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(AsiaGameHub) -   The Isle of Man has reached a significant milestone in updating its gambling framework as the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill passed through Tynwald following the approval of final revisions. The Bill, which is now awaiting Royal Assent, marks a major overhaul of the island’s regulatory system. It is designed to bolster oversight, improve compliance, and ensure the long-term viability of the local iGaming industry. These reforms were developed through extensive collaboration with industry partners throughout 2025 and are being managed by the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). “I want to express my gratitude to the many individuals in the e-gaming sector who provided feedback on the implementation and consequences of these updates, as well as the GSC and Treasury staff for drafting this significant legislation,” stated Treasury Minister Chris Thomas, who guided the Bill through the House of Keys for the GSC. “Ms Lord-Brennan MHK, Mr Clueit MLC, and Mrs August-Phillips MLC introduced several vital amendments stemming from this industry engagement as the legislation progressed.” Two major updates At the heart of the changes is the creation of a standardized Fitness and Propriety requirement, which will apply to: Licensed entities Owners and stakeholders Board members and executive management This replaces the previous, disjointed suitability criteria found in the Online Gambling Regulation Act 2001 and the Casino Act 1986. While the current system focuses primarily on integrity, the new framework expands this to include three pillars: integrity, professional competence, and financial stability. The GSC notes that this brings the Isle of Man in line with international best practices and stricter global standards for risk management and governance. The GSC also specified that it may evaluate the associates of any applicants. Another key update is the establishment of a formal civil penalty system, enabled by revisions to the island’s anti-money laundering (AML) laws. Under the new rules, the GSC will have the power to: Levy financial fines on operators Set penalty amounts based on the specifics of each case Adhere to a structured process that includes notification and appeal rights For the first time, fines can also be levied against individuals, such as owners, key personnel, and senior executives, if violations occur through “consent, connivance or negligence,” particularly regarding AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combatting the Financing of Terrorism) regulations. This represents a significant move toward personal liability, mirroring regulatory shifts seen in major markets like the UK and the EU. The GSC is currently holding consultations on the application of the new Fitness and Propriety standard and the specific guidance for civil penalties, with both open for feedback until 25 May. Operators in the region will face more stringent vetting and executive oversight as the Isle of Man seeks to tighten regulations on a sector that accounts for approximately 14% of its national income, according to recent data. Isle of Man strengthens its position The Isle of Man is the latest jurisdiction to take such action, as gambling oversight intensifies globally to combat illicit operations and the increasing use of fraud and money laundering tactics. This follows a report last month in which the Isle of Man’s GSC increased its money laundering risk rating to ‘medium high’ following a National Risk Assessment (NRA). As one of the world’s longest-standing iGaming hubs, the island has been proactive in recent years with updates intended to safeguard its reputation. Although its 0% corporate tax on gaming profits remains a draw for international companies, the island has recently aligned with the UK’s stance, committing to more rigorous supervision of both current and prospective licensees. 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) -   Full-year financial results from William Hill's parent company evoke paint a mixed performance picture for the firm that is currently seeking a buyer. Some industry observers find the timing of evoke's FY25 results release somewhat unusual. While the LSE-listed gambling firm is publishing its 2025 full-year financial statements now, most of its peer companies are already releasing their Q1 2026 performance figures. This delay in publishing results is likely linked to ongoing discussions the company has been holding with Bally's Intralot over a potential acquisition. Both parties confirmed these talks earlier this month, with Bally's evaluating a bid of 50p per evoke share, putting the company's total valuation at $225m. So what do the FY25 results reveal about the company's standing? First, the positive metrics: revenue climbed 2% year-over-year to £1.78bn, up from £1.75bn in the prior period, while profitability also saw meaningful progress as EBITDA jumped 43% from £211.4m to £301.3m. Per Widerström, evoke's Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Across 2025, we delivered steady operational improvements that created a more efficient, focused and disciplined business, delivering higher marketing returns, tighter cost control, improved operating leverage, and a transformative shift in underlying profitability.” Turning now to the negative points. Despite the EBITDA-related profitability gains, evoke still operates at a loss. After-tax losses surged a substantial 149% from £220.9m to £549.1m, while the group's net debt for the year reached a staggering £1.9bn. This debt load will be a key consideration for Bally's Intralot. Bally's Intralot also carries a high level of debt, incurred when Intralot took out loans to fund its acquisition of Bally's International Interactive, the transaction that led to the company's formation last year. If Bally's Intralot's offer is accepted by the 18 May deadline, developing a plan to eliminate this debt, or at minimum incorporate it into long-term strategic planning, will be a top priority.  However, as Widerström and Sean Wilkins, evoke's Chief Financial Officer, emphasized to analysts during the company's earnings call earlier today, the group has put extensive work into cutting operational costs… evoke’s UK&I performance remains resilient … for now Evoke reports its revenue across two core segments: UK&I, and International. The UK&I segment is further split into two subsegments: retail, which covers William Hill's high street betting operations; and online, which includes William Hill Online, the 888 portfolio of betting, gaming and bingo brands, and the Mr Green casino. Total UK&I revenue fell 2% last year, dropping from £1.2bn to £1.17bn. Declines were recorded across both retail and online divisions, though the online drop was actually steeper than the retail decrease – a trend that stands out against Gambling Commission data showing online gross gaming yield (GGY) has risen consistently quarter-on-quarter, while retail GGY falls steadily. In response to falling retail performance, evoke carried out a comprehensive review of its William Hill brick-and-mortar portfolio during Q1. This process led the company to decide to close 270 underperforming William Hill shops, a move confirmed in today's announcement. “We are well aware of the broader macro trend of digital outperforming retail,” said Widerström, in response to a question from SBC News during this morning's call. “The entire sector is facing cost pressures, but as we laid out in our report, we completed a very thorough review of our retail estate, and identified 230 shops that we will be closing. “We have over 1,000 excellent remaining locations that deliver great service and entertainment to our customers, and with this more streamlined retail portfolio, we have meaningfully boosted long-term sustainability, cash flow and profitability.” Wilkins offered additional context for the results, attributing the overall 2% UK&I revenue drop to 'operator-friendly sports results' during the fourth quarter. He also revealed that 888 brand revenue in the UK and Ireland fell 8% specifically. Still, the CFO emphasized that 'gaming performance remained steady', driven largely by 'strong results from William Hill'. He added that the firm is 'focused on securing appropriate ROI before scaling up any further investment' in the UK market. Unquestionably, the group's UK&I outlook will be shaped by the new tax regime that came into effect on 1 April 2026. While he acknowledged it is still too early to assess the full impact of the new taxes, Wilkins offered an optimistic forecast. “We initially projected the tax impact would be between £125-£130m, and I now expect that figure will be slightly lower, as we have revised our UK revenue expectations downwards,” he said, responding to a question from analysts. “We are already rolling out the 50% mitigation measures we previously announced. We also expect market consolidation to occur, which will allow us to grow our market share. In the first 30 days of the new regime, we have actually seen no negative impact at all. The company is pleased with how the UK&I online segment is performing.” International division – a mixed picture for evoke’s ‘growth engine’ Per Wilkins, the international segment was evoke's 'growth engine' throughout 2025. However, he added that the division's performance still fell short of the company's expectations. International revenue rose 9.3% from £555.2m to £606.9m. EBITDA also climbed 49.2% from £130m to £175.4m. Growth in Italy, Denmark and Romania was cited as the main driver behind these gains. According to Wilkins, the firm is continuing to grow its market share in Romania, following its acquisition of Winner.ro in August 2024. However, company leadership also noted ongoing challenges in the Romanian market. “Romania has seen sharp growth in black market activity following a recent tax hike, and as regulated operators, this is negatively impacting our business,” said Wilkins, echoing a common industry concern raised across the UK, Netherlands, Germany and other markets. “We have had to scale back marketing and promotional activity to protect profitability, while unregulated black market operators do not face the same constraints, which puts pressure on our revenue.” He also cited the impact of Romania's recession as a drag on business performance in the country. Outside of Romania, leadership expressed disappointment with results in Spain, where performance was described as 'flat'. Looking ahead, evoke clearly has significant potential across its brand portfolio, and given the strength of these brands, it is no surprise the group has attracted acquisition interest ever since it launched a strategic review in December 2025. However, ongoing operating losses and a heavy debt burden could hold the company back, and leadership appears fully aware of these risks. “Our core focus for 2026 is heavily centered on cash generation and strengthening our balance sheet,” said Wilkins. Following the release of its FY25 results, evoke's share price has stayed largely stable, edging down slightly by 0.90% to hold at roughly 40p per share. 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 second day of SBC Summit Malta has officially commenced, and it is already proving to be a busy day filled with engaging discussions. Today’s agenda covers a wide range of topics, including the future of casino, strategies for overcoming SEO attacks, and how to create a standout World Cup offering. Additionally, discussions will address the evolving affiliate landscape, the increasing impact of AI, and the emerging trends shaping the iGaming workforce. Similar to yesterday, we will provide updates on the key developments at this week’s SBC Summit Malta, with live news brought to you by ELA Games. The on-site team for today consists of Martyn Elliott, Ted Menmuir, Craig Davies, Joe Streeter, Jyoti Rambhai, Viktor Kayed, and Luke Miles. They will be delivering all the latest news from SBC News, iGaming Expert, and Affiliate Leaders. This live coverage is made possible with the support of ELA Games. ELA Games is a prominent slot provider within the iGaming industry, committed to delivering captivating player experiences through its high-quality slot games. Since its establishment in 2022, the company has been focused on building a strong reputation in the sector by offering games with superior graphics, highly interactive gameplay, and innovative features. The provider’s portfolio is rapidly expanding, with an emphasis on creating immersive experiences through compelling stories and narrative-driven entertainment, alongside a diverse array of other engaging titles. You can play the demo and explore more of ELA Games’ titles here. 10:30am: AI – the future of affiliation? Reporting by Jyoti Rambhai, Editor of Affiliate Leaders Affiliate management is a skill that marketers acquire through practical experience rather than formal education, as highlighted by Elaine Gardiner, Managing Director at TAG Media. She noted that this lack of standardized training leads to "no uniform terminology… everyone call these things different things.” Gardiner conducted an experiment to assess how different LLMs would interpret affiliate-related queries. One of the questions she posed was: “I’m looking at my affiliates’ stats. They have 4 NDCs and 5 FTDs. What does that mean? What is the difference?” She found that “ChatGPT is the most disappointing,” which is particularly concerning as it is “the most common one people are using.” “It just gave me a lot of fluff,” Gardiner stated, adding, “[…] It said I should check the IP addresses.” In contrast, Claude “could not understand the small nuances in the industry.” However, Gardiner praised the performance of “well done Elon Musk (with Grok) and Gemini),” as these platforms provided the most relevant answers. 10:20am: Scale is a weapon when combatting SEO fraud Reporting by Joe Streeter, Editor of iGaming Expert The conference sessions for day two have begun… This morning, Ivana Flynn is leading the discussions, focusing on the rise of DCMA SEO fraud and its implications for global iGaming markets. As malicious actors become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for legitimate affiliates to stay ahead of the curve regarding the threat of site scraping. 10:00 am: Welcome back! We are back and ready for day two at SBC Summit Malta! Yesterday was a highly successful day featuring conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. To conclude the day, the team attended the VIP affiliate and operator dinners, followed by the official party at Infinity by Hugo’s – it was a memorable evening! Today is already shaping up to be an excellent day. The weather is sunny, the Intercontinental is bustling with attendees, and we are anticipating a great day of conference sessions. With numerous workshops and insightful panel discussions scheduled, we will be bringing you the most significant stories of the day, delivered live by ELA Games. 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) -   BGaming has entered into a content collaboration with Entain, expanding the studio’s presence across multiple regulated iGaming markets in Europe and Latin America. Good to Know BGaming’s games will launch on Entain’s brands in Brazil, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. Entain operates over 25 brands, such as bwin, Party Casino, Sportingbet, and Sports Interaction. The agreement includes BGaming’s titles from its #Casual, #Entertainment, and #Classic game lines. BGaming’s Games Join Entain’s Brand Portfolio Entain has integrated BGaming into its casino content roster across five markets, with additional regions planned for the future. This partnership allows players to access BGaming’s slots and casino games via various Entain brands, like bwin, Party Casino, Sportingbet, and Sports Interaction. For BGaming, this deal exposes its portfolio to a significantly larger regulated audience. The studio has driven much of its recent growth through diverse game categories, with #Casual, #Entertainment, and #Classic titles tailored to different player preferences. Entain also adds another supplier to its online casino offerings at a time when operators are constantly updating content to retain player engagement. The group exclusively operates in regulated markets and is among the top players in global iGaming, boasting over 25 well-known brands in its network. Olga Levshina, CCO at BGaming, said: “This partnership is a key milestone for BGaming as we aim to solidify our presence in several major global markets. Entain is one of the largest and most reputable players in the industry, and making our products widely accessible on its platforms will help ensure our games receive the recognition they merit.” The Brazil rollout also boosts the partnership’s SEO value, given that the regulated Brazilian betting and online casino market has become a top priority for iGaming suppliers and operators. Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal extend the partnership’s reach in licensed European gaming markets. Obdulio Bacarese, Global Gaming Director at Entain, said: “We’ve established ourselves as one of the leading iGaming operators by consistently providing our players with the highest quality games and content. BGaming is an exciting, innovative studio that will help us enhance our offerings in several key markets, and we’re eager to see how our players respond to their games.” 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) -   Meta delivered a robust first quarter performance, yet investors zeroed in on two high-cost items in the earnings report: another loss from Reality Labs and a significantly expanded AI investment plan. Good to Know Reality Labs incurred an additional $4 billion loss during the quarter. Since 2021, the AR, VR, and metaverse division has accumulated $83.5 billion in losses over 21 quarterly filings. Meta currently projects 2026 expenditures to range from $125 billion to $145 billion, exceeding both its prior forecasts and analysts’ expectations. Meta’s Profit Remains Strong, But Spending Continues to Climb Meta still possesses the financial resources to support major initiatives. During Q1, the firm posted net income of $26.8 billion—an increase of 61% compared to the same period last year. Revenue grew 33% year-over-year to reach $56.3 billion. Despite this, the market response was negative. Meta’s stock dropped over 5% in after-hours trading following the company’s announcement of an elevated spending forecast, primarily driven by AI infrastructure costs. Reality Labs continued to consume cash as well. The unit—responsible for AR glasses, VR headsets, and VR software—lost $4 billion in the quarter. This figure has become almost routine for Meta. Over the 21 quarterly reports issued since 2021, Reality Labs has racked up $83.5 billion in losses, averaging roughly $4 billion per quarter.Simultaneously, Meta has scaled back its earlier metaverse initiatives and redirected greater focus to AI. The company aims to compete more directly with OpenAI and Anthropic, and this competitive race becomes more costly each quarter. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated during the investor call: “We are increasing our infrastructure capex forecast for this year,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told investors during a public call on Wednesday. “Most of that is due to higher component costs, particularly memory pricing […] We are very focused on increasing the efficiency of our investments.” Meta also invested heavily last year in recruiting AI talent. The firm hired over 50 AI researchers and engineers from competing companies, then launched the revamped AI model Muse Spark in early April. Zuckerberg noted that Meta AI usage saw “large increases” after that release.However, investors sought greater clarity on 2027 expenses. Meta CFO Susan Li declined to provide a specific figure. “We aren’t providing a specific outlook for 2027 capex, and we are, frankly, undergoing a very dynamic planning process ourselves as we’re working through what our capacity needs will be over the coming years,” Meta CFO Susan Li responded. “Our experience so far has been that we have continued to underestimate our compute needs.” That statement helps explain the market’s reaction quite clearly. Meta has the means to support substantial AI spending, but investors are now dealing with a company that has massive profits, consistent Reality Labs losses, and no defined limit on compute expenses. 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) -   Alphabet commenced 2026 with a quarter that surpassed forecasts, posting $109.9 billion in revenue, with contributions from Google Cloud, Search, YouTube, Google One, and its paid AI offerings. The parent company of Google announced that its total paid subscriptions hit 350 million, marking an increase of 25 million since the close of 2025. Good to Know Alphabet's first-quarter revenue increased 22% compared to the previous year, reaching $109.9B. Google's services now boast 350 million paid subscriptions, with YouTube and Google One leading the growth. YouTube's advertising revenue grew 11% year-over-year to $9.88B, though it fell short of the $9.99B target set by Wall Street. Google One And YouTube Carry More Of The Subscription Story While Alphabet clearly exceeded earnings expectations, the growth in subscriptions is equally noteworthy. Google's addition of 25 million paid subscriptions in the quarter was primarily driven by YouTube and Google One, the latter being a cloud storage service that now includes access to advanced Gemini AI tools. The performance of Gemini is less transparent. Alphabet did not disclose updated figures for total Gemini subscribers or monthly active users. However, CEO Sundar Pichai reported a 40% quarter-over-quarter increase in paid monthly active users for Gemini Enterprise. He also noted the most recent quarter was the strongest for consumer AI plans to date, largely because of adoption of the Gemini app. YouTube delivered a mixed performance for Alphabet. While ad revenue climbed 11% year-over-year to $9.88 billion, it missed the analyst forecast of $9.99 billion. This shortfall aligns with a broader shift on the platform, where a growing number of users are opting for ad-free viewing via YouTube Premium. Pichai had previously advised analysts to evaluate YouTube's performance using both advertising and subscription metrics, rather than ads alone.Google Cloud provided significant momentum for the quarter. The division's revenue hit $20 billion, a 63% year-over-year surge, fueled by enterprise demand for AI services. According to Reuters, Alphabet's stock price climbed more than 6% following the results, bolstered by the cloud growth and the overall earnings beat. Search maintained its robust performance. Alphabet reported a 19% increase in Search revenue, attributing the growth to AI features that are boosting user engagement and query volume. This strength provides Google with greater financial flexibility to invest in Gemini, cloud infrastructure, and paid AI services, while still relying on the foundational advertising business. Expenditures remain a key area to watch. Reuters indicated that Alphabet's capital expenditures exceeded $35 billion in the first quarter, with potential spending for the year reaching $190 billion as the company expands its AI infrastructure. So, while Alphabet did outperform expectations, investors must now monitor two concurrent narratives: the rapid monetization of AI and the substantial costs associated with building AI capacity. 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) -   Meta has launched a 2026 pilot program allowing chosen creators to receive their earnings in USDC, with payments processed via Solana and Polygon. The trial begins with eligible creators in Colombia and the Philippines—two markets where many online workers are paid in U.S. dollars and often face losses from bank fees or currency conversion. Good to Know Meta is not introducing a new cryptocurrency. The pilot uses USDC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin issued by Circle. Stripe powers the payment infrastructure after Meta solicited proposals from third-party providers in February 2026. Creators are responsible for managing their own wallets, private keys, tax records, and any conversion of USDC to local cash. Meta Opts for USDC Over Developing Another In-House Cryptocurrency Meta previously attempted to build its own crypto project. Libra launched in 2019, later rebranded to Diem, and was discontinued in 2022 following strong pushback from U.S. and European lawmakers. Now, Meta has taken a more straightforward approach. Instead of issuing its own token, the company is using USDC. This choice gives Meta a familiar stablecoin payment rail and avoids the political controversy that led to Diem’s end. Qualified creators will receive a notification in the Facebook app. From there, they can add a USDC wallet address in Meta’s payout settings—only Solana and Polygon are supported for the pilot.Supported wallets include MetaMask, Phantom, Binance, Bybit, Kraken, Exodus, Brave Wallet, Bitso, GCash with GCrypto, and Coins.ph. Stripe is the backbone of the payment process. The company became the main partner after acquiring stablecoin infrastructure firm Bridge, providing Meta with a ready-made setup for crypto-based creator payouts. The pilot aligns with a broader trend in payments. PayPal launched PYUSD in 2023, and Stripe reinstated crypto payouts that same year. In the U.S., progress tied to the GENIUS Act framework has also helped large companies feel more comfortable testing stablecoin payments. Still, Meta keeps the setup limited. The company does not convert USDC to local currency. A creator wanting cash must send USDC to an exchange, sell it for fiat, and then withdraw funds to a bank account.Meta also warns users about wallet mistakes. Crypto transfers cannot be reversed—funds sent to the wrong address or network may be lost permanently. Taxes remain part of the normal payout process. Creators still receive regular Meta forms, including Form 1099 or 1042 when relevant. Since USDC counts as a digital asset payment, Stripe may also issue additional crypto tax documents. Creators need records from both sources. Meta can switch a creator back to another payout method if technical issues affect the crypto option. The company does not custody wallets, so users bear full responsibility for wallet security and private keys. With over 3 billion users across its apps, Meta has the reach to turn this small stablecoin test into a large payment channel if it expands USDC payouts later in 2026. For now, eligible creators should check Facebook payout settings, confirm wallet support, and review every address before connecting anything. 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) -   On April 29, 2026, U.S. officials publicized a major cryptocurrency fraud case, revealing that investigators had connected overseas fraud centers to counterfeit investment platforms targeting Americans. Good to Know Law enforcement apprehended at least 276 individuals and dismantled at least nine alleged scam centers. According to prosecutors, the criminal networks utilized fake cryptocurrency investment websites, online relationship-building, and rapid money laundering. The indictments include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with each charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Fake Crypto Platforms Sat At The Center Of The Case Dubai recorded the highest number of arrests. Local authorities there detained 275 individuals, which includes three defendants named in San Diego cases. An additional defendant was arrested by the Thailand Royal Thai Police. The San Diego indictments identify Thet Min Nyi, Wiliang Awang, Andreas Chandra, Lisa Mariam, and two fugitives. The alleged operations were also linked by prosecutors to Ko Thet Company, Sanduo Group, and Giant Company. The Department of Justice characterized the case as an uncommon multinational collaboration. It stated:“Unprecedented cooperation between the FBI, Dubai Police Department, and Chinese Ministry of Public Security has resulted in the arrest of at least 276 individuals and the dismantlement of at least nine scam centers used for cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.” “These centers targeted Americans who have suffered millions of dollars in losses from such schemes,” the DOJ added. Prosecutors explained that the scam centers employed "pig-butchering," a deceptive tactic where fraudsters cultivate false friendships or romantic relationships before convincing victims to make phony investments. Victims subsequently opened accounts, transferred cryptocurrency, borrowed money, took out loans, and invested additional funds after viewing fabricated balances on the platforms. The DOJ clarified that the platforms were merely facades. It elaborated:“Fake platforms put the victims’ funds in the hands of the scammers, who then laundered the victims’ funds to other cryptocurrency accounts, including their own.” The FBI's San Diego office initiated the inquiry in 2025 after tracking companies and individuals associated with fraudulent compounds. Investigators relied on reports from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, interviews with victims, financial documentation, and data provided by Meta Platforms, Inc., which owns Facebook and Instagram. The accused allegedly held roles as managers, recruiters, or general staff within the operations. Prosecutors state the groups inflicted millions of dollars in losses and transferred funds between cryptocurrency accounts before victims could reclaim their money. A conviction on each count of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. Potential fines can be as high as $250,000, $500,000, or double the amount gained or lost, based on the specific charge. Prosecutors have also initiated criminal forfeiture proceedings against Thet Min Nyi and a fugitive co-defendant. The investigation involved the FBI, Dubai Police, China's Ministry of Public Security, Thailand's Royal Thai Police, and other collaborators. This case follows efforts by the FBI's San Diego field office under Operation Level Up, which by April 2026 had alerted nearly 9,000 potential victims and prevented an estimated $562 million in losses. 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 Lodge Card Club in Round Rock is gearing up to resume operations after Texas dismissed charges tied to allegations of illegal gambling and money laundering. Good to Know Co-owner Doug Polk stated that a Williamson County grand jury declined to prosecute the case. The Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission conducted a raid on The Lodge in March. The returned funds will allow players to cash in their chips and collect pending tournament payouts. The Lodge Prepares To Reopen Poker looks poised to make a return at one of Texas’s largest card rooms. Doug Polk, co-owner of The Lodge Card Club and a high-stakes poker player, shared on Tuesday that the state dropped the case after a Williamson County grand jury chose not to pursue prosecution. Polk posted on X that he hopes The Lodge can reopen “within a few weeks.” BREAKING: All charges against myself, my partners, and the Lodge have been officially rejected. The seized money and equipment will be returned and we will reopen as quickly as possible, hopefully within a few weeks. The Grand Jury in Williamson county heard the allegations… pic.twitter.com/giEFXKzq6N — Doug Polk (Code Doug) (@DougPolkVids) April 28, 2026 This development wraps up nearly two months of uncertainty for the Round Rock club. In March, the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission raided the property, seized funds and assets, and forced the venue to close its doors. The TABC accused The Lodge and its owners of crimes linked to illegal gambling and money laundering. However, the agency only conducted an investigation and could not formally charge the club on its own. Texas had until April 9 to file charges or release the seized funds. That deadline passed while the funds remained frozen. Later, the state removed potential money laundering allegations from the investigation. With the funds now returned, The Lodge can begin settling customer balances. Players can redeem their chips for cash, and the club can process the tournament payouts that went unpaid after the raid. The timing of the closure made the situation particularly chaotic. The Lodge had wrapped up a tournament series one day before the raid, including a main event that awarded more than $200,000 to the winner. 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) -   During its first-quarter earnings call, Sportradar responded to allegations from short sellers regarding its revenue from unlicensed operators, following two critical reports that caused a significant drop in its share price last week. Good to Know Sportradar stated that its revenue from the grey market falls within a range of 5% to 13%. The company's stock declined by 22.6% after reports were published by Callisto Research and Muddy Waters. First-quarter revenue increased by 11% to €347 million, despite the company reporting a loss of €6 million. Koerl Pushes Back On Short Seller Claims CEO Carsten Koerl provided analysts with a more precise figure after Callisto Research and Muddy Waters raised questions about the portion of Sportradar's income derived from unlicensed operators. “We do not work with black market operators,” Koerl stated on the post-Q1 earnings call. “For the grey market, we have a solid compliance structure in place, and we only work with licensed operators. “Overall, it’s [between] 5% to 12%, 13%. That’s the range which we have, and we are drilling this down from our operational business.”Callisto Research had alleged that a former senior employee at Sportradar estimated revenue from unlicensed operators was 30% to 40%. The report also suggested the number of unlicensed platforms could exceed 270. Separately, Muddy Waters claimed that a Sportradar sales employee stated the company “serves everyone” during the ICE Barcelona 2026 event, where investigators said they inquired about operations in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and China. Sportradar's share price dropped 22.6% by the market close on Wednesday following the reports. Koerl refuted the allegations on LinkedIn the following day, labeling them “false, misleading and defamatory.” He reiterated this stance during the earnings call. “To be clear, Sportradar and I reject the unfounded and misinformed allegations contained in the reports,” Koerl said. “For 25 years, Sportradar has maintained regulatory licenses in jurisdictions around the world.“Unfortunately, these actors strive on misinformation and repackaging historical allegations to drive down company stock prices at the expense of long-term focused investors.” Koerl said that since the reports were released, the company had been contacted by leagues, clients, partners, commissioners, and regulators. “I get a lot of support from all sites, our partners, our clients, the industry, some commissioners. And from a regulator perspective, we are in contact with some regulators on a very frequent basis. “Some of them contacted our teams, they explained to them the situation and that’s an ongoing process. Overall, the response was overwhelming for me that I got so much support and feedback on the allegations.” ICE Claims And Q1 Numbers Add More Detail Koerl also responded to a Muddy Waters claim concerning Yabo Group, which the report identified as China's largest illegal operator. He explained that investigators singled out a junior sales employee at the ICE event, where Sportradar conducted approximately 4,000 meetings. He emphasized that any sales conversation is merely the start of a comprehensive review process.“When a sales guy is selling something, there is a kickoff of a very intensive KYC process,” Koerl said. “That has the identification, the verification, the licence verification against the regulator, the verification of a corporate filing and the register, which is in there. Then finally, running this through sanction lists from all the available markets where we are acting. And then it goes to a final review of our legal counsel before a contract is signed. “So this is far off from signing a contract, and this was a purposeful sting campaign on a relatively young sales employee at ICE. “[There’s] no excuse on this, [it] should not happen, but this was far off from signing a contract or teasing somebody into doing business in illegal markets.” Separate from the controversy, Sportradar announced an 11% increase in Q1 revenue to €347 million. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 12% to €66 million, while the company registered a €6 million loss. Sportradar also appointed Sameer Deen as Chief Operating Officer, effective from May 18. Deen joins from Entain, where he held the positions of group COO and president since December 2023. Koerl stated that Deen will be “instrumental” in commercial activities and enhancing operational efficiency. Koerl said: “We will continue to drive innovation across our business, uphold the highest levels of integrity and transparency while delivering increasing value to our clients, our partners and our shareholders. “The underlying fundamentals of the business remain strong, and we are confident in our growth strategy and the opportunities ahead.” 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 UK Gambling Commission has moved to ease concerns surrounding financial risk checks, stating that the proposed procedure will not require bettors to submit bank statements or other additional financial paperwork. Good to Know The UKGC confirms financial risk checks will not evaluate how much each customer is able to spend on gambling. Trial data indicates 97% of checks can be completed with no interruptions for users. Just 0.1% of active accounts required extra support during the pilot. Miller Seeks to Establish a Clear Distinction Tim Miller, Executive Director at the UKGC, used the Ethical Gambling Forum held in London to draw a line between financial risk assessments and the long-running debate over affordability checks. He stated: “The checks we have been trialing will not even attempt to evaluate how much each individual customer can afford to spend on gambling”. Miller also noted the Commission wants to introduce guidance that prevents operators from requesting bank statements or similar documents after a risk check is completed. He described such requests as serving no “legitimate regulatory purpose”. This point directly addresses one of the most prominent complaints from the gambling sector. Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst had previously stated: “Forcing punters to submit bank statements is not ‘frictionless’ – it is intrusive, and will push customers towards the illegal market, where no consumer safeguards exist at all.” A YouGov survey commissioned by the BGC found 65% of UK bettors would refuse to share personal financial documents to continue placing bets. The pilot launched in August 2024, applying to users with £500 in net monthly deposits, before the threshold was lowered to £150 in February 2025. Tier one operators took part in the scheme, with credit reference agencies brought in to help flag signs of financial risk. Data from the pilot forms the core of the UKGC’s defence of the policy. Fewer than 3% of active customers would trigger intervention processes. Roughly 97% would complete checks without any disruption, a figure higher than the 80% estimate laid out in the 2023 white paper. Only 0.1% of active accounts, equal to roughly one in 1,000, could not finish the assessment without additional support. Miller said the group that underwent checks also showed higher levels of financial vulnerability, with customers two to five times more likely than the average person to have defaulted on debt or joined a debt management plan in the previous 12 months. Illegal Platforms Remain a Core Part of the Discussion The Commission board has not yet approved a full rollout of the checks. Any final plan will require sign-off from the board and ongoing government support. If given the go-ahead, the UKGC will collaborate with the DCMS, operators, and credit reference agencies to develop practical implementation guidance. Miller also connected the risk check debate to the issue of illegal gambling. Between 2025 and 2026, the UKGC issued 741 cease-and-desist notices, reported nearly 398,000 illegal URLs to search engines, referred 1,068 websites for delisting, and disrupted 1,134 websites via takedowns or geo-blocking. The Treasury has allocated £26 million over three years to support broader work targeting the illegal gambling market. Miller said: “One of the areas my own subgroup is working on right now is releasing a national risk assessment of the illegal market, to help make sure all relevant parties are focused on the main risks that may emerge,” The Commission also expects to receive responses on gaming machine compliance in summer 2026. Operators are required to remove all non-compliant machines from service starting 29 July 2026. Miller said: “This is the moment where we also need to look at what actions we can take to help keep the consumer experience positive and competitive, particularly when compared to what is offered by the illegal market.” 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.