Harvard Study Finds OpenAI o1 Outperforms Doctor Baselines

(AsiaGameHub) -   A team from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center evaluated OpenAI models against physicians in medical diagnostic tasks, using real emergency room cases and other clinical scenarios. Good to Know OpenAI o1 provided an exact or nearly exact diagnosis in 67% of initial ER triage cases. Two attending physicians achieved scores of 55% and 50% on the same triage assessment. Researchers stated that hospitals need to conduct real patient care trials before using AI for high-stakes diagnostic purposes. Researchers Emphasize Need for Further Testing Before Real-World ER Use of AI The most notable result emerged at the stage where doctors typically have the least information. During initial ER triage, OpenAI o1 delivered an exact or nearly exact diagnosis in 67% of cases. One attending physician scored 55%, while another reached 50%. Researchers did not frame the findings as a green light for AI to manage emergency rooms. Instead, the study published in Science called for an “urgent need for prospective trials to evaluate these technologies in real-world patient care settings.” This warning is important because the test was limited to text-based records. The team noted that “existing studies suggest that current foundation models are more limited in reasoning over nontext inputs.” In simple terms, charts, scans, images, physical exams, and bedside judgment still present greater challenges for AI diagnostic tools.The study included 76 patients from Beth Israel’s emergency room. OpenAI o1 and 4o received the same electronic medical record details available at each diagnostic stage. Harvard Medical School stated that researchers did not “pre-process the data at all,” so the models did not get cleaned-up summaries or additional assistance. Two additional attending physicians then graded the responses without knowing which diagnosis came from a human doctor and which from an AI. The study said: “At each diagnostic touchpoint, o1 either performed nominally better than or on par with the two attending physicians and 4o,”It added that the performance gap was most distinct early in care, where pressure is high and information is scarce: “were especially pronounced at the first diagnostic touchpoint (initial ER triage), where there is the least information available about the patient and the most urgency to make the correct decision.” Arjun Manrai, who leads an AI lab at Harvard Medical School and co-led the study, said: “We tested the AI model against virtually every benchmark, and it eclipsed both prior models and our physician baselines,” Still, accountability remains a major challenge. Adam Rodman, a Beth Israel doctor and one of the study’s lead authors, told the Guardian that there is “no formal framework right now for accountability” around AI diagnoses. He also noted that patients still “want humans to guide them through life or death decisions [and] to guide them through challenging treatment decisions.” 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.

Amateur Poker Player Chun Shing Lau Wins $500K+ at APT Taipei Main Event

(AsiaGameHub) -   Chun Shing “Walter” Lau traveled to Taipei primarily to join his friends. He departed as the champion of the APT Main Event, securing the Gold Lion trophy, a prize of TWD 16,640,100, and an entry into the 2026 APT Championship Main Event. Key Highlights Lau emerged victorious from a field of 2,354 participants in the 2026 APT Taipei Main Event. The total prize pool for the Main Event reached approximately USD 3.58 million (TWD 111,862,080). The entire APT Taipei festival recorded 26,009 tournament entries. A Recreational Player Triumphs on the Big Stage The narrative of the 2026 APT Taipei was not defined by a professional player executing a calculated strategy. Lau, a 31-year-old real estate professional based in Hong Kong, noted that his attendance was a spontaneous decision made after his friends chose to participate in the festival. Prior to this series, his live tournament earnings totaled roughly USD 75,000. He proceeded to overcome one of the most competitive Asian Poker Tour Main Event fields of the year, claiming the second-largest first-place payout in the history of the tour. In the final heads-up match, Lau defeated Australian competitor Joshua McCully. Entering the final duel with a 4-to-1 chip advantage, Lau successfully navigated a path that included victories over notable players such as GPI No. 1 Tony Ren Lin, Thailand’s sixth-ranked tournament player Pakinai Lisawad, Taiwan’s Ching En Chen, Belgium’s Kristof Segers, and Japanese players Kazuma Ishihara and Miki Shiraishi.Lau remarked: “I don’t consider myself exceptional just because I won—anyone who plays tournaments understands that luck plays a significant role—but this provides me with a chance to pursue life goals that were previously out of reach. I am grateful to God for this opportunity, which creates new avenues for me to explore.” The APT Taipei festival was held in collaboration with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club at both Red Space and the Asia Poker Arena. By the conclusion of the event, the APT celebrated its seventh consecutive record-breaking festival for both total and unique entries, reaching 26,009 total entries, 3,890 unique participants, and aggregate prize pools exceeding USD 19.13 million (TWD 598,932,533). Although Lau has participated in casual cash games with friends in Hong Kong since 2018, he only began incorporating tournament poker into his schedule in 2023. Before his success in Taipei, he had achieved more consistent results in side events than in Main Events. He stated:“I have played in several APT events since then; while I hadn’t seen much success in the Main Events, I performed quite well in the side events. I didn’t actually plan this trip; it was a spur-of-the-moment decision because many of my friends were here. I just wanted to play and spend time with them, so I feel very fortunate to have reached this point.” In addition to the title, Lau secured a spot in the USD 5 million guaranteed APT Championship 2026 Main Event, scheduled for November 13–29 in Taipei. The top six finishers in the Main Event were awarded seats, meaning Lau, McCully, Ching En Chen, Kristof Segers, Kazuma Ishihara, and Miki Shiraishi have all qualified. This qualification has altered Lau’s plans. He commented: “I hadn’t originally intended to play in the APT Championships because the USD 10,000 buy-in is too steep for my current situation. However, now that I have this entry, I want to give it a shot. “Between now and November, I need to study and improve my skills because the competition will be elite. Since it is a freezeout format with no rebuys, I must remain composed and manage the situation effectively to give myself a fighting chance. I am approaching it with a balanced perspective.” Even following the most significant achievement of his poker career, Lau remains grounded, stating:“While I want to learn and perform well, I intend to keep the mindset of a recreational player. I observe many professional poker friends working excessively hard. I have never aspired to be a full-time pro. Life requires balance and diverse hobbies. Poker is one of those interests—one that can generate some income—but I believe I am much happier remaining a recreational player rather than turning professional.” APT Taipei 2026 Main Event Final Table Results Chun Shing Lau, Hong Kong, TWD 16,640,100, USD 533,340 Joshua McCully, Australia, TWD 9,519,000, USD 305,100 Ching En Chen, Taiwan, TWD 6,510,000, USD 208,650 Kristof Segers, Belgium, TWD 4,880,000, USD 156,410 Kazuma Ishihara, Japan, TWD 4,081,000, USD 130,800 Miki Shiraishi, Japan, TWD 3,297,500, USD 105,690 Chia Lin Huang, Taiwan, TWD 2,516,500, USD 80,660 Tony Ren Lin, China, TWD 1,807,000, USD 57,920 Pakinai Lisawad, Thailand, TWD 1,376,500, USD 44,120 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.

Macau Sees 63% Rise in Gaming-Related Crime Cases in 2025

(AsiaGameHub) -   Macau saw a higher volume of gaming-related criminal cases in 2025, primarily after local authorities added unlicensed gambling-linked currency exchange to the illegal gambling criminal framework. Key Facts A total of 2,373 gaming-related offences were recorded in Macau in 2025. Unlicensed currency exchange cases jumped to 471 from 89 recorded in the prior year. Both gambling-related illegal lending and kidnapping cases registered declines. Unlicensed Currency Exchange Fuels Rise in Case Numbers According to figures from the Office of the Secretary for Security, Macau law enforcement opened 2,373 gaming-related criminal cases in 2025, representing a 63% increase from the 1,456 cases logged in 2024. The uptick was not driven by a single type of offence. A legislative adjustment played a core role. The “Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling” took effect on October 29, 2024, offering police a clearer legal basis to crack down on unlicensed money exchange connected to gambling activities. “The increase was mainly caused by the criminalisation of unlicensed currency exchange for gambling purposes under the ‘Law to Combat Crimes of Illegal Gambling’, as well as revisions made by authorities to the statistical standards for gambling-related criminal cases,” the office stated. Unlicensed money exchange cases climbed to 471 in 2025, compared with 89 recorded one year prior. Fraud cases also doubled to 667 from 333, with authorities linking a large number of these incidents to unauthorised currency exchange operations surrounding local casinos. Some violent or confrontational offences also saw increases. Robbery cases rose to 14 from four, while offences including assault, intimidation and similar acts went up by 59.6%. However, Macau officials noted that the most serious categories of gambling-linked crime remained at low levels. Illegal lending for gambling fell 23% to 194 cases, while kidnapping incidents dropped 40.4% to 28 cases. “For offences that previously had a severe impact on public security, specifically illegal gambling lending and kidnapping, 194 and 28 cases were recorded respectively, marking a decrease of 23.0 percent and 40.4 percent compared with 2024 figures,” the office added. Cases involving organised criminal syndicates and illegal gambling activities, including under-the-table betting, also fell by more than 50%. Across all crime categories, Macau police launched 13,458 criminal investigations in 2025, a 5.9% year-on-year decrease. The office stated that serious violent crime, fraud and cybercrime all trended downward overall, attributing the trend to police crime prevention efforts and enhanced public awareness. 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.

India Releases Online Game Classification and Regulation Framework

(AsiaGameHub) -   India has implemented its new framework for online gaming, providing regulators with a more defined system to distinguish between prohibited money games and permissible esports and social games. Key Takeaways The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026 became effective on May 1. The Online Gaming Authority of India is tasked with classifying games within a 90-day period. Online money games continue to be forbidden, while eligible esports and social games can operate under specific protective measures. New Regulations Differentiate Money Games from Esports India has transitioned from a broad prohibition on real-money gaming to a more detailed regulatory approach. The PROG Act 2025 and the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026, which were published on April 22, came into effect on May 1. This new framework establishes the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which will function as an attached office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Based in Delhi, OGAI will comprise leadership from MeitY and representatives at the Joint Secretary level from various other ministries. OGAI will be responsible for determining whether games qualify as prohibited online money games or permitted social games and esports. The assessment criteria include fees, stakes, the likelihood of monetary gain, revenue models, rewards, in-game assets, and the potential for items to be monetized outside the game. Decisions are expected within 90 days of a complete application or notice.Online money games are defined as those where users pay a fee or stake with a reasonable expectation of financial gain, and these remain banned. OGAI will also maintain an official registry of games deemed harmful due to financial and social risks. This framework follows the August 2025 ban on real-money iGaming, which was enacted after estimates indicated that approximately one-third of the population had lost $2.3 billion annually on wagers. India's Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that the law "avoids a big evil that is creeping into society," while critics expressed concerns that players might turn to offshore platforms. Within 90 days of the ban, RMG platforms had reportedly recorded over $840 million in asset write-downs. Registration is now a crucial requirement for recognized esports and certain designated game categories. Providers can obtain a digital Certificate of Registration, valid for up to 10 years. However, any game identified as an online money game will not be eligible for esports recognition under the National Sports Governance Act 2025. Operators are also mandated to implement user protection measures. These rules encompass age verification, access limitations, usage time restrictions, parental controls, in-app reporting mechanisms, counseling support, fair play systems, and integrity controls. Platforms must clearly outline these safeguards and grievance redressal systems during the application process.User complaints will be addressed through a phased procedure. Initially, users can escalate their grievances to the platform within 30 days of a decision. If the issue remains unresolved, they can then approach OGAI, which aims to resolve such matters within another 30-day period. A final appeal can be made to the Secretary of MeitY, also with a 30-day target for resolution. Enforcement actions will primarily be conducted online, with investigations expected to be completed within 90 days of a complaint being filed. Penalties will be determined based on factors such as the gains derived from violations, the harm caused to users, the frequency of the conduct, its severity, and any efforts made towards correction. The regulations also extend to payment and financial systems. Regulated financial institutions and payment systems are required to refrain from facilitating transactions associated with prohibited online money games, which could impact in-app purchases, token models, and cash-out systems across the 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.

MetaSpace Expands Web3 eSports Through 100 Events

(AsiaGameHub) -   MetaSpace has announced it has successfully hosted over 100 combined online and offline events, significantly expanding its Web3 eSports model and drawing more participants into the realm of blockchain gaming. Key Takeaways MetaSpace reports onboarding over 10,000 eAthletes into the Web3 space. The platform's events feature online qualifiers followed by in-person finals. Prizes awarded include monetary compensation, digital assets, and high-end travel opportunities. MetaSpace's Hybrid Event Approach Fuels Web3 eSports Expansion MetaSpace has developed its Web3 eSports framework with a focus on accessibility, incentives, and community engagement. Rather than solely relying on online competitions, the platform integrates digital qualifiers with live, offline finals. This strategy provides players with global access points while preserving the excitement of live competition. The company has now conducted more than 100 online and offline events. Its Discord and Telegram communities have been instrumental in connecting with competitive gamers and introducing new players to Web3, ensuring that blockchain technology does not present a significant hurdle. Player onboarding has emerged as a critical metric for the platform's success. MetaSpace states that over 10,000 eAthletes have joined its Web3 eSports ecosystem. The company attributes this growth to engaging competitive gameplay, tangible real-world rewards, and tournament structures designed to accommodate both novice and experienced competitors.Rewards are also a central component of the model. MetaSpace tournaments offer a range of prizes, including cash, virtual items, and premium travel experiences. The platform suggests that these incentives create more viable earning opportunities for eAthletes and reinforce the potential for blockchain-based eSports to offer professional career paths. Furthermore, MetaSpace is leveraging its event structure to broaden its geographical reach. The company aims to introduce competitive Web3 eSports to underserved regions, thereby increasing access to tournaments and blockchain gaming tools for a wider player base. 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.

Illinois Extends Hard Rock Casino Rockford License Through 2030

(AsiaGameHub) -   Illinois regulators extended Hard Rock Casino Rockford's owner license for an additional four years during the Illinois Gaming Board's April meeting. Good to Know Hard Rock Casino Rockford commenced operations on November 10, 2021. The license extension is effective retroactively from January 2026. The subsequent regular meeting of the IGB is scheduled for June 11, 2026. Illinois Gaming Board's April Session Included Rockford Renewal Amidst Broader Discussions Hard Rock Casino Rockford is set to continue operations with an extended owner license, following the Illinois Gaming Board's approval of a four-year extension. This renewal is retroactive to January 2026. The Rockford establishment is a significant part of Illinois' recent casino development. It was the inaugural casino to launch under the 2019 gaming expansion legislation, beginning operations on November 10, 2021, as the state's eleventh casino. Initially, the location utilized a temporary setup before transitioning to its permanent casino in August 2024. The April session addressed a range of topics beyond just a single casino license. Regulators also processed supplier license renewals, video gaming permits, sports wagering authorizations, and various enforcement matters throughout the Illinois gaming sector.Advertising regulations were also a component of the discussion. IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter reminded licensees in the casino, video gaming, and sports wagering sectors that the board anticipates adherence to the revised marketing rules implemented last year. He further highlighted recent amendments to the Video Gaming Act concerning outdoor advertising at licensed video gaming venues. These regulations prohibit movable flags, banners, and temporary signs for a period of 90 days following the issuance of a location license. “The IGB takes the advertising and marketing requirements seriously and expects licensees and applicants to do the same,” Fruchter stated. “Violations may subject licensees to disciplinary action.” The board granted approval for 2 casino key personnel, 2 Level 1 occupational licenses, 284 Level 2 occupational licenses, and 2 casino supplier license renewals. Regarding video gaming, approvals encompassed 18 terminal handler candidates, 60 location candidates, 4 terminal operator candidates, 1 manufacturer license renewal, 2 distributor renewals, and 17 terminal operator renewals.Not all applicants received board approval. The IGB rejected 1 terminal handler applicant, 8 video gaming location applicants, and 2 video gaming location renewals due to invalid state liquor licenses. Sports wagering was also featured on the agenda. The board granted a Master Sports Wagering License to Wind Creek IL LLC, operating as Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino. Additionally, it approved 230 Level 2 occupational licenses and 1 supplier license. The board adopted two decisions recommended by Administrative Law Judges and reversed previous denials for two video gaming location applications. Currently, Illinois boasts 17 casinos, 15 active and authorized sportsbooks, and almost 9,000 licensed video gaming establishments. 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.

Tether Announces $1.04 Billion in First-Quarter Profit as Its Treasury Holdings Hit $141 Billion

(AsiaGameHub) -   Tether announced a net profit of $1.04 billion for the first quarter of 2026, according to a May 1 attestation prepared by accounting firm BDO. The report also revealed a record reserve buffer of $8.23 billion. Good to Know Tether’s US Treasury holdings amount to roughly $141 billion. The Q1 2026 attestation indicated a net profit of $1.04 billion. Tether disclosed $8.23 billion in excess reserves supporting USDT. US Treasuries Continue to Fuel Tether’s Profits Most of Tether’s revenue comes from the reserves backing USDT, the dollar-pegged stablecoin used across crypto markets. These reserves are primarily held in US Treasury bills—short-term debt instruments issued by the U.S. government. The latest attestation revealed $141 billion in US Treasury holdings. With Treasury bill rates above 4%, this position can generate approximately $4 billion in annual interest income, which helped drive the $1.04 billion Q1 profit figure. The reserve buffer also expanded. Tether stated that excess reserves reached $8.23 billion, providing USDT with extra backing beyond the value of issued tokens. For stablecoin users, this buffer is one of the key metrics to monitor, as it shows how much leeway Tether has above basic reserve coverage.CEO Paolo Ardoino framed the update around reliability. He said: “Our responsibility is to ensure USDT functions without compromise. That means building a system that behaves consistently in any market condition, not just when things are stable.” The May 1 BDO attestation was also described as Tether’s most detailed financial disclosure to date. This added level of detail comes as stablecoins continue to draw attention from regulators, crypto traders, and traditional finance firms. 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.

Red Rock Resorts Reports Record First-Quarter Revenue of $507.3 Million

(AsiaGameHub) -   Red Rock Resorts reported record first-quarter revenue, driven by consistent Las Vegas casino performance and robust non-gaming spending, even as profit and adjusted earnings declined. Key Takeaways Net revenue climbed 1.9% to $507.3 million for the first quarter. Net income dropped 3.8% to $82.7 million. Red Rock has earmarked $375 million to $425 million for 2026 capital expenditures. Durango and Sunset Station Remain Top Capital Spending Priorities Red Rock Resorts continues to invest heavily in the Las Vegas local market, with Durango, Sunset Station and Green Valley Ranch all included in its short-term construction pipeline. The company cautioned that these projects will cause several million dollars in operational disruption during the second quarter. Even so, management cited consumer demand, tracked slot activity and higher average spend per visit as core drivers behind the continued revenue growth in Las Vegas. Las Vegas operations generated $499.5 million in revenue, a 0.9% increase. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment fell 1.5% to $232.4 million, though Red Rock still reported its second-highest adjusted earnings figure and near-record Las Vegas margins of 46.5%. Core slot and table game performance remained steady. Non-gaming segments, including hotels, food and beverage, also delivered near-record revenue and profitability. Native American operations contributed $4.7 million in revenue and $2.9 million in adjusted EBITDA. Durango stays a major growth focus for the firm. Red Rock is expanding the property by 275,000 square feet, with additional gaming and entertainment space set to launch in 2027. The total cost of the project stands at $385 million. Sunset Station is also receiving upgrades across its casino floor, dining outlets and entertainment areas. Chief Financial Officer Stephen Cootey noted the work will help the property better cater to growth in the Henderson area. “We are moving forward with the next phase of Sunset Station, designed to further strengthen the property’s competitive position and expand its customer appeal to capitalize on continued growth in Henderson, particularly from the master-planned communities of Ascaya and Cadence,” Cootey said. At the group level, adjusted EBITDA declined 1.2% to $212.6 million. Red Rock closed the quarter with $134.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, while total debt came to $3.6 billion. The board also announced a second-quarter dividend of $0.26 per share. New potential locations remain under evaluation, though no announcement is expected imminently. Board member Lorenzo Fertitta said Red Rock is still working through plans for future projects. “We are developing two new greenfield projects, moving through the required processes, and finalizing the plans, scale, and pricing,” Fertitta said. “We are making steady progress, and we have no updates to announce now or in the very near future. As we head into next year, we will have clearer visibility into what the final development plans will look like.” 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.

Missouri Legislators Consider Increased Taxes on Gambling and Betting

(AsiaGameHub) -   Missouri legislators are considering a bill on gambling taxes that proposes increasing casino fees, introducing new charges for remote betting, and generating additional income from sports betting revenues. Good to Know HB 3533 proposes increasing the casino admission fee from $2 to $5.50. The legislation would impose a 13% tax on gambling revenues and a 24% tax on sports betting receipts. Casino operators claim the proposal could result in losses exceeding $500 million for the industry. Operators Warn Missouri Could Lose Ground Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Knight, R-Lebanon, House Bill 3533 focuses on Missouri's 13 casinos and sports betting platforms. The discussion occurs as legislators explore fee-based revenue sources and debate how the state might substitute income tax revenue. Casino operators currently cover a $2 admission fee per customer. The bill would increase that fee to $5.50, charge it every two hours, and link future hikes to inflation. Rep. Barry Hovis, R-Whitewater, noted that adjusting the original 1994 fee for inflation would set it at $4.31 currently. “(The casinos) are still getting extra money out of it, but we as a state haven’t seen as much, so would they be opposed to matching CPI?” Hovis asked. “We’re looking to get rid of the income tax and shift to a fee-based structure. How do we make up (for) those differences when they start looking at making sure that we’re keeping up our fees?”The legislation also introduces a 1.5% “remote wagering access fee.” The initial $35 million collected from this fee would be allocated to the Department of Natural Resources Historic Preservation Revolving Fund. An additional $15 million from the gaming commission fund would also be directed to that fund. Rep. Tim Taylor, R-Bunceton, supported the bill, citing established gambling revenue sources that he believes have failed to meet state demands. “Revenue from lottery and from casinos has all been down, I think maybe currently it’s up slightly, but it’s been woefully inadequate,” Taylor said in support of the bill. “This is the original fee from way back when, so we haven’t addressed it in a long time.” The casino industry expressed strong opposition. Mike Winter, a lobbyist for the Missouri Gaming Association, stated the bill could cost the casinos he represents over $500 million. He also mentioned that casinos are already facing revenue competition from slot machines in convenience stores and gas stations. Winter linked his caution to market stability, beyond just the financial impact. “We came into Missouri when we built our facilities looking for a stable gambling market, and I think that’s what we’ve got,” Winter said. “But when you have bills like this … there may be more favorable markets out there than what this bill would allow Missouri to be.”Sports betting presents a further challenge. HB 3533 would implement an additional 24% tax on sports betting receipts, plus a 13% tax on gambling revenues. Winter raised doubts about whether legislators can alter sports betting taxes via a standard bill, as voters approved sports wagering through a constitutional amendment. Committee chair Rep. Jeff Myers, R-Warrenton, indicated that lawmakers would address that concern separately. Chance Hepola, director of government affairs for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also spoke against HB 3533. “From our perspective, we just want to be careful about raising some of those fees and taxes on specific industries,” Hepola said. 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.

GameStop Allegedly Contemplates eBay Acquisition

(AsiaGameHub) -   GameStop appears to be setting its sights well beyond its traditional game stores. A report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that CEO Ryan Cohen is reportedly considering a bid for eBay, as part of a broader strategy to transform the retailer into a significantly larger enterprise. Key Figures GameStop's net sales reached $3.6 billion in 2025. eBay generated $11.1 billion in revenue last year. GameStop closed over 400 U.S. stores earlier this year. Cohen's Vision Extends Beyond Traditional Retail While GameStop still maintains a presence in malls, its conventional retail model continues to contract. Physical game stores are becoming increasingly scarce, and the company has dedicated years to cost-cutting, profit restoration, and maintaining relevance. Now, according to The Wall Street Journal, Cohen may be considering eBay. The report, citing individuals familiar with the situation, stated that GameStop is preparing the next phase of a comprehensive plan that could involve an offer for the online marketplace. The significant difference in size makes this concept unusual. eBay's market value is more than four times that of GameStop, and it reported $11.1 billion in revenue last year. In contrast, GameStop recorded $3.6 billion in 2025 net sales, a decline from the previous year.However, GameStop did achieve a return to operating profit. The company posted $232.1 million in operating income after years of losses, providing Cohen with more leverage to propose an ambitious plan. The reported interest in eBay also aligns with comments Cohen made to the Journal earlier in the year. He stated his intention to acquire a large company in a venture that would be “either going to be genius or totally, totally foolish.” Investors reacted swiftly to the report, with shares of both GameStop and eBay rising after its publication. Nevertheless, the precise path remains undefined. The report did not specify the nature of GameStop's potential offer, how Cohen would finance it, or how eBay would integrate with the game retailer. GameStop has also recently drawn attention for less serious public-facing initiatives, including “Trade Anything Day” and political memes on X that garnered criticism. 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.

XO Market Secures $6M to Expand User-Generated Prediction Markets

(AsiaGameHub) -   XO Market has secured $6 million in seed funding to develop its prediction market platform, which empowers users to create tradable events rather than relying on internal listing teams. Key Highlights XO Market has facilitated over $150 million in trading volume since its mainnet beta launch. The seed round included investments from Coinbase Ventures, 20VC, Picus Capital, and Venture Together. XO reports that users have established more than 600 markets on the platform. XO Market Empowers Users to Build Prediction Markets XO Market aims to differentiate itself in the prediction market sector, currently dominated by players like Kalshi and Polymarket, by adopting a distinct approach. Instead of having staff select which contracts are available, XO enables individuals and companies to create their own markets, set fees, define parameters, and allow others to trade on them. Co-founder Ali Habbabeh drew a media analogy to explain this difference. He stated in an interview with CoinDesk, "Today’s major platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket act more like Netflix. They decide what markets exist. We’ve flipped that model entirely. On XO, users create the markets themselves." The seed funding round saw participation from Coinbase Ventures, 20VC, Picus Capital, and Venture Together. Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins also joined as an angel investor. $6M seed round just closed, led by @HarryStebbings at @20vcFund and @picuscap, alongside @cbventures, and others, plus 30+ angels including @patcummins30. Read the full details from our CEO ↓ https://t.co/MisFDF2xOv — XO Market (@xomarket) April 30, 2026 XO describes itself as the "YouTube of prediction markets," a comparison that aligns with its user-generated content model. The platform commenced testnet operations in April 2025 and launched its mainnet beta in mid-November. Since then, it has attracted over 30,000 users, facilitated the creation of more than 600 markets, and processed over $150 million in trading volume. Habbabeh explained that market quality naturally emerges through user engagement. "The metrics look strong because the incentives are aligned," he said. "If you create a compelling market, people trade on it. If you don’t, it dies naturally." The current market conditions are favorable, as prediction market volume surged to over $60 billion in 2025, a significant increase from approximately $15 billion to $16 billion the previous year. Polymarket was a key driver of this growth, with its monthly trading volume escalating from $54 million at the beginning of 2024 to over $2.6 billion by November. However, XO faces the challenge of ensuring liquidity for user-created markets. Other platforms that allow open market creation have struggled to maintain sufficient trading activity across a wide range of events. Larger competitors often avoid this model due to the potential strain on infrastructure required to support liquidity across numerous events. To address this, XO is introducing XO Vaults. This feature will enable users to pool capital and provide liquidity in specific categories like sports or politics, aiming for targeted annual yields of approximately 8% to 10%. "On platforms like Kalshi or Polymarket, liquidity is controlled by a handful of large market makers," Habbabeh noted. "With XO Vaults, anyone can become a market maker."He likened the structure to copy trading, but applied to liquidity provision. "It’s similar to copy trading, but for liquidity provision," Habbabeh stated. "We’re targeting yields of around 8% to 10% annually based on what market makers typically earn." XO is also developing "XO Stories," a product designed for more intricate market structures with multiple outcomes, extending beyond standard parlay-style formats. "It’s not your typical copy-paste of sportsbook parlays into prediction markets," Habbabeh commented. Regulatory scrutiny remains a significant concern for prediction market operators, particularly as governments and state regulators increase their focus on event contracts. XO contends that its on-chain architecture positions it differently from centralized platforms. "Everything on XO is transparent and onchain," Habbabeh emphasized. "That puts us in a different category compared to more centralized platforms." "The internet demonstrated that the most compelling content originates from users, not centralized studios," Habbabeh concluded. "We believe prediction markets will follow the same trajectory." 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.

Brazil to Impose Six-Month Betting Restriction on Debt Program Users

(AsiaGameHub) -   Brazil is preparing new regulations for fixed-odds betting that are linked to debt renegotiation. The Ministry of Finance intends to prevent individuals who participate in programs such as Desenrola 2.0 from opening betting accounts for a period of six months. Good to Know Desenrola 2.0 is anticipated to launch on May 1, Labor Day. Users undergoing debt renegotiation would be placed on the restricted gambling registry for six months. Operators might be given as little as 15 days to update their registration verification systems. Debt Relief Plan Incorporates Betting Controls Finance Minister Dario Durigan announced on Monday that discussions with banks had concluded, and the Desenrola 2.0 proposal would be presented to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday. The program aims to assist debtors and creditors in reaching agreements, while simultaneously reducing the number of families whose income is consumed by debt payments. However, the government also seeks to prevent newly renegotiated debt from quickly turning into fresh betting losses. Durigan stated:“We are examining methods to incentivize clients who participate in Desenrola. It serves no purpose to resolve a debt if, shortly thereafter, the individual incurs new debt with betting firms,” Under the plan, individuals who enroll in debt renegotiation programs, including Desenrola 2.0, would automatically be added to the restricted gambling registry. For a duration of six months, fixed-odds betting platforms and applications would be prohibited from registering them. Following this period, they would be eligible to reapply. The Ministry of Finance's Prize and Betting Secretariat, known as SPA, held discussions with representatives from industry associations on Monday regarding the restricted users module. This module currently manages access to licensed betting platforms, and Desenrola 2.0 would incorporate additional checks against a “List of Debtors.” A designated financial institution would centralize the debt information and transmit it to the SPA query API. While operators already utilize this API, they would be required to modify their disqualification system to accommodate a new code associated with debt renegotiation participants.Official regulatory text is expected to be released subsequent to the Desenrola 2.0 announcement. The government intends to modify SPA/MF Ordinance No. 1.231/24 and introduce a new regulatory instruction drawing from SPA/MF Regulatory Instructions No. 22 and No. 31. The timeframe for operators appears limited. Authorities might grant companies fewer than 30 days, with initial indications suggesting as little as 15 days, to update their systems. Brazil additionally intends to eliminate credit-related vulnerabilities in betting transactions. The SPA is anticipated to clarify that SPA/MF Ordinance No. 615/24 encompasses PIX credit, PIX installments, and any mechanism that directly or indirectly enables bank credit to finance fixed-odds betting. A separate set of regulations will introduce a Financial Self-Test on betting platforms. The SPA collaborated with FEBRABAN to develop this tool, basing it on the Financial Health Index and tailoring it for the betting sector. This test will categorize users by score and be integrated into operators' digital platforms. Its implementation is projected for the first half of 2026. Subsequent amendments to SPA/MF Ordinance No. 1.231/24 could also encompass educational initiatives, user communications, and social media engagements. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Ex-parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral appointed to lead Dutch betting association VNLOK

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Dutch betting and gaming association VNLOK has named former parliamentarian Rosemarijn Dral as its new Director. Dral’s background in politics is expected to be an asset for VNLOK as the online gaming industry in the Netherlands faces renewed pressure from lawmakers. Serving as an MP from July 2024 to November 2025, Dral is a member of the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and previously acted as the party’s spokesperson for gambling and other legal matters. Her expertise is particularly relevant to VNLOK, given that the VVD is a partner in the Dutch coalition government formed following the October 2025 elections, alongside the centrist Democratic 66 (D66) and the centre-right Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). Rosemarijn Dral, Director of VNLOK – Source: VNLOK “The regulation of online gambling involves critical societal issues, including consumer protection and regulatory enforcement,” Dral noted. “I view it as my objective to collaborate with our members, the government, and regulators to develop policies that genuinely foster safe and responsible gaming in practice.” “VNLOK is committed to transparency, maintaining open dialogue, and providing factual contributions to political decision-making and policy implementation.” VNLOK appointment arrives during a challenging period Dral takes on her role at VNLOK during a tense time for the Dutch gambling sector, following a 2024 tax agreement that increased the gross gambling revenue (GGR) tax rate from 30.5% to 34.2% on 1 January 2025, with a further rise to 37.8% scheduled for 1 January 2026. These tax hikes have prompted operators such as LiveScore Bet and Flutter Entertainment’s Tombola to exit the Dutch market. Beyond the mounting financial pressures, the regulated sector reports that it is struggling against a significant black market. Furthermore, the regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has noted a decline in regulated betting revenues. Bookmakers are also under scrutiny regarding their marketing practices. Strict regulations implemented in 2024 include prohibitions on sports sponsorships and the use of ‘role models,’ such as professional footballers, in advertising. Opposition parties—the ChristenUnie (CU) and the Socialist Party (SP)—are currently advocating for a total advertising ban and a proposal to increase KSA enforcement fines from 10% of an operator's annual revenue to 100%. Advocating for the industry’s interests to the government on these matters, particularly concerning the illegal market, will be a primary focus for VNLOK and Dral throughout 2026. Dral’s appointment follows the merger of VNLOK with the Netherlands Online Gaming Association (NOGA) in June of last year. Björn Fuchs, Chairman of VNLOK, stated: “Rosemarijn Dral possesses a strong focus on social responsibility, paired with extensive experience in political and administrative spheres.” “With this, she strengthens VNLOK within a rapidly changing market where collaboration is vital to ensure consumer protection and effectively combat illegal operations. By bringing Rosemarijn on board, we are taking a significant step toward the further professionalization and visibility of VNLOK.” 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.

SBC Awards Europe 2026: Spotlight On the Winners

(AsiaGameHub) -   The 2026 SBC Awards Europe wrapped up SBC Summit Malta, with Kaizen Gaming leading the winners by securing three awards. Held on April 30 at Xara Lodge in Malta, the ceremony brought together industry stakeholders to honor the individuals and companies driving progress and setting new standards in sports betting and gaming across Europe. Renowned sports broadcaster Alison Bender hosted the evening, presenting 36 awards to recognize the industry’s top operators, affiliates, and suppliers. Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC, said: “Every year, the industry raises the bar, and this year is no different. The winners are the people, teams, and products that have not only kept pace with change, but adapted quickly and continued to push that bar even higher.” It was an outstanding night for Kaizen Gaming, which took home the Sportsbook Operator of the Year, Casino Operator of the Year, and Operator Innovation in Gaming awards—acknowledging its strong performance and ongoing growth. In the affiliate categories, Flashscore retained its title as Sports Affiliate of the Year, while Gentoo Media won the Casino Affiliate of the Year award. Meanwhile, 1xBet was recognized for its affiliate program, claiming the Best Affiliate Programme award. On the supplier side, Delasport was named Sportsbook Supplier of the Year, and BGaming secured the Casino Supplier of the Year title. EveryMatrix was honored as Platform Provider of the Year, with Sportradar and Fast Track receiving awards for Sports Data Product and Industry Innovation of the Year, respectively. Highlighting leadership and workplace culture, Betsson Group was named Employer of the Year, while the Leader of the Year award went to Alexandre Tomic (CEO, Alea) and Elena Rousseva (CEO, Playtech). Yaroslav Soloshenko (Business Development Team Lead, ELA Games) was also recognized as Manager of the Year. Excellence in game design—long a core focus of the SBC Awards Europe—was once again celebrated that night. Peter & Sons won Game Studio of the Year (Small) and Best Game Soundtrack. Pragmatic Play and Hacksaw Gaming also earned recognition in the Game Studio of the Year categories, while Play’n GO secured Game of the Year for Reactoonz 100. Additional awards went to Creedroomz for Game Design & Art Direction and TaDa Gaming for Game Feature/Mechanic of the Year. In the payments and compliance categories, Yaspa was named Payment Solution of the Year, and GBG won Compliance & KYC Partner of the Year. Gaming1 was also acknowledged for its commitment to safer gambling, taking home the Socially Responsible Initiative of the Year award. The night also featured a range of Rising Star categories, spotlighting emerging companies making an impact across the industry. 18Peaches was named Rising Star in Casino, while Odds88 secured the Rising Star in Sports Betting award on the supplier side. Among operators, 247Bet (by Casimba Gaming) was recognized in sports betting, and Impressario Casino took home the casino Rising Star award. “I would like to take the chance to thank our headline sponsors, 1xBet and Spribe and Official Partner, Gaming Malta, alongside our supporting sponsors. Their support has made it possible to deliver a memorable celebration of the industry’s achievements,” said Sojmark. The awards ceremony concluded the final night of SBC Summit Malta, which saw 6,000 industry stakeholders gather at the InterContinental Hotel, Malta, from April 28 to 30. View the full list of winners here. 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.

Super Technologies Adds Four Household Names in Leadership Shakeup

(AsiaGameHub) -   Super Technologies has unveiled a major overhaul of its senior leadership, appointing new executives to its board and management team with an emphasis on technology and artificial intelligence. A key appointment sees Mina Dimitrova named Chief Strategy Officer, tasked with leading organic growth, venture incubation, AI transformation, and mergers and acquisitions. Dimitrova arrives with a career history in strategic and operational leadership at Google, YouTube, and McKinsey & Company. In another move, Sergio Ezama has joined as a Non-Executive Board Member and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Currently the Chief Talent Officer at Netflix, Ezama offers deep expertise in leadership, talent, and compensation strategy, having formerly held the role of Global Chief Talent Officer at PepsiCo. Furthermore, ex-Amazon executive Andrew Watts assumes the position of Chief Product Officer. Watts contributes over twenty years of experience in digital commerce, platform development, and AI. He played a key role in scaling Prime Video at Jeff Bezos’s US behemoth and joins from his most recent role as Senior Vice President of Product Management at Zalando. Completing the new hires, Olatz Urroz comes on board as Chief Financial Officer. Her professional background features senior finance and strategy positions at Banco Santander and Amazon, including CFO and SVP roles at Santander's global payments division, PagoNxt. This leadership restructuring also involves the exit of former CFO Glyn Hughes, who is returning to Hellen’s Rock Capital – a strategic investor in Super Technologies. Throughout his three years with the company, Hughes managed significant refinancing and expansion projects, while also reinforcing its financial discipline and operational framework. Sacha Dragic, Founder and CEO of Super Technologies, expressed his welcome to the new team members and acknowledged Hughes's work in a LinkedIn post. He stated: “Thank you Glyn Hughes for all great help in Superbet and welcome back to Hellen’s Rock Capital. “Thank you Sergio Ezama for your trust in what we are trying to achieve and I am honoured you accepted to join our board and chair our RemCo. “And finally a huge welcome to Olatz Urroz Mina Dimitrova and Andrew Watts. I am sure we will have a lot of fun together.” Super Technologies to push on despite regulatory pressures This leadership renewal occurs during a period of regulatory shifts in the company's home nation of Romania, where it holds a leading market position through its Superbet division. In March, the Romanian government responded to the sector's growth by revising gambling laws, empowering local authorities to shut down or limit betting shops and gaming arcades. Addressing this, Borut Petek, Chief Global Affairs Officer at Super Technologies, informed SBC News: “We do not support blanket closures of retail venues, and we do not see forced substitution from retail to online as good policy. “Our position is not retail versus online. Our position is legal versus illegal.” Nevertheless, the firm has continued to advance, even as competition and regulatory scrutiny intensify across Romania and Europe. In February, it bolstered its Romanian standing by acquiring Maxbet Online. Super Technologies has also recently entered Greece as its fifth European market with the launch of Superbet, and last year it obtained a €1.3bn (£1.1bn) refinancing deal with alternative asset manager Blackstone for 2025. The wave of high-level appointments, with each new leader possessing substantial experience from globally recognized brands, indicates the company remains proactive and is aiming to modernize in anticipation of a potentially challenging period for the gambling sector. 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.

Genius Sports Finalizes $1.2bn Legend Acquisition – Will Its Stock Woes Clear?

(AsiaGameHub) -   Genius Sports has finalized its acquisition of sports and gaming media group Legend, a transaction that has presented challenges for its stock performance in recent months. London-based, NYSE-listed Genius agreed to acquire Legend for $1.2 billion (£881.7 million) in February 2026. The company pursued this takeover to significantly broaden its global presence in sports media and among iGaming audiences. However, the markets did not share the same enthusiasm for the takeover. Genius' share price declined by 27% following the announcement, impacting the company's corporate value by an estimated $600 million to $700 million. While the company's share price has seen some recovery since then, it remains considerably lower than its value at the beginning of 2026. In early April, its market capitalization fell below the value of the Legend acquisition, and as of May 1, it stands at $1.12 billion. Genius' Chief Executive Officer, Mark Locke, along with numerous other analysts, contended that the lack of market confidence in the Legend M&A was due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the firm's new asset and the advantages it offers Genius. “The market’s reaction to our acquisition of Legend has been divided,” Locke stated in late February. “That has happened before when we made transformative deals. Much of the criticism has relied on a reductive use of the word “affiliate”.” “The term has been applied as shorthand, without distinguishing between low-quality traffic brokers and technology platforms built on owned audiences and behavioral intelligence.” Genius now has chance to prove its mettle With the acquisition complete, the critical test begins now. As analysts such as Bernie McTernan of Needham and Jordan Bender of Citizens informed SBC News, Genius can only restore confidence by demonstrating why and how the Legend acquisition is the correct strategic move. Bender, for instance, quoted an affiliate industry source who described Legend as "the real deal" and "one of the greatest affiliate businesses in history." Genius clearly shares this view. The company anticipates that the integration of Legend will contribute to achieving $1 billion in revenue by the end of 2026, and with the acquisition finalized, the focus shifts to execution—the true measure of success. Source: Genius Sports – investor Summit The company remains firm in its assertion that the acquisition will be "immediate accretive" to its adjusted EBITDA margins and free cash flow conversion. It has also highlighted the 320 million annual visits from 118 million unique visitors that Legend attracted in 2025 across its portfolio, which includes well-known sites like Covers.com, Casino.org, and Casino Guru. Commenting on the M&A completion, Locke remarked: “Genius Sports has spent years building the data infrastructure behind modern sport. With Legend, we now extend that into the moment where fans choose to participate and act. “This combination not only strengthens our core sports business but also expands our ability to monetize new audiences in iGaming, increasing the economic value of our platform across both verticals and driving significant cash flow.” Genius is scheduled to release its Q1 2026 results on May 7, 2025. Trading on the NYSE is not yet open today until 2:30 pm GMT, so any effect the M&A completion has on share value remains to be seen… 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.

BETBY Broadens Asian Reach Through Partnership with QTech Games

(AsiaGameHub) -   BETBY has entered into a partnership with QTech Games, becoming the exclusive sportsbook supplier for the aggregator's global network of operators. Under this agreement, the Malta-based company will integrate its complete sportsbook solution onto the QTech platform. This will provide partnered operators with a full suite of offerings, featuring over 500,000 events per month, AI-powered trading tools, and its proprietary esports feed, Betby.Games. Implemented through a single API, the integration aims to streamline sportsbook deployment and greatly lower the technical hurdles traditionally involved in launching sports betting products. “Aligning with QTech Games is a logical progression for BETBY,” stated Stefanos Karakidis, Business Development Director at BETBY. “They have solidified their position as a leading aggregator in Asia, possessing robust distribution channels and extensive local knowledge, all while expanding into other high-growth regions. “QTech possesses a keen insight into local player preferences and operator requirements, and our collaboration will enable us to provide a premier, mobile-focused sportsbook experience that meets the specific needs of their target markets.” This deal is also consistent with BETBY's wider strategy for geographical growth. Leveraging QTech's existing presence, especially in Asia, allows BETBY to enter crucial emerging markets while also strengthening its position in areas like Latin America and Africa. The alliance seeks to merge BETBY's sportsbook strengths with QTech's skills in aggregation and localization to create more competitive and customized betting experiences for customers. Philip Doftvik, Chief Executive Officer at QTech Games, commented: “We are thrilled to incorporate BETBY's acclaimed sportsbook into our platform. “Their product is contemporary, adaptable, and built for rapidly expanding markets, which matches the needs of our operator partners. “From AI-based tools to an extensive e-sims portfolio, BETBY introduces a degree of innovation that enhances our content and furthers our goal of providing the top-tier content in emerging iGaming markets.” BETBY expansion builds on positive 2026 start As previously noted, BETBY is already active in Latin America and Africa, having recently strengthened its Latin American operations by hiring Gonzalo Navarro as Senior Business Development Manager. The company also announced an unprecedented performance in March 2026, contributing to a first quarter that experienced a 61% year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue. The firm also moved into the predictions market in April, while clarifying its plan to steer clear of the more contentious markets that have recently troubled the industry. With numerous global initiatives already underway in 2026, the company appears ready to fully engage with the iGaming sector's busy schedule 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.

Gambling Commission Confident Council Powers for Licensing Will Become Law

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ian Angus, Policy Director for the UK’s Gambling Commission, is optimistic that the government’s efforts to grant lower-tier authorities greater authority over gambling licensing will be enshrined in law. Speaking at this week’s Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference, the senior regulator addressed amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill that were passed by the House of Lords last month. Should the bill then receive approval from the House of Commons, it will modify the 2005 Gambling Act to introduce a new resource for local councils: Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs).  Local authorities can use these assessments to measure the scale of gambling-related harm and the possible effect a new betting or gaming site might have on the local area, before using that data as justification to reject a licensing request. This would represent a major departure from the long-established ‘Aim to Permit’ regulation. “The government has, naturally, committed to exploring ways to grant local authorities the ability to conduct gambling impact assessments when considering licensing decisions for the communities you serve,” Angus stated.  “For our part, the Gambling Act review proposed new powers for the Commission to crack down on online illegal gambling. Both of these measures have been progressing through Parliament recently via separate pieces of legislation, and we anticipate they will both be passed into law. “Once the bill has finished moving through Parliament and comes into force, the Commission will collaborate with DCMS to create guidance for licensing bodies and other interested parties on how to roll out the measures. This guidance will outline how to use solid evidence to support productive consultations with communities, operators and stakeholders before any GIA is put in place.” The House of Lords’ approval of amendment 305 to the devolution bill last month was a major victory for local councils. Put simply, a great many local councillors – and a significant number of MPs as well – have grown frustrated with the gambling sector. Dawn Butler, the Labour MP for London’s Brent East constituency, has been especially outspoken in demanding that the Aim to Permit mandate be reversed. Her campaign for local councils to be granted greater powers has won backing from other Labour figures, including longstanding gambling reform campaigner Alex Ballinger and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Last September, Prime Minister Kier Starmer took on board Butler’s concerns, stating that the government would “grant councils greater authority over where gambling outlets are located and how many can operate in an area”. The government is now following through on that pledge. Commission outlines £26m funding plan to target black market activity The UK gambling industry has been subject to intense scrutiny over recent years, spanning the 2020 to 2023 Gambling Act review, the subsequent rollout of the review’s recommendations, and last year’s debates over taxation of the sector. Worries raised by figures such as Butler and Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Green Party MP for Manchester’s Gorton and Denton constituency, that the sector causes significant harm to low-income communities, are widely held across the UK. When faced with demands for stricter regulation and higher taxes, the gambling industry has frequently highlighted the presence of an unlicensed black market. This argument has not always gone down well with MPs, many of whom have publicly queried how large the black market actually is. To give bookmakers and casinos their due, however, this argument has been accepted by the Department for Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission. The DCMS has set up a dedicated task force focused on cracking down on the illegal gambling market, and is currently running a consultation on banning unlicensed betting companies from sponsoring sports teams. For its part, the Commission will receive an extra £26m in funding over the coming three years, raised via the new gambling tax system that came into force on 1 April 2026. This entire £26m pot will be used exclusively to combat illegal gambling activity. “We are delighted that the success of our work to tackle illegal gambling has been acknowledged by the Treasury in this manner, and this funding will absolutely enable us to expand the scope of our operations,” Angus commented. “One less widely discussed measure that is nonetheless highly relevant for local authorities is that this funding will, for the first time, let us invest more specifically in tackling land-based illegal gambling.  “We have always been somewhat limited by our available resources in this area, but this funding now means we are able to carry out far more work on land-based illegal gambling than we previously could. We will still need to collaborate closely with all of you and with local police forces, but this funding will let us deliver far more in this space.” Commission anticipates gambling venue closures Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, first unveiled the new gambling tax framework in the November Budget. As of 1 April 2026, Remote Gaming Duty has increased from 21% to 40%, while bingo duty has been scrapped entirely. From April 2027, General Betting Duty will rise from 15% to 25%, with exemptions for retail betting, spread betting, pool betting and horse racing wagers. HM Treasury forecasts that the new tax system will bring in an extra £1bn per year by 2029/30, and intends to use this revenue to cover the cost of the recent removal of the two-child benefit cap. For the Gambling Commission, this tax change is the source of the extra £26m in funding outlined earlier. For the gambling industry, however, these tax changes represent a significant financial burden. Shortly after the Autumn Budget was announced, major listed firms including Flutter Entertainment, Evoke and Entain confirmed they would be reducing their marketing budgets, a process that is already well advanced. While retail betting is exempt from the tax rises, a knock-on impact is still expected for the high street. Retail betting has been seeing a steady decline over recent years, meaning that venue closures such as those confirmed by William Hill’s owner Evoke yesterday were already likely to happen regardless of the new tax rules. Against the backdrop of these recent announcements, Angus stated that the Commission is “now anticipating that a number of gambling venues will close”. He added that the regulator’s operational returns data “will likely reflect these closures over the next 12 to 18 months”. “2026 brings a shifting landscape, but change has always been a constant in the gambling sector to some degree,” he concluded. “At the Gambling Commission, we will keep working with our partners where we have aligned objectives. We remain dedicated to that collaborative approach, and no matter what else changes in the sector, that commitment will stay the same.” 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.

World Cup 2026: Crucial Sportsbook Performance and Stability

(AsiaGameHub) -   As the 2026 FIFA World Cup rapidly approaches, betting operators throughout Latin America are bracing for a significant increase in activity that will challenge all aspects of their operations. This tournament is much more than a temporary demand spike; it serves as a crucial test for sportsbook functionality, regulatory compliance, and the stability of their platforms. Leading industry professionals from across Latin America participated in a recent SBC webinar to explore the obstacles and prospects that sportsbooks will encounter during a massive summer of sports, which could also trigger an industry surge in the host countries. Up-and-comer Mexico to shine? While a potential industry boom in the US has been a frequent topic, Carolina Diniz Flauzino, Business Development Manager at SOFTSWISS, highlighted that Mexico could experience comparable growth. She stated: “This year I see, even from the business side, a lot of interesting movements in Mexico. “I think Mexico is going to be the next up-and-coming country globally that will boom this year and in the next few years, considering that physical operators are going to join the online casinos. For us, it’s a target market and it’s very relevant given that Mexico is hosting the World Cup this summer as it’s going to bring a lot of new attention. “Hopefully, we will see more operators interested in our business and in our solutions, helping to increase our activity in Mexico too.” Customer retention is key – but how will businesses achieve it? A major question emerging in the sector is how companies—both operators and suppliers—will manage to keep the flood of new customers that will undoubtedly arrive during the World Cup. For Fellipe Fraga, Chief Business Officer at Stellar Gaming, this is a familiar scenario. “We’ve seen this before in previous World Cups and also in tournaments like the Copa America, so of course we are expecting an uplift. “How we can measure retention is, as a data-driving company, by collecting data. It’s all about data analytics.” Bruno Palumbo, Country Manager, Brazil at Gamewiz, added: “Here at Gamewiz, in terms of uplift, as a benchmark we are expecting at least 30% more volume than a usual major domestic tournament. “For retention, as Fellipe said, it’s data. You need to monitor if your regular casino players are coming to the sportsbook because of the World Cup, and it’s the same with new players – how are they playing and what are the patterns? “Having the data, studying the data, is a good measurement. I could name at least 100 different strategies on how to retain new users. “On a main level, we should just work very hard on the CRM – what are these users doing when they’re on your site? The main strategy is finding out what customers really like about your website and how to keep them doing this.” The fear of World Cup outages When asked by SBC Noticias’ Business Journalist Damian Martinez about the impact of outages during critical moments, Fraga noted: “If you have something like this, it can be a huge problem. Players can feel like they’re being scammed. “These big moments happen a lot, especially during the World Cup, so providers must be aware that this cannot happen. “If it’s the last five minutes of a big game and you have no odds, or wrongly-balanced odds, yes you can void bets and dive into T&C’s, but it’s a hugely damaging situation for a brand’s image.” Flauzino recalled her early career, when the introduction of VAR created significant issues for businesses during important matches. “This is the World Cup, we’re now aware that these kinds of situations are going to happen all the time,” she said. “It’s very important for operators to be aware of it and really train their teams. For this period, you really need to be stable and keep your customers happy so that you’re not damaging the image of the brand.” Customer satisfaction is set to be a primary KPI for operators as they enter a period of intense activity, with the 2026 World Cup expected to drive significant advancements in the iGaming industry. 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.

Robert Kiyosaki Cautions That a 2026 Market Crash Might Escalate Into a Depression

(AsiaGameHub) -   Robert Kiyosaki has reiterated his warning that a significant market downturn may occur in 2026 or 2027, advising that investors who are ready should focus on acquiring solid assets at discounted prices rather than panicking. Good to Know Kiyosaki says a “giant crash” could arrive in 2026 or 2027. He has repeatedly named Bitcoin, gold and silver as assets he prefers over fiat money. His latest warning frames falling markets as a chance for prepared investors, not a reason to freeze. Kiyosaki Sees A Crash As A Buying Window According to Robert Kiyosaki, author of "Rich Dad Poor Dad," the next economic downturn could be so serious that it mirrors a depression. In an April post on X, he informed his followers that his intention is to leverage a potential 2026-2027 crash to purchase assets at reduced costs instead of retreating. He wrote: “In coming giant crash of 2026-27… I plan on growing richer not poorer. I wish the same for you.” Kiyosaki connected this perspective to previous market collapses, noting that his wealth increased during the crashes of 1987, 2000, 2008, 2015, 2019, and 2022. His argument was not that crashes are comfortable, but that declining prices offer investors with available cash an opportunity to buy desired assets at more affordable levels.He also wrote: “In a crash, recession, and depression, great assets go on sale. Get richer by purchasing assets on sale.” This concept requires some caution for those new to Bitcoin. While a declining market can offer lower entry points, prices may also continue to fall for an extended period. No forecast should be considered a certainty, regardless of the source's prominence in finance. Much of Kiyosaki's recent analysis is centered on his concept of an “Everything Bubble.” He contends that high levels of debt, lenient monetary policies, and diminishing confidence in fiat currencies have made stocks, real estate, pensions, and government-supported systems vulnerable. He cautioned just six months ago that this “Everything Bubble” might burst imminently. This rationale clarifies his frequent endorsement of Bitcoin, gold, and silver. Bitcoin differs from corporate stocks or real estate due to its predetermined supply limit and its independence from a central bank for issuance. In Kiyosaki's view, this positions it as a long-term safeguard against currency devaluation and over-leveraged financial systems.However, Bitcoin remains a volatile asset. A market crash can depress Bitcoin's value along with other risky investments, particularly when investors are liquidating holdings for cash. Therefore, a measured strategy is preferable to a reactive one. Investors with conviction in Bitcoin typically employ tactics like making smaller, consistent purchases, maintaining cash reserves, and refraining from using borrowed funds to invest during price declines. Kiyosaki's point that lower prices can benefit prepared investors may be valid. However, the more prudent lesson is straightforward: establish a plan before market conditions deteriorate, understand your reasons for holding an asset, and never base a Bitcoin investment strategy solely on fear. 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.