prospect of evolving alongside a company that is growing at roughly 30% annually and expanding rapidly across 10 countries on three continents!” “In this environment, technology is not merely a support tool but a fundamental pillar of the business—the engine driving the entire organization forward.” Is technology the key to market leadership? The emphasis on technology may become increasingly vital for Novibet as competition intensifies in its active regions, both from other licensed entities and the unregulated sector. For instance, Brazil currently hosts more than 79 operators licensed by the Ministry of Finance’s Secretary of Prizes and Bets (SPA). The nation is also continuing its long-standing struggle against an established black market. Meanwhile, in Finland, Novibet is preparing for the transition to a multi-license system as the government dismantles the Veikkaus Oy monopoly. This shift is expected to trigger a competitive scramble for market dominance. The high level of competition in these territories underscores the necessity for technological excellence and operational efficiency, which are critical for firms like Novibet. Stravroulas’ arrival follows the recent cancellation of a deal that would have seen Allwyn acquire a majority stake in Novibet, a move blocked by the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC). Following the termination of the Allwyn agreement, Novibet confirmed its commitment to its strategic roadmap, emphasizing that it will continue to utilize its proprietary platform and advanced technology as primary competitive assets. 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) -   Tennessee did not enact a law that would have specifically outlawed sweepstakes casinos. A failure to agree on legislation between the Senate and House meant no bill was sent to Governor Lee Marks prior to the session's conclusion on Friday. A bill moving through the House sought to ban online sweepstakes games operating with dual-currency systems. The Senate had also given its approval to the ban the previous month. Just as an official state ban seemed imminent, last-minute complications halted the bill's advancement. Amended Bill Stalls Progress In a strategic shift, the House passed an amendment to HB1885 that eliminated all references to sweepstakes casinos, with a 67-20 vote in favor of HA1152. The revised bill addressed illegal gambling in broader terms instead of singling out sweepstakes casinos. The Senate did not accept the amendment. A separate proposal to authorize a study on the effects of legalizing and regulating sweepstakes casinos in Tennessee was also not approved. Current Status of Tennessee Sweepstakes Casinos Despite the lack of a new law prohibiting sweepstakes casinos, most operators have already ceased operations within the state. According to CasinoBeats, at least 39 platforms now list Tennessee as a restricted jurisdiction. This follows action by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who issued numerous cease-and-desist letters to companies he accused of running illegal gambling operations. “The only certainty with an online sweepstakes casino is that it will take your money,” stated Attorney General Skrmetti. “Considerable effort is made to present these sweepstakes casinos as legitimate, but ultimately, they are not. They evade any regulatory oversight that would guarantee honesty or fairness. Our Office was glad to chase these shady operations out of Tennessee and will keep working to protect Tennesseans from illegal gambling.” Louisiana Renews Efforts to Ban Platforms Similar to Tennessee, Louisiana has utilized existing laws to take action against sweepstakes casinos. However, legislators have once more introduced new bills proposing an official ban on the platforms. The House passed the most recent bill last week with a 99-0 vote. This approval occurred even though Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry vetoed comparable legislation the year before. Landry pointed to current state laws banning illegal gambling, along with the enforcement authority of the Attorney General and the Gaming Control Board. Mirroring Tennessee's approach, the state dispatched dozens of cease-and-desist letters to operators considered to be functioning illegally. An examination of major platforms showed that 60 companies list Louisiana as a restricted state, a significantly higher number than in Tennessee, though lower than in states that have formally banned sweepstakes casinos. In California and Nevada, which passed bans last year, 67 platforms have exited the state. This indicates that while states like Tennessee and Louisiana possess enough authority to force out a majority of operators, enacting specific legislation remains the most effective method for halting the controversial gambling enterprises. 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 Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has initiated legal proceedings in New York to stop the state's measures against licensed prediction market platforms. In a press release, the agency stated, “New York has attempted to apply state laws to CFTC-registered entities using cease-and-desist letters and civil enforcement lawsuits.” The CFTC is pursuing an injunction to bar the state from further enforcement actions against the registered firms. CFTC Responds to NY AG Lawsuits This move comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Coinbase and Gemini, two operators licensed by the CFTC, last week. James alleges these platforms break state laws by providing illegal gambling services. The CFTC counters that it holds exclusive oversight of the industry and, as a federal body, possesses superior authority compared to state regulators. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig said, “CFTC-registered exchanges have been hit with a wave of state lawsuits aiming to restrict Americans' access to event contracts and challenge the CFTC's exclusive regulatory jurisdiction over prediction markets.” Separately, Wisconsin lodged a complaint last week against Kalshi, Polymarket, Crypto.com, Robinhood, and Coinbase. Legal disputes between regulators and prediction markets are now active in 16 states. CFTC Vows to Defend Companies “New York is the latest state to disregard federal law and longstanding precedent by trying to enforce state gambling laws against CFTC-registered exchanges,” Selig continued. “As I've stated previously, the CFTC will not permit overzealous state governments to erode the agency's established authority over these markets.” Earlier this month, the CFTC sued gambling regulators in Arizona, Connecticut, and Illinois over their actions targeting prediction markets. A judge issued a preliminary ruling supporting the CFTC and prevented Arizona from pursuing criminal charges against Kalshi. Insider Trading Scandals Put Pressure on CFTC Most state complaints focus on CFTC-licensed firms offering sports-related markets. States argue these markets constitute sports betting and should be regulated accordingly. Further pressure on the CFTC has arisen from several insider trading incidents involving its licensees. Last week, U.S. soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke was arrested for betting on the capture of Nicolas Maduro on Polymarket. Van Dyke, who was part of the operation, used his insider information to win more than $400,000 on related markets. Betting on war-related markets is formally banned by the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). These markets were on Polymarket's international site, which is not supposed to be accessible to U.S. residents. Nevertheless, because Polymarket is now CFTC-regulated in the U.S., legislators are calling for the agency to act more forcefully against the platform. Regulators are Supposed to Regulate In his newsletter last week, prediction market analyst Steve Ruddock highlighted a contrast between gambling regulators and the CFTC. Ruddock wrote, “State gambling regulators enforce accountability on the industry, whereas the Commodity Futures Trading Commission allows the industry to self-regulate.” He illustrated this with a hypothetical scenario of an athlete caught betting on their own games at a regulated sportsbook. The operator would “need to provide an explanation, present a concrete prevention plan, and face a fine or penalty that escalates with each violation, depending on the operator's negligence and the severity of the breach.” In Van Dyke's case, however, the CFTC has complained about the soldier but seems to be taking no steps against Polymarket, even as it continues to advertise banned war markets to users. Attorney Stephen Piepgrass told CasinoBeats, “I believe the CFTC will seek chances to use its enforcement power by acting quickly and firmly against activities that seem to breach CFTC rules, like insider trading.” “Should the CFTC prove it is vigilantly and competently monitoring these markets, it weakens the states' argument that they are the most suitable regulators.” Under the present administration, though, the agency seems very hesitant to enforce rules against licensed companies. The New York lawsuit indicates it is prepared to legally protect these platforms from challenges instead. 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) -   Entain faced further stock market woes today following confirmation that a major shareholder, Eminence Capital, is closing after 27 years.  Around 12:20 GMT, shares in the LSE-listed company fell 7.04% to 557.4p, as investors reacted to the potential share overhang from the hedge fund's impending exit.  Founded by Ricky Sandler, Eminence is believed to own approximately 6.5% of Entain, ranking as its third-largest investor after Capital Group and Dodge & Cox.  The worry for the market is that Eminence will need to sell its holdings as it liquidates and returns money to clients, creating the risk of ongoing selling pressure on Entain's stock in the short term. In a client letter, Sandler confirmed the shutdown of the New York fund he started in the late 1990s, pointing to poor performance, higher costs, and tougher market dynamics.  The firm, which manages about $6bn (£4.42m), plans to return at least 75% of investor capital by mid-to-late June as part of a structured closure. “In recent years, applying our disciplined bottom-up investment approach to fast-changing markets and an evolving structure has grown increasingly hard,” Sandler wrote in a letter obtained by Bloomberg.  “We feel we have not met our own lofty standards or your expectations in recent times. “I have immense pride in the Eminence team, the business and culture we created, and the quality of our investors. “The firm has been much more than just a career to me. It has been a central part of my life.” Ricky Sandler. Credit: Eminence Capital Eminence has struggled with performance for an extended period, even though its disclosed portfolio contained notable names like Amazon and Salesforce, which comprised a significant 10% portion.  Entain may not be the only casualty of Eminence’s shutdown Reports indicate the fund also has a minor stake in Flutter Entertainment and roughly 8.43 million shares, worth about $290m, in another prominent US gambling firm, DraftKings.  Eminence's closure has not negatively affected Flutter's share price in London, where its stock is up 1.5% today to 8,244p. However, observers are cautious about the potential impact on DraftKings, considering Entain's sharp decline.  DraftKings, traded on the NYSE at $23.18 per share, has received a ‘Strong Sell’ rating from one analyst. Others remain hopeful that excitement around prediction markets will aid the company following its launch of DraftKings Predictions.  It became the second major US betting operator to introduce a predictions platform, after Fanatics, and pipped its key rival FanDuel – owned by Flutter – to the post. Beyond prediction markets, all three companies have endured a difficult year on the markets. Entain's shares have fallen over 10% in London in the past 12 months, while Flutter is down more than 50% on the NYSE and DraftKings has declined 30% on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (New York).  Entain also confronts a tougher operating environment in its home UK market, with rising taxes and a growing black market worrying both the regulated sector and the government.  A voluntary ban on front-of-shirt sponsorships in the English Premier League starts next year. CEO Stella David has advocated for a full sponsorship ban on unlicensed operators, whose branding is prevalent on shirts and in stadiums. A persistent downturn in UK and Irish retail has also hurt the company, prompting plans to close a significant number of its Irish Ladbrokes shops to reduce costs. Nevertheless, its first-quarter revenue rose 3%, with online revenue in the UK and Ireland exceeding forecasts with 13% growth. This offers a glimmer of hope for the FTSE 100 member, which has a market capitalisation of approximately £3.6bn.  Yet the shutdown of Eminence has inflicted another setback on Entain, and the market will watch closely for any effect on DraftKings during a period when gambling firms worldwide have been under pressure. 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) -   Holland Casino and VBET have modified their product offerings following concerns raised by the Dutch Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) regarding football bets available on their platforms. The KSA announced today that it had approached Holland Casino and VBET concerning the availability of "own goals" as a betting market on both operators' websites. The KSA, along with several other national gambling regulators, views betting on the number of own goals in a football match as a threat to sports integrity. In its official guidance on sports integrity, the KSA categorizes bets on own goals alongside events such as time penalties, Formula One car retirements, race red flags, and player injuries as examples of "negative or easily manipulated events." SBC News has contacted Holland Casino and VBET for comment. However, the KSA has confirmed that both companies have since removed the option to bet on own goals from their respective sportsbook platforms. “The KSA addressed both providers on this matter,” the regulator’s statement read. “Subsequently, both Holland Casino Online and VBET adjusted their offerings and removed own-goal bets. “They have also implemented additional control measures to prevent future occurrences. As a result, the KSA considers this matter sufficiently resolved for the time being.” The KSA has valid reasons to carefully consider which types of bets should be permitted, with a focus on safeguarding sports integrity and preventing match manipulation. According to quarterly and annual reports from the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), football consistently ranks as one of the two sports most vulnerable to match manipulation attempts and suspicious betting, alongside tennis. The KSA's action against these betting options also occurs amidst ongoing political scrutiny of the Dutch online gaming market. This market has seen substantial growth since its re-regulation under the KOA Act in October 2024, although the regulator itself notes a stagnation in its development. Political concerns regarding betting, its societal impact, and its visibility led to significant advertising restrictions being introduced in 2024, including a ban on sports sponsorship. In March of this year, opposition parties escalated these concerns by calling for a complete prohibition on gambling advertising. 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) -   Gibraltar is acting swiftly to establish itself as a leader in technology, making prediction markets and tokenisation core parts of its regulatory approach. In remarks made before his journey to Consensus Miami, Justice, Trade and Industry Minister Nigel Feetham clarified the strategy: move early or face the possibility of falling behind. His statements highlight a focused effort to grow Gibraltar's current digital assets and gaming landscape into related areas, stating the intention to 'lead from the front'. Gibraltar’s jump into predictions The jurisdiction has already started issuing licences to prediction market operators, demonstrating a readiness to act more rapidly than larger regulators who are still evaluating how to categorise and oversee this sector. Nations such as the UK, France, and the Netherlands have all indicated that prediction markets would require gambling licences – a step most firms are reluctant to take as it would label them as gambling businesses. Feetham presented the quick licensing of the widely talked-about ADI Predictstreet in Gibraltar as a competitive edge rather than a regulatory danger, noting that more applications are already underway. He also cited US President Donald Trump, whose government has been considerably more receptive to prediction markets than that of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) shifted from strong opposition under Biden to initial neutrality and then full support under Trump. “President Trump is right. In a fast-moving global market, countries that stand still risk being left behind,” said Feetham. “That is why Gibraltar is moving at pace across key digital sectors including AI, digital assets, and prediction markets, supporting innovation and expanding the ecosystem we have already built. “We have chosen to act early on the licensing of prediction markets because Gibraltar is not only ensuring it is not left behind, we intend to lead from the front. “We are already seeing strong interest following the recent licensing of an operator and expect to progress a number of new applications.” Nigel Feetham. Credit: LinkedIn Gibraltar keeps eye on emerging tech Tokenisation is the next focus. Draft laws are finished and should be released soon, fulfilling pledges made earlier this year. The goal is to build a clear framework enabling tokenised assets to evolve within a regulated setting, similar to Gibraltar's prior strategy for digital assets. This regulatory drive coincides with prediction markets gaining global momentum, especially around major sports events. As noted, FIFA has entered this arena via a new partnership with ADI Predictstreet. Nevertheless, initial limitations persist. Since ADI Predictstreet is presently licensed only in Gibraltar, its ability to access other regulated markets is restricted. Feetham may well be urging other jurisdictions to emulate Gibraltar, as with a single licence, ADI Predictstreet can only serve Gibraltar's approximately 40,000 residents. Indeed, prediction markets are increasingly featuring next to traditional sports betting and media deals, as shown by recent agreements like Polymarket's partnership with LaLiga's US business arm. However, numerous ethical concerns have been raised – from insider trading and the morality of geopolitical markets, to the argument over whether predictions constitute gambling or a financial service. These concerns were voiced again just this morning, with a gambling addiction expert demanding prediction market regulation in Ireland. Opportunities in prediction markets are evident, driving Gibraltar's speedy action, but hasty regulation could trigger various problems soon, which may be discouraging other European countries from acting. The controversies surrounding Kalshi and Polymarket serve as clear examples of the potential risks. 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) -   Three of the four original founders of the Canadian esports company Rivalry have stepped down, with all three also serving in C-level roles. These departures occur during a period of considerable difficulty for Rivalry. The company suspended its operations in February as a broader initiative to cut expenses, which involved halting all player activity, implementing employee layoffs, and evaluating potential asset sales. Rivalry’s director exodus Rivalry, a business listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), reported on Friday that five senior executives in total have resigned from its board of directors. Those departing include Ryan White, Kevin Wimer, Steven Isenberg and Demi Abidogun-Benson. White and Wimer established Rivalry in 2016 together with Chief Executive Officer Steven Salz. They served as Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer, respectively. Steven Salz, CEO of Rivalry – Source: Rivalry Steven Isenberg is the third and final co-founder to depart the company. According to Rivalry’s website, he sits on the local advisory committee for the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV). He also founded Urbanfund Corp, a real estate firm focused on Toronto that is listed on the TSXV, and was the founder and CEO of M Partners, an investment bank established in 2005. In 2023, Research Capital Corporation, another TSX-listed company, acquired M Partners. During its eight-year existence, the bank employed Rivalry co-founder and CEO Salz as an Equity Research Analyst from 2014 to 2016. The remaining two individuals who resigned were not among the company's 2016 founders. Abidogun-Benson has left her positions on the board and as interim Chief Financial Officer. She originally joined the firm in 2022 as a Senior Manager for corporate reporting, planning, and analysis, later advancing to Head of Finance in August 2024. The last director to resign was Stephen Rigby, the previous President and CEO of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). From 2010 to 2015, he acted as National Security Advisor to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Rivalry’s struggle continues Rivalry has historically targeted Gen Z and millennial customers since it began, supported by product design, marketing, and content that leverages internet humor and culture. The company holds licenses in Ontario and Australia, but also operates in several international grey markets using an Isle of Man license. It introduced the casino.exe platform in March 2023, and iGaming has subsequently made up approximately half of its betting volume in quarterly reports. Its move into digital currencies happened even though cryptocurrency gambling is not permitted in Canada or Australia, its two licensed jurisdictions. The company continues to be referred to as a 'crypto casino' in Google search results, although its website has been offline since operations were paused in February. Rivalry started facing challenges on the TSX in 2025 when it was late filing its full-year 2024 financial statement. In April, it sought a management cease trade order from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). The subsequent months involved significant cost-cutting measures, including a strategic review and the engagement of New York advisory firm XST Capital Group. 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.