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(AsiaGameHub) -   Skillz Inc. secured a $420 million jury verdict against Papaya Gaming following a federal lawsuit involving allegations of false advertising, the use of bots, and real-money skill-based competitions. Good to Know On April 23, a jury granted Skillz $420 million in damages in its case against Papaya Gaming. The lawsuit focused on allegations that Papaya misled users into believing they were facing human opponents, while frequently pairing them with automated bots. According to the company's statement, this verdict marks the largest award ever issued under the Lanham Act in U.S. history. Skillz Lawsuit Highlights Bot Allegations in Battle Over Real Money Gaming Andrew Paradise, the CEO and founder of Skillz, stated that the decision validates the assertions he has long made regarding competing platforms within the skill gaming sector. “I felt relieved because I have been raising awareness about this issue for years,” remarked Skillz CEO and founder Andrew Paradise, speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Honestly, many people thought I was being a bit extreme.” Skillz initiated the lawsuit in March 2024 within the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The firm alleged that Papaya Gaming engaged in deceptive advertising by assuring users they were playing against actual humans, whereas court documents revealed they were frequently pitted against bots. Additionally, the court determined that Papaya participated in fraudulent activity totaling $4.7 billion.Established in Israel in 2016, Papaya Gaming provides real money skill games including Solitaire Cash, Bingo Cash, and Bubble Cash. Meanwhile, Skillz, launched in 2012, operates a system allowing users to pay entry fees—typically less than $3—to participate in skill-based contests for monetary rewards. The legal conflict also highlighted the intense competitive pressure Skillz faced. The Las Vegas-based entity possesses over 80 patents related to its technology and achieved the top spot on the Inc. 5000 list in 2017. Nevertheless, Paradise noted that Papaya and other competitors rapidly altered the market landscape. “They were generating five times our revenue within the first week,” Paradise stated. “It was essentially a direct copy of our product … we couldn't understand how they were doing it.” Skillz leadership reportedly gained further insight into the purported use of bots during the 2023 Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. According to testimony, Chief Strategy Officer Casey Chafkin noticed discrepancies in how rival platforms characterized player match-ups.“Their practice involves telling users they are competing against real people, when in reality, they are playing against the house,” Paradise explained. “This is more severe than standard gambling. It is gambling that is rigged.” The $420 million judgment might not represent the ultimate financial resolution. The court retains the authority to mandate additional payments from Papaya, potentially reaching $719 million via profit disgorgement or $652 million through cost-savings penalties. These figures serve as potential substitutes for the jury's award rather than additions to it, and a judge may still modify the final total. Earlier in 2024, Skillz achieved victory in another legal dispute, obtaining a $43 million judgment against AviaGames for the infringement of patents. “The business model Papaya constructed is founded on deceit, theft, and manipulation of users,” Paradise asserted. “It is ruining the industry I helped create.” 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) -   Mexico’s gambling authority, SEGOB, has refuted a report from Reforma claiming that 20 casino permits were granted to a firm linked to Hernán Bermúdez Requena, a former security official from Tabasco who is currently detained. Good to Know SEGOB clarified that the permits were issued only following a judicial mandate. The regulator stated that the casinos in question have not yet begun operations. AIEJA supported SEGOB’s position and emphasized the importance of accurate reporting regarding regulated gaming licenses. SEGOB Attributes Licensing Decision to Court Mandate Reforma featured the story on its Monday front page, alleging that 20 casino licenses were approved for Compañía Operadora Clíe, a business associated with Hernán Bermúdez Requena. The newspaper associated these approvals with the final year of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency. Bermúdez Requena, who previously served as Tabasco’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, is currently in custody in Mexico facing criminal charges. He is accused by authorities of leading La Barredora, which is identified as an operational wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. SEGOB dismissed the main allegation in a statement posted on its website. The national gaming regulator explained that the licenses were not granted voluntarily by the government but were issued to Clie SA de CV following a court order from the Metropolitan Regional Chamber of Administrative Justice. The regulator further noted that the 20 licenses have not resulted in any active casino operations. It mentioned that the licenses for the Centenario and Diamante casinos, along with the CrownCityBets website, have been suspended since the judicial order was issued. SEGOB also disputed Reforma’s portrayal of the licensing structure. According to the regulator, the 20 licenses were managed under permits assigned to different entities rather than Clie SA de CV, which contradicts the newspaper's account. Reforma’s report cited an investigation by Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity (MCCI), a non-profit group that examines corruption within Mexico’s public and private sectors. AIEJA, the association representing Mexico’s gaming industry operators and suppliers, backed the regulator and expressed “respectful support” for SEGOB’s position and the clarifications made by Alcalde. “In this regard, AIEJA considers it essential that information related to permits, authorisations, establishments and operations in the sector be treated with objectivity, truthfulness and strict adherence to documented facts. “Based on this premise, the association calls for responsible and accurate public discourse on issues related to this industry, in order to preserve the legal certainty of a formally regulated sector subject to ongoing supervision.” The disagreement now focuses on whether Reforma correctly detailed the permit issuance process, the parties in control, and the operational status of the casinos mentioned in the report. 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 White House is preparing to roll out its next update on the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, per Patrick Witt, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets. He delivered remarks on Monday at the Bitcoin 2026 event in Las Vegas, noting that additional details are expected to be released within the next few weeks. Good to Know The reserve centers on Bitcoin that is already in the possession of the U.S. government. The majority of this Bitcoin comes from criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has stated that the government has no current plans to make direct Bitcoin purchases on the open market. U.S. Bitcoin Strategy Advances to Next Phase The U.S. government may soon lay out details of how it intends to manage the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in practical terms. This means the coming update may cover areas including custody solutions, legal regulations, reporting requirements, and the protocols federal agencies will follow to protect seized BTC instead of selling it off. Witt shared that the administration has been working through the legal and operational specifics linked to President Donald Trump’s reserve plan. “The president signed the executive order for the strategic bitcoin reserve last year, and we have been working to map out all required processes and necessary legal interpretations to implement the policy correctly, formalize the framework, and safeguard the digital assets, specifically the bitcoin held on the U.S. government’s balance sheet.” Trump signed the executive order in March 2025. It established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for BTC, as well as a separate digital asset stockpile for other types of crypto assets. The plan requires the government to hold the Bitcoin it already owns, primarily coins seized during legal cases, instead of listing them for public auction. A reserve simply refers to an asset that the government retains for long-term use or as a store of value. Gold has served this role for decades. Bitcoin supporters view the creation of the reserve as a sign that BTC now has an official place in national financial planning, even though the government has not committed to buying Bitcoin on open markets. Bessent recently noted that the U.S. government holds Bitcoin valued between $15 billion and $20 billion. He added that confiscated BTC will continue to be added to the reserve, while direct purchases are not included in the current iteration of the plan. Comparisons to the country’s gold holdings have been raised repeatedly. Bessent stated: “We already hold a large gold reserve. I do not expect we will revalue that holding, but we will keep it in place as a store of value for the American people.” For the time being, the structure of the plan is fairly straightforward. The government aims to retain seized Bitcoin, put proper safeguards in place to protect it, and treat it as a long-term public asset. The upcoming White House update is expected to outline how this plan will be converted into day-to-day operational policy. 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) -   FanDuel has secured yet another partnership with a Toronto sports team, and the timing aligns with a pivotal launch year for women’s basketball in Canada. The organization will collaborate with the Toronto Tempo as the WNBA franchise prepares for its debut game on May 8 against the Washington Mystics. Key Details FanDuel has become the Toronto Tempo’s first Canadian iGaming partner. This multi-year agreement covers sportsbook services, online casino offerings, arena advertising, and digital fan engagement initiatives. Toronto Tempo will compete in its inaugural WNBA season in 2026, alongside the Portland Fire. FanDuel Adds Toronto Tempo to Its Canadian Sports Portfolio Toronto Tempo now counts FanDuel as its first Canadian sportsbook and casino partner, giving the new WNBA team an early commercial deal ahead of its debut season. The agreement will connect FanDuel with Tempo fans through in-arena branding, digital campaigns, and exclusive customer experiences. Fans will also see betting and engagement features linked to the team from tip-off to the final buzzer. Tom Burdakin, vice president of marketing at FanDuel, said:“Partnering with the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for FanDuel customers and basketball fans. As a company that shares the same passion for community and empowering women’s sports, we are proud to support a new franchise that will celebrate fans and elevate women’s professional sports in Canada.” This deal also fits into FanDuel’s broader strategy in Ontario. The operator already has ties with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Argonauts. It also works with TSN as an official sports betting partner in Ontario and has held official WNBA partner status since 2022. For the Tempo, the partnership comes at a time when interest in women’s sports continues to rise. WNBA games on ESPN averaged 1.3 million viewers in 2025, up 6% year over year, while viewership among those under 18 increased by 30%. Lisa Ferkul, Chief Revenue Officer of Toronto Tempo, said:“One word to describe this partnership is transformative. Welcoming FanDuel marks a significant milestone for our organization as we continue to build Canada’s first WNBA team and deepen fan engagement.” FanDuel has also expanded its presence in women’s hockey. In late 2024, it became one of the first official sportsbook partners of the Professional Women’s Hockey League across Canada and the U.S. Toronto Tempo will share its inaugural WNBA season with the Portland Fire, bringing two new teams to the league in 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) -   Evoplay has launched Beanstalk Magic Treasures, a new video slot themed around Jack and the Beanstalk, featuring fixed paylines, high volatility, Free Spins, and a jackpot-focused bonus round. Evoplay is revisiting fairy-tale slot themes with Beanstalk Magic Treasures—this cloud-set game centers on progression, respins, and four jackpot tiers. While it uses the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk setting, its core appeal lies in the Bonus Game rather than the story itself. The game operates on five reels and 20 fixed paylines. Wild symbols appear only on reels 2 through 5 in both the base game and Free Spins mode. They substitute for regular symbols but do not replace Scatters or Bonus symbols. Free Spins are triggered when three or more Scatter symbols land. This round awards eight spins, and only higher-value symbols are present during the feature. Additional Scatters can reactivate the round, giving players another way to extend their gameplay. Bonus symbols carry random cash values ranging from 1× to 15× the total bet. They can also unlock one of three fixed jackpots: MINI, MEGA, or SUPER. Landing six or more Bonus symbols opens the Bonus Game, where players start with three respins—each new Bonus symbol resets the counter.The Grand Reel activates once 12 Bonus symbols are landed. From there, players can collect rewards, multipliers, jackpot values, and a chance at the Grand Jackpot, which is worth up to 4,000× the stake. Evoplay has also included a Bonus Buy option. Players can use this to enter Free Spins or the Bonus Game directly instead of waiting for these features to appear in the base game. Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Beanstalk Magic Treasures is all about progression and anticipation, creating a feeling of climbing higher with every spin and knowing something bigger could be just around the corner. We wanted to build a feature set that mirrors the story itself, where each step unlocks new possibilities, culminating in the Grand Reel moment.” 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) -   Federal authorities intend to incorporate a bribery count against Terry Rozier, further complicating an ongoing NBA wagering investigation that already encompasses allegations of fraud, money laundering, the manipulation of player prop bets, and the misuse of confidential information. Key Details Terry Rozier previously entered a not guilty plea regarding fraud accusations stemming from a federal indictment issued last October. According to prosecutors, recent evidence suggests Rozier both requested and received a bribe. While Rozier is scheduled for a court appearance on June 10, the additional charges are anticipated to be filed by the middle of May. Prosecutors Introduce New Allegation Amidst Rozier’s Legal Defense Terry Rozier may soon be formally charged with bribery in connection to a federal gambling probe linked to his early departure from a March 2023 game during his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets. As reported by The New York Times, a representative for the Eastern District of New York informed the court on Monday that prosecutors possess evidence indicating Rozier solicited and took a bribe. This development occurred during a hearing in which Rozier’s legal counsel moved to have the case dismissed. Prosecutors stated their intention to present the new charge to a grand jury by mid-May. Rozier is currently defending himself against counts of wire fraud and money laundering. Following his arrest early in the NBA season, he was released on a $3 million bond and entered a plea of not guilty in December. His next scheduled court appearance is June 10.In court, prosecutors asserted that the former Miami Heat guard deprived “the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets of Mr. Rozier’s honest services.” The investigation focuses on player prop bets, a segment of the sports betting market that allows wagers on specific individual statistics rather than just the game's outcome. The initial indictment alleges that Rozier informed his associate, Deniro Laster, of his plan to exit a March 2023 game prematurely by feigning an injury. Laster reportedly relayed this information to a betting syndicate connected to broader investigations involving Jontay Porter and NCAA basketball. The group is accused of wagering over $200,000 on the "under" for Rozier’s player props. Furthermore, prosecutors claim that Rozier and Laster shared in the profits, with cash being counted at Rozier’s residence. Following his arrest, the NBA suspended Rozier without pay, and the Heat terminated his contract earlier in April. 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) -   EveryMatrix has launched its complete turnkey platform in partnership with Betsson Group’s Africa-focused brand operating in Cameroon. This move marks another step forward in the growth of regulated digital betting and lottery infrastructure across the continent, with the integration covering both casino and sportsbook offerings. The solution also covers core systems including player account management, payment processing and affiliate tools, effectively delivering a full, compliant operating stack built specifically for regulated markets. “Rolling out a full turnkey platform solution for Betsson Africa demonstrates the strength and maturity of our technology and delivery capabilities in regulated environments, while strengthening our commitment to the African continent,” said Ebbe Groes, Group Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of EveryMatrix.  “Our priority is to support a stable, compliant launch in Cameroon and work closely with the Betsson team as the operation expands.” EveryMatrix scales up its African operations This deal, awarded after a competitive bidding process, follows other recent business activity EveryMatrix has secured across Africa.  Just one month ago, 888Africa partnered with the Malta-headquartered platform provider to boost its existing operations in Angola. The firm also recently earned formal licensing approval to supply its turnkey platform technology in South Africa. EveryMatrix notes its platform is engineered to support scalable operations in regulated environments, with a core focus on compliance, reliability and adaptability – key factors as African jurisdictions continue to formalize their gaming and lottery regulatory frameworks. The Betsson deal comes shortly after Q1 results release For Betsson, the launch signals a measured approach to expansion, targeting select regulated markets instead of rapid, unplanned growth.  Its recent Q1 results show the group is expanding its B2C footprint across multiple markets, with growth in Latin America and Western Europe offsetting weaker performance in Central and Eastern Europe and its home region of the Nordics.  Cameroon is among a number of African markets where regulatory models are evolving, creating opportunities for licensed operators with established technology and mature compliance capabilities. Rony Richa, Commercial Director at Betsson Group, added: “This launch reflects a pragmatic approach by Betsson as we explore select regulated markets.  “EveryMatrix was selected for its proven technology, regulatory experience, and capability to support a structured and controlled rollout.” 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 competition for industry accolades has commenced with the release of the 2026 SBC Awards Americas shortlist, which spotlights the leading companies in the gaming sector across the Americas. Scheduled for June 10 at the Broward County Convention Center as a key event of the SBC Summit Americas 2026, the awards ceremony will gather 600 professionals to honor excellence in the North and Latin American gaming markets. This year's program includes 34 categories that acknowledge exceptional accomplishments by operators, affiliates, industry leaders, and a diverse array of suppliers, including platform providers, payment experts, and game studios. Rush Street Interactive tops this year's list with eight nominations, while Betting Hero follows with six. Optimove, Wazdan, and Betsson Group are also front-runners, each securing five nominations. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, stated: “The prestige of the SBC Awards Americas is increasing as the regional competition intensifies. The companies on this year's shortlist are not only achieving high performance but are also advancing standards in operations, technology, marketing, payments, compliance, and player engagement. Earning a place on the shortlist is a significant accomplishment, and all finalists deserve to be proud of this recognition.” Within the North American operator segments, FanDuel will attempt to protect its 2025 Sportsbook Operator of the Year award against rivals such as BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock Bet. For the casino award, BetMGM will strive to keep its title in a field featuring Caesars Entertainment, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet Casino, and Rush Street Interactive. In the Latin American operator categories, prominent firms like Betsson Group, Kaizen Gaming, Megapari, and Rush Street Interactive have been named as finalists, demonstrating their expanding presence and impact in the region. For the affiliate awards, Flashscore Network will try to defend its Sports Affiliate of the Year – LATAM award against competitors including Better Collective, Betting Hero, and MediaTroopers, all of whom are also finalists in the Sports Affiliate of the Year – North America category. In the supplier sections, firms like Optimove and Wazdan are at the forefront with five nominations apiece. Sportradar, SoftConstruct, and OpticOdds are also strongly represented, emphasizing the rising significance of data, platforms, and content for operators throughout the Americas. Alea will seek to repeat its previous Employer of the Year victory. The company is up against Betsson Group, Rush Street Interactive, and BetMGM in a category expected to be fiercely contested. In the payments and compliance sections, OKTO will aim to keep its Payment Solution of the Year – Latin America award, and Trustly will try to defend its North American counterpart. Other contenders for Compliance Solution of the Year include GeoComply, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and OpenBet. The awards will also highlight new brands gaining traction in the industry, with companies like Octoplay, BETER, OpticOdds, and WagerWire appearing in the Rising Star in Casino and Rising Star in Sports Betting categories. The full roster of shortlisted companies can be viewed on the SBC Awards Americas website. Please be aware that a distinct ticket is necessary for ceremony attendance. Options for tables and tickets are available here. Secure your ticket for the SBC Summit Americas: Expo Pass (Free): Entry to the exhibition floor, showcasing hundreds of brands from North and Latin America, plus basic SBC Connect access. Conference Pass ($399): Includes expo entry and the complete two-day conference agenda, with over 250 speakers on six stages, and admission to ‘Inner Circle’ sessions. Networking Pass ($399): Provides expo access and the full SBC Connections schedule, encompassing ‘The Hive,’ ‘The Exchange,’ ‘The Briefings,’ ‘The Walk Around,’ and ‘The Inner Circle,’ as well as official evening networking events. Business Pass ($549): A comprehensive package with full expo access, the conference program, networking events, and improved SBC Connect access. VIP Event Pass ($799): The ultimate all-access pass, including the conference, networking, and exhibition, along with premium perks such as entry to the Operator Platinum Lounge and free admission to the Food Festival. 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) -   Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI) asserts that a regulatory loophole exists between the Irish National Lottery and licensed bookmakers, as bookmakers currently offer wagers on lottery draw outcomes. The FDJ United-owned operator is calling on the government to prohibit bookmakers from accepting bets on lottery draws, arguing that this practice siphons off potential sales and funding from the official lottery. Irish lottery cites €289m in lost revenue PLI presented its arguments to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) via its newly published ‘Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the National Lottery’. The report features a full section exploring the impact of lottery betting on the official lottery’s revenue and the funds it allocates to good causes. In this section, PLI states that €289m (£250m) in National Lottery sales were lost in 2024 alone, as a direct result of lottery betting services offered by licensed bookmakers. PLI’s calls for policy adjustments are the latest appeals submitted to the Irish government, coming just two years after the Gambling Regulation Act was signed into law, which established a new regulatory body for the betting and gaming sector: the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). “A large number of participants take part for the chance to win a prize in an enjoyable, regulated environment, while contributing to extremely worthwhile causes,” said Cian Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Lottery. “The National Lottery plays a critical role in funding Good Causes, supporting thousands of jobs, and driving economic activity in communities across the country.  “Lottery betting offered by bookmakers poses a very tangible threat to this entire ecosystem, reducing the funds available for local sports clubs, youth centres, arts programmes, and community services.” PLI reports €81m drop in Irish good cause returns Unsurprisingly, PLI’s report has focused heavily on how lottery betting impacts returns to good causes – a core mandate of the Irish National Lottery and its 10-year operating contract, as is standard for all state-backed lotteries. The report, compiled by Indecon International Economic and Strategic Consultants, estimates that roughly €81m in good causes donations were lost due to lottery betting in 2024, with an average annual loss of €63m recorded between 2021 and 2024. This calculation is based on the estimate that around 28% of National Lottery sales income was allocated to good causes in 2024 – €239.3m out of total sales of €853m. PLI and Indecon applied this 28% ratio to the total estimated value of lost lottery sales, which stands at €289.7m. “The charity and voluntary sector relies heavily on consistent annual funding to sustain and expand its services,” said Aine Myler, CEO of Charities Institute Ireland (CII). “The National Lottery Good Causes Fund serves as a critical source of support for a wide range of organisations operating across the sports, arts, heritage, youth, community, and health sectors. “CII has submitted multiple representations to the government calling for this policy change to be implemented, so we now urge the Minister once again to address this issue. There is a clear public policy justification for measures that protect National Lottery funding and the communities that depend on it.” PLI presents macro-economic arguments for the ban PLI’s Murphy added that the operator considers it has a ‘responsibility to safeguard the National Lottery’s long-term value’, including shielding it from revenue losses to betting operators. “Given the scale of these impacts, we have no choice but to request appropriate action from the Government on this issue, in the interest of preserving current Good Causes funding levels, protecting players, and ensuring that the National Lottery, as a State asset, remains an attractive investment that delivers tangible returns for the State when its licence comes up for renewal in eight years’ time.” The firm has built its case not just on the impact to its own revenues and good causes returns, but also on what it describes as wider knock-on economic impacts. It estimates that retailers lost £12m in commission in 2024, as part of a total $132m loss across broader related retail sales. This impact extends to employment, with PLI estimating that “1,219 fewer jobs are sustained due to the presence of lottery betting”. This in turn creates further broader economic costs for the Irish state, including a €5m loss in exchequer revenue according to PLI’s calculations. Tara Buckley, Director General of the Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association (RGDATA), said: “Retailers see first-hand the tangible difference that Good Causes funding makes to clubs and organisations, most of which are volunteer-led, in their local areas. “It is critical that the government acts now to safeguard Good Causes funding and prevent the National Lottery from being increasingly undermined by lottery betting. Ireland should no longer be an outlier in Europe and move immediately to ban lottery betting.” PLI is not alone in pushing for the policy change As referenced by RGDATA’s Buckley, the appeal submitted to the Irish government by PLI and its charity and retail sector partners is partially grounded in comparisons to regulatory frameworks in other European nations. The three groups noted that 25 out of 27 European Union member states, as well as the UK, draw a clear regulatory distinction between national lottery services and betting and casino operators. In the UK, for instance, operators are prohibited from offering bets on domestic National Lottery draws – though they are permitted to take wagers on Irish and Spanish lottery draws via many high street and online bookmakers such as Paddy Power, Betfred and Coral, to name just a few examples. Back in Ireland, PLI’s request to the government highlights that multiple quarters remain dissatisfied with Ireland’s new regulatory framework. Gambling reform advocates, such as the Labour Party for example, are pushing for additional changes focused specifically on advertising regulations. As the Irish betting sector faces similar challenges to other global markets – including an ongoing decline in retail betting activity, with the key exception of taxation rules – Irish bookmakers are likely to lobby back against calls to end lottery betting services. SBC News has contacted the Irish Bookmakers’ Association (IBA) to request comment on the matter. 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.