分類: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   While the NBA continues discussions with a U.S. federal derivatives regulator regarding an integrity framework for prediction markets, the league submitted public comments this week in connection with a comment period for proposed rulemaking. In a four-page letter submitted to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the NBA restated its position that sports-event contracts should be subject to comprehensive regulations aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport. Dated 30 April, the letter from Dan Spillane, the NBA’s assistant general counsel for league governance & policy, was submitted on the final day of the public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning prediction markets. “There is no higher priority for the NBA than protecting the integrity of our games and preserving public confidence in our league and in our sport,” Spillane wrote. The NBA sent the letter just days after Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the league had held discussions with the CFTC on a potential integrity framework for prediction-market trades involving basketball. Like several other professional sports leagues, the NBA’s willingness to potentially partner with the CFTC would mark a shift from its previous stance on prediction markets. A Focus on Official Data Typically, sports event contracts are listed on Designated Contract Markets (DCMs), otherwise known as regulated exchanges that facilitate trading of futures, options and swaps. Spillane supports requirements for DCMs that would bar athletes, game officials and other league and team personnel from trading any contracts tied to their league’s games and events. Additionally, he emphasized that DCMs should be mandated to cooperate with integrity-related investigations carried out by national sports governing bodies. For probes into suspicious trading activity, the NBA has urged the CFTC to require DCMs to share specific traders’ identities with the league conducting the inquiry. Earlier this week, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who won roughly $400,000 on a Polymarket trade centered on the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to using classified intelligence for that transaction. This trade serves as a prime example of the risks tied to insider trading. On Thursday, Polymarket announced it has selected blockchain data platform Chainalysis to enforce its market integrity rules across the DCM’s DeFi platform. Shortly after the landmark PASPA ruling, Spillane traveled across the country to inform state legislators about the importance of using official league data throughout the bet settlement process. In his letter, Spillane referenced officially verified league data on multiple occasions. To maintain consumer confidence, he wrote, DCMs should be required to use official league data to settle sports-related contracts. Silver Praises CFTC’s Commitment to Integrity Speaking at an Associated Press Sports Editors event on 27 April, Silver lauded the CFTC for collaborating with sports leagues to prioritize integrity. While the NBA has yet to finalize an integrity framework with the agency, Silver noted that a potential partnership would likely mirror the Memorandum of Understanding the CFTC signed with Major League Baseball in March. Once completed, this framework could pave the way for the NBA to potentially sign a marketing deal with a leading prediction market operator such as Kalshi or Polymarket. “We aren’t necessarily adverse to entering into licensing deals with them,” Silver said. “But again, the league’s number one role is to ensure the integrity of the competition. And that’s what we’re most focused on right now.” Silver made these comments during the same week that two NBA-associated figures appeared in Brooklyn federal court in connection with a widespread illegal betting scandal. On Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Farrell told a judge that prosecutors will likely file additional charges against former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. During a hearing before U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall, Rozier learned he could face charges of honest services fraud and sports bribery later this month. Rozier is facing charges in U.S. v. Earnest, a case involving a scheme to defraud several leading U.S. sportsbooks. Damon Jones, another defendant in the case, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Jones, a former unpaid assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, admitted to providing inside information to a group of bettors to defraud a sportsbook out of money. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced next January. Matt RybaltowskiMatt leads long-form feature coverage of complex sports betting scandals. He also reports on finance, M&A and other technological advancements. 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) -   Kentucky’s House Bill 904 has officially moved forward after the state legislature successfully overrode a veto from Governor Andy Beshear. The new law grants racetracks in the state the authority to provide fixed-odds wagering options to Kentucky residents. Bill 904 Advances to the Next Phase With fixed-odds betting, gamblers can lock in a specific price at the moment they place their bet. For instance, a wager placed at 5–1 odds will pay out at that rate even if the odds fluctuate before the start of the race. This system is a significant departure from the pari-mutuel wagering model that has been the standard at American tracks for more than a century. Senator Michael Meredith (R-Oakland), who introduced the legislation alongside Senator Matthew Koch (R-Paris), noted that the fixed-odds component was added following input from stakeholders with experience in international racing markets. Meredith pointed out that because fixed-odds are prevalent outside the United States, there is a belief that the format could win over bettors who are unhappy with pari-mutuel systems, particularly regarding the influence of computer-assisted wagering (CAW). Furthermore, Meredith suggested that the new format would be more attractive to younger fans who are already used to fixed-odds sportsbooks. State authorities are now tasked with creating the regulatory framework for fixed-odds operations in Kentucky. This process involves deciding which entities can offer the service and how it will be integrated with pari-mutuel betting. While the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation is expected to manage the rollout, a firm date for when these bets will be available to the public has not been announced. Resistance to the New Legislation Churchill Downs, the world-famous home of the Kentucky Derby, has maintained its opposition to the introduction of fixed-odds betting. This resistance is likely tied to financial concerns, as the company could see a shift in its revenue streams if it adopted the fixed-odds model. The core difference between the two systems lies in how revenue is generated. In pari-mutuel wagering, the track takes a "takeout"—typically between 15% and 25%—from the total betting pool before payouts are made. This ensures the track receives a guaranteed portion of the handle to cover purses and operating costs. In contrast, fixed-odds betting usually functions on much tighter margins, meaning the track's profit is not guaranteed and depends on the race results. The legislation does not mandate that Churchill Downs offer fixed-odds betting; instead, other venues like Kentucky Downs in Franklin or The Red Mile in Lexington may choose to implement it. In separate developments, Churchill Downs is currently seeking to purchase the intellectual property for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Preakness Stakes, highlighting the company's ongoing efforts to increase its dominance in the horse racing 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Managing Donald Trump's disposition could be a full-time occupation. His unpredictable mood shifts and erratic behavior are widely known, as is his tendency to go off on tangents from which he never returns, a well-documented reality, along with his persistent dissatisfaction over never having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump’s Nobel Prize’s Chance Slimmer Than in 2025 However, William Hill now suggests that the former president remains a contender for the prize, setting his odds at 25%. The sportsbook has observed that his odds were approximately 55% last year, but they have since decreased. The bookmaker's representative, Lee Phelps, offered his perspective on the current odds and the rationale behind the company's continued tracking of the former President: “While the Norwegian Nobel Committee has not confirmed Donald Trump as one of the 287 nominees for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, we currently regard Trump as the frontrunner for this year's award. Although the announcement for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is not scheduled until October, we anticipate that Trump’s name will remain in consideration right up until the Committee makes its decision.”  A contributing factor to Trump's reduced chances is his alignment with Israel in what appears to be a full-scale conflict against Iran. The resulting geopolitical turmoil makes him an improbable recipient of this year's prize, unless the Committee is considering it as a means to appease him. However, appeasing Trump's volatile temperament is not a strategy that astute bettors would rely on. In the interim, prediction markets, which President Trump has shown sympathy towards, seem to anticipate that he will not complete his current term. 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) -   Hacksaw’s Board of Directors has decided to remove Group CEO Christoffer Källberg from his position. Ana Vrabic Verdir, a board member, will serve as the company’s interim CEO. Hacksaw Dismisses Christoffer Källberg  Per a statement, Hacksaw’s Board of Directors has concluded that a change in Group CEO is appropriate to better align with the Group’s strategic direction. The Board reaffirms that the company’s strategy remains unchanged and expresses confidence in its performance and future prospects.  Operations across all subsidiaries will continue as normal, and Hacksaw is still supported by a strong core team in Sweden. One of these operations is the company’s new investment division, Hacksaw Ventures, which the group unveiled last month. Following Verdir’s appointment as interim CEO by the Board, a comprehensive search for a permanent Group CEO was launched, conducted by a leading executive search firm. The process focuses on identifying a candidate with the experience and leadership capabilities needed to execute the Group’s long-term strategy. It should also be noted that during her tenure as Interim Group CEO, Verdir will not be considered independent of Hacksaw and its management, and she will step down from the company’s Remuneration Committee. Patrick Svensk, chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that he wishes to thank Källberg for successfully leading the company’s IPO on the large-cap list of Nasdaq Stockholm in June of the previous year. He also acknowledged Källberg’s valuable contributions to Hacksaw, which led to solid financial performance, and wished Källberg all the best for the future. Further Details on Hacksaw Hacksaw is a B2B technology platform and game development company. According to its official website, its scalable, modular platform—built on a modern codebase—supports the rapid creation and distribution of games. The company develops digital slots, scratch cards, and instant win titles.  Operating across the entire B2B iGaming value chain, from development to distribution, Hacksaw serves a customer base that includes some of the industry’s largest private and state-owned iGaming operators. The company’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HACK. As mentioned, Källberg played a key role in the company’s success, but it remains to be seen if his successor, or even interim CEO Verdir, can match this. In other Hacksaw news, the company recently brought back Merlin Masters Atlantis, a fan-beloved franchise, which now has a new installment. 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) -   Prediction markets often position themselves as superior alternatives to traditional sportsbooks. When questioned about regulatory oversight, these platforms typically maintain a consistent stance: they should be regulated by the CFTC because they function as financial instruments rather than sports betting venues. AP Digs into Prediction Markets and How Gambling Addicts Respond to Them However, an investigation by the Associated Press reveals a different perspective from those struggling with gambling addiction: they report experiencing the same psychological "high" whether they are "trading" on prediction platforms or "wagering" on sportsbooks. The AP consulted Dr. Cynthia Grant, VP of Clinical at Birches Health, who confirmed that professionals are observing the same “cycle of anticipation, action, and reaction” recurring among users. One individual, a soccer coach, shared that his gambling journey began at age 16. Lacking access to formal bookmakers, he and his peers initially bet against one another. Upon turning 18, he began frequenting casinos and sportsbooks, but after suffering significant financial losses, he eventually migrated to prediction markets. “I would be drowning in debt, receive a $2,000 paycheck on a Friday, and it would be completely gone by the weekend. I wouldn't even have enough money for gas,” the 21-year-old told the outlet. The man eventually sought help through Gamblers Anonymous, an organization that connects individuals struggling with gambling issues to the support and resources necessary to recover. Another case involved an accountant who became addicted to sports betting following its legalization in New York. He eventually transitioned to prediction markets, specifically trading on Kalshi. The accountant characterized prediction markets as “the same product, just rebranded.” “It’s a dangerous loophole. How can they operate like this and claim they aren't a sportsbook?” he questioned. While treatment professionals have not formally classified prediction markets in the same category as traditional sports betting—largely due to a lack of extensive research—the patterns are clear. Experts like Jody Bechtold, CEO of The Better Institute, note familiar behaviors such as chasing losses, dishonesty, and secrecy. In response to the AP, Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible trading initiatives. More Evidence Needed to Gauge the Impact of Prediction Markets Diana defended Kalshi by comparing it to casinos, asserting that the platform is “more transparent, fairer, and less predatory.” Marlene Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, expressed uncertainty regarding how to categorize prediction markets. “Honestly, I don’t have enough information. There hasn't been enough study on them, so I cannot definitively say whether the risk level is higher, lower, or equivalent,” she stated, noting that while she is concerned, her position lacks a foundation in concrete research. 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) -   Ukraine’s gambling regulatory body, PlayCity, unveiled a new online complaint system aimed at speeding up public reports of illegal gambling ads, the agency stated on Thursday. The online tool enables users to report potential violations across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, TV, radio, outdoor ads, and other public spaces. PlayCity took on the role of the official state agency overseeing gambling and lotteries after policy functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its forerunner, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was shut down in April 2024—this came after the regulator repeatedly failed to issue gambling licenses promptly. How does the tool work? Those filing complaints need to indicate the type of platform, provide a direct link to the ad, and upload supporting proof like screenshots or videos. Notably, the system automatically stores submitted content and is designed to capture and save temporary ad materials—like social media "stories"—at the moment of submission. This lets regulators examine content even after it’s been taken down or expired. Once submitted, complaints are first reviewed by PlayCity’s team to check if the reported material breaks Ukraine’s gambling advertising rules. In cases where ads are found to be illegal, the regulator will take the following steps: Ask major digital platforms (including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch) to remove the content. Block social media pages that repeatedly share illegal gambling ads. Issue fines to identified responsible parties, or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement if identities can’t be verified via official state records. The statutory administrative penalty for illegal gambling ads in 2026 is fixed at UAH5,188,200 (equivalent to $118,069). Ukraine’s ongoing enforcement Tougher enforcement against illegal gambling ads was rolled out under Law No.9526d—the same legislation that dissolved KRAIL. The launch of the online complaint tool is part of PlayCity’s ongoing digitalization initiatives to boost regulatory supervision in Ukraine’s gambling industry. Since it was set up 11 months ago, the regulator says it has imposed nearly UAH80 million in fines for illegal gambling ads, and blocked over 500 social media pages sharing forbidden content. These enforcement numbers reflect a wider tightening of Ukraine’s regulatory framework after gambling was legalized in 2020. PlayCity recently started overseeing an automated system that blocks military personnel from accessing online gambling services. Launched by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence in March, this system aims to reduce problem gambling among service members during the current martial law period. The complaint form is now live and accessible to all Ukrainian citizens via the PlayCity website. It allows the public to actively contribute to monitoring and regulating illegal gambling ads. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislative matters. She’s a proud North Walian, fluent in Welsh, and a lifelong Wrexham FC supporter—long before Hollywood took notice. 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 Government of India has finalized a regulatory structure to supervise the nation’s online gaming industry. These regulations were rolled out less than a year after the country outlawed real-money online gambling through the 2025 Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill. The framework has set up a central regulatory body and detailed rules intended to govern and distinguish between online money games, esports, and social games.  The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act 2025, paired with the supporting Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules 2026, took effect on 1 May 2026 following its first public release on 22 April 2026. Legal definitions The new rules lay out an unbiased, time-limited assessment process to categorize games into one of two groups: Online money games: games in which users pay fees or place stakes while having a reasonable expectation of earning monetary returns, which will be banned; Permissible social games or e-sports: games permitted under the legislation that come with specified protective measures. The Online Gaming Authority will be responsible for issuing licenses and approvals. The criteria the regulator will take into account include the type of fees or stakes involved and users’ expectation of financial winnings. It will also evaluate the game’s revenue structure, as well as how rewards or in-game assets can be converted to cash outside of the game ecosystem. Classification rulings will be issued within 90 days of a fully completed application or notification being submitted. This centralized framework is being rolled out at a time when India’s wider gambling industry has been under growing regulatory and political scrutiny. India prohibited real-money iGaming in August 2025, after data indicated that one third of the country’s population was losing a combined $2.3 billion annually on bets. The bill made both participation in such online games and their advertisement criminal offenses, carrying punishments including fines and prison sentences of up to five years. While India’s Minister of Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the bill “stops a major ill that was seeping into society”, opponents argued that the legislation would only push bettors to use unregulated overseas platforms. Over the first 90 days after the ban was implemented, real-money gaming (RMG) platforms reportedly posted asset write-downs exceeding $840 million. Establishment of OGAI A core component of the new framework is the formation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), which will function as a subordinate office under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).  Based in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Authority will be a small, cross-departmental body. It will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of MeitY, with support from Joint Secretary-level delegates from other government ministries. The Authority will keep an official register of online money games, which are classified as harmful due to their associated financial and social risks. Its remit will include conducting investigations, issuing official guidance, and setting industry codes of practice. It will also handle user appeals against grievance rulings made by platforms, and coordinate with various financial regulatory agencies.  Registration and user safety for esports Only games or game categories flagged by the central government – assessed based on user risk (particularly for minors), scale, financial transaction volumes, and country of origin – are required to register under the new framework. Any games applying for official esports recognition will also need to complete registration. Successfully registered providers will be issued a digital Registration Certificate that remains valid for a maximum of ten years. Notably, games categorized as online money games will not qualify for esports recognition under the National Sports Governance Act 2025. The rules mandate that service providers put in place user protection measures such as age verification and access gating, usage time restrictions, and parental controls. Requirements also cover in-app reporting tools, counselling support services, and systems to guarantee fair play and operational integrity. When submitting registration applications, platforms will be obligated to provide details of both these safety measures and their internal grievance resolution procedures. Grievances and enforcement A two-stage grievance resolution system has also been launched as part of the framework. First, users who are unhappy with a ruling can file an appeal with the relevant platform within 30 days of the grievance being addressed; if the issue is not resolved, users can escalate the matter to the Online Gaming Authority, which targets a 30-day turnaround for case resolution. A subsequent appeal can be filed with the Secretary of MeitY, who acts as the Appellate Authority, with a target resolution window of 30 days. Most investigations and enforcement proceedings will be carried out digitally, with the goal of closing all cases within 90 days of a complaint being filed. Penalties will be tailored to be proportional, with assessments taking into account factors including profits earned from the violation, harm caused to users, whether the offense is repeated, its severity, and any steps taken by the entity to remedy the issue. The Authority has the power to issue civil penalties based on these assessments. The Act aims to stop regulated financial institutions and payment networks from processing transactions connected to banned online money games. This will require closer collaboration between the Online Gaming Authority and financial regulators, and could reshape the current structure of in-app purchases, token systems, and cash withdrawal mechanisms. Once it is fully operational, the Authority is set to release the official list of banned online money games, and begin processing classification decisions and registration applications under the new regulatory system. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on short-form breaking news, with a core focus on legislation across the EMEA region and the United States. A proud native of North Wales, she is a fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong supporter of Wrexham FC – well before the club gained Hollywood fame. 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) -   Hard Rock Digital has landed a pioneering partnership that grants it licensing rights for MLB players.  The multi-year agreement, struck with MLB Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners, will allow the company to utilize players' names, images and likenesses in its sports betting-focused advertising campaigns, which are designed to lift engagement and visibility for both the athletes themselves and the Hard Rock Digital brand.  Hard Rock Digital Obtains Licensing Rights to Utilize MLB Image and Likeness The partnership also covers the entire North American market, enabling Hard Rock Digital to quickly roll out these assets across both its digital and physical retail channels. The company will have permission to use the likenesses and visuals of athletes including Tarik Skubal, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Shohei Ohtani, among a wide roster of other players. The company may deploy these assets in whatever format it deems appropriate, with the goal of driving higher sports fan engagement through betting-focused activations. Speaking about the opportunity to collaborate with the well-known brand, MLB Players, Inc. president Evan Kaplan shared the following remarks: “Fans feel a personal connection to athletes. As sports betting continues to evolve, the user experience is shifting from a screen filled only with betting odds to something more familiar, more intuitive, and more closely tied to the game itself. This partnership with Hard Rock Digital ensures that this connection is genuine, properly licensed, and reflective of the value MLB players bring to the sport.” This agreement marks a key milestone for MLB Players, Inc, which was previously wrapped up in legal disputes with leading sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365, over allegations that those operators had improperly used baseball athletes' imagery and likenesses without prior authorization. After a settlement was reached, the wider industry now appears to have collectively recognized the need to enter formal commercial partnerships to secure valid licensing rights.  A comparable case from the NCAA also drew widespread public attention. A federal court rejected the NCAA's request to immediately block sportsbooks from using "March Madness" branding, ruling that there was no urgent "irreparable harm" even in the case of potential trademark infringement. While the NCAA claims its intellectual property is being misused, the case remains active, with sportsbooks defending their use of the branding as necessary nominative fair use to identify the tournament. 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) -   Spain’s Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) has imposed a €10,000 penalty on Make Money Now SA— the production firm behind the popular online reality show channel Zona Gemelos— for promoting an unlicensed gambling operator. Announced on Thursday, this fine is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on the betting sector in the first quarter of 2026, during which over €10 million in penalties were levied. Make Money Now SA, known for livestreamed content like The House of the Twins and The Prison of the Twins, was found by the DGOJ to have engaged in affiliate-style promotion of a gambling operator not licensed by Spanish authorities. The regulator stated that this activity constitutes a “serious” violation of Spain’s Law 13/2011 on Gambling Regulation. Investigations revealed that commercial communications and affiliate links to the unlicensed provider were shared across multiple social media platforms used by Zona Gemelos, including Instagram, Kick, X, and Discord. Protecting youngsters from gambling harms The DGOJ had specific concerns about such gambling promotions appearing on platforms with significant youth viewership, raising issues about the risks posed by unregulated operators that fail to comply with mandatory consumer-protection standards. Following initial inquiries by the regulator, Make Money Now swiftly removed the infringing advertisements. The company acknowledged responsibility and made a voluntary regulatory settlement payment. These factors, along with prompt remedial action, allowed Make Money Now to benefit from procedural penalty reductions under Spain’s administrative procedure law (LPACAP). As a result, the DGOJ reduced the original €10,000 fine to €6,000. Last month, the DGOJ published its Safe Gambling Programme 2026-2030, aiming to adopt new measures to protect youngsters from gambling harms. This includes researching the influence of social media on gambling patterns and developing a standard mechanism to detect risky online gambling behaviour. One of many The fine against Zona Gemelos is part of an enforcement initiative carried out by the DGOJ in early 2026. The regulator issued nine final rulings against online betting and gambling entities, cumulatively imposing fines of €10.29 million. Among these nine cases, the DGOJ deemed two to be “very serious”, accounting for €10 million of the total penalties. These two entities had operated offshore in Spain for two years and were found to have illegally offered betting services without the required Spanish licences. Since a 2021 amendment to the Gambling Regulation Act mandated the publication of administrative sanctions, the DGOJ has increased transparency and publicised enforcement actions more proactively. Since July 2021, the DGOJ has issued 221 sanctions with total fines exceeding €506 million, reflecting intensified regulatory oversight over both licensed operators and illegal foreign entities targeting Spanish consumers. Kathryn EvansKathryn covers concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan—long before Hollywood came calling. 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) -   After years of being known for a peculiar backstory in aviation circles, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has now fully embraced it. This once-obscure detail about his past as a casino card counter now serves as a justification for his corporate leadership style. “I Don’t Actually Gamble” Kirby previously mentioned this experience in industry talks and a January 2026 Stratechery interview. Last week, he highlighted it again in the Wall Street Journal, where he confirmed he was banned from casinos globally after his blackjack play was flagged. Instead of moving on from his past, Kirby uses it to his benefit, allowing it to influence his business persona. “I don’t mind losing a hand,” he said, a philosophy that continues to guide his choices at United. Kirby describes his approach using concepts like probability and expected value, showing a readiness to take risks when the potential gain is worth it. He believes airline strategy is less about avoiding errors and more about making smarter long-term bets than rivals. “I don’t actually gamble,” he told the WSJ. “I do smart, expected-value things.” Learning Card Counting from “Blackjack for Blood” Kirby’s career included time in the U.S. Air Force, where he learned to count cards from Bryce Carlson’s book “Blackjack for Blood” while stationed at the Pentagon. He says these habits remain, even though he hasn't played blackjack in about fifteen years. During a 2024 Super Bowl trip to Las Vegas, Kirby visited the Bellagio’s high-limit poker room to open a line of credit. Upon checking his ID, staff immediately flagged him as a former card counter, noting he was welcome to play anything except blackjack. “It’s been at least 15 years since I’ve played,” he told the WSJ. “But I’m in the database.” Kirby uses the story to explain his leadership style. Since becoming CEO in 2020, he has focused on fleet investment, premium upgrades, and long-term positioning against competitors. United has moved toward larger planes, improved onboard features, and expanded connectivity. Internally, United aims to build a network and product that competes directly with the industry's strongest players. Kirby sees no difference between this strategy and his blackjack experience. He appears comfortable with this unusual comparison being part of his public identity. 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) -   While Kalshi still doesn’t classify itself as a sports betting company, the discussion around this issue persists. New March data from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) reveals that the prediction market platform is now competing with some of the biggest names in U.S. online betting—adding further fuel to the ongoing debate. According to the boutique research firm, Kalshi ranked as the fourth-largest U.S. sportsbook on an adjusted handle-per-adult basis last month, with only DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics ahead of it. The prediction market outperformed well-established sportsbooks like BetMGM, Bet365, and Caesars Sportsbook, once again highlighting the peak period for prediction markets during the NCAA Tournament, where activity on yes/no contracts typically surges. Context Is Important EKG’s data also showed that the platform moved up five positions year over year. However, these numbers come with crucial context: EKG does not use traditional sports betting handle metrics, instead applying a model called handle-analog that tracks changes in open interest, execution pricing, and activity patterns across millions of markets. This makes the comparison distinct from standard sportsbook reporting. There’s also the factor of partner-driven activity, as EKG notes Kalshi’s figures include trading volume flowing through partners like Robinhood Markets and Coinbase Global. In other words, some users access event contracts via those platforms rather than directly on Kalshi itself. “Kalshi, Crypto.com, and Polymarket U.S. adjusted handle-per-adult figures reflect both organic activity and partner-driven volume and are therefore not strictly comparable to standalone OSB operators,” EKG stated. Prediction Markets Attract Specific Users Nonetheless, prediction markets are clearly gaining traction in the U.S. sports ecosystem. Much of the trading volume on these platforms is tied to sports outcomes, even if companies avoid framing it that way. Industry research also suggests these platforms are attracting a specific type of user: some sharp bettors who were limited or restricted by traditional sportsbooks have shifted to prediction markets. At the same time, recreational users still tend to prefer mainstream sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel when both options are available. EKG estimates that U.S. sports prediction markets reached about $2 billion in monthly handle in March 2026, representing roughly 11% of combined U.S. sportsbook and prediction market activity.For the full year, the firm projects this figure could rise to $34 billion. 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 US Senate has taken steps to strengthen ethical guidelines by banning its members and staff from participating in prediction markets, an expanding industry where individuals bet on the results of real-world occurrences. This policy is effective immediately and addresses growing anxieties in Washington regarding the potential exploitation of non-public information. Senate Unanimously Votes to Mitigate Insider Risks in Prediction Markets Senator Bernie Moreno spearheaded the effort, asserting that public servants should refrain from speculative financial activities during their tenure. Alex Padilla subsequently broadened the scope of the policy via an amendment that applies the ban to Senate staffers as well, according to the Associated Press. The measure received bipartisan backing. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized the move as a logical and essential protection, cautioning that permitting legislators to wager on sensitive topics like elections or military engagements could erode confidence in government bodies. He further urged other government branches to implement comparable prohibitions. This action follows increased oversight of platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, which enable users to trade contracts based on political results, economic data, and geopolitical events. Detractors have expressed concerns regarding the potential for insider trading, given that participants might possess access to confidential information. Military Incident Fuels Demands for Stricter Market Regulations Recent events have intensified these worries. A US special forces member faced charges for utilizing classified data to place wagers concerning the apprehension of Nicolás Maduro, resulting in significant financial gain. In a separate instance, a platform penalized political candidates for betting on their own election bids. Senators Todd Young and Elissa Slotkin have advocated for more extensive measures, introducing legislation that would prohibit all federal employees and officials from leveraging insider information within prediction markets. They described the Senate’s recent decision as a preliminary move toward more thorough regulation. The White House has also released internal directives warning personnel against utilizing sensitive information in such markets. Meanwhile, the sector continues to expand, with some political figures retaining connections to these platforms. For instance, Donald Trump Jr. acts as an advisor to prominent entities in the industry. Despite regulatory apprehension, prediction market operators have expressed support for the Senate’s move, noting that it could bolster the sector's legitimacy and reliability. Nevertheless, the wider discussion regarding the appropriate regulation of these platforms, particularly where they overlap with governance and national security, remains ongoing. 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.