singapuranow – 第 27 页

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Olga Resiga: SOFTSWISS instrumental in forming Brazil’s regulated market from the outset

(AsiaGameHub) - Ahead of SiGMA South America, Olga Resiga, Chief Business Development Officer at SOFTSWISS, discussed the country’s regulated market evolution over its first year. Exclusive interview.- SOFTSWISS is preparing to participate in SiGMA South America on April 6-9, in São Paulo, Brazil. Ahead of the event, Focus Gaming News spoke to Olga Resiga, chief business development officer at SOFTSWISS, about the evolution of the regulated market in Brazil over its first year and the company’s role in the region. She also discussed the significance of major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup for operators, and the main challenges they face. SOFTSWISS had a strong year in Brazil in 2025. How has the company been aiding the evolution of the newly regulated market? SOFTSWISS has played a key role in shaping Brazil’s regulated market from the early stages. The company was among the first to receive certification for its Game Aggregator, setting an early benchmark for compliance and reliability. In its first year, SOFTSWISS secured over 30 agreements, covering a significant share of Brazil’s newly regulated operator landscape. Beyond technology, the focus has also been on helping partners adapt to regulation and promoting responsible gaming as a core part of doing business. What’s your take on the first year of regulated online betting in the country? What stands out most is just how dynamic the market has been. It’s evolving quickly and doesn’t allow anyone to get too comfortable – the rules, expectations, and player behaviour are all shifting in real time. “In its first year, SOFTSWISS secured over 30 agreements, covering a significant share of Brazil’s newly regulated operator landscape.” Olga Resiga, chief business development officer at SOFTSWISS. At the same time, the growth has been quite structured, which is a positive sign. But to keep that momentum, it’s crucial for the industry, operators, and regulators to remain in constant dialogue. This collaboration is what will help the market develop sustainably – rather than becoming overregulated to the point where players are pushed back towards unlicensed options. We’re approaching a major summer season with the FIFA World Cup hosted across America. What does the tournament mean for operators’ tech requirements? A World Cup is a defining moment for the entire industry. It goes far beyond traffic spikes – operators need infrastructure that can sustain continuous, high-intensity loads, ensure fast response times, and keep payments and risk systems running flawlessly under pressure. This is where scalable architecture and proven solutions become critical, especially when handling peak concurrency across multiple markets. It’s also a global event for which companies prepare their marketing strategies well in advance. For betting operators, this means aligning technology with large-scale campaigns and user acquisition efforts. Success ultimately comes down to preparation – rigorous testing, optimised user journeys, and ensuring every system performs seamlessly when demand peaks. How can operators turn peak betting activity into longer-term retention? The real challenge begins after the final whistle. A major tournament brings a surge of new users, but the goal is to build lasting relationships with them. This requires a thoughtful approach to communication, personalisation, and product experience beyond the event itself. For the industry, it’s crucial not to lose momentum once the tournament ends. Operators that continue engaging players – through tailored offers, cross-product experiences, and consistent interaction – are the ones that successfully convert short-term activity into long-term loyalty. “A major tournament brings a surge of new users, but the goal is to build lasting relationships with them.” Olga Resiga, chief business development officer at SOFTSWISS. What role does the Chief AI Officer play in shaping SOFTSWISS’s AI-driven development going forward? AI has already been deeply embedded across SOFTSWISS’s products and operations for some time – from risk management and fraud detection to player behaviour analysis and operational efficiency. The appointment of a Chief AI Officer marks the next step in this evolution, bringing greater structure, alignment, and strategic focus to these efforts. Rather than introducing AI as a new direction, it is about scaling existing capabilities and ensuring they deliver consistent, measurable impact across the business. At the same time, there is a strong emphasis on governance, transparency, and accountability – ensuring that AI systems are not only effective but also controlled and aligned with business goals. Ultimately, AI is not an add-on but a foundational layer of how SOFTSWISS operates, builds products, and continues to scale. 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.

Ukrainian Gaming Regulator Cancels Patriot Lottery Operator’s Licence

(AsiaGameHub) - The Ukrainian gaming regulator has revoked the operating licence of the betting firm Patriot’s lottery. The regulator, PlayCity, stated it took action after receiving information about Patriot’s operator from the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation. On its Telegram channel, PlayCity wrote: “When issuing licenses to lottery operators and gambling organizers, we always involve law enforcement agencies.” Following a “comprehensive check” of the company and its connections, the bureau and the regulator agreed that Patriot was “non-compliant with legislative requirements.” The decision deals a significant blow to Patriot, which obtained its operating permit only in late January this year. PlayCity initially granted lottery operating permits to just three firms: the aforementioned Patriot, MSL, and the Ukrainian National Lottery. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Digital Transformation confirmed that all three lottery operators had successfully paid the government the mandatory 24.2 million hryvnia ($554,000) licensing fee, as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Interfax-Ukraine. A Ukrainian scratch card issued by the gambling operator Patriot. (Image: @naFARTnya/YouTube/Screenshot) Ukrainian Regulator: Lottery Operator Failed Compliance Check “The modern Ukrainian lottery market prioritizes security for the state and citizens, as well as the transparency and accountability of businesses,” PlayCity wrote. “We will continue to establish honest and understandable operational rules, under which only trustworthy operators will conduct business.” The regulator provided no further explanation for its decision, though Patriot retains the right to challenge it in court. Patriot began offering gambling products in the Ukrainian market in 1997. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Liga, the company is owned by the British firm Andalidi Invest. Liga reported that its “ultimate owner and beneficiary” is Andriy Matyukha. The outlet noted that between 2015 and 2018, the National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Patriot. Lawmaker’s Accusations Lawmaker Danylo Hetmantsev, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s tax committee, has repeatedly claimed that Matyukha holds Russian citizenship. Matyukha has denied these claims. In a post on his Facebook page last year, Hetmantsev referred to Matyukha as “a swindler with a Russian passport.” The Ukrainian gambling sector has drawn attention in recent months, with some lawmakers calling for a ban on online casino use by members of the armed forces. This month, Ukrainian casino industry officials dismissed claims from critics that gambling is rampant in the country’s military. Gambling industry officials stated that military personnel “gamble no more than the average Ukrainian.” They noted that gambling addiction is not widespread in the military, “nor is it unique to any group, including military personnel.” Late last year, PlayCity announced it had blocked residents’ access to over 2,500 illegal online casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Ex-Gambling Addict Shares Experience of Losing Control and Path to Recovery

(AsiaGameHub) - In the past week, new lawsuits have targeted US betting firms, accusing them of promoting problematic gambling habits. In the UK, Bet365 faced criticism for not stepping in to prevent the death of a 19-year-old gambler. This has sparked debate over the responsibility of operators when gamblers lose control. We spoke with a recovered gambling addict to learn about his journey to overcoming the issue and his perspective on who bears blame. A UK inquest determined that Arthur Soames died by suicide, with his mental health struggles worsened by gambling. The coroner stated that on the day of his death, Soames had “drained all available funds and credit.” “That’s exactly how I felt,” remembers another UK resident who acknowledges battling a gambling addiction. He chose to stay anonymous, having never disclosed the full extent of his struggles to friends or family. “I took out bank loans, maxed out my overdraft, and had nothing left. I recall placing accumulators—parlays for those in the US—that could have recouped some losses. One looked set to win, but a team from a country I’d never heard of scored in the final minute, making me lose. I collapsed on the floor, screaming.” We asked the anonymous gambler about his recovery in an interview this week. “I searched online for ways to get out of debt and found something called Debt Management Plans. I contacted StepChange, and they were incredible. They reached out to my banks, froze interest on my loans, and I set up a repayment plan.” StepChange is a free UK service that assists people in managing debt. With a manageable payment plan, his finances stabilized, though the urge to gamble remained strong. “I still thought maybe I could win it all back. I’d been up before—had around £10,000 ($13,000) in my bank at one point. But then I lost it all and kept losing, trying to recover what I’d spent. “I lost that £10,000 and another £10,000. The biggest issue was chasing losses. I’d gamble on sports; if I lost, I’d switch to online casino games like blackjack or roulette, hoping to win back what I’d lost. Then I’d lose there too and keep gambling more to recover.” He remembers a day when he lost over £7,000 in a single session. “I used to have a strategy: I’d draw a line of how much I wanted to win. If I aimed for £100, I’d list five £20 increments. I’d place a bet combining two numbers—if I won, I’d cross off two; if I lost, I’d add one. In theory, I could profit by winning fewer times than losing. With a 50-50 bet like red or black on roulette, I thought it was a solid strategy. It worked—that’s how I won £10,000. But then it failed, and I lost 12 spins in a row.” The gambler’s fallacy suggests that if the roulette wheel lands on red, black becomes more likely next. Some roulette strategies advise increasing stakes, doubling down. Such traps can lead players to lose large sums. A different approach might be that of AC Milan manager Max Allegri, who gave large tips to dealers to influence wheel spins toward winning bets. “I kept betting on red, but it kept landing on black. The numbers on my line grew, and soon my bank account was empty. I think I lost over £2,000 on one spin—more than I earned in a month.” How did he stop? “After enrolling in the debt management plan, my mindset shifted. I finally realized I’d never get back that £10,000 I’d won. I gave up.” “I also left the UK. That helped—no more gambling shops around, no gambling ads in sight.” Are Gambling Companies to Blame? Calls to ban gambling advertising in the UK have grown louder. Starting next season, the Premier League will no longer feature betting companies on the front of team shirts, though anti-gambling groups urge the government to take more action and restrict all promotions. “Substantial evidence shows gambling harms many who engage with it and those around them, with advertising key to both starting and increasing gambling,” says the Coalition to End Gambling Advertising (CEGA). “There’s also evidence that gambling ads threaten recovery for those who’ve stopped.” The gambler we spoke to said changing his environment was crucial to quitting. He moved to a country with few betting options and made new friends who didn’t discuss gambling. Is banning gambling ads the solution? “I’m not sure ads need to be banned. Most people can bet without issues, but I lose control. It’s the same with other vices—alcohol, drugs, smoking, you name it.” Do you blame gambling companies? “No. I was the one who lost the money. I placed the bets. I don’t believe the companies went out of their way to encourage me. I think the key is for people to be informed. Understand your chances of winning. Consider how much you can afford to lose and never try to recoup losses. Money will return over time. It took me around four years to repay all I’d lost. At first, it seemed like it would never end, but I settled all debts about eight years ago.” Last week, we spoke to Robert Walker, author of a new book on DraftKings and the backlash the company faces over claims it promotes problematic gambling. Walker similarly emphasized that gamblers should take responsibility and understand why operators offer incentives like free bets to encourage gambling. Empathy Is Everything Are you still tempted to gamble? “Not really. I might bet on football (soccer) sometimes, but I know I won’t make money. Since paying off my debt, I’ve barely placed any bets.” Did you seek other help? “No. I never told anyone. Shame held me back. People say you shouldn’t fear asking for help, but I preferred keeping it to myself. I knew friends or family would be shocked and judge me. I didn’t want to be labeled a gambling addict—it feels like a failure, like weakness.” Noah Vineberg, another recovering gambling addict, says, “Empathy is everything.” He added, “Recovery is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself.” If you’re struggling with gambling and want to share your story, contact adam@casinobeats.com. Resources are available to help in the UK and the US. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Final draft of Italy’s land-based gaming reforms is about to be released

(AsiaGameHub) - The Conferenza Unificata is currently reviewing the final details for the much-anticipated reform of Italy's land-based gaming regulations. Italy.- The Council of Ministers is anticipated to release the final draft of its legislative decree concerning land-based gambling in Italy on April 10, following years of discussions. The Conferenza Unificata, an institution representing Italy's 20 regions and 110 municipalities, is presently examining the last concessions. Last year saw a restructuring of the online gambling framework in Italy, with a new licensing process concluded in November. The upcoming land-based gaming reforms will introduce a more unified regulatory framework for the sector, replacing the current fragmented approach. These reforms will include stricter regulations on venue operating hours and minimum distance requirements. Under the new concession model for land-based gambling activities, gaming machine operations will require a minimum bid of €25 million for packages that include 4,000 AWPs and 900 VLTs. Retail betting shops will have the option to apply for bundles of 25 licenses, each priced at €60,000, with a base bid of €1.5 million. Bingo hall licenses will have a starting bid of €350,000 per venue. Licensed operators will be required to adhere to a certification system, and venues must be situated at least 100 meters away from sensitive locations, such as schools. Oversight will be enhanced through a permanent committee dedicated to monitoring problem gambling. Additionally, tighter anti-money laundering controls will be implemented, overseen by the regulator, the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). The reforms have experienced delays due to negotiations with regional and municipal authorities regarding the distribution of tax revenue. Agreements have been reached to provide regions with an initial €80 million through a revenue-sharing arrangement stipulated by the 2026 Budget Law. The protracted negotiation process has led to temporary extensions for current gaming, betting, and bingo concessions. The hope is that the reforms will be officially approved by August 29, bringing this period of extensions to an end. According to the local industry news outlet Agipro, gaming machine tax revenue decreased by €250 million in 2025. This decline has raised concerns that the delays in drafting the reforms may be contributing to the growth of the unlicensed market, which is now estimated to be worth €30–35 billion across both retail and online channels. In parallel, the communication watchdog Agcom has accepted proposed recommendations to establish a formal framework for responsible gambling messages. The agency now intends to initiate a one-month public consultation on the proposed guidelines for how operators should present responsible gambling messages to the public. 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.

Casino and Prediction Market Lobbying Surges as Legal Conflict Escalates

(AsiaGameHub) - Commercial and tribal casinos are actively engaging lobbyists to represent their interests, engaging in a competitive effort against prediction markets as the debate over the legality of sports event contracts intensifies. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour has alleged that casino lobbyists are behind recent legislative efforts aimed at prohibiting prediction markets. Casino lobby hard at work.There is a reason tens of millions of people use regulated prediction markets: it’s a better product.Banning just pushes this offshore, where no regulation exists.This bill isn’t about protecting consumers; it’s about protecting monopolies. https://t.co/otzm0U4Te8— Tarek Mansour (@mansourtarek_) March 23, 2026 Senator Adam Schiff was a co-sponsor of the Prediction Markets are Gambling Act introduced last week. Tribal casino groups are among the significant contributors to Schiff’s campaigns. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in the Bay Area and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians each donated $100,000 to a pro-Schiff PAC. These tribal groups have vigorously worked to maintain their exclusive control over gambling operations in California. The two tribes collectively contributed over $40 million to a campaign that opposed Proposition 26, a measure that would have legalized sports betting in the state. Kalshi has previously run advertisements with the slogan, “Sports betting in California is now legal.” Consequently, it is unsurprising that politicians supported by tribal interests are intensifying their efforts to impede the company. Schiff is also a co-sponsor of legislation designed to prevent government officials from profiting from event contracts by using insider information. Kalshi Responds With Increased Funding On the opposing side, Mansour and Kalshi are escalating their efforts to advocate for the legality of sports prediction markets. The company allocated over $1 million to lobbying initiatives last year. Only two gambling organizations, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Gila River Indian Community, invested more in lobbying. The AGA comprises numerous tribal groups, and several of its members have strongly opposed sports event contracts. This has created internal discord within the organization, leading to the departure of FanDuel and DraftKings as they introduce their own prediction market platforms. Kalshi’s largest expenditure last year was $430,000 to Miller Strategies LLC for “issues regarding rule proposal before the CFTC.” This firm collaborates closely with Donald Trump Jr., who serves as an advisor to both Kalshi and Polymarket. Furthermore, several officials appointed by Trump have a vested interest in maintaining the legal standing of sports prediction markets. According to ProPublica, three of these officials hold assets in Kalshi, 46 have connections to Robinhood, and 138 are linked to Coinbase. Trump Media has also entered into a partnership with Crypto.com, a deal that will integrate the platform’s markets into Truth Social. Financial Influence Drives Stance Changes Kalshi also provided $180,000 to the Lincoln Policy Group last year. This financial support contributed to a shift in the stance of its founder, former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, regarding sports event contracts. Previously, she had stated that sports contracts “would not serve any real commercial purpose. Rather, they would be used solely for gambling.” She is now registered as a lobbyist for Kalshi. In July of the previous year, she sent a letter to the CFTC, urging the organization not to impose restrictions on sports markets. The establishment of the Coalition for Prediction Markets is expected to result in intensified lobbying efforts. According to experts, its members, including Kalshi, Coinbase, and Robinhood, are positioned to rival the casino lobby groups. “We believe these groups have the balance sheets to sustain prolonged political influence and lobbying efforts,” Citizens analyst Jordan Bender informed Sportico. Last year, casino and gambling-affiliated groups spent nearly $50 million on lobbying, a record high. They may need to increase this spending further as prediction markets intensify their advocacy. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Thai Sports Chiefs Aim to Remove Snooker from Gambling Act Following Un-Nooh’s Success

(AsiaGameHub) - Sports advocates, prominent politicians, and championship-winning players are calling on Thai officials to remove snooker from gambling-related legislation. These demands follow a surge in Thai snooker popularity triggered by Thepchaiya Un-Nooh’s recent victory. Un-Nooh, known as “F1,” claimed victory at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this month, defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of snooker's greatest players ever, in the championship match. Thepchaiya Un-Nooh triumphed at the World Open in Yushan, China, earlier this year. The Thai champion beat the seasoned British player 10-7, achieving a perfect 147 break during the match. However, supporters contend that aspiring young Thai snooker players face obstacles in emulating Un-Nooh's success due to a 1935 law. Thai Snooker Gambling Classification ‘Hurts Players’ According to Thai publication The Standard, the Gambling Act categorizes snooker and billiards as "gambling-like activities" instead of sports. These non-sporting classifications require official permits that are difficult for smaller clubs to acquire, and effectively prohibit players under 18 from participating in snooker. This categorization also restricts the growth of snooker infrastructure, youth training programs, and commercial tournaments. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), announced that the authority will soon file an official petition with the Ministry of Interior to exclude snooker from the Gambling Act. The SAT governor stated that this action would help "elevate snooker" to recognition as a "fully professional sport," creating opportunities for structural development across youth and national programs. Kongsak added that the new classification would enable Thai companies and sports organizations to host snooker events and produce income for the government. Champion Speaks Out The SAT pledged to require club owners to post clear warning signs about gambling risks during matches. "This issue requires discussion between the SAT and the snooker association," Kongsak explained. "All stakeholders must establish clear boundaries and show that our goal in reclassifying snooker is purely to promote it as a sport." The SAT and other supporters held a press conference on March 25, calling on the government to support their proposal. Participants included Un-Nooh, who told journalists that snooker "has been a part of Thai society for a long time," according to Thai news source Thairath Online. People's Party legislator Rakchanok Srinok urged the government to take swift action following Un-Nooh's triumph. She emphasized the significance of enabling young talents to train and achieve international recognition. In the Spotlight Thailand's gambling regulations have attracted significant attention recently. Last year, under former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government attempted to classify poker as a sport. Bangkok aimed to draw major poker events to the nation and build integrated casino resorts. However, after the Constitutional Court removed Paetongtarn from office, the government reversed its position, reclassifying poker as gambling. Anti-gambling advocates have also condemned politicians for exploiting lottery policies to gain votes. Thais reportedly wager approximately $8 billion annually on lottery tickets, yet several political parties promised voters they would expand lottery offerings. In the lead-up to last month's general election, the ruling Pheu Thai Party vowed to create nine new "millionaires" daily if victorious. The party pledged to reform current lotteries to guarantee nine winners per day of a 1 million baht prize, valued at over $30,000. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Federal judge denies NCAA’s request to block DraftKings from using ‘March Madness’ references

(AsiaGameHub) - The NCAA had applied for an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent the betting operator from utilizing its trademarks. US.- A federal judge has turned down the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) attempt to prevent DraftKings from using registered trademarks connected to its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. The NCAA had lodged a complaint in an Indianapolis federal court seeking an emergency temporary restraining order to bar the company from using the terms March Madness, Final Four, Elite Eight, and Sweet Sixteen. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt decided that the NCAA did not demonstrate that the platform’s use of the terms would lead to irreparable harm. However, she remarked: “With further discovery the NCAA may be able to show it is entitled to a preliminary or permanent injunction, and those claims remain pending.” DraftKings maintained that the terms were “the universally recognised names for the tournaments and their rounds, used by millions of college basketball fans, journalists, and participants in the sports-betting ecosystem. They are the same words used by other online sportsbooks, who have not been singled out by the NCAA’s fevered complaint.” 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.

1xAffiliates Launches Major Giveaway of Rolex GMT-Master II for Partners

(AsiaGameHub) - The winning individual will be revealed by the end of May. Press release.- The 1xAffiliates team has initiated a large-scale giveaway for a legendary Rolex GMT-Master II. The winner will be revealed at the end of May during a private event at MAC Yerevan. Time is money, and Rolex is status The Rolex GMT-Master II stands as a symbol of dependability and achievement, ideal for leaders in the igaming industry and global celebrities. It was sported by Apollo 13 pilot John Swigert and the pilots of the iconic Pan Am. "Prepare to become an owner today," the company stated. How to get into the game? Qualifying phase (March 15 – April 14). To advance to the main competition, you must bring in at least 200 new players (FTD) within a month. Accumulate X-chance (beginning April 15). Following qualification, each set of 10 extra FTDs will earn you one virtual entry. The greater the traffic you drive, the higher your odds of winning. Finals in Yerevan (May 25–27). A shortlist of five finalists will be selected from all participants with higher X-chance counts. The winner will be revealed at a private 1xAffiliates event at the end of May, featuring insights and opportunities for profit. Weekly bonuses To make the countdown to the finals more exciting, 2000 USDT will be awarded weekly through a draw among active partners. A fantastic incentive to maintain your efforts! Why choose 1xAffiliates? One of the world’s largest affiliate networks, bringing together over 500,000 partners, offering a lifetime revenue share of up to 50% and weekly payments. Each partner is assigned a personal manager to address any inquiries. Prepare your traffic, secure your tickets to Armenia, and claim your status reward from 1xAffiliates! Focus on Armenia! As your traffic expands, we’re getting your status reward ready. Book your tickets and join 1xAffiliates. 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.

March Madness Draws New Attention to Bettor Abuse of College Athletes

(AsiaGameHub) - As the Final Four is now determined and March Madness approaches its conclusion, findings from a recent NCAA Student-Athlete Needs, Aspirations and Perspectives (SNAP) survey illuminate how sports wagering continues to influence the experiences of numerous Division I athletes.Men's Division I basketball players indicated the highest levels of betting-related mistreatment in the survey, with one in three stating that fans had directly held them responsible for gambling losses, while close to half (46%) experienced some type of online, verbal, or physical harassment. A majority of student-athletes (52%) feel that sports betting leads to undue examination of athletes, while 55% indicated it erodes the integrity of competition. In the press release announcing the survey results, NCAA President Charlie Baker said: "This season can be enchanting for numerous players, yet it can swiftly turn into a horror story because of mistreatment from fans who participate in sports betting. The NCAA is vigorously striving to safeguard collegiate athletes by tracking abuse via our partnerships with Signify and Venmo, and we are taking all possible measures to stop student-athletes from encountering such mistreatment. However, sportsbooks and regulators in certain states could take further action immediately by removing the proposition wagers that we know are causing harassment." Men's Basketball Players Endure the Bulk of Fan Mistreatment The NCAA sent the survey to nearly 56,000 Division I student-athletes at participating institutions from February 23 to March 2. In total, 7,493 athletes from 154 schools replied. Per the NCAA, the survey examined social media usage, views on betting and athletic integrity, firsthand encounters with bettor mistreatment, and the impact such abuse can have on wellness and athletic output. Although the study revealed that worries about sports betting are common, the outcomes for men's basketball were particularly notable. The survey indicates that 33% of Division I men's basketball players stated that fans directly faulted them for their gambling losses, with an additional 44% experiencing online mistreatment, and 26% encountering verbal or physical abuse. In total, 65% of surveyed athletes think that when fans single out players regarding sports betting, "the competitive spirit is undermined," while 62% stated that betting-related mistreatment "diminishes confidence between fans and athletes." The survey discovered that the impact of betting-related abuse extends well beyond an athlete's email or social media comment threads. Among athletes who had personally experienced mistreatment, 18% reported that it diminished their pleasure in participating in their sport. Another 14% said it undermined their self-assurance in their abilities, and 11% indicated it adversely impacted their athletic performance. Disturbing Trends Recognized Across Multiple Studies The most recent results contribute to a growing collection of research showing that harassment of prominent collegiate athletes by gamblers is growing more frequent, a problem the NCAA has highlighted repeatedly throughout the past year. Last November's SNAP research revealed that 36% of Division I men's basketball players had encountered betting-related mistreatment on social media during the prior year. Subsequently, in February, the NCAA's GOALS research discovered that 46% of Division I men's basketball players had gotten negative or menacing communications from individuals who had gambled on their contests. The GOALS study additionally found that 29% of players polled said they had engaged with fellow students on campus who had placed bets on their team. Though men's basketball players confront a "torrent" of mistreatment, other athletics demonstrate significantly reduced frequencies. For instance, merely 17% of FBS football players and 3% of DI men's soccer players reported getting menacing messages from gamblers. As the NCAA persists in its initiative to prohibit college player proposition wagers, these discoveries demonstrate that such worries are based on proof that present betting frameworks are progressively connected to the targeting and intimidation of student-athletes. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Soft2Bet Introduces MEGA Islands, a New Gamification Engine Aimed at Boosting Player Retention

(AsiaGameHub) - The MEGA Islands system enables players to construct and expand their personal islands, gather rewards, and advance through an ongoing journey specifically crafted to boost player retention across both casino and sportsbook offerings. Press release.- Soft2Bet has unveiled MEGA Islands, the newest component of its MEGA Suite, developed to enhance player retention throughout its platform. This innovative engine incorporates a continuous progression layer that persists between gaming sessions, providing players with a consistent incentive to return via island construction, resource gathering, and advancement. Initially featured in Soft2Bet’s recent Lodur launch, the MEGA Islands system is founded on a continuous progression layer that extends across multiple sessions. Players gradually cultivate their own island, acquiring resources through gameplay which can then be utilized to erect new structures, enhance current ones, and unlock subsequent progression phases. Every upgrade reveals fresh objectives, transforming brief playtimes into extended advancement. Furthermore, MEGA Islands incorporates plundering mechanics, establishing an alternative route within the experience. Players have the option to raid islands to acquire extra resources and further develop their own, thereby maintaining an active progression cycle as they move forward. Lacking a definitive conclusion, the engine aims to foster recurring engagement via a straightforward cycle of construction, acquisition, and advancement. Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet, commented: “MEGA Islands is engineered to ensure retention feels organic by offering players a progression journey they are eager to revisit. When players have the ability to construct their personal island, gather resources, and unlock enhancements through plundering, every session integrates into a more extensive experience. This furnishes players with a compelling motive to return, simultaneously equipping operators with a retention instrument that seamlessly integrates across both casino and sportsbook platforms.” The introduction of MEGA Islands underscores Soft2Bet’s ongoing commitment to gamification as a catalyst for sustained expansion. As an integral component of the MEGA Suite, this novel engine provides operators with an additional method to cultivate more compelling player experiences, extended engagement periods, and enhanced consistent value within highly competitive markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Pragmatic Play debuts Jelly Express

(AsiaGameHub) - Pragmatic Play has released Jelly Express, a new 6×5 slot game featuring candy train wilds, multipliers reaching up to 100x, and a customizable bonus round with win potential of 5,000x. Press release.- Pragmatic Play has debuted Jelly Express, a slot game featuring a gummy bear conductor steering a locomotive across a candy-themed landscape. Embarking on a colorful journey across 6×5 reels, Jelly Express is packed with entertaining features aimed at rewarding players. Landing 8-12+ matching symbols anywhere on the grid delivers base game wins of up to 50x, while candy train wilds boost payouts with multipliers reaching 100x. The excitement increases when three coin scatter symbols appear, activating the bonus game and giving players six feature options to choose from. Each alternative offers a distinct mix of free spins (maximum 25) and wild multipliers (maximum 100x), plus a random mystery pick is available to heighten the sweet anticipation. During the feature, obtaining an additional scatter can randomly trigger Super Free Spins, where the candy train above the reels gathers wild multiplier values. This accumulating total multiplier applies to all later wins that include a wild, revealing a delicious win potential of up to 5,000x. Alongside two bonus buy options, players in certain markets gain more control over their rail journey through three special bet features. These options boost the probability of reaching free spins, ensure wilds appear on each spin, or increase win potential with minimum 10x wild multipliers that accumulate during tumbles. Jelly Express represents Pragmatic Play's newest major slot release, succeeding popular titles like Sweet Rush Bonanza and Fortune of Olympus. Sharon McHugh, PR director at Pragmatic Play, commented: "Jelly Express is poised to provide a unique gaming experience, centering players in the midst of the action through its vibrant candy land theme, wild multipliers, special bets, and captivating bonus elements." 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.

SeaPRwire 巩固香港及大中华区网络

Hong Kong - 2026年3月30日 - (SeaPRwire) - 在复杂多变的全球经贸环境中，香港作为国际金融中心的地位依然举足轻重。为了帮助企业更有效地连接全球资本、传递品牌价值，知名媒体服务商 SeaPRwire (https://seaprwire.com)今日宣布，已进一步巩固并扩建了其在香港及大中华区的媒体发布网络。这一战略举措将显著提升企业在该区域的财经公关效率与品牌曝光深度。大中华区尤其是香港市场，汇聚了全球顶尖的投资机构、分析师与财经媒体。SeaPRwire 此次的网络巩固，重点在于打通“从信息发布到资本关注”的快速通道。平台不仅加强了与香港本地主流中英文财经报纸、杂志及高流量财经门户的合作，还深度整合了辐射整个大中华区的专业金融信息终端。这意味着，企业发布的财报、融资信息或重大战略调整，能够以极高的优先级推送到专业投资人的案头。此外，针对大中华区日益蓬勃的科技创新与新消费浪潮，SeaPRwire 同步扩充了科技、创投、时尚、健康等多个垂直领域的媒体矩阵。无论是在香港寻求上市声量的独角兽企业，还是希望在内地及大湾区拓展业务的跨国品牌，都能通过 SeaPRwire 定制化的发布链路，实现对目标受众的精准穿透。 SeaPRwire 的大中华区负责人指出：“香港不仅是一个发布窗口，更是全球资本透视中国、中国企业走向世界的重要桥梁。我们通过巩固这一核心网络，旨在为客户提供更具确定性的传播结果。用权威的媒体背书和广泛的渠道覆盖，为企业在大中华区的商业航行保驾护航。” 关于SeaPRwire SeaPRwire 是亚洲领先的 AI 驱动型赢取媒体（Earned Media）传播管理平台，专为公关及传播专业人士打造。通过其旗舰项目 Branding-Insight，平台无缝连接超过 8 万名记者、编辑，以及坐拥 3 亿粉丝的 KOL 矩阵。借助先进的 AI 技术，SeaPRwire 帮助用户精准锁定媒体目标、定制个性化推介，并全面衡量亚太核心市场（包括日、韩、中及东南亚）的公关传播效果。媒体联络公司: SeaPRwire 联络: Media team 邮箱: cs@seaprwire.com 网站: https://seaprwire.com

Gaming in Germany Conference is back in Berlin

(AsiaGameHub) - Gaming in Europe has verified that the 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference is scheduled for November 10 in Berlin, with a focus on assessing the 2021 State Gambling Treaty. Press release.- Gaming in Europe has declared that the 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference will be held on November 10, 2026, at the DoubleTree Hilton Ku'damm in Berlin. The Gaming in Germany Conference serves as an annual gathering for all professionals engaged in Germany's regulated online gambling sector. The event will address subjects including recent regulatory changes – notably the assessment of GlüStV 2021 – along with market expansion, player safeguards, eSports, marketing, compliance, and additional topics. Confirmed speakers While the 2026 Gaming in Germany Conference remains several months off, the following speakers have already been confirmed: Dr. Jörg Hofmann, senior partner, Melchers Law Senior GGL representative Dr. Dirk Quermann, president DOCV Mathias Dahms, president, DSWV VP Games, ZEAL Network Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna Dr. Nepomuk Nothelfer, ass. professor, Univ. of Agder & Attorney, Melchers Law Josh Hodgson, COO, H2 Gambling Capital Conference organizers stated: “Following last year's tremendously successful installment of our annual Gaming in Germany Conference, we are delighted to be back in Berlin for 2026. As always, our goal is to foster connections between the industry and regulatory as well as social stakeholders, and vice versa. This year, attendees will gain deeper insights into the results of the ongoing assessment of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty, along with its subsequent effects on Germany's regulated igaming sector. The Gaming in Germany Conference also remains THE venue for encountering the principal decision-makers within Germany's regulated igaming field, offering numerous incentives to participate in our Berlin event.” Don't miss out. Reserve the date! Alternatively, sign up today: https://www.gamingin.eu/germany/conference2026 Call for speakers & sponsorship opportunities Individuals wishing to present their perspectives, success narratives, innovations, or cautionary accounts, as well as those seeking information about sponsorship possibilities, are encouraged to reach out to the conference organizers. 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.

T-RIZE Structures Up to $500 Million Private Credit Digital Bond Programme on Canton Network

Programme issued through Kairos Litigation Limited, with first $50 million tranche scheduled to launch in the near term for eligible U.S. and European investors through compliant broker-dealers LONDON, UK – March 30, 2026 – (SeaPRwire) – T-RIZE Group (https://www.t-rize.io) today announced its role in structuring a private credit digital bond programme of up to $500 million for Horizon Group through Kairos Litigation Limited, a UK-based bankruptcy-remote special purpose vehicle established as the issuer for the programme. Horizon Group acts as programme manager. The programme will begin with an initial $50 million tranche launching shortly for eligible investors in the United States and Europe on the Canton Network, with capacity for additional tranches over time. The announcement highlights T-RIZE’s institutional tokenization capability: structuring highly complex underlying exposures into institutionally governed, fixed-yield digital instruments built for professional markets. For the Kairos programme, T-RIZE has digitally structured a specialized private credit strategy into a market-ready issuance framework built on ring-fenced architecture, disciplined governance, permissioned investor access, and full lifecycle administration. Its role spans tokenization design, digital issuance architecture, governance and control logic, onchain instrument creation, lifecycle management, and reporting architecture required for institutional operation. The underlying exposure is a highly granular portfolio of UK litigation-finance receivables, a segment of private credit historically outside digital capital markets. T-RIZE has helped bring that exposure into a digital bond format designed for institutional use, combining fixed-yield economics, short-duration deployment, and a clearer structural framework for investor oversight. The credit architecture combines multiple protection layers. The issuer structure is bankruptcy-remote. Assets and related cash flows are ring-fenced. Risk is segmented through independent validation, and claim-level protection mechanisms. The capital-protection layer is supported by a performance-bond framework with reinsurance support from A-rated international reinsurers. Together, these features strengthen capital protection, improve cash-flow predictability, and support a stronger and transparent risk/reward profile than direct exposure to the underlying assets alone. T-RIZE is also providing the digital operating layer through which the tokens are minted, and administered on Canton Network. It supports onboarding, eligibility controls, credential management, transfer permissions, token lifecycle management, and governance execution. Critical actions are governed through a control framework incorporating multi-party computation and multi-signature approval logic, reinforcing institutional operating standards, and reducing single-point failure risk. The framework also includes collateral functionality scheduled for later activation, positioning the instrument over time for broader use across financing, treasury and liquidity workflows as institutional digital market infrastructure matures. For major financial institutions, the significance extends well beyond a single issuance. It demonstrates that T-RIZE can take complex private credit structures, architect them from the ground up, transform them into digitally native frameworks designed for institutional execution, governance, and scale. “This programme reflects the level of structuring, control and technical integration required for institutional private credit to operate effectively in digital markets,” said Madani Boukalba, Founder and CEO of T-RIZE Group. “T-RIZE helps institutions restructure highly complex, market-agnostic exposures into fixed-yield digital instruments with transparent structural protections and a clear onchain transparency layer across the life of the instrument. That opens access to structured opportunities that have traditionally remained difficult for institutions to reach in standardized form, while allowing them to benefit from attractive risk/reward dislocations with stronger governance, visibility and lifecycle control.” T-RIZE also holds a strong position within Canton Network. It is a Premier Member of the Canton Foundation, an early validator and a builder of production-grade tokenization infrastructure on the network. Canton Network now functions as institutional market infrastructure, with live tokenization, active collateral and repo workflows, and growing participation from major regulated institutions. T-RIZE is engineering the Kairos programme inside that framework so it aligns not only with institutional issuance standards today, but with the next phase of market utility; interoperability, governed execution, and future collateral activation on Canton Network rails. Ann-Marie Bell, CEO of Kairos Litigation Limited, said: “T-RIZE helped us translate a complex private credit structure into a market-ready institutional digital issuance. Their contribution across structuring, governance design, control architecture, compliance logic, and technical implementation was instrumental in bringing the first tranche to market.” More broadly, the transaction positions T-RIZE as a structuring partner for institutions seeking to bring complex opportunities into a governed digital issuance framework on Canton Network, with the standards of control, transparency, and execution required by professional markets. About T-RIZE Group T-RIZE Group is a financial technology company building institutional-grade tokenization infrastructure for digital securities, structured products, and real-world assets. The company structures, tokenizes, issues and administers compliant digital instruments across asset classes including private credit, funds, securities, bonds, commodities, and real estate. T-RIZE Labs, the group’s R&D division, advances next-generation tokenization systems, and digital market architecture. T-RIZE’s technology stack is engineered to institutional and defense-grade security standards and deployed on Canton Network for interoperability, governed execution, and future collateral activation. About Kairos and Horizon Group Kairos Litigation Limited is a UK-based special purpose vehicle established to issue digital loan notes and support the structured financing of eligible underlying receivables within a ring-fenced institutional framework. Horizon Group acts as programme manager and brings more than five years of operating history and a zero-default track record across its lending portfolio, supporting origination, underwriting framework, servicing oversight, and portfolio administration in connection with the programme. Media Contact Brand: T-RIZE Group Contact: Media team Email: press@t-rize.ioWebsite: https://www.t-rize.io

Gambling.com Group Appoints Co-Founder Kevin McCrystle as CEO

(AsiaGameHub) - Charles Gillespie, current chairman, CEO and co-founder, will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board. U.S.- Gambling.com Group has announced that incumbent chief operating officer and co-founder Kevin McCrystle will take up the position of CEO. Current chairman, CEO and co-founder Charles Gillespie will step into the role of executive chairman of the board. The leadership change will take effect starting from the conclusion of the company’s annual general meeting, which is expected to be held in mid-May. McCrystle has served as chief operating officer since 2007, and as a member of the board of directors since May 2024. Since July 2016, he has also served as a director of the company’s Irish subsidiary GDC Media. In 2020, he moved to Charlotte in the U.S. to supervise the development of the North American market. Gillespie has held the position of board chairman since May 2024. Michael Quartieri, lead independent director, said: “As executive chairman, Charles’ insights and guidance will continue to bring value to the company, including through his active participation in evaluating strategic M&A opportunities and making sure the company stays at the cutting edge of the AI revolution. On behalf of the board of directors, we sincerely thank Charles for his 20 years of exceptional service as the company’s first and only CEO, and we look forward to his continued contributions in his new role as executive chairman. “Since the company was founded, Kevin and Charles have worked closely side by side to deliver all of the company’s key initiatives. Kevin is an outstanding leader, and with his extensive knowledge of our business and the wider industry, he is deeply respected by all our internal and external stakeholders. The board is fully confident he is perfectly suited to be our next CEO, continuing to lead and advance the initiatives already in motion to keep the company progressing as it grows into a larger, more influential player in the online gambling ecosystem.” McCrystle added: “Over the years, we have gone through many different stages of growth, from our early startup days right after college, to building our first international headquarters in Ireland, to PASPA shifting our focus to our home market in the U.S., to becoming a publicly traded company. As we keep implementing our strategic initiatives, I am excited to take over the CEO role and lead the whole company while upholding our founder-led corporate values, to best position Gambling.com Group for long-term growth.” Gillespie commented: “I have spent my entire adult life building Gambling.com Group together with Kevin, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him as we enter the next phase of the company’s growth. As we keep expanding our sports data services business, reshape our marketing business, and embrace an AI-driven future, now is the right time to refresh our leadership team and give our most talented leader full control to drive all areas of the business.” 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.

March Madness: Michigan State Versus UConn Sweet 16 Odds, Predictions and Picks

(AsiaGameHub) - Tonight, the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans will face the No. 2 UConn Huskies in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The game is set to begin at 9:45 ET on CBS. This March Madness matchup is must-see television, featuring legendary coaches Tom Izzo and Danny Hurley battling to advance their teams to the Elite 8. As of publication, DraftKings lists UConn as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 136.5. Prior to the line shift, there was considerable two-way betting activity at -1.5, with 51% of the spread handle and 52% of the tickets backing UConn. Best Bet Michigan State vs. UConn: Against the Spread Spartans +2.5 (-118) Michigan State (31-5) relies on point guard Jeremy Fears to drive its offense; he tops the country in assists at 9.4 per game. His exceptional playmaking skills were evident in the Spartans' last contest against Louisville, where he dished out a remarkable 16 assists in their 77-69 victory. In addition to Fears' offensive contributions, Michigan State holds a defensive edge. The Spartans are the nation's best at restricting offensive rebounds, a strength they'll need to maintain this evening. UConn's Tarris Reed (14.2 points per game, 8.9 rebounds per game) and Alex Karaban (13.3 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game) comprise one of the nation's top front courts. Notably, Reed grabbed 27 rebounds in their first-round win over Furman and added 13 rebounds in their second-round triumph against UCLA. UConn (27-7) tends to commit fouls frequently, which could prove decisive in a contest between relatively evenly-matched teams. The Huskies are ranked 239th in the country, averaging 18 fouls per game. The two squads met in an exhibition match in October, during which Fears converted 10 of 13 free-throw attempts. Overall, Michigan State attempted 44 free throws, making 29 of them. Michigan State shoots 76.5% from the free-throw line, placing them in the top 40 nationally and providing a clear advantage against a UConn team prone to fouling. Pick: Michigan State +2.5 Best Player Prop for Michigan State Spartans Coen Carr OVER 16.5 Points & Rebounds (-104 at FanDuel) In short, Coen Carr has been sensational throughout March Madness. That was Coen Carr’s second nice dunk in under a minute https://t.co/KYsJCGRI68— Michigan State on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) March 21, 2026 Carr recorded a double-double in his most recent game against Louisville, tallying 21 points and 10 rebounds. He also surpassed this threshold easily in the opening round against North Dakota State with 17 points and four rebounds. Back one of the nation's premier dunkers to deliver another strong performance tonight. Best Player Prop for UConn Huskies Alex Karaban OVER 12.5 Points (-125 at FanDuel) This betting line appears mispriced and ripe for taking advantage of. Karaban poured in 22 points in the first-round victory over Furman and then dropped 27 against UCLA. Significantly, he took 16 shots in both of those contests. The only other instance where he attempted more shots (18) was in an overtime win versus Providence during the regular season. Additionally, no other UConn player logs nearly as many minutes as Karaban (33.9 minutes per game). Our recommended wager is on Karaban scoring at least 15 points at DraftKings, where that prop is priced at +125 odds. 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.

Formula 1 Enters into New Agreement with Allwyn

(AsiaGameHub) - The extended sponsorship deal introduces a series of fresh initiatives. UK.- It has been a significant week for Allwyn. The Czech gaming conglomerate finalized its merger with OPAP to debut on the Greek stock market and confirmed it has reached a key milestone in the modernization of the UK National Lottery. The company has also revealed the renewal of its sponsorship contract with Formula 1, securing a new multi-year partnership. This expanded agreement introduces several new features. Allwyn will now be integrated into Formula 1 Predict, enabling fans to guess race results, while the newly created Allwyn League will provide rewards such as race tickets, Paddock Club passes, and unique memorabilia. Allwyn’s branding will be showcased during the formation lap at specific Grand Prix events, and the Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Awards, which debuted in 2025, will see their scope double in 2026, providing support to as many as eight organizations in host cities. The 2025 Formula 1 season attracted 827 million fans and reached a television viewership of 1.8 billion. Allwyn is one of several betting firms associated with the sport. Recently, Betway was named the sport’s inaugural official betting partner in a multi-year agreement. Additionally, Allwyn has maintained a branding partnership with Williams Racing. Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, stated: “We are pleased to extend and strengthen our collaboration with Allwyn, which benefits both our fans and the communities hosting our races. Our partnership with Allwyn underscores our mutual dedication to creating a positive legacy and utilizing innovation to provide fresh fan experiences, both remotely and at our international events. Allwyn remains a vital and valued partner to Formula 1, contributing to the growth of the sport and the well-being of the people it engages globally.” Pavel Turek, Allwyn’s Chief Officer of Global Partnerships, remarked: “We are excited to elevate our official partnership with Formula 1, representing our most substantial long-term investment in the sport to date. By extending our collaboration, we reinforce our shared conviction in Formula 1’s ability to connect with and inspire a worldwide audience. “This new phase enables us to further strengthen that bond through the introduction of the Allwyn League fan experience, our lead sponsorship of the Formation Lap, and the growth of the Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Award initiative. We are dedicated to ensuring that the thrill of the track translates into rewarding experiences for fans and a meaningful, lasting impact for the communities we visit.” 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.

February: Ontario iGaming Wagers Increase Year-Over-Year

(AsiaGameHub) - Wagers experienced a 23 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Canada.- iGaming Ontario has announced that wagers within the province reached a total of CA$8.73bn in February. This figure represents a 23 per cent rise year-over-year, though it marks an 8 per cent decrease from January 2026. Non-adjusted gross gaming revenue (NAGGR) stood at CA$342.4m, up from CA$280m in February 2025, but down 15 per cent from January. Online casino gaming continued to dominate the market, accounting for 88 per cent of all wagering activity. Wagers in this category totalled CA$7.7bn, a 6 per cent reduction month-over-month. The sports betting segment recorded wagers of CA$946m, a 20 per cent decrease from January. Its NAGGR fell by 29 per cent to CA$61.3m. Peer-to-peer poker contributed CA$135m in wagers, reflecting a 14 per cent drop month-over-month. Its NAGGR was $5.4m, a 10 per cent decrease. 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.

BoscaSports broadens its UK presence via new acquisition

(AsiaGameHub) - Irish betting technology company BoscaSports is set to acquire the video streaming firm 2DB. UK.- BoscaSports, an Irish betting technology provider, has increased its UK presence by purchasing video streaming company 2DB. This strategic step is intended to bolster its standing in the retail betting sector, with the firm identifying licensed betting offices (LBOs) as a primary market. According to BoscaSports, the purchase will double its employee count and improve its offerings for both physical and online betting. The financial terms were not disclosed, though The Irish Times states the merged entity is projected to have approximately €4m in yearly revenue. Allied Irish Bank (AIB) is financing the transaction with a loan facility. BoscaSports already maintains a significant position in the UK retail betting market, partnering with operators like Paddy Power, William Hill, the UK Tote Group, and Britbet. Its display systems are also installed at 86 racecourses throughout the UK and Ireland, such as Ascot. Chief Executive Officer Eugenee Mitchell called the acquisition "transformational for BoscaSports". “Integrating our expertise with 2DB’s video streaming and data solutions substantially improves our technology stack, extends our distribution network, and increases the value we provide to racecourses, operators, and bettors globally,” he stated. “We take pride in being a successful Irish technology company and appreciate the backing from AIB and RMG as we begin this new growth chapter.” Steve Boffo, Managing Director of 2DB, also expressed support for the agreement, commenting: “This represents an ideal alignment of culture and strategy, and we are prepared to start immediately for the benefit of our team and clients.” The deal occurs during a period of difficulty for both retail and horserace betting in Britain. Retail involvement and gross gaming yield (GGY) have been falling, with the UK Gambling Commission noting a 2 per cent decline in GGY for 2025. Paddy Power closed 257 outlets last year, and other leading bookmakers have also indicated potential closures as they manage increased gambling taxes, despite retail operations being exempt from these rises. 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.

Norway introduces four‑year national plan to tackle gambling harms

(AsiaGameHub) - Norway's gambling authority will be involved in a fresh initiative to mitigate gambling-related harms, as the nation continues to uphold its state-controlled gambling system. Norway.- A four-year national strategy has been unveiled by the Norwegian government to tackle gambling harms. The plan, which will operate from 2026 through 2029, centres on prevention, treatment, and research, but will involve no alterations to the regulatory framework. Officials stated the objective is to decrease the incidence of gambling problems, emphasising that protecting at-risk populations must take precedence over business concerns. Norway upholds a state monopoly on gambling, with legal options solely provided by Norsk Tipping and the horse race betting company Norsk Rikstoto. The strategy will target young people between 9 and 25 years old as its primary focus, paying special attention to 12- to 17-year-olds who interact with gambling-like mechanics in video games, including loot boxes and skins. Additional groups identified are athletes, incarcerated individuals, people with neurodevelopmental conditions, those not in education or employment, and individuals with a history of gambling problems. Prevention work will encompass outreach in schools and athletic associations, online campaigns, and advice for adults. Bodies such as the gambling and media regulators Lotteritilsynet and Medietilsynet, together with the Directorate of Health, Helsedirektoratet, will divide duties, aided by the Norwegian Film Institute and non-profit groups. Educational initiatives will seek to assist youth in identifying gambling components within games, while prevention resources will be circulated via youth-focused websites like ung.no and snakkomspill.no, in addition to social media platforms. Parents, educators, sports coaches, medical personnel, prison guards, employers, and banking staff will be given training and resources to detect early indicators of trouble. Furthermore, Norway's gambling helpline, Hjelpelinjen, will introduce chat capabilities, and no-cost remote treatment schemes will remain accessible without requiring a doctor's referral. Inside the prison system, personnel will be trained to recognise and address gambling issues among prisoners, who frequently build up debts during their sentences. Collaboration between the Directorate of Health and regional expertise centres (KORUS) will be enhanced to broaden the availability of services at a local level. Data collection efforts will also be increased, featuring periodic surveys on gambling and gaming activity and a new countrywide investigation specifically into gambling harms. The government additionally intends to hold yearly meetings with operators to underscore their responsible gambling duties. Partnerships with banks and financial firms will be deepened in an effort to stop transactions to unlicensed gambling operators. 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.