分类： iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   Prediction platform Polymarket has kept up its marketing blitz leading up to the World Cup, with its latest move being a collaboration with football media firm OneFootball. This partnership represents a major distribution opportunity in mainstream sports media for the New York-headquartered business, which has grown rapidly by enabling users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events—including politics, economics, and sports. The announcement comes as prediction markets continue to draw increasing attention from sports fans and media companies, though regulatory scrutiny remains intense in several jurisdictions. OneFootball noted that Polymarket experiences will only be introduced in eligible markets and in compliance with local laws and platform requirements. Polymarket cannot operate in OneFootball’s home country A key caveat of the partnership is that Polymarket is unable to operate in Germany—the nation where OneFootball is based. Polymarket is currently regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the U.S., but many jurisdictions, including Germany, have banned prediction market platforms from operating unless they meet the same regulatory standards as gambling operators. This has led Polymarket and its prediction market peer Kalshi to face challenges outside the U.S., with the latest legal action against the companies coming from Spain. La Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), Spain’s gambling regulator, launched legal proceedings against the firms last week for operating without the required licenses, joining a long list of European jurisdictions that have taken similar steps. However, this has not stopped Polymarket from securing partnerships with European-focused businesses. Last month, it signed a multi-year deal with Serie A USA to become the Italian league’s official and exclusive prediction market partner in the U.S. This mirrored a similar agreement made in April with LALIGA North America. It will be interesting to see if regulators in Germany, Italy, or Spain investigate these partnerships, given the situation in March involving Eden Hazard’s collaboration with Stake. The Belgian Gambling Commission, Kansspelcommissie (KSC), reportedly launched an investigation into that deal to ensure it was not targeting Belgian players, as Stake does not hold a license in the jurisdiction. Hazard could face legal prosecution, including an administrative fine potentially reaching €700,000 (£605,000) if the deal is deemed to target Belgian consumers. SBC News has not observed any similar action taken against Polymarket for the mentioned dealings so far. The company often faces accusations of running an illegal gambling platform, though—with the Spanish regulator being the latest to pursue action against it. OneFootball to expand its Web3 strategy The rollout is expected to align with a busy summer football schedule, giving both companies an opportunity to test how prediction-based engagement resonates with large-scale football audiences. For OneFootball, this marks its most significant Web3 collaboration to date and brings prediction-market experiences directly into its global football ecosystem. The agreement will allow eligible OneFootball users to access Polymarket prediction markets linked to football matches, transfer activity, and major tournament outcomes. The integration is set to appear across match centers, editorial content, and personalized fan journeys, with future development potentially extending to live prediction widgets, odds-driven content, and interactive experiences embedded in football broadcasts. It builds on the recent launch of OneFootball Credits ($OFC), further expanding the company’s strategy to incorporate blockchain-based products and fan participation tools into its platform. OneFootball said the collaboration could eventually reach its network of over 645 million monthly football fans across owned media channels, social platforms, and partner distribution networks. “For years, OneFootball has focused on one mission: making football more accessible, engaging, and relevant for fans everywhere,” said OneFootball’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Fischer. “Today, fan expectations are changing faster than ever. They don’t just consume content—they want to participate, interact, and be closer to the moments that matter. That’s why I’m particularly excited about our new partnership with Polymarket.” “By bringing prediction experiences into the OneFootball ecosystem, we’re taking another step toward a more interactive future for football fans—one where content, community, and participation come together in a seamless experience.” “A huge thank you to the teams at Polymarket and OneFootball for making this happen.” 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) -   Stake has officially debuted in Argentina’s betting sector, launching operations in the province of Buenos Aires as it presses ahead with a global push into regulated markets. The Argentina entry comes four weeks after the Australia-founded, Curaçao-headquartered online sportsbook and casino launched in Mexico, and just shy of three months after it expanded into Denmark. The launch also lands ahead of the FIFA World Cup kicking off next week, with Argentina expected, as always, to turn in a strong performance – a run that will likely energize large numbers of sports fans and bettors across the country. “Argentina is an important market for us and a natural next step in our expansion across Latin America,” said Diana Otalora, Stake’s General Manager for Latin America. “The country has an incredibly passionate sports culture, a large and digitally active population, and strong long-term potential for the Stake brand.” Stake targets growth across LatAm Over the past few years, Stake has built a reputation as one of the world’s biggest online sportsbooks and casino operators, though this reputation has not come without controversy. For some time, the firm has held an extensive footprint in grey markets via its Curaçao license. Founded in Australia, the company is a subsidiary of Easygo Group Holdings, which also runs streaming platform Kick. Steps taken by Stake from 2026 onward make clear the firm is eager to secure more local licenses as it grows globally – though a marketing controversy in Denmark has already shown this expansion will not be entirely smooth. Latin America is a key region for Stake. The launch in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province follows the previously mentioned entry into Mexico, and the firm already operates in Brazil, Colombia and Peru. Stake is confident it can capitalize on the deep sports culture in Buenos Aires province, alongside the region’s status as Argentina’s largest economic region that is home to around 17 million people. “We’ve continued to build momentum across Latin America in recent years, and this launch reflects our ambition to establish Stake as the leading entertainment brand in the region,” Otalora added. “Argentina is a dynamic market with a unique identity, and we’re excited to bring our world-class sportsbook and casino experience to players through stake.bet.ar.” The launch of this new regulated platform is expected to be welcomed by local regulators in Argentina, where worries about illegal gambling and prediction markets have mounted in recent months. The City Lottery of Buenos Aires (LOTBA) is the regulator of betting and gaming for the Argentine capital, which is a separate legal jurisdiction from the province where Stake has just launched. LOTBA’s case against Polymarket made Argentina the first country to take enforcement action against prediction markets, and shortly after the case, the regulator told SBC News that it considers cracking down on the black market one of its most pressing regulatory priorities. 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) -   World-renowned EDM legend Tiësto is set to headline the third installment of INFINITY Lisbon, wrapping up SBC Summit 2026 with a memorable performance at the MEO Arena. Boasting a career spanning over three decades, he remains one of the most influential figures in electronic music. Throughout his career, Tiësto has shaped—and continues to shape—global dance culture through genre-defining tracks, chart-topping hits, and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest artists, building a catalogue that has influenced generations of producers and fans alike. Tiësto will take the stage at Lisbon’s MEO Arena on Thursday, 1 October, accompanied by Dutch duo BlasterJaxx for an electrifying night of live performances, uniting industry professionals beyond the show floor. Since launching in Lisbon in 2024 with standout sets from Miss Monique, Don Diablo, and Darude, the INFINITY parties have quickly become a cornerstone of SBC events, expanding to Rio and Miami. By combining world-class artists with high-quality production, the event delivers an authentic EDM festival-style experience for the global sports betting and igaming industry. Previous headliners have included Afrojack, Alok, Darude, Dubdogz, Galantis, Steve Aoki, Timmy Trumpet, and Öwnboss. “SBC Summit is our flagship event, so Infinity Lisbon deserves a headline act of this calibre,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “Tiësto is one of the biggest names in electronic music, and we’re thrilled to have him. It’s going to be a huge night.” Tiësto has consistently redefined, transformed, and revitalized electronic music, leaving a mark on popular culture in the process. Renowned for his multiplatinum international anthems, history-making performances, and boundless creativity, the genre would be unrecognizable without his influence. The GRAMMY® Award-winning global icon pioneered the modern “Las Vegas DJ residency” as we know it, became the first DJ to perform at the Olympics, and has delivered hits across the past three decades. His career album sales have surpassed 40 million; he has earned eight Billboard Hot 100 hits, amassed over 30 billion streams, and collected more than a dozen RIAA certifications for multiplatinum, platinum, and gold singles. In his current creative phase, Tiësto has triumphantly revisited the melodic deep house sound he helped innovate, bringing his career full circle. Enshrined as one of the most influential and inventive DJ/producers of all time, he continues to break boundaries and elevate electronic music to unparalleled heights. The evening will also feature a performance from fellow Dutch duo BlasterJaxx, who will bring their signature big room and electro house sound to the stage.Formed by Thom Jongkind and Idir Makhlaf in 2010, the pair rose to global fame with the anthem ‘Faith,’ which charted across Europe in 2013. That same year, they released ‘Loud & Proud,’ catching Tiësto’s attention—who signed the track to his Musical Freedom label. Over a decade later, with a catalogue boasting millions of streams, they have become regulars on the global festival circuit, known for powerful, crowd-driven sets that have cemented their place among the leading acts in modern EDM. INFINITY Lisbon will mark the finale of the 2026 SBC Summit. The flagship event will unite 40,000 industry professionals for three days of sector-led content and networking, alongside a show floor of 800 companies, a week-long programme of side events, and a six-stage conference agenda—including the Super Stage at the MEO Arena. Access to INFINITY Lisbon is reserved exclusively for VIP, Networking, Affiliate, Operator, Sponsor, and Exhibitor Pass holders. If you’d like to attend evening networking parties (including INFINITY Lisbon), you can upgrade your ticket by contacting upgrade@sbcgaming.com. Simply include your current ticket type and the upgrade you’d like to add. 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) -   Request Network, a prominent Web3 payment protocol since 2017, has unveiled new features designed to address long-standing needs within the iGaming sector. While iGaming was an early adopter of crypto payments at scale, it has struggled to leverage decentralized technology effectively. Previously, the industry relied on multiple crypto processors with limited reach, leading to friction in transactions and counterparty risks due to fund custody. Today, Request Network is introducing a suite of technologies aimed at overcoming these challenges. Reaching 95% of the global stablecoin supply iGaming operators require the ability to accept crypto deposits from players worldwide, but these holdings are often spread across various chains and tokens. Accepting every token would necessitate managing wallets on each chain or relying on payment service providers, which can limit player choice. With Request Network, operators can now utilize a single wallet and manage global collections through one integration. Leveraging Request Network's decentralized, permissionless, and cross-chain technologies, players can pay with any token they hold, while operators receive their desired assets on their chosen chain, without either party needing to know the other's chain. Through a single integration across seven chains (Ethereum, BNB, Tron, Base, Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism), Request Network enables operators to access 95% of the global stablecoin supply and active users. One-click secure deposits for the players iGaming players primarily want a seamless deposit and play experience. However, crypto payments often involve complex steps like bridging, swapping tokens, and managing gas fees, sometimes even requiring penny tests to verify addresses. This complexity can deter players and lead to abandoned transactions. Request Network offers players a secure, decentralized payment page where they can select their preferred chain and token for a single, gasless transaction. The bridging and swapping processes occur automatically in the background. Furthermore, this decentralized page incorporates security features to protect payers from interacting with malicious smart contracts. The outcome is an intuitive and secure one-click deposit experience, boasting one of the highest completion rates in the crypto space. Wallet screening on deposits to protect the recipients iGaming operators accepting crypto face risks such as asset freezing and wallet blacklisting. Often, these screenings occur after transactions are completed, flagging risks only after funds have reached the operator's wallets, potentially leading to lengthy legal processes to unfreeze assets. To address this, Request Network allows recipients to screen sending wallets before funds are transferred. The protocol integrates directly with Hypernative, which provides industry-standard policies to identify and block high-risk funds from reaching the recipient. Players can only deposit funds if their wallet meets the established screening policy. For recipients needing to verify the origin of their funds, Request Network enables the storage of all screening results for future reference. This ensures operators can confidently accept funds from on-chain wallets, reducing the risk of frozen assets and enhancing operational security. Built for the long run, governed by a foundation Currently, iGaming operators, white label providers, and PSPs have limited options for accepting and disbursing crypto payments at scale, neither of which is ideal. One option involves a fragmented global crypto processing market requiring multiple integrations. The other relies on larger providers with fluctuating risk appetites and regulatory coverage, both carrying significant continuity risks. By being decentralized, permissionless, and accessible to all, Request Network is positioned to become the sole integration needed for global stablecoin collection and disbursement. Developed by a community-owned Swiss foundation since 2017 and funded by its REQ token, the protocol offers neutrality and resilience. This results in a unified crypto acceptance technology that is reliable across geographies, while also offering competitive market costs. Tristan Wallaert, CEO of the Request Network Foundation, stated: “Crypto was intended to replace traditional payment methods, but several key components were missing to make that a reality. It remained too complex, with excessive risks for both parties, hindering the free flow of money as intended. At Request Network, we re-evaluated the approach to redefine what crypto payments should entail: simplicity, scalability, reliability, and safety. We now believe crypto is poised for a fresh start.” Gal Sagie, CEO and Co-Founder of Hypernative, commented: “iGaming was one of the earliest and most natural fits for crypto payments, yet the compliance infrastructure required for large-scale adoption has lagged. What Request Network has developed here fills a significant gap. Pre-transaction wallet screening empowers operators to accept funds with confidence, not just optimism. This is the kind of security layer that transforms potential into a functioning market.” About Request Network Since 2017, Request Network has been dedicated to developing, educating about, and promoting the use of open-source, decentralized, and permissionless protocols that provide the infrastructure for on-chain payments and related financial flows. Request Network enables anyone to send and receive crypto at scale, across different chains, without the need for custodial intermediaries. The protocol is developed by a community-funded foundation committed to making crypto payments accessible while safeguarding its participants. To date, over $2 billion has been transacted through Request Network technology. About Hypernative Hypernative offers a real-time monitoring, risk detection, and automated response solution designed to secure Web3 iGaming platforms and in-game digital assets. The platform accurately identifies threats such as NFT exploits, in-game currency manipulation, account takeovers, and vulnerabilities in smart contracts governing game economies, providing crucial time to respond and protect players' assets and the integrity of the iGaming ecosystem. Over 300 clients rely on Hypernative's enterprise-grade real-time platform to monitor more than $100 billion in digital assets across over 70 chains. By analyzing on-chain data and employing advanced detection methods, Hypernative facilitates real-time monitoring of in-game transactions, anomaly detection for unusual asset movements, and automated responses to mitigate risks and ensure a fair and secure iGaming experience. 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) -   William Hill owner evoke has appointed Janice Duncan as Group Finance Director as speculation about a potential takeover continues to circulate. Duncan, who joined after stepping down from her position as Chief Financial Officer at Casumo, brings 13 years of industry experience to the LSE-listed firm, including previous roles at William Hill. She began her career in banking, holding multiple roles at National Australia Group before moving to the Royal Bank of Scotland and subsequently RBC Insurance, which has since been rebranded as Direct Line Group. Duncan later transitioned into the iGaming sector in 2013, spending close to five years at Coral before joining William Hill in 2018. After working her way up to become the company’s Finance Director in 2019, she departed at the end of 2020 to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at Rank Interactive, meaning all of her work at that firm took place before evoke’s 2022 acquisition of William Hill’s assets. Duncan spent two years at Rank Interactive before joining Casumo in 2023. “I’m thrilled to announce that I have joined evoke as Group Finance Director,” she shared. “I want to express my gratitude to the team at Casumo. Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to work alongside outstanding colleagues, tackle complex challenges, and support meaningful growth and transformation. “I’m eager to join evoke at this pivotal moment in its journey. The chance to work with skilled teams, advance strategic projects, and help guide the business through its next chapter is one I’m looking forward to with considerable enthusiasm. “I’m enthusiastic about what lies ahead and ready to help support the ongoing success of the business and its staff.” Janice Duncan. Photo credit: LinkedIn New takeover speculation surrounding evoke The announcement of Duncan’s appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for evoke, which has just one week left to decide on the takeover proposal from Bally’s Intralot. Earlier in April, evoke confirmed that it was “engaged in talks with Bally’s Intralot about a potential offer to purchase all of the company’s existing and newly issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share”, equating to a total value of roughly £225 million. The company, which also owns the 888 and Mr Green brands, acquired William Hill for £2.2 billion in 2022, when it operated under the name 888 Holdings. Selling the entire evoke business for £225 million would be viewed as a devastating loss. An initial deadline of 18 May was set for this decision, but on that date, evoke announced it was extending the deadline to 8 June as negotiations continued. A key point of debate surrounding the potential deal is the debt the combined company would take on: £1.9 billion from evoke and £1.5 billion from Bally’s Intralot, totaling roughly £3.4 billion. This issue could be in the process of being resolved as we speak, and per Sky News this morning, a subsidiary of private equity firm TPG plans to provide up to £800 million to fund the takeover. Funding from TPG Credit could make a proposed deal more feasible, although a representative for the firm declined to comment to Sky News about the matter. This news also arrives as evoke faces ongoing struggles on the London Stock Exchange. The company first made a bid for William Hill in September 2021, when its shares were trading at roughly £4 each. As of now, its share price sits at just 38.4 pence, with a market capitalization of £170.7 million. Many industry observers have noted that even a sale at this relatively low price could be the best path forward for evoke. No matter the outcome, it’s clear that Duncan will have a packed schedule right from her first day at the company as we wait for updates on the Bally’s Intralot takeover process. 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) -   Professional poker competitor Caesars Andrew Nguyen has been barred from all gambling activities after being linked to an illegal gambling scheme in Chicago, Illinois, and he is now seeking to overturn the ban that effectively blocks him from joining any gambling contests — legal or otherwise. Defense Argues Their Client Should Be Permitted to Pursue His Lawful Profession This is a major setback for the young professional poker player, and his legal team moved to address the issue by filing paperwork with the US District Court in Hammond, Indiana, last Thursday. In a formal complaint, the player’s attorney argues that the illegal gambling case connected to Nguyen’s name should not prevent him from competing legally as a poker player, which is his primary source of income. In reality, Nguyen never had any association with the alleged operation beyond participating as a player. His legal team notes that he never worked as an enforcer or bookmaker, and was instead one of the scheme’s victims. For his part, Nguyen only wants to return to playing cards and competing in legal events. Nguyen was arrested during a police operation that led to a total of 22 people being taken into custody for ties to the Gerodemos Gambling Organization, which ran its operations out of restaurants across both Northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago. The ring was led by a man known as “Jimmy the Greek,” or James Gordemos, who operated the network alongside his associate Dean Gailamas, also known as “Dean Gem.” Nguyen specifically faces charges of running an illegal gambling business, as well as aiding and abetting the transmission of wagering information — accusations that directly contradict the claims made by his legal team. Victim of Circumstance, Not a Criminal Mastermind This is the point where Nguyen’s attorneys go into explicit detail, noting that their client only ever connected gamblers to the group, and never held any ongoing role in the operation as an operator, manager, bookmaker, or owner of any venue used to host gambling games. If anything, Nguyen was himself a victim of the criminal operation, and is even listed as “Victim 3” in official court documents. He was threatened by the outfit over a $7,500 sports bet that he was unable to pay on time. He received cryptic but clearly unambiguous threatening messages regarding the unpaid debt, with Gerodemos stating he would recover the money one way or another. His legal team further emphasized that whatever limited connection he may have had to the Gerodemos operation never took place at any official gambling location, and never made use of his skills or professional connections as a poker player, so Nguyen should be allowed to continue building his career as a poker player. Nguyen’s defense called the ban — which even prohibits him from accessing offshore gambling websites or visiting any licensed poker card room in the United States — an excessive overcorrection, and is asking the court to let him continue working in his lawful career as a poker player. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In May, the iGaming sector saw a raft of first-quarter earnings releases, a delay to a major potential takeover, confirmed discussions of a possible large-scale delisting, and a host of major investor shifts that shook up share prices for many of the industry’s biggest listed companies. The month also brought a delay to the UK Gambling Commission’s plan to roll out financial risk assessments (FRAs). If the policy is ultimately approved, it could lead to further profit declines for London-listed firms Flutter Entertainment, evoke, Entain and Rank Group. Meanwhile, prediction markets continued to gain both new supporters and new opponents across the globe. Spain launched disciplinary proceedings against Kalshi and Polymarket, before US President Donald Trump stated that it was critical for prediction markets to “thrive”. These platforms have more recently been named as a drag on revenue for publicly traded gambling companies. The fallout from allegations of illegal activity involving Sportradar continued to unfold, and a Financial Times report found that short sellers earned at least £1.7bn in 2026 by betting against gambling PLC stocks. But who were last month’s winners and losers, and what drove their share price movements? Genius Sports on the road to recovery It’s no exaggeration to say that Genius Sports’ performance on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was nothing short of disastrous in the first few months of 2026. The firm’s $1.2bn (£900m) February acquisition of sports and entertainment digital media platform Legend fell completely flat with investors, pushing shares down so far that the company’s total market capitalization dropped below the value of the deal itself. This share price drop led company leadership to defend the acquisition, noting that the lack of market confidence stemmed from a misunderstanding: investors incorrectly label Legend as just an affiliate business, while Genius argues it is far more than that. The post-acquisition share price dip extended a worrying trend for the company in 2026. Genius shares traded at around $11 at the start of the year, but had plummeted below the $4 threshold by April. However, the release of its Q1 2026 results and growing broader market confidence in the business pushed its share price up nearly 35% in May. Genius Sports stock now trades at $5.86 – still far off its all-time highs, but clearly on a path to recovery. This uptick aligns with predictions from analysts, who remained confident in a turnaround even in April after reviewing the company’s financials. A leadership shakeup at Flutter Entertainment However, May was far from a positive month for Flutter Entertainment, one of the world’s largest publicly traded online gambling companies. Its Q1 results did little to restore investor confidence, which has eroded significantly over the past 12 months. A 17% year-on-year rise in corporate revenue to $4.3bn was not enough to offset concerns over a leadership reshuffle and a 38% drop in net income to $209m. May also saw leading Flutter investor Kenneth Dart increase his stake in the firm to 27%, but the company’s overall share price still fell 8.62% over the month to settle at $96.98. While, just like Genius, analysts remain bullish on Flutter thanks to its strong underlying fundamentals, fears of further prediction market growth – even though Flutter already operates in the space via FanDuel Predicts – and growing tax headwinds have deterred investors. Flutter’s Q1 results also confirmed that the company is reviewing its listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), meaning it could become the latest high-profile firm to delist from the exchange. Top investor changes do little to lift Entain Speaking of the LSE, Entain’s shares turned in a poor performance on the exchange throughout May. A 6% monthly drop pushed the company’s share price down to 533.8p, following a series of shifts to its investor base and board-level changes. While the impact of higher remote gaming duty and calls for a full ban on unlicensed gambling operators advertising in English sports remained top talking points for Entain in May, the firm also saw the closure of one of its largest shareholders, Eminence Capital. This led to Eminence’s Ricky Sandler stepping down from his role as Non-Executive Director – he was later replaced by Sheila Bangalore – and 6.5% of Entain’s stock returned to the open market. JPMorgan Chase quickly bought up this available stake, increasing its total holdings in Entain to 7%, but the US financial giant has been selling down the position ever since completing the purchase. The planned closure of Ladbrokes stores in Ireland is another factor discouraging investors, who are still waiting to see the full impact of the aforementioned tax increase reflected in the firm’s H1 2026 results. Deal or no deal for major UK gambling PLC? Even though evoke’s share price rose from 36.9p to 39.7p in May, it is clear that investor confidence in the firm is not at an all-time high. The owner of William Hill has a pending takeover offer from Bally’s Intralot valued at 50p per share, or £225m total. However, as noted, the company’s shares remain well below that 50p offer price, and evoke extended the deadline for the deal in mid-May, pushing it from 18 May to 8 June. Both companies hold well over £1bn in combined debt, which has raised questions about how the merged entity would pay down this liability. All eyes will be on the deal next week, when investors may finally get clear answers about what will happen… Other notable share movers in May DraftKings – $24.49 (+6.48%) MGM Resorts International – $43.67 (+13.43%) Kambi Group – 175.2 SEK (+14.96%) Evolution AB – 696.4 SEK (+9.02%) Super Group – $12.45 (-3.41%) Sportradar Group – $13.21 (-0.38%) Rank Group – 98p (+2.08%) Playtech – 356p (-2.84%) Gentoo Media – 5.6 SEK (-13.98%) FDJ United – €22.75 (-1.52%) Banijay Group – €8.78 (+3.29%) Bally’s Corporation – $14.18 (+7.1%) Bally’s Intralot – €1.15 (+5.41%) Aristocrat Leisure – AU $50.10 (+4.92%) This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   A special resolution to establish so-called 'blank check preferred stock' did not receive complete support from Flutter Entertainment shareholders at the annual general meeting. The global gambling operator is undergoing restructuring, which includes changes to its senior leadership. Despite maintaining its position as the world's third-largest gambling firm by market capitalisation, its share price has declined 55% since the start of the year. Had it passed, resolution 3(c) would have amended Flutter's Articles of Association to permit "the issuance of preferred shares with rights and preferences to be determined by the Board from time to time". This mechanism is known as a 'blank check preferred stock'. The Flutter board would have had sole authority to set the terms of such stock, granting it greater control over shares than other stakeholders, as a tool to raise capital or deter certain shareholders. Being a special resolution, 3(c) needed 75% shareholder approval, whereas the 13 other resolutions required a simple majority. A majority of stakeholders did support resolution 3(c), but it failed to reach the required threshold, with 53% in favour and 47% opposed. Flutter late to the predictions party? Flutter Entertainment's 2026 performance has been varied. In terms of business results, the company posted a strong Q1 2026 revenue of $4.3bn (£3.5bn), a 17% increase from $3.66bn the previous year. Nevertheless, net income dropped 38% to $209m (Q1 2025: $335m), attributed to increased operating expenses, amortisation costs from acquisitions such as NSX in Brazil and Snai in Italy, and US restructuring charges. As noted, the company's share price has also dropped significantly, from nearly £240 per share last year to £72 at the time of writing. Uncertainty in the prediction platform sector and its effect on the US betting market may be one contributing factor. Flutter has moved into the predictions arena with the launch of FanDuel Predicts, a companion to its FanDuel sportsbook—one of the two biggest online betting platforms in the US, along with DraftKings. However, there is speculation that its entry may be belated, as Fanatics and DraftKings both debuted their prediction platforms earlier. External factors, such as new tax systems in the UK and Brazil, may have also impacted investor confidence. Flurry of trading around Flutter shares During this period, trading activity around Flutter shares has been intense. Some investors clearly view the company as a promising long-term hold, such as American billionaire Kenneth Dart, who now controls 27% of voting rights, primarily through his Cayman Islands entities. Although speculative, Dart's steady accumulation of voting rights over the past year could signal a long-term takeover strategy. The creation of blank check preferred shares would have provided Flutter's board with a defence against such a move. Concurrently, London's Parvus Asset Management raised its stake in Flutter to 10%, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce increased its holding to 5.3%, and US investment heavyweight BlackRock also boosted its shareholding past the 5% disclosure level. Not all are bullish on the business, however. US-based Capital Group cut its stake from 14.9% to 9.9% in March, while the Irish Independent reported that four major hedge funds have taken short positions against Flutter stock on the London Stock Exchange worth £640m. The board's drive to institute blank check preferred shares indicates a desire to secure more control over the company's financial tools amidst volatile trading. It may also reflect the firm's ongoing strategic shift towards the US markets. The US has been the company's primary revenue source for some time, and its main listing shifted to the NYSE in 2024, with a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange. Blank check preferred shares are a financial instrument characteristic of the US. While a UK equivalent exists in the preference share, Flutter's effort to create such shares during a review of its LSE listing is potentially significant. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi has aligned with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to file a formal legal challenge against the State of Minnesota, following the state's enactment of legislation that will effectively ban prediction markets effective August 1, 2026. Kalshi Joins the Legal Fray Against Minnesota with a Complaint of Its Own With the state already facing regulatory opposition from the CFTC, Kalshi has entered the dispute, requesting an injunction to prevent the law from taking effect. This move is part of a broader legal campaign to prevent state-level legislators from restricting prediction market platforms, particularly those offering contracts based on sports events. The CFTC has previously initiated litigation against Illinois, New York, Connecticut, and Arizona. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has voiced rare support for the industry, criticizing its detractors and labeling them as “SCUM.” Under SF 3432, signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota intends to not only prohibit prediction markets but also classify their operation as a criminal offense. Kalshi contends that this legislation infringes upon the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution, asserting that the state is attempting to override the CFTC’s regulatory authority over the industry. In its filing, Kalshi maintains that the CFTC holds exclusive jurisdiction over contracts, specifically those “traded on designated contract markets.” Furthermore, Kalshi asserts that the law violates its First Amendment rights. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison remains steadfast, stating: “I’m very concerned about the harms of prediction markets on Minnesotans. Prediction markets are designed to be addictive and prey especially on young people and low-income folks. They help the ultra-rich get richer, and the rest of us get poorer. My office and I are reviewing this lawsuit and will respond in court.” Prediction Markets Facing Pushback Globally Prediction markets are encountering resistance beyond the United States, with various jurisdictions either prohibiting local operations or currently evaluating the legality of these businesses. Both Spain and South Korea have implemented temporary blocking orders against Polymarket and Kalshi while they undergo reviews lasting three to four months. In the meantime, Indonesia has moved to ban Polymarket, reportedly in response to a market that questioned whether the nation’s incumbent President would complete his term in office. 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) -   Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is set to introduce stringent regulations regarding how state benefits are utilized by offenders and criminals, as welfare reform emerges as a central theme for the upcoming UK general election. Over the weekend, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp conducted a series of media interviews to outline the party’s vision for a “smart and sustainable welfare policy,” focused on incentivizing employment and increasing oversight of how taxpayer-funded benefits are spent. In discussions with the BBC and GB News, Philp detailed proposals to ban individuals on licence or serving community sentences from using benefit payments for gambling, alcohol, or tobacco products. “Hardworking families are heavily taxed to support a welfare system that is being exploited by criminals,” Philp remarked. “The Conservatives have had enough, and we have a clear strategy to stop this absurdity by preventing offenders from using taxpayer money on gambling and alcohol.” Conservatives campaign on toughest reforms Under this plan, qualifying offenders would receive their benefits via a “restricted payment card” instead of cash. This card would be programmed to decline transactions for gambling, alcohol, and tobacco, while also prohibiting cash withdrawals or transfers to third parties. Philp noted that these restrictions would remain in effect throughout the duration of an offender’s licence or community sentence, and for at least one year thereafter. The shadow minister further suggested that extending similar limitations to other welfare recipients is “worth considering, and could form part of a broader overhaul of the welfare system” promised by the Conservatives. These measures align with Badenoch’s “Get Britain Working Again” initiative, which is positioned as the primary mandate for the Conservative Party’s next election campaign. Party officials contend that the UK welfare system is currently unsustainable due to rising levels of economic inactivity. Furthermore, they have accused the Labour government of failing to conduct adequate due diligence regarding the surge in sickness claims and expanded benefit provisions. The next UK general election must take place by 15 August 2029. However, the government retains the power to call an election at any time before that date, and there is growing speculation that Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, might trigger one if he succeeds in replacing Keir Starmer as party leader and Prime Minister. While the full details of the Conservative reforms have yet to be released, the party is expected to focus on the mechanisms and eligibility criteria of the Universal Credit system. Official data indicates that 9.2 million working-age individuals in England and Wales are currently benefit recipients, a trend the Conservatives point to as evidence of deepening welfare dependency. Conservative estimates suggest that roughly 500,000 Universal Credit claimants are former offenders, accounting for approximately 6% of the total claimant population. The party claims it has identified up to £23bn in potential savings through welfare reform, which includes stricter eligibility criteria for disability and sickness benefits, alongside a restructuring of Universal Credit to prioritize work incentives and reward those who transition into employment rather than relying on long-term state aid. The Conservatives have also linked these welfare reforms to broader goals, such as tax cuts, economic growth, and increased defense spending. Badenoch and her shadow cabinet argue that curbing welfare dependency will provide the fiscal space needed to lower taxes and fund national priorities without the need for additional borrowing. Conversely, critics argue that Universal Credit is already highly selective, governed by rigorous eligibility assessments, thresholds, and conditionality. Opponents claim the Conservatives are merely reviving “austerity-era policies” that unfairly reduce support for the UK’s most vulnerable households. Currently, Universal Credit provides a standard allowance of roughly £85 per week for a single adult over 25, and about £317 per week for a household with children, excluding housing and other support. Critics maintain that these payments are already minimal and that further restrictions would penalize those in greatest need, while arguing that Badenoch and the Conservatives lack a plan to address the root causes of economic inactivity. Labour: Youth unemployment tops welfare concerns Welfare reform has become a major point of contention in Westminster following an independent review by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which warned that the UK is facing a “generational fault line” regarding youth employment. The review revealed that over one million people aged 16 to 24 are classified as NEET (Not in education, employment or training), the highest level since 2008. This demographic has been described by the British media as a “lost generation.” Milburn cautioned that young people are increasingly becoming economically inactive rather than unemployed, with approximately 613,000 neither working nor seeking work, compared to about 400,000 who are actively job hunting. Young men were identified as the group most impacted by economic inactivity, and the review also raised alarms regarding declining mental health and the long-term effects of disengagement from education and the workforce. Amidst these parliamentary debates, British bank Nationwide released research ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning that “one in 4 young Brits gamble to pay bills as World Cup fuels betting surge.” Milburn warned that failing to address the youth workforce crisis could cost the UK economy as much as £125bn in lost economic activity. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged immediate action, with the Labour government forming a specialized taskforce within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This initiative will be led by Marc Bolland, the former chief executive of Marks & Spencer, who has been tasked with reconnecting young people with training and employment opportunities. As of 2026, welfare reform has become further intertwined with the ongoing debate over UK gambling policy. It joins other unresolved issues, including affordability checks, the structure of the Gambling Harms Levy, advertising restrictions, and the authority of local constituencies to implement their own gambling regulations. Political progress remains stalled as the UK gambling sector continues to lack a clear long-term regulatory settlement. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   A Western Washington resident has become the state's latest six-figure lottery winner after hitting the jackpot on a Hit 5 ticket. Washington’s Lottery reported that the lucky player claimed a $630,000 prize following the official game drawing held on Thursday, May 28. Washington Ticket Scoops $630K Top Prize, Resets the Jackpot The winning ticket was bought at the Safeway located at 9620 Southwest 28th Avenue in Seattle. The lottery confirmed that the retailer is entitled to a standard bonus for selling the winning ticket, which in this instance amounts to $6,300. The winning combination was 13, 20, 21, 35, and 40. With tickets priced at $1 and players selecting five numbers from a pool of 1 to 42, the $630,000 payout represents a significant return. Participants have the option to purchase tickets for as many as 25 consecutive drawings or utilize the Quick Pick feature to have numbers randomly generated. Per the Washington Lottery, the jackpot now resets to $100,000 following this win. The Washington Lottery frequently highlights major wins and actively works to locate prize winners who may be unaware that they hold a winning ticket. 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 head of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, alongside his counterpart from Louisiana, has called on the gaming industry to adopt a firmer stance against the burgeoning trend of sports event prediction markets, cautioning that these platforms are circumventing established state regulatory frameworks. “We Have to Look It in the Eye” Addressing industry leaders at the International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, held at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Mike Dreitzer conveyed a strong message amidst growing discussions about platforms that enable users to trade on sports outcomes while operating outside conventional gambling structures. “As an industry, we have to stand for things,” Dreitzer stated. “We have to have standards. That’s not regulatory capture and overregulation. When this wholesale creation comes about, where all of a sudden we have an end run that allows for sports betting in 50 states, we have to stand up to it. We have to look it in the eye and say this is sports betting. It’s wrong for you to do that.” Dreitzer further emphasized that Nevada regulators are not opposed to innovation, but stressed that new products must still undergo standard processes designed to protect consumers. He pointed out that prediction markets operating under federal commodities rules have effectively bypassed state-level gambling regulations, leading to enforcement actions, including cease and desist orders. “We Have to Protect Them”  Dreitzer contended that the existing regulatory framework is in place to ensure integrity, prevent underage access, and mitigate risks associated with problem gambling and financial crime. “The standards we have are there for a reason,” Dreitzer asserted. “They’re not consumer unfriendly, but they’re there to protect people.” His Louisiana counterpart, Christopher Hebert, shared these concerns during a joint discussion, expressing full support for Nevada’s position and characterizing the issue as one of public protection and fairness. “We have to protect them,” Hebert declared, referring to it as a “fundamental fairness issue.” Both regulators cautioned that the industry is approaching a critical juncture with the proliferation of prediction-style products across the United States, arguing that a lack of decisive action and oversight gaps could widen, leading to compromised safeguards concerning cybersecurity, responsible gambling, and age verification. 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 sudden power failure halted operations across sections of the Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas late last week, creating an eerie scene as entire banks of slot machines went dark. Winners Received Manual Payments The trouble began shortly after 12 pm on May 29, 2026, when a suspected tripped circuit breaker caused a widespread loss of electricity on the gaming floor. Lights flickered and machines powered down instantly, forcing the resort to switch to backup systems while maintenance crews worked to identify the source of the outage. Casino patrons were quick to notice the disruption, with images of silent, inactive slot machines appearing on social media almost immediately. Meanwhile, staff members navigated the floor to confirm winnings and issue jackpot payouts by hand. The unexpected event transformed one of Las Vegas' most active gaming floors into a partially functional space, with employees working diligently to keep operations running smoothly. More Staff from Closeby Resorts, Brought In A spokesperson for Station Casinos stated that the property promptly mobilized additional personnel from neighboring resorts to assist with the situation, specifically to handle the high volume of hand-paid jackpots and to provide updates to guests seeking information. It took several hours to pinpoint the exact cause of the failure, with power being restored in stages until full operations were back online by approximately 5 pm. Management has launched an internal investigation to determine why the circuit breaker tripped and to assess whether further preventative measures are required. Although the situation was rectified by the end of the day, it served as a reminder of how rapidly technical malfunctions can impact large-scale resort facilities. Temporary power outages are not uncommon in Las Vegas, where intricate electrical grids support expansive gaming areas, dining establishments, and entertainment venues. Similar incidents have affected other Sin City properties in recent years, often stemming from equipment malfunctions, potential cyber threats, power cable theft, or storm-related damage. 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) -   Brendan Sorsby's future is set to be determined, or at least significantly impacted, during a Monday hearing before Judge Ken Curry at the 99th District Court in Lubbock County, Texas. The athlete, who is currently suspended from the upcoming NCAA football season, is seeking a court order to overturn the association's decision, which would allow him to return to play. As the hearing progresses, further details have emerged regarding the extent of Sorsby's gambling activities during his time with Indiana, Cincinnati, and Texas Tech. According to a 111-page affidavit obtained and reported by ESPN's David Purdum, citing OutKick, Sorsby placed a total of up to $90,000 in bets over a four-year period. The Scale of Sorsby’s Gambling His gambling began while he was a player for the Indiana Hoosiers and continued through his time at other universities, utilizing platforms such as Hard Rock Bet and FanDuel, as well as fantasy sports platforms like Underdog and PrizePicks. The report indicates that Sorsby's extensive gambling does not appear to be linked to any attempts to use insider information to influence betting markets, and no evidence currently supports such claims. Instead, he was an active bettor across various sports, including college football, the NBA, the PGA Tour, and MLB. Sorsby also enlisted others to place bets on his behalf. His personal wagers amounted to approximately 2,900 bets totaling over $30,000. His friends placed an additional $60,000 in bets for him. A particularly concerning instance occurred during the 2022 season when Sorsby, while redshirting, placed 40 bets on his own team, Indiana, stating it was a way to feel more connected to the team. He maintained that all his bets on Indiana were for the team to win and that he ceased betting on the Hoosiers immediately before his debut game against Penn State. While the NCAA has acknowledged this specific detail, it has also upheld its universal rule: student-athletes are prohibited from betting on any sport that includes collegiate-level competition. Sorsby Pushes Back Against the NCAA Sorsby's defense team has criticized the NCAA's confrontational approach, arguing that the player requires support for his recovery from a gambling addiction rather than further punitive measures. A complaint filed by Sorsby's legal team, seeking an injunction against the NCAA's ban, stated, "Sorsby is currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA’s sports gambling rules. Rather than support a student-athlete’s recovery from a gambling addiction, the NCAA has weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity." Additional betting activity by Sorsby includes 50 bets placed on Indiana's basketball team, totaling over $1,400, and 300 bets on college football amounting to $6,500. He also placed three bets on Cincinnati basketball for a total of $3,500 and paid $5,000 to an individual to place bets for him on NBA, MLB, and PGA Tour events while he was at Texas Tech. 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 Florida Gaming Control Commission and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their joint crackdown on the illegal land-based gambling industry across the state. FGCC and Police Take Down Two Illegal Gambling Locations in Florida In the most recent collaborative operation between the state’s regulatory and enforcement agencies, a total of 69 unlicensed slot machines were confiscated. Raids were carried out on Wednesday, May 27, at two separate sites across Sarasota County.  The targeted sting, named Operation Early Morning, involved the execution of two search warrants at 4235 Clark Road in Sarasota and at Bingo Palace at 2029 South Tamiami Trail in Venice.  Following the raids, investigators seized 30 slot machines at the Sarasota location and 39 at the Venice venue, along with $62,376 recovered in cash. This action is the latest step against the illegal gambling sector, which has continued to spread across Florida despite regulatory pushback and active law enforcement intervention.  Speaking on the latest operation, Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) Chair Julie Brown once again stressed the importance of cracking down on the illegal industry and targeting these unlicensed venues.  “Illegal gambling operations are not harmless businesses. They operate outside the law, avoid oversight, create opportunities for crime, and take money from Florida communities.  This operation reflects our continued commitment to working with law enforcement partners to protect Floridians and enforce the law wherever illegal gambling activity is found,” Brown added, in remarks on the latest operation. FGCC director of gaming enforcement L. Carl Herold voiced support for his colleague’s comments. He praised a recent decision by Florida lawmakers to introduce two new enforcement units and strengthen the regulator’s response to such illegal venues, noting the change came just in time to address the rapid growth of these illegal businesses.  New Divisions Set to Help FGCC Respond to Illegal Gambling Growth in Sarasota She specifically highlighted the new Sarasota County-based enforcement unit, which will enable faster response times, build local partnerships, and apply pressure to bad actors.  “Illegal casinos are spreading into communities across Florida, and they require a focused, coordinated law enforcement response,” Herold noted.  “We are proud to work alongside Florida’s Division of Gaming Enforcement and their effort to address illegal gaming operations and adult arcades,” concluded Sarasota Sheriff Kurt. A Hoffan, in his comments on the completed operation. 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 new study has sparked fresh doubts about the trustworthiness of the UK’s main gambling survey, indicating that participation figures could be substantially inflated across several activities. The analysis, conducted by Regulus Partners researcher Dan Waugh, contrasts official survey outcomes with industry data and highlights notable inconsistencies.  New Analysis Indicates GSGB Might Inflate Casino and Betting Participation The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) was introduced in 2023 as a large online survey with roughly 20,000 respondents annually. The UK Gambling Commission has recognized it as a critical reference point for understanding gambling habits and related risks. However, the latest results imply the survey’s projections may not reflect actual activity in the regulated gambling market. Waugh’s research entailed comparing survey answers with data provided by operators regarding casino visits, soccer pools, and betting exchanges. For every category, the survey’s participation numbers were much higher than what operators had documented. For casino activity, the GSGB reported that millions of visits were made specifically for table games over a set time frame. Yet official industry data revealed total casino visits were significantly lower than that—even before accounting for visitors who don’t play table games. This suggests the survey’s estimates could be several times higher than the actual participation level.  Study Points to Survey Bias as Primary Driver of Gambling Data Discrepancies In the case of soccer pools, the gap was even more pronounced. The survey data showed a player base far larger than what the sole market operator reported. Betting exchange usage followed a similar pattern—survey estimates were again statistically much higher than those derived from market data.  The study explains these differences by citing common issues in survey design. One potential reason is that individuals who volunteer to complete gambling-related surveys are more likely to gamble than the general population. Other problems include low response rates and sampling imbalances that can skew results.  Waugh also pointed out that if the survey figures were correct, they would suggest the existence of large unreported gambling markets—something he finds improbable. Instead, he argues, structural biases within the survey are the more likely cause of the discrepancy.  These findings are important for policymakers as GSGB data has been used in discussions around gambling regulation and harm reduction. Waugh urges regulators to place greater emphasis on operator data rather than relying exclusively on survey-based evidence. Despite ongoing criticism, the UK Gambling Commission still views the GSGB as one of the most thorough studies of its type. However, as it faces further scrutiny, it’s likely to stoke the debate over its accuracy. 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) -   New York federal prosecutors have ramped up their case against former NBA guard Terry Rozier, claiming he accepted a six-figure sum to deliberately cut short his playing time in a game during his stint with the Charlotte Hornets. Indictment Alleges Rozier Assisted Bettors With Planned Early Game Exit Per a newly updated indictment, investigators believe Rozier colluded with a group of bettors to exit a March 2023 matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans early. The alleged plot was meant to impact wagers tied to his individual performance, specifically bets that he would not hit his typical statistical benchmarks, The New York Times reported. Court filings show Rozier had discussed his plans with an acquaintance, who then passed the details on to gamblers. Those individuals are said to have placed large wagers under the assumption that the player would get limited time on the court. Rozier left the game in the first quarter with underwhelming stats and just over nine minutes of playing time. The initial negotiated payment was allegedly around $100,000, but that sum was later reduced after some bets failed to pay out, as his total rebound count was higher than expected, authorities said. The scheme depended on non-public information that was unavailable to the general public and sportsbooks, giving bettors an unfair edge, prosecutors note. Rozier Case Grows As Gambling Scheme Ensnares Additional Defendants However, the case has expanded into a broader probe involving multiple accused individuals and claims of fixed game results and insider betting. One of the charged gamblers has already admitted in court to paying a professional player to manipulate his performance. Prosecutors have identified Rozier as the athlete referenced in that admission. Rozier has denied any wrongdoing. His legal team says the case is built on unreliable testimony from cooperating witnesses who are seeking lighter sentences. His lawyer has also challenged the legal basis of the charges, arguing that recent Supreme Court precedent limits the scope of federal fraud statutes in cases involving intangible information. Rozier, who already faced wire fraud allegations, now faces counts of sports bribery and conspiracy to commit fraud. The NBA and Hornets have also been listed by prosecutors as parties allegedly harmed by the scheme. The case has raised broader questions about the integrity of professional sports in the era of legalized gambling. It has long been assumed that highly paid athletes would have little incentive to risk their careers for comparatively small sums, but the case indicates these risks still exist. Rozier, who earned over $160 million over the course of his NBA career, has not played since his arrest last year. He has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, but a judge has not yet issued a ruling on the request. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the future trajectory of the case remains unclear. 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) -   Argentina’s Congress is set to review a comprehensive reform bill aimed at strengthening oversight of online betting and classifying addiction as a public health issue. This proposal, endorsed by President Javier Milei, comes as digital gambling becomes increasingly prevalent. Officials point to a significant increase in accessibility, particularly among younger demographics, with payment apps and smartphones making betting more readily available than ever before. Illegal Gambling Remains a Pressing Issue Recent data supports the government's concerns. Over one in four high school students reported engaging in real-money gambling within the past year, with online options proving particularly popular. The new bill identifies compulsive betting and excessive interaction with digital operators as growing problems. Consequently, it proposes a package of measures encompassing enforcement, prevention, penalties, and education. A key objective is to shut down illegal operators. The government is proposing prison sentences of up to six years for individuals operating illegal platforms and penalties for businesses or individuals who facilitate these operations, whether through payment processing, advertising, or technical support. The aim is to dismantle not only the operators but also the supporting ecosystem surrounding these sites. Advertising regulations are also slated for significant changes. Promotions for unlicensed platforms will be prohibited across all media, including social networks. The tone and placement of advertisements for licensed operators will be subject to closer scrutiny. Gambling should not be marketed to minors or presented as a path to financial security or social status. Additionally, links to imagery of tobacco or alcohol will be forbidden. Awareness and Education Will Become Priorities The bill also assigns new duties to state agencies. Telecommunications regulators will be responsible for blocking illegal domains and related content, while the central bank will work to disrupt financial flows connected to unlicensed platforms. Payment providers and financial institutions will be required to ensure that gambling services implement robust age-verification systems to prevent transactions involving minors. Public health agencies will also play a crucial role. The bill includes provisions for awareness campaigns, educational programs in schools, and enhanced data collection to track evolving gambling behaviors. As part of this effort, treatment and support services will receive increased funding. The objective is to keep pace with industry advancements and prevent addiction. Importantly, the government's initiative does not seek to override Argentina's federal structure, which allows provinces to retain a degree of authority over gambling regulation. Instead, it emphasizes coordination, recognizing that online platforms often operate across multiple jurisdictions in ways that local regulations alone cannot effectively address. If successful, this initiative could position Argentina as a leader in gambling regulation. 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) -   Following an inquiry led by a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputy in Arizona, two suspects from Las Vegas were apprehended on charges related to the theft of over 2,000 gallons of fuel from multiple Seligman gas stations on May 22. Las Vegas Residents Apprehended by Authorities on Suspicion of Fuel Theft Authorities launched the investigation after a Seligman gas station reported a significant theft of diesel from its pumps. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that a neighboring station had also been targeted during the same night. Collectively, the two businesses reported losing upwards of 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel. While responding to the scene, a deputy from the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office spotted a parked U-Haul truck that fit the description of the suspect vehicle. A closer examination revealed diesel fuel leaking from the cargo hold onto the street. The deputy traced a set of footprints from the spill, which led straight to a room at the nearby Aztec Motel. Assisted by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, law enforcement took the suspects into custody within the hotel room. The individuals, identified as 37-year-old Dachel Roberto Michel Campos and 23-year-old Jesus Daniel Rodriguez Yordy, are both residents of Las Vegas. Detectives indicated that a third, unidentified suspect is also believed to have participated. Investigators noted that a second vehicle, a black Ford F-650 flatbed truck, escaped the area prior to the arrival of deputies. A subsequent search of the U-Haul uncovered an improvised storage system consisting of seven containers holding roughly 2,100 gallons of stolen diesel fuel. The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the impacted gas stations to facilitate the safe return of the stolen fuel.  Community Members Discuss the Event The owner of the general store stated that less than 30 minutes after providing a statement to investigators, they were contacted again with news that the suspects had been located at the nearby Aztec Motel. According to the owner, the perpetrators stole nearly $7,000 worth of fuel while paying only approximately $5 by manipulating the pump mechanism. Sebastian De Boorder, owner of the Aztec Motel, remarked that the incident has negatively impacted business and expressed hope that it would not damage the town's reputation. He characterized the event as an instance of theft from local businesses during a difficult economic climate. He noted that no similar incident had occurred since he took over the business, stressing that the town is typically very pleasant. In other Arizona news, earlier this month, a federal judge suspended the state's legal action against Kalshi, marking one of numerous related cases across the United States concerning the regulation of prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Marves Fairley, a social media personality who marketed himself as a sports betting influencer, stood trial in Brooklyn to face accusations of bribing players and buying insider information. Fairley Admits Guilt in Betting Scandal During the court proceedings, Fairley confessed to acquiring nonpublic data to place illicit wagers on National Basketball Association (NBA) matches in a case handled by the Eastern District of New York. The self-proclaimed betting expert entered a guilty plea for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering related to the professional basketball betting operation. Federal authorities indicate that Fairley was one of the individuals who allegedly assisted in organizing the NBA insider betting scandal, which led to indictments for former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, alongside a college basketball point-shaving scheme. It is worth mentioning that Rozier entered a not guilty plea several months ago in his separate legal matter. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York allege that Fairley paid Rozier’s childhood friend Deniro Laster $100,000 in March 2023 in exchange for confidential details. The report states that Rozier, who was with the Charlotte Hornets at the time, intended to leave a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans during the opening quarter. Fairley also confessed to working with accomplices to secure nonpublic information and utilizing it for gambling activities. Furthermore, he conceded to placing bets on behalf of athletes who provided the insider tips. On Thursday, Fairley also confessed to recruiting and bribing college basketball players to deliberately perform poorly in games while simultaneously placing bets linked to a distinct National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) point-shaving inquiry led by federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania. For this matter, he pleaded guilty to five counts, which include sports bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud. Regarding the NCAA, the governing body recently confirmed an earlier ruling to suspend Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby from participating in the 2026 college football season as a result of a betting controversy. Future Proceedings Returning to Fairley’s legal situation, he is set for sentencing next February and is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years on six of the seven counts to which he admitted guilt. The judge presiding over the hearing observed that the sentences could be served consecutively, noting that federal sentencing guidelines recommend a prison term of between eight and 10 years.  Fairley also consented to pay $676,700 as part of the financial penalties in the case. While he awaits his sentencing, he will stay out of custody on a $200,000 bond secured by his wife, his church pastor, and the school district superintendent in Jefferson Davis County, his place of residence. 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.