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(AsiaGameHub) -   Greentube has launched Piggy Prizes Railroad Rumble for B2B partners, adding another new title to the slot series from NOVOMATIC’s digital gaming and entertainment division. Good to Know Piggy Prizes Railroad Rumble features a 5×3 grid, piggy pots, jackpots, and a wild on the centre reel. The cowboy wild symbol can trigger coin drops that fill piggy pots and award players Free Games. Magic Spin, Magic Rewind and Bonus Buy return as featured mechanics in the new release. Gold Train Adds A New Gameplay Layer To Piggy Prizes Greentube has kept the core Piggy Prizes format fully intact while giving the latest release an all-new western theme. Piggy Prizes Railroad Rumble follows earlier popular entries in the series including Wand of Riches, Wish of Riches and Coins O’ Plenty, all of which use the series’ signature piggy pot collection and jackpot mechanics. This new slot centers around a cowboy wild located on the middle reel. The symbol can trigger coin drops, which are then added to the player’s piggy pots. Once any pot is filled, the player is granted Free Games. The Gold Train feature opens up another pathway to expanded bonus play. It increases coin values, keeps adding extra coins to player pots, and can trigger Super Free Games. During regular Free Games, the cowboy wild stays locked on the centre reel, helping players continue building up their pots and land retriggers. In Super Free Games, the Gold Train becomes sticky on the centre reel, increasing the likelihood of landing larger coin boosts.Greentube has also included Magic Spin and Magic Rewind, two modifiers that are already well-known to fans of the Piggy Prizes series. Magic Spin can lock either the cowboy wild or Gold Train in place on the centre reel. Magic Rewind gives players a second chance to land desired symbols or jackpots. A Bonus Buy option is also available during the base game. Players who activate this feature can jump straight into the bonus round. Richard Ganster, Director of Games Strategy and Games Portfolio Management at Greentube, said: “Piggy Prizes has become one of our most standout series thanks to its ability to evolve while staying true to the core mechanics that players enjoy. With Piggy Prizes Railroad Rumble, we’ve introduced a more dynamic layout and layered feature set that boosts both player engagement and replayability.”Ganster added that Greentube designed this mix of familiar core mechanics and new modifiers to cater to existing Piggy Prizes players, while also creating an accessible onboarding for new users to the series. 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) -   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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   AB Trav och Galopp (ATG) has experienced a 'continued tough market situation' that has impacted its performance in the first quarter. The company is implementing redundancies and an internal restructuring as part of its strategy to manage external economic pressures. In its financial results for the three months ending March 31, 2026, the Swedish operator reported that its top-line figures were 'on par with the previous year,' necessitating an internal reorganization to streamline operations. Total revenue for the period reached SEK 1.4bn (£111.9m), representing a slight increase of just under 1% compared to the same period last year. Net gaming revenue exceeded SEK 1.2bn. A difficult quarter for sports betting Casino appears to be the primary driver of growth, with revenue increasing by 20% during the period. However, ATG noted that this growth was 'partly due to one-off events in 2025'. The results stated: “The growth in casino includes one-time effects in the comparison figures, but even taking that into account, there is growth.” The company's core horse racing division remained relatively stable, despite increased international interest in the vertical. In contrast, overall sports betting saw an 11% decline. “Horse betting is stable and still our largest gaming product. It is also the foundation of our business and the commitment to horse betting is strong, both externally and internally,” ATG commented. “The sports product area had a weaker quarter, with net gaming revenue down around 11% year-on-year. This is mainly due to the outcome of sporting results, as this type of variation is not uncommon between quarters. At the same time, we see signs that we need to continue developing our offering to our customers.” Lotta Nilsson, CFO and Deputy CEO at ATG Despite the subdued performance, ATG remains optimistic about regaining momentum in the latter half of the year. Lotta Nilsson, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at ATG, stated: “We are improving our results in a continued tough market situation. “It is a statement of strength. At the same time, we are not satisfied with the development of revenue – it should increase, and we are acting to have an effect already during the year.” Leadership reshuffles have had an impact The beginning of the year presented challenges for ATG, not only in terms of revenue growth but also with significant leadership changes. In February, CEO Hans Lord Skarplöth stepped down after 13 years. Peter Norman was initially appointed acting CEO, but a few weeks later, Jörgen Forsberg, CEO of Svensk Travsport, was named the new acting CEO pending the hiring of a permanent replacement. During this period, Nilsson also took on the role of Vice President. A complete leadership overhaul is a substantial undertaking for any company. ATG navigated these changes while simultaneously managing an overall company restructuring that led to a reduction in its workforce. Looking beyond Sweden Despite the internal challenges, potential new growth opportunities are emerging, though their presence within Sweden remains uncertain. ATG's Q1 results highlight its international strategy as a key long-term growth catalyst. ATG's Danish operations are reportedly 'developing well,' with a 13% increase in overall NGR (in Swedish Kroner) during Q1 2026. Similar to Sweden, this growth was primarily driven by casino (55%), followed by horse racing (27%) and sports betting (18%). Furthermore, ATG is exploring new opportunities in Finland through its Hippos ATG subsidiary, contingent on regulatory approvals. With the market preparing for licensing and regulated operators expected to launch in 2027, expansion into Finland could provide a vital new revenue stream, offsetting challenges posed by Sweden's mature market and regulatory landscape. Beyond specific regional subsidiaries, ATG is committed to actively expanding its international horse racing betting business throughout 2026. In Q1, this division generated SEK 817m, a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This international expansion strategy is heavily reliant on distributing its proprietary racing content and betting pools to global partners. The results concluded: “We have several challenges ahead of us, the biggest of which is creating growth in horse racing. At its core, ATG is something unique: a gaming company with a mission that extends beyond numbers and balance sheets. The values that horse betting holds. “The community, the analysis and the presence in the experience itself provide direction in our mission: to create revenue for Swedish trotting and galloping sports. We do this by continuing to offer exciting games in a fair and smooth way. “Our mission remains the same – we will be the horse industry’s engine and the gaming industry’s compass.” 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) -   Sweden’s regulator, Spelinspektionen, is continuing to implement supervisory actions over evoke’s online gambling brand, Mr Green. In the most recent regulatory update, Mr Green was identified alongside three other brands—CoinToss Ltd, Kaprifol Services Ltd, and Mr Vegas Ltd—that are now under intensified scrutiny. These measures are designed to ensure that all four operators adhere to the necessary customer protection protocols established by the Swedish gambling regulations, with a particular focus on player deposits. Licensed operators are legally mandated to follow up with any player whose monthly deposits exceed SEK 10,000 (£800). At this threshold, the gambling provider must contact the player to request proof of income and assess their risk of problem gambling. The heightened monitoring of Mr Green may be linked to a financial penalty imposed by the Swedish regulator in 2024. At that time, the evoke-owned property was fined SEK 12m (£900k) due to shortcomings in its Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures that occurred in 2021. This penalty was a reduction from an initial, much larger fine of SEK 31.5m (£2.35m), which the Swedish Supreme Court decided to halve to ensure it was proportionate to the severity and duration of the violations. While Spelinspektionen rarely suspends the licenses of regulated operators, with most bans targeting offshore companies, Mr Green must proceed with caution to avoid further regulatory displeasure. This imperative for strict compliance is further amplified by the ongoing discussions between Mr Green’s owner, evoke, and Bally’s Intralot regarding a complete acquisition, as recently disclosed by both major gambling entities. A negative outcome in a European market could significantly hinder evoke’s position in these discussions, especially considering Bally’s Intralot’s potential to become a leading force across the continent by combining its market share with evoke’s brand presence in Spain, Italy, Romania, the UK, Belgium, and Denmark. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A study conducted by the University of Cambridge has intensified the discussion surrounding gambling advertisements in Ireland, coinciding with broader concerns about the gambling industry's societal effects within the nation. Ireland is currently undergoing a period of regulatory reform, with the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) now overseeing the country’s betting market as mandated by the 2024 Gambling Regulation Act. Similar to the review of the Gambling Act in the United Kingdom, the re-regulation of Ireland's betting market has left proponents of gambling reform, such as the Labour Party, advocating for more substantial changes to advertising regulations. According to research jointly undertaken by the University of Cambridge and Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, gambling advertisements in Ireland disproportionately affect young men. The university's study examined social media advertising through the Meta Ad library, analyzing published advertisements and demographic data across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Dr Elena Petrovskaya, the lead author of the report from the university’s Department of Computer Science and Technology, noted that "not that many adverts directly targeted men to begin with." However, she elaborated: "But even when adverts were set to reach all genders, they still reached that very vulnerable group of young men. “It shows that if companies just put ads on social media, they are still reaching young men – the group we know from other research is most at risk of gambling harms.” Cambridge researchers analyzed 411 advertisements from 88 licensed Irish operators, concluding that young men were 2.3 times more likely to be exposed to social media advertisements than women, despite the ads not being specifically targeted at men. Individuals in the 25-34 age group constituted one-third of all unique accounts reached, accumulating 6.2 million impressions. The researchers highlighted one particular advertisement that reached 1.32 million unique accounts. Irish advertising debate continues unabated The discourse concerning gambling in Ireland, much like in other significant European gambling markets such as the UK, Netherlands, and Italy, has largely centered on sponsorship arrangements. The presence of bookmaker branding in prominent Irish sports competitions, including the Gaelic football and hurling leagues of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the League of Ireland (LOI), has been a contentious issue for many years. The GAA ultimately decided to cease partnerships with gambling sponsors, citing concerns regarding customer protection and societal impact. The LOI, in contrast to its English counterparts in the EFL and the governing bodies of the Premier League, has been more reluctant to sever commercial ties with the sport due to the revenue generated. The Gambling Regulation Act and the GRAI's mandate are now established, with the latter assuming licensing responsibilities this year. Nevertheless, certain political figures, such as Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik, remain firm in their conviction that a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising in Ireland is essential. Research from institutions like Cambridge and MTU is expected to play a significant role in this debate, particularly given its focus on the impact of social media advertising, adding another dimension to a discussion that has predominantly revolved around sports sponsorships and television commercials. The findings from the researchers regarding the impact of advertising on young men, who according to Irish government statistics are among those most susceptible to gambling-related harm, will be particularly important for advocates of gambling reform. “This research provides valuable insights that establish a baseline for the reach of gambling advertising on social media in Ireland before the introduction of a regulatory framework,” stated Dr Deirdre Leahy from MTU, a co-author of the research. “This baseline will be essential for assessing the impact of reforms under the Gambling Regulation Act.” 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) -   Australia’s leading casino brand The Star Entertainment Group has recorded a major year-on-year improvement, reporting an AU$1m (£530,000) loss for Q3 2026, down from a $24m loss in the same quarter of 2025. That said, the quarter was slightly weaker than Q2, with revenue falling and profitability slipping back into negative territory, as regulatory pressures and lower visitor numbers continued to weigh on performance. Group revenue landed at $266m, down 12% quarter-on-quarter and slightly lower than the $268m recorded in the prior corresponding period. The company posted an EBITDA loss of $1m, reversing the $6m profit it gained in Q2, though the result is still a marked improvement on 2025 figures driven by cost-cutting efforts. Declines were largely fueled by ongoing soft performance in Sydney, where revenue dropped 10% versus the previous quarter and 9% year-on-year. Table games were a particular weak point, and the impact of mandatory carded play and cash limits continues to be felt – average daily revenue at the Sydney property is still roughly 20% below pre-reform levels. Examples of these regulatory reforms include a $100 cash load-up limit for Victorian poker machines and a delayed rollout of $1,000 daily cash limits at New South Wales casinos, where the limit will remain at $5,000 until August 2027. Across other locations, performance was mixed. The Gold Coast delivered modest year-on-year growth, supported by stronger electronic gaming and hospitality results, while Brisbane’s numbers were impacted by the transition out of the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC) joint venture and changes to the operator fee structure. Cost reductions were a clear positive highlight, with operating expenses falling 11% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year. This reflects the early impact of “cost out” initiatives launched by the company’s new leadership team, including corporate streamlining and reviews of supplier costs. Latest updates on The Star’s turnaround plan Even so, The Star’s broader overall financial position remains fragile. Available cash dropped to $90m at the end of March, and the company is working against a tight deadline to complete refinancing by 15 May to avoid breaching its existing debt agreement. A binding refinancing commitment with WhiteHawk Capital Partners, announced at the end of last month, is already in place, and all required regulatory approvals have been secured. The refinancing package consists of a three-year facility totaling around $550m, which will be used to fully refinance the group’s existing debt while also providing extra liquidity. A minimum liquidity requirement of $50m has been set for the first 12 months after financial close, which the company is on track to meet. The requirement rises to $75m between 12 and 18 months post-close, and $100m after that period. Additional covenants include a minimum asset coverage ratio starting December 2026 and a minimum EBITDA threshold starting March 2027, alongside standard reporting obligations and default provisions. An interest reserve account that will cover the first 12 months of interest payments will also be set up as part of the new financing structure. “The Star is working to complete the refinancing as soon as possible, but no later than 15 May 2026, to meet the conditions of the waiver granted by existing SFA lenders,” a company statement read. The Star has also made progress on its strategic reset, completing the first stage of its exit from the Brisbane joint venture with DBC. This step included the release of a large parent company guarantee tied to $1.4bn in debt facilities. Financial challenges will not be resolved immediately Despite these recent steps, The Star has reiterated that material uncertainty remains over its ability to continue as a going concern, with multiple interconnected factors including refinancing, regulatory outcomes and operational recovery still unresolved. Bruce Mathieson Jnr, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, has continued advancing the turnaround strategy, which included appointing two new Non-Executive Directors – Brooke Lindsay and Grant Bowie – this month. The business remains in a transitional period following a $300m strategic investment from Bally’s Corporation and Investment Holdings late last year, a deal that will eventually give Bally’s a 56.7% stake in The Star. The company is also navigating ongoing regulatory change across Australia, where a key recent policy focus has been cracking down on gambling advertising. The Murphy report, written by late MP Peta Murphy and holding 31 recommendations for Australian regulatory reform, has still not seen most of its suggestions implemented across the country. For The Star, an immediate return to profitability was always highly unlikely. Despite the unavoidable pressures it faces from both internal and external sources, the company is in a much healthier position today than it was at the start of 2025, when it was grappling with losses of more than $300m. 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) -   Brazil has established a clear distinction for prediction-style trading, creating two separate categories. Contracts based on financial events are permitted to continue, whereas those linked to sports, politics, games, culture, entertainment, or social results are now excluded from the authorized derivatives market. Good to Know B3 has introduced six Event Contracts connected to the Ibovespa index, the Brazilian real, and bitcoin. Every contract has a maximum value of 100 Brazilian reais, approximately $19, and is settled exclusively in cash. Access remains restricted to professional investors possessing at least 10 million reais in assets or a technical certification from the CVM. B3 Lands On The Approved Side Of Brazil Rules B3 has rolled out six Event Contracts in Brazil, offering professional traders a regulated avenue for speculating on short-term results associated with financial markets. These contracts monitor spot and mini futures trading for the Ibovespa index, the Brazilian real, and bitcoin. The structure is comparable. Prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket employ a similar mechanism, but B3 has developed its offering within Brazil's regulated securities environment. The contracts received approval from the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM), and access is limited to accredited professional investors. The timing of the launch is significant. On April 24, the Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN) issued Resolution CMN nº 5,298, which prohibits derivatives tied to actual sports events, online games, politics, elections, social issues, cultural happenings, and entertainment. Derivatives based on financial and economic indicators are still allowed. This regulation becomes effective on May 4, with the CVM responsible for enforcement and further regulatory details.Authorities have also taken action against offshore platforms. Finance Minister Dario Durigan and Civil House Minister Miriam Belchior stated that ANATEL has already restricted 28 unlicensed prediction market platforms. Régis Dudena, head of the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, indicated that additional blocks would be implemented against platforms operating outside the legal framework. Licensed betting operators in Brazil have endorsed the new rule. The Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável commented that the action helps curb "regulatory arbitrage" by foreign platforms attempting to function as financial products rather than licensed gambling entities. B3 is already a central player in the Brazilian financial market. Formed in 2017 by the merger of BM&FBovespa and Cetip, the exchange operates the largest financial market infrastructure in Latin America. It also introduced Bitcoin futures in April 2024, in addition to its existing products for equities, currencies, commodities, and interest rates. According to Luiz Masagão, Executive Vice President of Products and Clients at B3, these contracts are part of a broader strategy to modernize Brazil's derivatives market. B3 has also explored products related to central bank decisions in other nations.The exchange has further ambitions in the digital asset space. A Bloomberg report from earlier in April indicated that B3 plans to introduce a tokenization platform and a stablecoin by the end of the year. Kalshi expanded into Brazil in January via a collaboration with XP International, but the country has since tightened regulations for foreign platforms. With Polymarket, Kalshi, and 26 other platforms now blocked at the network level, B3 is entering a less crowded domestic market for regulated financial event contracts. 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) -   President Donald Trump has adjusted his stance on prediction markets, though he has not dropped his existing concerns about the sector. His most recent comments come after a federal case connected to Polymarket drew renewed attention to event contracts, insider information, and the question of how much latitude U.S. regulators should grant the industry. Good to Know Trump noted that some “very smart” people support prediction markets. He previously stated that “the whole world, unfortunately, has become somewhat of a casino.” Polymarket and Kalshi remain at the center of a broader debate over event contracts, sports markets, and state gambling regulations. Trump Balances Doubt With Fear Of Falling Behind Trump sounded more open to prediction markets during remarks to reporters in Florida on Saturday. He did not offer full endorsement of the practice, but he pointed to many industry insiders who back the concept. He said: “I don’t know. I know some people who are very smart. They like it. “They disagree, but they like it.”Trump also brought up international competition, and said: “A lot of other countries are doing it, and when the other countries do it, we get left out in the cold if we don’t do it.” Just a few days earlier, Trump used far sharper language during a White House appearance. Reporters asked him about a U.S. soldier accused of using classified information to profit from Polymarket trades linked to a potential operation involving Nicolás Maduro. The Justice Department charged Gannon Ken Van Dyke in this case, and Polymarket flagged the suspicious activity before reporting it to authorities. “Well, you know, the whole world, unfortunately, has become somewhat of a casino,” Trump said, and added:“I don’t like it conceptually, but it is what it is.” These comments align with widespread concerns about prediction markets. Kalshi recently fined and suspended three congressional candidates for betting on their own races, even though each wager was worth less than $100. The platform banned the candidates for five years, while some lawmakers argued the penalties were too lenient. At the same time, Trump’s inner circle has ties to the prediction market sector. PBS reported that prediction markets tied to Trump’s comments on Iran drew major betting activity, including on platforms backed by Donald Trump Jr. ABC News also reported that the Trump family has connections to prediction market companies such as Polymarket. Regulators are still fighting over who has jurisdiction over these products. The CFTC has sued New York officials after the state took action against prediction market operators, arguing that federally registered exchanges fall under federal oversight. New York holds the position that some products count as illegal gambling under state law. 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) -   Tipico Sportwetten has kicked off a new “leadership era”, with Mate Bacic taking over from Axel Hefer as Chief Executive Officer of the largest sports betting and iGaming brand operating in the DACH region. This leadership transition follows Hefer’s decision to resign from the new leadership team of Banijay Gaming – the division established in April 2025, after Banijay Group finalized its €3 billion acquisition of Tipico. Hefer’s exit comes after he fulfilled his remit of restructuring Tipico to position it for an eventual multi-billion-euro sale. During his three-year tenure, the company pulled out of the US market, selling its domestic US operations to MGM Resorts, and purchased Admiral Austria to boost its regional presence. The business ultimately became an acquisition target itself, when its former private equity owner CVC Capital reached an agreement to sell Tipico to Banijay in October 2025. Speaking about his departure, Hefer said: “I joined the Tipico Group nearly three years ago with one clear goal: to lay the groundwork for the company’s future international growth. Now that the sale to Banijay Group is complete, my work here has been successfully finished. “I am fully confident that with Mate Bacic leading the company and as part of Banijay Gaming, Tipico is extremely well positioned for future success. I wish Mate and the entire team all the best in the coming years.” New leadership steers the business into its next chapter Bacic, who has held executive roles at Tipico for almost a decade, has been promoted to the CEO position from the group’s existing senior leadership ranks.  As Managing Director of Tipico Retail Services, he played a key role in building and restructuring the operator’s land-based retail network, which now covers more than 1,250 outlets across Germany and Austria. Most recently, he oversaw the integration of Admiral Austria into the wider group during his tenure as CEO of the Atlas Group. Before joining Tipico, Bacic held senior leadership positions at Telefónica Germany, bringing deep operational and commercial expertise to his new top role. Discussing his new appointment, Bacic said: “I am thrilled to lead Tipico through this critical phase for the business. We have a powerful brand, a highly committed team, and trusted partners supporting us. Working alongside Banijay, we will speed up innovation efforts, invest in technology, and set new benchmarks for customer service.” He added: “We aim to deliver the best and most secure experience possible for sports betting fans — both online and across our more than 1,250 retail shops. I also want to thank Axel for his reliable partnership and his significant contributions to putting Tipico in such a strong position for the future.” Credit: Tobias Arhelger / Shutterstock Under the revised leadership structure, Nicolas Béraud, former Betclic CEO, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Banijay Gaming. Joachim Baca, Chairman and former CEO of Tipico, will act as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Operational leadership roles across the group’s core brand portfolio have also been reshuffled, with Julien Brun, previously Chief Operational Officer, stepping into the role of CEO of Betclic. Banijay’s leadership team has given its full endorsement to this internal succession, with Béraud stating: “Following the completion of Banijay Gaming’s acquisition of the Tipico Group, I am convinced that Mate, with his extensive industry experience, in-depth understanding of the Tipico Group, and strong leadership capabilities, will make a major contribution to building our large-scale European gaming platform. “Axel was an exceptional partner throughout the Betclic/Tipico transaction, and I wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.” 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) -   Spotify is introducing fitness content to its application, providing users with a new Fitness hub for workout videos, wellness creators, curated playlists, and Peloton sessions. Good to Know Both free and Premium users can access a selection of workout content from creators. Spotify Premium subscribers in certain markets receive access to over 1,400 Peloton classes without advertisements. The workouts encompass strength training, cardio, yoga, meditation, running, pilates, and other categories. Peloton And Wellness Creators Join The App For years, Spotify has expanded beyond music to include podcasts, audiobooks, video, and physical books. Its latest move aims to integrate workout music directly with exercise routines. The new content is accessible via the Fitness hub or by searching for "fitness" within Spotify. The classes and playlists are compatible with mobile, desktop, and TV applications. This launch features creators like Yoga with Kassandra, Caitlin K’eli Yoga, Sweaty Studio, Chloe Ting, Pilates Body by Raven, Abi Mills Wellness, and Sophiereidfit. Their offerings combine music with guided video instruction.Peloton contributes the most extensive catalog to this initiative. In select markets, Spotify Premium users can stream more than 1,400 on-demand classes led by Peloton instructors, with no requirement for Peloton hardware. These ad-free sessions cover strength, cardio, yoga, meditation, and running. While most workouts are in English, some are available in Spanish and German. Workouts can also be downloaded for offline use. Spotify noted that fitness already has a significant presence on its platform. Close to 70% of Premium subscribers exercise monthly, and users have built more than 150 million fitness-themed playlists. The company did not disclose the terms of its agreement with Peloton. Creators can utilize Spotify's monetization features, such as the Spotify Partner Program. Spotify might also experiment with additional paid fitness features in the future. 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) -   RealGo has secured over $3.5 million in funding as the augmented reality meme pet game gears up for its $RT token generation event scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. Good to Know Investors in the round included Animoca Brands, Cogitent Ventures, X21 Digital, Notch VC, and Becker Ventures. The game boasts a community of 250,000 registered users with 76,000 weekly active players. Built on BNB Chain, the game incorporates AR, GPS technology, meme pets, battles, and on-chain rewards. Animoca Brands Backs RealGo Before Token Launch With new capital and an expanding community, RealGo is advancing toward its Q2 2026 launch of the $RT token. The game has already introduced over 120 different meme pets, a Genesis Mini Harvester asset, and a rewards mechanism centered on RT Shards. Functioning as an augmented reality, location-based mobile game, players utilize GPS to locate and collect meme pets like Doge and Pepe. Once captured, users can train their pets, enhance their abilities, and deploy them in both Player-versus-Environment and Player-versus-Player combat. The types of pets available can vary depending on geographic location and the time of day. RealGo refers to its framework as Meme 3.0. Essentially, this means meme intellectual property is integrated directly into the gameplay, character advancement, trading, and blockchain-based rewards, moving beyond mere representation on a token price chart.The newly acquired funds will be allocated to further product development, additional integrations with meme communities, and a broader deployment on both mobile and decentralized applications. Support has already been incorporated for communities such as Doge, TOSHI, Floki, WIF, NPC, Dogelon Mars, and APEPE. The Genesis Mini Harvester provides early adopters with a method to passively accumulate RT Shards ahead of the $RT token launch. Additional earning opportunities exist through capturing pets, engaging in battles, completing missions, and other gameplay activities. Following the Token Generation Event (TGE), $RT will serve as the primary currency within the game's marketplace. By the conclusion of the first quarter of 2026, RealGo had recorded 250,000 registered users, 76,000 weekly active players, and over 116,000 verified real devices. The project's Loyalty Points Program also attracted 36,240 participants. CEO Parker Zhai commented:“This achievement is significant as it demonstrates real user engagement with a tangible product in a market often dominated by hollow promises. We are convinced that the future of Meme 3.0 lies with initiatives that transform cultural trends into active behavior, communities into functional economies, and fleeting attention into sustained involvement.” The game is developed on the Unity 3D engine and records all pets, tokens, and items on the blockchain. It also features an integrated wallet and fiat currency onboarding, enabling players to begin without the need for external cryptocurrency tools. 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) -   PG Soft has unveiled Funky Fortunez, a 4x4 cluster pays slot centered around a hip hop battle for the coveted “Golden Chain of Glory.” Key Details Funky Fortunez features a 96.74% RTP and medium volatility. The maximum potential win is 2,000 times the player's stake. Free spins are initiated by landing three Scatter symbols and can be retriggered. Prize Symbols Are Central to Gameplay Funky Fortunez employs a position activation system. Initially, winning symbols mark positions on the grid. A subsequent activation then transforms these marked positions into Prize symbols. Once no further wins are possible, Prize symbols award payouts ranging from 0.2x to 8x the stake. Prior to payout, these symbols have the potential to upgrade. Gold Prize symbols offer payouts from 10x to 50x, while Platinum Prize symbols can award 100x to 500x each. The Free Spins Feature is triggered by landing three Scatters, awarding 10 free spins. Each additional Scatter that lands grants two extra spins. Throughout the free spins, marked positions and active Prize symbols remain locked on the reels, and the Prize Upgrade Feature may activate on winning spins.The betting range for the game is from €0.20 to €100. PG Soft has made the game accessible to operator partners globally. A representative from PG Soft stated: “Funky Fortunez is a tribute to the hip-hop genre, which we anticipate will remain highly popular for an extended period. The Prize Symbol mechanic serves as the game's driving force, as players aim for substantial returns of up to 500x per symbol, with an overall maximum win of 2,000x the initial bet.” This release follows Mythical Guardians, which was launched in December 2025 and offered wins of up to 15,000x. PG Soft games undergo dual certification from BMM TestLabs and Gaming Associates before their release. 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.