Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - There was a dramatic odds shift in the Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley fight at UFC 328 on Saturday. Despite some bookmakers suspending markets, the bout proceeded as scheduled. Brady had been favored to win at odds of approximately -175. By Saturday afternoon, bookmakers reversed their position, making Buckley the favorite—moving from +150 to about -220. Several bookmakers temporarily suspended betting on certain markets and imposed lower stake limits on the main moneyline. Unusual betting patterns observed from closely monitored accounts ahead of tonight’s Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley bout at UFC 328.Prop bets are closed; main market has reduced betting limits.Buckley has surged to -205 favorite despite previously being an underdog throughout.— Dave Mason (@DaveMasonBOL) May 9, 2026 UFC Reached Out to Brady Prior to Fight In response to suspicious betting activity, the UFC contacted Brady before his fight to verify that everything was in order. During a post-fight press conference, he was questioned about the “odd betting lines that had occurred earlier.” “Someone from the UFC called me a couple of hours before my fight to check that I was okay,” Brady disclosed. He confirmed he was unharmed and stated that he did not realize he had gone from favorite to underdog. The UFC representative did not explain the cause of the sudden odds change. Sean Brady recounts how UFC reached out after massive betting drop on his fight against Joaquin Buckley:“A person from the UFC contacted me a couple hours before my fight to make sure I was alright.I told them, ‘I’m completely fine. There’s nothing wrong with me.’They…”— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) May 10, 2026 Rumors spread across social media and betting forums suggesting Brady had undergone knee drainage backstage. It remains unclear whether these rumors alone caused the sharp odds movement. On prediction platform Polymarket, Brady’s chance of winning dropped from 61% to 36.5% by fight time. Over $2 million was wagered on the contest. Previous Incidents Heightened UFC’s Vigilance The UFC has heightened its awareness of irregular betting patterns following the Isaac Dulgarian incident last November. Dulgarian also shifted from favorite to underdog in his match against Yadier del Valle, who secured a first-round submission victory. Following that fight, the UFC reported the matter to the FBI and released Dulgarian. The fighter has not publicly commented on the situation, and the investigation continues. In January, UFC CEO Dana White canceled a lightweight bout between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson in Las Vegas after betting integrity systems flagged suspicious wagers. Brady Outclasses Buckley Despite Odds In this instance, once the UFC confirmed Brady was healthy, the fight took place as planned. Brady controlled the action and won by unanimous decision. He landed significantly more strikes than Buckley—245 to 21 overall, and 77 to 4 in “significant” strikes. “This camp, this fight, I locked in hard for those full fifteen minutes—that’s exactly what happened,” Brady remarked after the bout. “I didn’t finish him, but no one has ever dominated Buckley like that.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - As the World Cup approaches, sportsbook solutions provider BETBY has introduced new enhancements to its offerings ahead of the global event. The FIFA World Cup is widely recognized as one of the most significant events in the betting industry’s calendar, and this year’s competition is anticipated to see heightened competition for player acquisition—not only among regulated operators but also against the unlicensed sector. In preparation for the tournament, BETBY has released a comprehensive package featuring pre-priced odds on all possible nation-v-nation matchups and microbetting options. The company emphasizes that its solution enables players to place bets on a variety of in-game outcomes, such as throw-ins, fouls, corners, offsides, goals, and goal kicks. With at least 90 distinct intervals expected throughout each match, the month-long event will span 48 participating nations. “As the largest sporting event globally, the World Cup demands as much focus on preparation as it does on execution,” stated Chris Nikolopoulos, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer. “By becoming the first B2B sportsbook provider to release the full tournament bracket prior to the draw, we empower operators with a strategic edge: they can begin engaging their customers earlier and generate momentum well before the opening kickoff. Meanwhile, features like microbetting and our eWorld Cup help maintain high engagement levels across every stage of the competition. We are delivering a complete content suite designed to help our partners maximize both player activity and revenue throughout the entire World Cup cycle.” BETBY’s preparations align with broader industry efforts as other B2B providers such as GR8 Tech and numerous B2C operators have also been enhancing their offerings in anticipation of the tournament. Additionally, BETBY is leveraging its expertise in esports by integrating an ‘eWorldCup’ into its World Cup experience. This initiative replicates all official World Cup matches in a fast-paced esports format. 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) - Alex Bukin, previously General Manager at ReferOn, has taken ownership of the company and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. The affiliate management platform announced today that Bukin successfully completed a management buyout, following significant growth over recent years. In addition to Bukin’s new position, Vlad Bondarenko has been promoted from Head of Product to Chief Product Officer, and David Harris has moved from Operations Lead to Chief Operations Officer. The leadership team states that ReferOn will prioritize high-performance tools and commit to delivering next-generation affiliate management solutions for the iGaming sector following the management buyout and leadership changes. “This marks a pivotal moment for ReferOn and the start of a new chapter for the business,” Bukin stated. “The management buyout gives us the long-term focus needed to consistently enhance the platform. We remain dedicated to product development, improving our offerings for partners, and supporting ReferOn’s ongoing expansion across key markets.” Established in 2023 and based in Cyprus, ReferOn operates as an affiliate management platform serving affiliates targeting engagement within the global iGaming industry. The management buyout followed the company achieving several milestones in its first year, including processing 35.7 million clicks, generating 2.4 million registrations, onboarding 18,000 affiliates, and maintaining 136,000 active trackers. Over the past year, the firm has concentrated on technological improvements and upgrades, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency payments, as well as launching an analytical framework called the ‘Evolution Cohort’ in March this 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) - This May marks the 80th anniversary of Sisal as Italy’s oldest gambling company and the first to pioneer betting markets, football pools, and public lotteries. Founded in 1945 by three Milan journalists—Massimo Della Pergola, Fabio Jegher, and Geo Molo—Sisal was established with the goal of launching Italy’s first football betting pool to support the post-war reconstruction of Italian sport. In May 1946, the trio introduced the inaugural Schedina (football pools coupon), which later evolved into the well-known Totocalcio, operated by Sport Italia Società a Responsabilità Limitata. Sisal commemorates the 80th anniversary of Italy’s original football prediction contest and the birth of Totocalcio by launching “Memorie di Carta,” a cultural initiative dedicated to restoring the historic Sport Italia publication that accompanied the first Schedina contest in 1946. Legacy of Innovation The event will be hosted at the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense in Milan and will showcase the recovery and restoration of the first six editions of Sport Italia, the official publication of the original Totocalcio competition launched on 5 May 1946, shortly after World War II. The project was developed in partnership with the Botticino Restoration School and brought together representatives from Italy’s cultural institutions, restoration bodies, and the gaming sector to reflect on the historical role Totocalcio played in shaping modern Italian sports culture. Together with iconic products such as Totip and SuperEnalotto, Totocalcio became deeply embedded within Italian popular culture and mass participation gaming. The restoration of Sport Italia is positioned as a way of preserving not only gaming history but also a broader documentary record of Italy’s social transformation through football, media, and collective participation. Marco Tiso, Managing Director of Sisal Italy, stated: “This project clearly reflects who we are: for 80 years we have supported the country’s evolution through responsibility and innovation, transforming people’s passions into shared experiences.” “With the restoration of Sport Italia, we aim to preserve and make accessible a cultural heritage that is part of our shared history, offering a concrete way to connect memory and the future.” Marco Tiso: Sisal Italia Tiso added: “Sport Italia represents a significant example of how we have contributed to telling the story of football and sport, helping to establish it as a phenomenon of cultural and social importance. This is the value we celebrate today: a language that gives voice to a passion and is capable of evolving in line with the transformations of sports entertainment.” The event also highlighted the growing role of restoration and conservation projects as collaborative initiatives between private enterprise, education, and cultural institutions. Representatives from leading Italian conservation institutions also contributed to the conference, including the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, the Central Institute for Restoration, the La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Centre, and the Central Institute for Archive and Book Pathology. The celebration comes during a strong commercial period for Sisal under the ownership of Flutter Entertainment. In Flutter’s Q1 2026 trading update, Sisal was highlighted as one of the standout performers within the group’s Southern Europe & Africa portfolio. Flutter noted that Sisal has secured a 31% market share position within Italy’s newly regulated online gambling framework, introduced in November 2025, reinforcing the brand’s continued dominance across one of Europe’s most competitive regulated markets. For Flutter, Sisal’s modern digital growth represents the latest chapter of a brand whose roots are deeply tied to the history of Italian football, betting, and entertainment culture. 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) - This May marks the 80th anniversary of Sisal as Italy’s oldest gambling company and the first to introduce betting markets, football pools, and public lotteries. Founded in 1945 by three Milanese journalists—Massimo Della Pergola, Fabio Jegher, and Geo Molo—Sisal was established with the goal of launching Italy’s first football betting pool to support the post-war revival of Italian sports. In May 1946, the trio introduced the inaugural Schedina (football pools coupon), which later evolved into the renowned Totocalcio, operated by Sport Italia Società a Responsabilità Limitata. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of Italy’s original football prediction contest and the launch of Totocalcio, Sisal is unveiling “Memorie di Carta,” a cultural initiative focused on restoring the historic Sport Italia publication that accompanied the first Schedina contest in 1946. Legacy of Innovation Hosted at the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense in Milan, the event will feature the recovered and restored first six issues of Sport Italia, the official publication of the original Totocalcio competition launched on 5 May 1946, shortly after the end of World War II. The project was developed in collaboration with the Botticino Restoration School and brought together representatives from Italy’s cultural institutions, restoration agencies, and gaming industry to reflect on Totocalcio’s historical role in shaping modern Italian sports culture. Alongside iconic games like Totip and SuperEnalotto, Totocalcio became deeply woven into Italian popular culture and mass-participation gaming. The restoration of Sport Italia is intended not only to preserve gaming history but also to safeguard a broader documentary record of Italy’s social transformation through football, media, and collective engagement. Marco Tiso, Managing Director of Sisal Italy, stated: “This project clearly reflects who we are: for 80 years, we have supported the country’s progress through responsibility and innovation, turning individual passions into shared experiences.” “With the restoration of Sport Italia, we aim to preserve and make accessible a cultural heritage that forms part of our collective history—a tangible bridge between memory and the future.” Marco Tiso: Sisal Italia Tiso added: “Sport Italia stands as a significant example of how we have helped narrate the story of football and sport, contributing to its recognition as a phenomenon of cultural and social relevance. This is the value we celebrate today: a language that gives voice to passion and evolves alongside the changing landscape of sports entertainment.” The event also underscored the increasing importance of restoration and conservation projects as collaborative efforts involving private enterprises, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. Representatives from leading Italian conservation bodies participated in the conference, including the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, the Central Institute for Restoration, the La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Centre, and the Central Institute for Archive and Book Pathology. The celebration coincides with a period of strong commercial performance for Sisal under the ownership of Flutter Entertainment. In Flutter’s Q1 2026 trading update, Sisal was recognized as a top performer within the group’s Southern Europe & Africa portfolio. Flutter reported that Sisal has achieved a 31% market share in Italy’s newly regulated online gambling sector, introduced in November 2025, reaffirming the brand’s ongoing leadership in one of Europe’s most competitive regulated markets. For Flutter, Sisal’s modern digital expansion represents the latest chapter in a brand whose roots are deeply intertwined with the history of Italian football, betting, and entertainment culture. 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 is facing increased scrutiny over its Ladbrokes Australia brand, as reported by local media just days after the company came under fire from Australia’s de facto gambling regulator. The Sydney Morning Herald reported today that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)—the regulator responsible for broadcasting, radio, and internet communications in Australia—is “seeking answers” from Ladbrokes AU regarding emails sent to inactive customers. No public statement has been issued by ACMA so far. However, according to the Herald, the regulator is seeking clarification on emails sent by Ladbrokes to dormant customers who still had funds in their accounts. “It has been a while since you’ve placed a bet with us, but you currently have funds available in your Ladbrokes account,” the email reportedly read. The issue primarily revolves around the inclusion—or omission—of BetStop in these communications. More BetStop bother for Entain Australian regulations require gambling operators to include a mention of BetStop, the national self-exclusion service, in all electronic communications sent to customers. BetStop was launched in 2023 as a national platform enabling Australian gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in online betting and casino activities if they choose. The initiative was modeled after the UK’s GamStop program and emerged amid ongoing public debate about the societal effects of gambling in Australia—a conversation that has intensified in recent years. This is not the first time Entain and its Ladbrokes brand have faced criticism related to BetStop compliance. Just last week, Ladbrokes—alongside Entain’s other Australian brand, Neds—entered into a court-enforceable undertaking following an ACMA investigation that uncovered more than 500 violations of self-exclusion rules. “We take all our regulatory responsibilities seriously,” an Entain spokesperson told SBC News last Wednesday. “These matters arose during the early stages of a new national system, and we have worked constructively with the ACMA to implement meaningful enhancements to our processes and controls.” SBC News has contacted Entain for comment regarding the latest allegations raised by The Sydney Morning Herald. Australia’s gambling agenda This latest development occurs amid heightened scrutiny of the gambling and betting industry across Australia. Advocates for gambling law reform have long pushed for the full implementation of the 31 recommendations outlined in the 2022 Murphy report, which examined the broader social impacts of gambling. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese granted reformers one key demand last month by agreeing to stricter restrictions on gambling advertising—though critics such as Independent MP David Pocock argue the measures fall short of what is needed. Against this backdrop of regulatory pressure, some companies appear to be tightening their internal policies. For instance, Tabcorp, Australia’s oldest and largest betting operator, reportedly banned a group of professional gamblers due to them being deemed high-risk, according to the Australian Financial Review. Similarly, Sportsbet—Flutter Entertainment’s flagship Australian brand—recently updated its policy on brand ambassadors to prohibit partnerships with any active sporting officials. This change followed public backlash over the company’s sponsorship deal with AFL umpire Nick Foot, who subsequently resigned from his officiating role to continue working on Sportsbet’s ‘Get On’ horse racing podcast. 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) - Sarah Gardner, acting Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (GC), has confirmed that constructive dialogue with the Bingo Association will continue amid ongoing leadership restructuring at the top of both organisations. Gardner paused her regular Deputy Chief Executive duties at the start of May to step into the interim CEO role, filling in for Andrew Rhodes, who resigned on 30 April. She will continue in this position until the Commission appoints a permanent replacement for Rhodes. Meanwhile, the Bingo Association will also be parting ways with its long-serving CEO Miles Baron, who has announced his retirement later in June. His successor has already been named: Nicole Garrett, an expert in corporate affairs and government policy. Both Baron and Garrett were present at the Association’s AGM on 7 May, where Gardner delivered her speech. “Today, I wanted to formally put on record my thanks and that of the Gambling Commission for Miles’ contributions over the years: how he has worked with us in a collaborative spirit and his tireless efforts to represent the bingo sector,” Gardner said. “And because the gambling industry never stands still, I also want to share that we are looking forward to working with Nicole as the incoming Chief Executive, and continuing to build that collaborative relationship moving forward.” Gardner went on to applaud the Association for the ongoing feedback it provided on the quality assessment of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) — the Commission’s new nationwide research into gambling participation, launched in 2023 to inform future policies using modernised methodology. The GC’s acting CEO noted that the Association’s frequent contributions helped optimise the survey, allowing it to present the most accurate portrait of the UK’s bingo sector. Gardner concluded: “Working together, rather than retreating to our entrenchments, means we can build a shared understanding instead of fostering mistrust. We can strive to make progress instead of holding one another back. “At the Commission, my team and I value the way the bingo sector and the Bingo Association collaborate with us. We want to keep this going, and we look forward to continuing to work with all of you throughout the coming 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.