(AsiaGameHub) -   Stake, the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook, has announced a major worldwide update to its flagship Crash casino game today, marking another significant step in the evolution of the Stake Originals portfolio. The update brings a refreshed visual experience and various performance enhancements for players. Crash has gained a global fanbase thanks to its simple yet high-energy gameplay—players watch a rising multiplier and choose when to cash out before it crashes. As one of the most iconic titles in the Stake Originals lineup, the game is central to Stake’s in-house gaming brand, and this latest version enhances both its appearance and overall feel. The update features a new look with an updated graph crack animation that creates a more distinct visual moment when each round ends. The multiplier curve now includes dynamic color gradients that shift in real time—starting from blue in the early stages, transitioning through green and purple, and reaching yellow as higher values are achieved. A new player count display also shows how many participants remain active in each round, strengthening the sense of shared, real-time action. Cashout responsiveness has been improved for faster, more consistent interactions during critical multiplier moments, resulting in smoother gameplay. The update also ensures uninterrupted play during background deployments, so Crash continues running seamlessly while updates are applied. Enhanced game payload optimization and upgraded gameplay processing systems reduce loading times and boost stability, especially during peak activity, offering a more reliable experience across all devices. “Crash embodies what a Stake Original should be—fast, social, and packed with excitement in the best possible way. This update gives players a sharper, more responsive version of a game they already love, while preserving everything that made it so popular in the first place.” – Stake’s Chief Marketing Officer, Akhil Sarin Crash is among Stake Casino’s most-played games, and this update aims to keep everything players enjoy about it while making every aspect feel more polished. About Stake Stake is the world’s largest online casino and sportsbook, drawing over 100 million monthly visits across its global platforms—more than any other iGaming site on Earth. Founded in 2017, Stake attracts more than 80 million monthly visits and processes over 100 billion bets annually. The brand is known for its innovation in cryptocurrency betting and its growing presence in regulated local-currency markets such as Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Stake maintains a broad global sponsorship portfolio, including partnerships with Drake, X Games, Everton Football Club, and the UFC. 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 California player has claimed a Match 5 prize from Wednesday’s Powerball drawing. However, the jackpot remained unclaimed as no ticket matched all six winning numbers. California Player Won the Second-Tier Prize The jackpot for the May 13 drawing was set at $70 million, with a potential winner able to choose either the full annuity payout or a one-time lump sum of $31.6 million. That outcome did not occur, as no player matched all six numbers. The winning numbers for the drawing were 22-31-52-56-67, with a Powerball of 15 and a Power Play multiplier of 2x. Although no one hit the full combination, several players matched five numbers. One California ticket holder matched the five white balls to secure the Match 5 prize. Typically worth $1 million (or $2 million with Power Play), this winner will receive $470,739, reflecting California Lottery’s prize adjustments based on ticket sales. Meanwhile, Powerball confirmed that nine players matched four white numbers plus the red Powerball, earning the third-tier prize. Two of these winners had activated the Power Play and will each receive $100,000, while the remaining seven will each get $50,000. The jackpot has now climbed to $86 million, with a cash option of $38.8 million. The next drawing is scheduled for May 16. Two Jackpots Landed Several Days Ago The recent Match 5 win in California came after a brief lull in such prizes, with no player matching the five white numbers in prior drawings. This pause followed an unusually active stretch for the game. Powerball has awarded five jackpots so far in 2026, including two in quick succession just weeks ago. The first of these was a $143 million prize shared by two winners. Notably, that drawing also produced dozens of Match 5 winners nationwide, as the winning numbers aligned with commonly played combinations. The following drawing produced another jackpot, marking the first time since 2021 that two jackpots have been won consecutively. 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) -   Playtech continues to enjoy strong analyst support as investor sentiment improves. Peel Hunt has reaffirmed its “Buy” recommendation and maintained a price target of GBP 6.90 ($9.30). The firm highlighted the company’s shares, which have seen a significant rise in recent months. Peel Hunt credits this upward trend to a more streamlined business model and emerging avenues for growth. The Company Commands Several Profitable Verticals According to a recent Next.io report, Peel Hunt does not anticipate any major surprises in Playtech’s upcoming AGM statement. Following two upgrades to its forecasts earlier this year, market expectations have moderated. Nonetheless, analysts note that underlying performance remains slightly ahead of prior estimates, particularly in key international markets. Mexico continues to stand out as a leading market. Playtech has spent more than ten years building a dominant position in the country, and growth persists despite its already substantial presence. The region also underpins one of Playtech’s most valuable holdings—its stake in Caliente Interactive. This investment has grown from a modest initial commitment into an enterprise valued at hundreds of millions. This stake, combined with the group’s interest in LSports, reinforces Peel Hunt’s view that the market may still be undervaluing Playtech’s overall portfolio. Rather than relying on a single source of income, the company now operates across software provision, data services, and direct partnerships with gambling operators. This diversified approach provides multiple pathways to capitalize on growth as regulated betting expands worldwide. Key Markets Present Long-Term Opportunities The USA represents another high-potential market. Playtech has been steadily enhancing its reputation as a technology provider to licensed operators, avoiding direct competition for end customers. Although the company is still expanding its footprint, its presence is now substantial enough to influence long-term investor perceptions of the group’s earnings potential. Brazil, by contrast, will require more time to emerge as a reliable revenue contributor. Playtech’s agreement to supply technology to Loterias Caixa is advancing gradually. Still, analysts emphasize that the collaboration offers a significant opportunity, given the size of the newly regulated market and the extensive reach of the state-backed operator. That said, Playtech faces near-term hurdles. The protracted legal conflict involving Evolution and investigative firm Black Cube continues to generate uncertainty. The case has seen minimal visible progress, with several procedural issues still pending. Analysts do not believe the dispute will impact Playtech’s future financial performance, which remains on track for steady growth and sustainable profitability. 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) -   NetEnt has launched a new slot game inviting players to join three young witches on a supernatural adventure. Titled What’s Up Witches?, the game allows players to harness magical powers in pursuit of significant prizes. What’s Up Witches? Metrics Rows: 5 Reels: 4-5-5-5-5-4 Paylines: 20,736 RTP: 96.03% Volatility: High Min/max bet: 0.20/100 Max win: 10,180x Three Witches, One Unstoppable Energy NetEnt’s latest release immediately introduces players to its distinctive trio of witches: Sage, Isadora, and Sabrina. These three characters, who stand out from the crowd, utilize their magical abilities to assist players in achieving lucrative wins. According to NetEnt, Sage is characterized as warm and wild, with the potential to be destructive. Isadora, conversely, embodies a calm demeanor that commands luck rather than seeking it. Sabrina, the final witch, is a meticulous spellcaster who is both charming and perilous. What’s Up Witches? immerses players in a paranormal setting where they collect symbols representing the three witches, their enchanted amulets, and the spells they cast, aiming to secure substantial rewards. The game also features an Avalanche mechanism that removes winning symbols and replaces them with new ones, enabling players to achieve multiple wins within a single spin. The Arcane feature, meanwhile, introduces an additional reel where players can land a Grimoire or Super Grimoire symbol. These symbols activate Spell symbols on the reels, transforming existing symbols into wilds. Reflecting the extensive spell repertoire of any self-respecting witch, What’s Up Witches? offers 9 distinct spells for players to cast. Tap into the Arcane with Free Spins The gameplay becomes truly enchanting when players gather all components of the Magical Orb, initiating free spins. Collecting four parts grants 10 free spins, while acquiring the fifth part awards an additional 5 spins. During the bonus round, players will harness mystical energies as the game grid transforms into a 5×5 layout where only multiplier symbols can appear. Furthermore, the assembled magical orb can randomly activate one of nine unique sorceries. These include features that provide multipliers, enhance existing ones, or award extra spins, extending the duration of the round. Players eager to accelerate their progress can utilize the Bonus Hunt feature to increase their chances of earning Free Spins, or purchase free spins directly in jurisdictions where this is permitted. 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) -   Bragg Gaming Group, a prominent provider of iGaming content and platform technology, has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Drayton International, a company specializing in diversified gaming technology and content platforms. In addition to the acquisition, Bragg stated that Matt Davey, founder and chair of Tekkorp Capital, has been appointed as the non-executive chair of the Bragg board. A Bold Step Forward Bragg has characterized the acquisition of Drayton International as a "bold step forward" for its operations, asserting that it aligns with the company's dedication to "crafting captivating proprietary gaming worlds." Bragg further indicated that this transaction is consistent with its strategic objective to maintain its position as a games-first organization. The company highlighted that this arrangement will refine Bragg's strategic focus, support its ongoing expansion in the US market, enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, and bolster its revenue growth. Bragg provided further specifics regarding the definitive acquisition agreement, revealing that it will acquire 100% of Drayton's equity interest through the issuance of 4.5 million new Bragg common shares, valued at USD 2.00 per share. Bragg also noted that the securities issued in connection with this transaction will not be registered under the US Securities Act and will not be offered for sale within the United States. The agreement also grants Bragg the rights to obtain full ownership of the five studios in which Drayton holds stakes. These studios include Boomerang Studios, Dream Streak Gaming, Rise Gaming, Hit Squad, and Neotopia. Additionally, Drayton holds a 100% ownership of the following platforms: Arc Gaming, Vision PlAI, and 3 Shores. The completion of the deal is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. If all necessary approvals are secured, the transaction is expected to conclude in the third quarter of the year. Matt Davey Joins Bragg as Non-Exec Chair As previously mentioned, Bragg has also appointed Matt Davey as its non-executive chair. In this capacity, he will succeed Holly Gagnon, who will continue to serve as an independent director. This appointment is linked to the Drayton transaction and signifies Davey's confidence in Bragg's future prospects. Davey had previously acquired 1 million common shares in Bragg, further underscoring his positive outlook on the company. Davey is also a shareholder in Drayton and, following the merger of the two companies, will hold approximately a 10% stake in Bragg. CEO Mazij: The Deal Encapsulates Bragg’s Streamlined Strategy In commenting on the developments, CEO Matevž Mazij described the acquisition of Drayton as a "highly strategic step forward." He further stated that the deal embodies Bragg's "streamlined and coherent user-focused strategy." Mazij added that this transaction represents Bragg's entry into the ADW (Advanced Deposit Wagering) sector, which transforms parimutuel wagering into a highly engaging experience. Such products have demonstrated significant popularity in the US, a key market for Bragg. The US landscape is shifting, and we believe that Bragg’s relative speed and regulatory agility is already beginning to translate into our being leaders rather than followers in the Alternative Markets space. Matevž Mazij, CEO, Bragg Gaming Group Bragg's newly appointed non-executive chair, Matt Davey, also shared his perspective on the deal, commending Bragg's robust foundation. He indicated that Drayton's business will significantly complement Bragg's by introducing new games, technology, and distribution channels. Regarding his appointment, Davey commented: After discussions with Matevž, his team, and other Board members, I am excited to invest my time and energy to help accelerate growth, drive operational performance, and enhance shareholder value. It’s clear we have a first-rate team, premium iGaming offering, and now a new vibrant aesthetic which I’m confident will be attractive to the market. Matt Davey, non-executive chair, Bragg Gaming Group Bragg announced further leadership changes two months prior. 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 prominent lawsuit involving FanDuel will be moved to private arbitration after a federal judge ruled the case should proceed outside of public view. The suit was filed by Amit Patel, a former finance executive with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who admitted to stealing over $20 million from the team. Patel alleges that FanDuel contributed to his gambling addiction, which ultimately led to his criminal conviction. The Case Will Proceed Behind Closed Doors Last week, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick approved FanDuel’s motion to delay the $250 million lawsuit and transfer it to arbitration. The order references the terms of service Patel agreed to when he used the platform, which require disputes to be resolved through arbitration and waive the user’s right to a jury trial. This ruling does not settle the dispute but changes how and where Patel’s claims will be evaluated. Arbitration proceedings are typically confidential, with restricted discovery and no public record, unlike a courtroom trial. For FanDuel, this means its marketing strategies will likely remain undisclosed. For Patel, it eliminates the chance to present his allegations before a jury. Legal experts suggest that FanDuel will likely defend itself by emphasizing that Patel was an adult making independent choices. The company may also highlight the responsible gambling safeguards and disclosures embedded in its platform, such as tools to promote safe play and the arbitration clause now governing the case. Patel Claimed That His Past Actions Were Driven by Addiction The background of the lawsuit is expected to play a major role in the final decision. In 2024, Patel pleaded guilty to charges including wire fraud related to his work with the Jaguars, where he oversaw the team’s virtual credit card system. Authorities said he exploited this position to conceal fraudulent transactions, diverting millions into personal accounts for spending and gambling. He was subsequently sentenced to six years in prison. In court documents tied to his original conviction, Patel maintained that his actions were motivated by addiction, claiming he believed he could recover the money he had stolen. However, prosecutors doubted his assertions, citing extravagant purchases and a luxurious lifestyle funded by embezzled funds. The result of the upcoming arbitration remains unclear. Patel must still prove that FanDuel’s conduct and advertising practices violated the law. Meanwhile, the company plans to reject his claims, arguing they are unsubstantiated or speculative. While industry observers will monitor the outcome closely, most of the process will remain out of public view. 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 United Kingdom has officially opened the nation’s largest independent gambling harms research center. The launch responds to rising problem gambling rates in Britain and the significant economic impact caused by excessive gambling. Known as the Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre, the initiative was developed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is funded through the government’s new gambling levy, as announced by UKRI. GHR-UK Evidence Centre Launches as the Largest of Its Kind in the UK In its announcement, UKRI highlighted that problem gambling affects thousands of people across the UK, placing an annual economic burden of GBP 1.4 billion or more on society. This not only impacts individuals directly affected but also strains healthcare and criminal justice systems, given the links between problem gambling and mental health issues such as depression and suicide, as well as increased risk of criminal behavior. The Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre will therefore work with government bodies, health organizations, charities, and individuals with lived experience to deepen understanding of gambling-related harm and help strengthen the UK’s gaming policies. The center will: Lead a comprehensive and innovative research programme focused on gambling harms Strengthen capacity in gambling harms research across the country Engage collaboratively with stakeholders from various sectors Investigate how data from UKRI and other sources can be leveraged to generate new evidence Oversee the network of GHR-UK Innovation Partnerships UKRI noted that the GHR-UK Evidence Centre will build upon existing research efforts, improving the UK’s knowledge of gambling-related harm. It will also train a new generation of leaders in gambling research. Furthermore, UKRI confirmed that the center is designed to actively partner with policy-makers, public health agencies, and charitable organizations. A Major Step in Building a High-Quality Research Base According to UKRI, the establishment of the center aligns with its commitment to allocating 20% of the proceeds from the gambling levy toward research. So far, levy funding has supported several initiatives, including the new evidence center itself, 32 rapid evidence reviews, 19 new innovation partnerships, and four UKRI policy fellows. The GHR-UK Evidence Centre represents a central component of UKRI’s broader Research Programme on Gambling. Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, commented on the significance of the move, emphasizing the severe effects unregulated gambling can have on families and communities. This new independent Evidence Centre marks a major step forward in building the high-quality research base required to shape better policies, prevention strategies, and treatment options throughout the UK. Christopher Smith UKRI added that additional research projects are planned, including studies exploring the overlap between gambling and video gaming. Heather Wardle, Professor of Gambling Research and Policy at the University of Glasgow, praised both the introduction of the gambling levy and the creation of the center as a “vital reset” that will play a crucial role in tackling problem gambling in the UK. The New Levy Ensures Independence from Commercial Interests To provide context, the gambling levy replaced the previous system of voluntary contributions from industry operators, under which safer gambling initiatives were funded. While some larger companies contributed substantial amounts, this approach was widely criticized for being inconsistent and inequitable. A key issue was the uneven level of participation among operators—not all companies contributed equally. In contrast, the new levy requires all operators to contribute a portion of their revenues, ensuring fairness and consistency. Additionally, critics had raised concerns about the voluntary model, arguing that it made charities dependent on the gambling industry and created potential conflicts of interest. These issues have been addressed through the implementation of the new levy. As a result, UKRI emphasized that one of the main advantages of the GHR-UK Evidence Centre is its full independence from commercial gambling interests. 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) -   Super Group has strengthened its executive leadership team with the appointment of a new chief operating officer. The role is being filled by Kristy Ross, who previously served as the company’s chief of staff. The Group Names Kristy Ross as Its New COO Ross shared the news on her LinkedIn profile, confirming that she had been appointed as Super Group’s new chief operating officer. She joined the organization in 2023, initially taking on the role of chief people officer. Later that year, she was promoted to chief of staff, broadening her scope of responsibilities within the company. Her latest promotion sees her assuming the COO position, reflecting continued recognition of her contributions. Prior to joining Super Group—the parent company of Betway—Ross spent over 13 years at Renaissance Capital, where she held the positions of chief people officer and CEO for South Africa. Before that, she worked briefly at Bank of America as a human resources director. Ross Thanked the Super Group Team for Their Trust In her LinkedIn post, Ross expressed her gratitude for being entrusted with the COO role at Super Group. She reflected on her time with the company, noting how much she values the dedication of its teams and leaders. Ross described the opportunity to work alongside them as an honor and conveyed enthusiasm about continuing to “build upon the strong foundations already established.” Super Group is a business driven by talented people, clear ambition, and a global mindset. In this role, my focus will be on enabling our teams to operate effectively, scale sustainably, and deliver against our long-term priorities. Kristy Ross, COO, Super Group Ross extended thanks to the team for their confidence in her and voiced anticipation for what lies ahead. Super Group Started 2026 with a Bang Meanwhile, Super Group released its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, reporting record-breaking revenue. This growth was fueled by strong performance across the Africa, Europe, Americas, and Rest of World segments. The company also announced changes to its internal reporting structure. Going forward, instead of presenting Betway and Spin as distinct business units, financial reporting will now be divided into two categories: Africa and International. Leadership expressed satisfaction with the group’s progress and stated that it is well-positioned to achieve success throughout the remainder of 2026. 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) -   Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has vetoed Senate Bill 1589, blocking a proposal that aimed to substantially expand the state’s gambling laws by introducing online casino-style games and dual-currency sweepstakes platforms. Governor Vetoes Bill The bill, introduced by Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Scott Fetgatter, was first presented in the Senate in February. It passed the Senate unanimously, 48-0, in March and was subsequently sent to the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. In early May, the House approved the measure with a vote of 65-21 before forwarding it to Governor Stitt, who vetoed it on May 7 along with several other bills. The governor has not yet provided an explanation for his veto. Notably, this veto came after the Oklahoma Senate had earlier rejected a separate initiative, House Bill 1047, which would have legalized sports betting through tribal operators. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell, both Republicans from Ponca City, the legislation was supported by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The bill would have allowed tribal nations to offer both retail and mobile sports betting under Oklahoma’s existing tribal gaming framework. Supporters argued it provided a regulated alternative to sports betting services already available through other means. However, on April 22, it was defeated by a 21-27 vote. What Did the Bill Aim At? Regarding Senate Bill 1589, it sought to legalize online games resembling slots, lottery, bingo, or other forms of gambling currently prohibited in the state. It also updated the definition of a “representative of value” to include the dual-currency system used by sweepstakes casinos—where one type of coin is mainly used for gameplay, and another is associated with prize redemption. The bill further broadened liability provisions beyond traditional casino operators to cover owners of geolocation services, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and affiliates. Activities conducted on Indian lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act were exempt, and gaming activities under Oklahoma’s Charity Games Act remained protected. State lawmakers now have until May 29 to attempt to override Governor Stitt’s veto. If no override occurs, Oklahoma will continue to be excluded from the growing number of states that have recently moved to ban sweepstakes casino models entirely. In other recent developments from Oklahoma, police shot and killed a man at a casino in Thackerville several weeks ago after he allegedly drew a gun when approached by officers. 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 British government is moving forward with plans to abolish NHS England, one of three administrative bodies responsible for overseeing funds generated from the statutory levy on gambling harms. Yesterday, King Charles III delivered his annual speech outlining the Labour government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the year. Among the bills announced was the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is expected to be introduced in the near future. If enacted, the bill will dissolve NHS England—a body within the Department of Health and Social Care established by the previous Conservative administration to manage the planning, budgeting, and delivery of NHS services across English regions and local authorities. The decision to scrap NHS England is not new; Keir Starmer’s government first proposed this move over a year ago, aiming to restructure the UK’s health system under a more streamlined framework designed to tackle pressing national health needs and regional inequalities. Under the new plan, the Labour government intends to replace NHS England with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to oversee regional commissioning arrangements. This broader reform of the NHS has coincided with the implementation of the statutory levy and a comprehensive overhaul of how problem gambling harms are addressed in the UK. Since April 2025, responsibility for these efforts has been shared between NHS England, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For what was once a well-established network tackling gambling harms—and especially for the charitable organisations in England that provide treatment funding to those affected—the abolition of NHS England has left several critical questions unanswered. Drama surrounding the levy Previously, GambleAware served as the primary commissioner for gambling research, education, and treatment (RET), managing the allocation and distribution of its finances. The organisation had long advocated for replacing the voluntary system with a mandatory one. However, it became a casualty of the new structure, as the government opted instead to designate NHS England, UKRI, and OHID as the commissioners of levy funds. GambleAware subsequently ceased operations in March 2026. While various organisations—including those in NHS Scotland and Wales, along with OHID—have outlined their intended use of the funds, NHS England has not yet done so. It remains likely that the responsibilities for administering the levy will fall to the newly established ICBs and regional commissioning bodies, but without clear funding commitments, stakeholders are left awaiting clarification. Nevertheless, not all responses have been negative. GamCare, which operates the UK’s national gambling helpline, has stated it will collaborate with the government throughout this transition in NHS governance. The organisation has already received £4 million in funding from OHID’s inaugural round of allocations. Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, commented: “We recognise the Government’s ambition to modernise health commissioning and bring decision-making closer to local communities. “For people affected by gambling harms, ensuring continuity of access to support during any period of structural change will be vital. The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has provided valuable insights into how services can be effectively coordinated and commissioned within a complex system. “As one of the largest providers in the sector, offering services ranging from helplines and treatment to outreach and prevention, we possess direct experience of what functions well and where improvements are needed.” Work continues… Despite the ongoing debate around NHS England’s dissolution, the other two levy-commissioning bodies remain active. Today, UKRI announced it has allocated funding to establish the UK’s largest dedicated research centre focused on gambling harms. The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will foster collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, charities, and individuals with lived experience of gambling-related issues. Research will be led by the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London, focusing on policy development, clinical practice, and public understanding. Notably, Glasgow and Sheffield universities are frequently cited for their research into gambling’s societal impacts. “Gambling harms can devastate individuals, families, and communities,” said Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council. “This new independent Evidence Centre represents a significant step toward building a robust, high-quality research foundation to guide better policies, prevention strategies, and treatments across the UK. “Through the Gambling Levy, UKRI is helping to create a sustainable, credible, and independent research capability on gambling harms, grounded in research integrity and public benefit.” NHS at the centre of Labour’s agenda Despite these developments, the government’s timetable may face delays. As of publication, ministers appear preoccupied with internal challenges, particularly following a significant defeat in last week’s local elections that sparked unrest among backbench MPs. Notably, the main challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at present is Wes Streeting—who, as Health Secretary, has overseen the planned dismantling of NHS England. According to some observers, this process has encountered difficulties, much like other major government initiatives. Yet for funding commissioners and beneficiary charities, the situation remains fluid. GamCare’s Victoria Corbishley added: “With further commissioning decisions anticipated before April 2027, we believe there is an important opportunity to review the early rollout of the levy and ensure the next phase is built on the strongest possible foundations. “We would welcome the chance to contribute our frontline experience and expertise to that process.” Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Super Group—parent company of global brands Betway and Spin—has elevated senior executive Kirsty Ross to the role of Chief Operating Officer.  Ross takes over the COO position from Jason Kenny, who held the role since late 2024. It remains unclear what role Kenny will assume next, as he is no longer listed as a member of Super Group’s Executive Team.  The new COO has been with Super Group since October 2023, having previously served in other C-level roles including Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff.  Currently based in the UK, she previously held multiple positions in South Africa’s financial sector, including stints at the country’s Investec and Bank of America operations.  “I’m excited to announce that I’ve taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Super Group,” Ross stated in a LinkedIn post.  “Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the chance to collaborate closely with teams across the business, supporting our leaders, enhancing operational processes, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution. I’m eager to build on the solid foundations already in place.  “Super Group is a company driven by talented people, clear goals, and a global perspective. In this role, my focus will be on empowering our teams to operate efficiently, scale sustainably, and meet our long-term priorities.  “Thank you to my colleagues for their support, trust, and ongoing collaboration. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”  Kirsty Ross. Credit: LinkedIn Super Group gears up for a strong 2026 The leadership changes coincide with Super Group’s Q1 results announcement, which revealed increases in revenue, profit, and adjusted EBITDA—coming in at $612m (£452.3m), $86m, and $152m respectively.  In percentage terms, these metrics rose by 18%, 31%, and 26% respectively.  The Guernsey-headquartered firm uniquely split its results update into two segments: Africa (its largest market) and the rest of the world.  Despite the challenges facing many iGaming businesses right now, Super Group has shown resilience, and its leadership remains optimistic in the early part of 2026. Ross is one of several recent changes within the organization.  Neil Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, commented during the company’s investor call: “We’re seeing significant efficiency gains right now. We’ve brought on Justin Stock—who previously served as our external counsel and helped guide the business to its current state—as our Head of Commercial and M&A.  “We have an excellent team at the C-suite level of Super Group, and throughout the rest of our organization, we have truly talented people.  “With our International and Africa segments, we’re strengthening these areas, but to grow and sustain that growth, it’s all about our people, our platforms, and the technology we use.  “We need top-tier talent to help us make these critical decisions—and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing so far, and now we’re taking this to the next level.”  Interested in more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the new home for all multimedia content at SBC—where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Global interest in esports betting is expanding rapidly, according to DATA.BET, a leading sportsbook solutions provider focused on this sector. DATA.BET anticipates that the overlap between gaming and betting audiences will continue to grow through 2026, largely due to rising demand for esports—a trend further supported by the firm’s latest data. The company has reported increased player engagement during Q1 2026, particularly on its own platform, with total placed bets rising by 33.2% and combo bets surging by 72.1%. This shift reflects users adopting more advanced betting strategies, though DATA.BET attributes part of the combo bet increase to enhancements in user experience, especially improvements to its Single Page Application iFrame. “High margin efficiency has been a major driver this quarter,” stated Bohdan Holovnov, Head of Esports at DATA.BET. “Partners are increasingly recognizing that esports can deliver significant commercial value, prompting them to expand promotional efforts and attract greater traffic to the vertical. “This directly translates into more new users, higher turnover, and improved margins. At the same time, we maintain the most comprehensive coverage of matches and disciplines available, which is also evident in the swift growth of combo bets across our partner networks.” Traditional bookmakers worldwide are naturally preparing for the World Cup. However, the situation appears different in the esports space, where DATA.BET identifies Rocket League as the most promising discipline for betting—surpassing the FIFAe World Cup, which it acknowledges as typically being the year’s flagship event. Rocket League experienced a quarter-over-quarter turnover increase of 85.3%, alongside an 18.7% rise in bet coins and a 50.1% uptick in active players. The platform also boasts a 94% live coverage conversion rate. Additionally, DATA.BET found that top-tier esports events consistently outperform lower-tier events in terms of turnover, profit, and number of bets, although the volume of low-tier events continues to climb—particularly in CS2. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team provides in-depth analysis of major developments across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.