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(AsiaGameHub) -   The NBA has reportedly notified its 30 general managers of a proposed reform to combat tanking in the draft lottery, dubbed the “3-2-1 lottery.” This name reflects the number of lottery balls allocated to teams, and the system would expand the lottery to encompass 16 teams. NBA to Allegedly Implement New Team Lottery System According to circulating reports, the NBA office has held several significant meetings in recent weeks with the Board of Governors, the competition committee, and all 30 general managers. These discussions have focused on refining a single proposal before a final vote by owners scheduled for May 28. While minor modifications to the plan are still possible, the fundamental structure is understood to have the support of a majority of teams. Sources indicate that all involved parties have dedicated months to developing and assessing various concepts before arriving at this 16-team format. Senior NBA officials are of the opinion that the proposal will diminish the motivation to lose games by including all 16 eligible teams in the lottery process. It is also anticipated to foster greater competitiveness towards the end of the season, as teams at the bottom will strive to avoid the lowest draft positions. Concurrently, those teams situated just above them will aim to secure better draft placement. The discussions surrounding the new format followed an announcement made late last year, when the NBA declared its intention to increase oversight on the types of wagers that could be offered on its games. This new policy also included an updated Fan Code of Conduct designed to enhance the protection of NBA players, coaches, and other team personnel, alongside measures aimed at preventing tanking. How Will the New System Work? Under the proposed “3-2-1 lottery” system, the draft lottery pool will be expanded from 14 teams to 16. Teams that do not qualify for the playoffs or the play-in tournament, and finish outside the bottom three positions (specifically, positions 4 through 10 in the draft order, referred to as the “relegation zone”), will each receive three lottery balls. The three teams with the worst records in the league will each receive two lottery balls but will be guaranteed a draft pick no lower than the No. 12 selection. Meanwhile, the remaining lottery teams could fall as far as the No. 16 pick. The teams that finish as the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds in each conference will each be allocated two lottery balls, while teams that lose in the 7–8 play-in games will receive one lottery ball each. The proposal also includes a sunset clause, meaning the new system will automatically cease to be in effect after the 2029 draft unless the Board of Governors votes to extend or replace it. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement is slated to remain in effect through the 2029–30 season. Furthermore, the league will be granted expanded authority to enforce rules against tanking. This includes the ability to adjust lottery odds and/or modify draft positions for teams found to be in violation of these guidelines. In separate NBA news, former star player Gilbert Arenas faces a potential prison sentence of up to 5 years if convicted of operating an illegal poker scheme in California. 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 Mega Millions jackpot has gone unclaimed for yet another drawing, as have the game’s Match 5 prizes. The game is currently in a temporary slump, though this isn’t particularly surprising given that two jackpots were won in March. Mega Millions Jackpot Still Unclaimed The Tuesday Mega Millions drawing had no winner, as no players matched all six winning numbers to claim the game’s top prize. No one matched the five white numbers alone either, though some players did match four white numbers plus the gold Mega Ball, earning themselves five-figure prizes. The winning numbers for the April 28 drawing were 14, 36, 41, 47, and 66, along with the gold Mega Ball 15. If someone had matched all these numbers, they would have won $163 million via the annuity option (for the full amount) or $72.9 million through the one-time lump-sum payout. Matching just the five white numbers (without the Mega Ball) yields a prize between $2 million and $10 million, based on the ticket’s multiplier. This marks the fourth consecutive drawing where no one has won this prize. That said, four players did match four white numbers and the Mega Ball, taking home different five-figure prizes: two won $20,000 each, one got $30,000, and another received $40,000. The jackpot now stands at $178 million, with a cash option of $79.6 million. The next drawing will happen this Friday at 11 pm ET. Two Mega Millions Jackpots Claimed in 2026 The first two Mega Millions jackpots of 2026 were claimed in March. The first was won by a lucky Illinois player who matched all the winning numbers; a few days later, she stepped forward to collect her $536 million prize, which is truly staggering. Just two drawings later, another player in Ohio won a $60 million jackpot on St. Patrick’s Day. The winner was revealed to be the Happy Trails Trust, which sent a representative earlier this month to claim the prize money. 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) -   Yggdrasil is welcoming players to take center stage in its latest TV game show-inspired release, Gemstone Jam. This new 3×3 slot title aims to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of a classic mechanical machine while offering participants the chance to win significant prizes. Gemstone Jam Statistics Rows: 3 Reels: 3 Paylines: 9 RTP: 94%, 90.5%, 92%, 96% Volatility: Super High Min/max bet: 0.10/10 Max win: 10,000x A Retro Feel for the Contemporary Market Gemstone Jam is crafted to make players feel like they have been selected from a live audience to compete for big rewards. According to the developer, the experience is high-stakes, where players can either “Win Big” or walk away with nothing. The game combines modern aesthetics with a sense of nostalgia, featuring sharp graphics and a 3×3 grid that pays homage to traditional slot machines. Players will encounter classic symbols including BARs, diamonds, sevens, and cherries. The immersive environment is completed by a cheering audience and an enthusiastic hostess who celebrates every winning spin. Enhanced Features for Bigger Wins Two primary mechanics, The Nudge and The Big Win Countup, are included to improve payout opportunities. The Nudge feature can activate at random following a spin, shifting the reels up or down by one position to help form winning combinations. Additionally, landing a sequence of three diamonds triggers the Gemstone Jam event, providing players with the chance to secure the game’s maximum jackpot of 10,000x. 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) -   Former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones is the first person in an ongoing gambling conspiracy probe to plead guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit fraud connected to insider sports betting and rigged poker game schemes. Jones Acknowledges Guilt After entering his guilty plea in the sports betting case, Jones read a pre-prepared statement to the court, admitting that he conspired with other people to defraud betting companies by using insider information gained through his professional connections as a former player. He said he wanted to extend a sincere apology to the court, his family, his peers, and the National Basketball Association. A native of Galveston, Texas, Jones earned more than $20 million across an 11-year playing career from 1999 to 2009, competing for 10 different teams. He was teammates with LeBron James in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008 and later worked as an unofficial assistant coach for James’ Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022–2023 season. Jones’ guilty admission is not a surprise, as he announced a couple of weeks prior that he would change his plea from “innocent” to “guilty.” He admitted his actions violated both the NBA’s code of conduct and the terms of service of sports betting platforms. Jones also explained that the conspiracy, which operated from December 2022 to March 2024, aimed to profit off sportsbooks by leveraging private insider knowledge. According to prosecutors, this information included nonpublic details about injuries to star NBA players. What Role Did Jones Play in the Two Schemes? At his second hearing, Jones acknowledged he was paid to act as a “face card” for poker games in Miami and the Hamptons, using his NBA celebrity status to draw high-stakes bettors to the table. Per his statement, Jones said that based on conversations with his co-conspirators before and after the games, he knew the games were rigged and other participants were being cheated. According to the official indictment, in one instance, Jones received $2,500 for joining a game in the Hamptons, where he was instructed to help cheat by closely monitoring other people involved in the scheme. Prosecutors said he was told to fold his hand any time he was uncertain about the play. Prosecutors confirm they are pursuing additional charges against a co-defendant in the sports betting case, former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who has pleaded not guilty. Jones was arrested last October alongside Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach and Basketball Hall of Fame star Chauncey Billups, and multiple other people, including a bettor accused of profiting from private injury-related information. Jones was one of three individuals charged in both the poker and sports betting schemes. Currently, Jones remains free on bail, and he is not scheduled to be sentenced until January 6, 2027. He is expected to face a longer prison term for the rigged poker case than for the sports betting case. For the sports betting charge, he is projected to receive a sentence of 21 to 27 months. 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) -   US-based online gaming and wagering operator Rush Street Interactive (RSI) has released its first-quarter financial report for the year, noting double-digit growth for both revenue and EBITDA. These strong performance metrics helped the company set new all-time records, highlighting the robustness and growth potential of its core business. Q1 Delivered Solid, All-Round Performance for RSI According to the published report, RSI recorded total revenue of $370.4 million, up 41% year over year. This figure also marks a new quarterly high for the operator. For reference, RSI posted $262.4 million in revenue in the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, net income stood at $26.2 million, representing another quarterly record, alongside a staggering 134% year-over-year increase. For context, RSI reported $11.2 million in net income for Q1 2025. Adjusted EBITDA hit $60.2 million, notching yet another quarterly record for the firm. This number represents an 81% year-over-year rise compared to the $33.2 million recorded in Q1 2025. RSI further noted that its sales and marketing expenses for the period were $46.2 million, equal to 12.5% of its total revenue. Total monthly active users (MAUs) for the quarter reached 839,000, a 51% year-over-year increase. MAUs in North America and Latin America grew by 46% and 54% respectively. On average, North American MAUs spent $317 in Q1, while Latin American MAUs spent an average of $54 over the same period. In its report, RSI lifted its full fiscal year 2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance, stating it expects full-year revenue to land between $1.49 billion (a 31% year-over-year rise) and $1.54 billion (a 36% year-over-year rise). For adjusted EBITDA, the company’s updated forecast projects a range of $230 million (up 50% year over year) to $250 million (up 63% year over year). Customer-First Strategy Fueled RSI’s Strong Results Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, commented on the results, praising his team for delivering record-breaking performance in Q1 2026. He expressed particular enthusiasm for the accelerated revenue and player growth, as well as the ongoing expansion of the business. Schwartz attributed the strong quarterly performance to the company’s customer-centric operating approach and continuous improvements to the player journey. He added that he is highly optimistic about RSI’s future prospects. Schwartz said: “Looking ahead, we have tremendous confidence in our trajectory. We’re executing well, growing our player base rapidly and profitably, and preparing for an exciting new market launch in Alberta. We remain committed to delivering exceptional player experiences while creating long-term value for our shareholders.” 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) -   Light & Wonder solidified its position as a premier supplier to the land-based industry in Europe and Africa during three days of networking and product exhibitions at the Casino Operations Summit (COS) 2026 in Thessaloniki. The summit drew hundreds of land-based gaming experts from Europe and Africa, with guests at Light & Wonder’s stand getting the chance to explore and test the sector’s most advanced hardware firsthand. Performance, flexibility and player-centric design Featured on the floor were six Cosmic cabinets, which presented a blend of top-performing EMEA titles and fresh releases including Diamond Quick Hit Link, Dragon Trio Midnight Storm, Lion Link Fortune, UFL Triple Nova, Ticket to Win, and Stagecoach Riches. Light & Wonder’s stand also highlighted 10 modern Kascada Slant cabinets showing a mix of the Reel Choice Ruby and Emerald Collections. “The event allowed us to connect with operators in a meaningful way” Mark Howell, Managing Director, EMEA, Light & Wonder “COS 2026 was an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate how our product roadmap continues to align with operator needs,” remarked Marco Bettio, Senior Director, Product Management at Light & Wonder. “It was an excellent platform to validate our direction and gather valuable insights from the operator community. “Showcasing the Cosmic cabinets along with the newly launched Reel Choice multi-game offering generated strong interest and highly positive feedback. The engagement around our Ruby and Emerald Collections confirmed that our focus on performance, flexibility and player‑centric design is resonating in the market.” Supporting long-term growth Acting as a Platinum Sponsor of COS, Light & Wonder demonstrated its continued dedication to assisting operators across EMEA and fortifying regional partnerships. During the event, which ran from April 21-23, Light & Wonder engaged with operators and industry figures to discuss key trends and issues, gaining a clearer understanding of shifting market demands. Mark Howell, Managing Director, EMEA at Light & Wonder, further stated: “COS 2026 was a significant moment for the land‑based sector across the EMEA region, and our participation as sponsors reinforced our commitment to supporting the industry’s long‑term growth. The event allowed us to connect with operators in a meaningful way, understand their evolving priorities and showcase the strength of our portfolio. “We were pleased with the level of engagement throughout the Summit and look forward to continuing the collaborative momentum generated in Thessaloniki.” 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) -   ITV Win, a real-money gaming platform owned by a major UK broadcaster, is scheduled to close just months after its debut. The shutdown follows financial difficulties experienced by its operating partner, Richmond Atlantic, stemming from the UK's new tax regulations. ITV Win Prepares to Shut Down ITV Win commenced operations in January, aiming to leverage the increasing consumer interest in gaming products. The brand was launched in collaboration with Gibraltar-based Richmond Atlantic and utilized technology from Malta's Gaming Innovation Group (GiG). However, Richmond was unable to obtain outside investment, resulting in financial challenges that were worsened by the UK's new gaming tax. Consequently, the operational partner for ITV Win has chosen to downscale its activities. This move includes the planned layoff of approximately 40 employees. Furthermore, Richmond verified that it will be discontinuing the ITV Win brand. The company identified Britain's new tax system as a primary factor behind this choice. To provide background, the tax rate on UK online slots surged from 21% to 40%, creating significant disruption within the gaming sector. Despite objections from numerous operators, legislators moved forward with enforcing the new tax. The New Tax Regime Made Business Unsustainable In a statement to NEXT.io, a spokesperson for Richmond stated that the company's attempts to counter the effects of the UK's new tax rules have been inadequate, making it impossible to sustain the business under the new fiscal conditions. The spokesperson also mentioned that every alternative was considered, such as a potential sale of Richmond to another operator targeting the UK market. Unfortunately, a sale did not materialize, compelling the company to proceed with the tough choice to cease operations. A spokesperson for ITV verified the impending closure of the ITV Win website, confirming that all users have been notified. Current players are being advised to remove any remaining funds from their accounts. Individuals who do not withdraw their money within the specified timeframe will receive a manual follow-up contact. 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) -   Caesars Entertainment released underwhelming Q1 results Tuesday, though the biggest question hanging over the company — its potential sale to Tilman Fertitta, owner of Golden Nugget Casinos — was left unaddressed. CEO Tom Reeg and other company leaders focused their remarks entirely on the recently completed quarter instead. Fertitta and Caesars have held sale negotiations for several weeks, and the casino operator has reportedly extended an exclusive negotiating window. Meanwhile, another billionaire with a long history of investing in Caesars, Carl Icahn, is waiting in the wings if Fertitta chooses to walk away from the deal. According to a Bloomberg report from earlier this month, Fertitta is offering $32 per share, a small premium over Caesars' current trading price of $27.31. The $18 billion deal would include $2-3 billion in equity and $4-5 billion in new borrowing, with Fertitta also taking on Caesars' massive $11 billion debt load, per Bloomberg. Fertitta is reportedly planning to merge Caesars and Golden Nugget, but that combination would almost certainly require asset divestments. The two companies have overlapping footprints in multiple markets, including Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi and Danville. Rent terms will also need to be worked out, as a large share of Caesars' real estate is leased from VICI Properties. As that acquisition saga unfolds, Caesars posted group net revenue of $2.9 billion in Q1, a 3% year-over-year increase driven mostly by another strong quarter for its digital segment. Group adjusted EBITDA held steady at $887 million, and the company narrowed its net loss from $115 million in last year's Q1 to a $98 million loss this year. Is Las Vegas Overly Reliant on Big Events? For Caesars' Las Vegas segment, both net revenue and net income were flat at $1 billion and $176 million, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment dropped around 2% to $426 million, and analysts appeared skeptical of the company's future plans for the market, asking repeated questions about Las Vegas performance. Reeg stated that Las Vegas is still recovering from the slow stretch of last summer, and its current performance is largely driven by special events and conventions. The market thrives during those event periods, but there is "softness when those events are not happening", he said. "It really comes down to... when the market has major group events, big sporting events, and major attractions, performance is extremely strong, but we still have slow weeks," Reeg told analysts. "We had soft weeks in April this year, because we just didn't have a strong event calendar in the market." Caesars is somewhat unique in Las Vegas because it operates both lower-priced and luxury properties across the market. Generally, operators with a narrower focus — like Wynn for luxury and Boyd for value — have performed better than broad players like Caesars and MGM, which have to cater to all price points during periods of low visitation. Reeg stressed Tuesday that the company's Las Vegas portfolio is well-positioned for the future. "High-end gaming has held up better than low-end, but center Strip location has mattered more than whether a property is high-end or low-end," he said. "We don't see a big performance gap between, for example, Caesars Palace and Harrah's. Performance is fairly consistent across all our properties for us." Regional Operations Ready to ‘Harvest’ Cash Flow Regional revenue rose 3% year-over-year to $1.43 billion, though the segment recorded a $20 million net loss for the quarter and adjusted EBITDA fell 1% to $435 million. Part of the decline was linked to difficult year-over-year comparisons tied to the Super Bowl, which was held in New Orleans (a Caesars regional market) in 2025 but moved to Santa Clara this year. In contrast to Las Vegas' softness, Reeg praised the stability of Caesars' regional business. "Consumers overall, and especially regional consumers, have been remarkably resilient through all the market uncertainty we've seen over the past couple months," he told analysts. "Regional business overall feels solid, we feel very good about what we're seeing there and our outlook going forward." A $200 million renovation of Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is scheduled for completion this summer, which will wrap up a $3 billion round of regional capital expenditures first outlined when Caesars merged with Eldorado Resorts in 2020. With those projects finished, Reeg said the company is entering a "free cash flow harvesting phase". The completion of several capital projects will support meaningful free cash flow growth this year, Citizens analyst Jordan Bender wrote in a research note. Citizens projects free cash flow of $876 million in 2026, with leverage improving slightly to 5.9x. On the balance sheet, Caesars ended the quarter with $867 million in cash against total debt of $11.9 billion. Caesars shares fell around 2.5% at market close Tuesday — the stock is still up 16% year-to-date, driven mostly by price gains tied to the Fertitta sale rumors. In February, Caesars shares dipped below $18 apiece, hitting their lowest level in five years. What’s the Plan for Digital? Caesars Digital delivered its best Q1 on record, the company said, with net revenue of $374 million (up 11% YoY) and adjusted EBITDA of $69 million (up 60% YoY). While the performance boost was positive, it renewed questions about the company's long-term vision for the segment. The digital business has long outperformed its retail counterpart, and rumors of a spin-off have circulated for far longer than the Fertitta speculation. Reeg did not comment extensively on prediction markets, but said the company's large user database acts as a digital customer acquisition tool that has offset any potential negative impacts. When it comes to sports betting, Caesars said it has steadily increased its hold percentage from 2022 through this quarter, when it reached 8.3%. Its iGaming handle rose by nearly $100 million from Q1 2025 to this year. Over that same period, average revenue per monthly unique player increased 15% YoY to $219, per Caesars. As the digital business continues to grow and sale speculation ramps up, Reeg confirmed Caesars is "unlikely" to pursue any new acquisitions in the near term. Jess MarquezJess has covered the global gaming industry since 2022. A native of Reno, Nevada, he wants to clarify that the state is pronounced Ne-va-da, not Ne-VAH-da. 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) -   Stake is enhancing its platform by introducing a new integrated verification system, enabling players to confirm the authenticity of their games. This aptly named Stake’s Provably Fair (PF) technology aims to guarantee the legitimacy of various game outcomes. While the platform inherently provides this assurance, players are now also empowered to conduct their own verification. Stake Elevates Transparency with New Technology  This technology has been rolled out to 1,200 slot games across both Stake.us and Stake.com, a development announced by co-founder Eddie Craven on his social media. Craven noted that the results from games currently utilizing this technology will be publicly accessible for examination, thereby reinforcing the platform's commitment to fairness and transparency. Rather than depending on the Random Number Generator (RNG) technology within games, players can now directly verify the outcomes of real money games. The technology explicitly details “Every possible result, the exact probability of each outcome, and the full mechanism behind how results are selected.” Craven pointed out that outcomes are generated and published beforehand, emphasizing that Stake displays this information in real-time, eliminating any uncertainty regarding its authenticity. “Players should never have to wonder if a game is fair or how the result distribution works. They should be able to access and prove it,” Craven stated, further remarking that the RNG model was an opaque system, not comparable to the PF technology now employed by Stake. 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) -   Jay Snowden, Penn Entertainment’s chief executive officer, is set to receive a substantial pay cut after the company’s shareholders rejected its 2025 compensation plan. Penn Reduces Target Value of Its CEO’s Compensation To provide additional context, a Monday regulatory filing indicates Snowden will be eligible for up to $17.4 million in 2026, a 31% reduction from the previous year’s proposed compensation package. Under the prior pay plan, the Penn Entertainment CEO could have earned $25.3 million. The most notable adjustment is a 41% cut to long-term incentive plan (LTIP) compensation. As a result, LTIP pay now makes up just 37% of Snowden’s overall total compensation. Reduced the target grant value of the CEO’s 2026 equity awards by $7.87 million, which equals a 41% cut to LTIP eligibility and a 31% reduction in total targeted direct compensation relative to 2025, effectively resetting his overall target pay back to 2023 levels. Penn filing excerpt This revised compensation proposal comes after a majority of the company’s shareholders (60%) voted against the 2025 pay plan. Penn Entertainment noted that the adjustment was made with Snowden’s full support and consent. Per the filing, the pay packages for other members of the C-suite will remain unchanged. This pay cut aligns with Penn’s prior commitment to engage with its shareholders regarding executive compensation. Last year, shareholders voiced strong opposition to Penn’s broader compensation framework, calling for pay packages that more accurately reflect the company’s actual performance. Though Penn previously noted that Snowden’s actual pay over the last several years has been less than half of his total potential compensation, the latest adjustments appear to show the company is now meeting its shareholders’ requests. Penn’s First Quarter Saw Strong Results The move to cut Snowden’s pay comes just after the company released its financial results for the first three months of 2026. Penn’s first quarter financials showed encouraging outcomes, even with a net loss of $2.8 million over the period. In contrast, the company’s revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) rose to $1.78 billion and $265.8 million respectively. The Interactive segment saw notable gains in adjusted EBITDA, which highlights Penn’s fast-paced digital growth. CEO Snowden stated that he was highly satisfied with the first quarter’s performance, describing the period as a “solid quarter.” He also noted that Penn Entertainment is excited to launch operations in the Canadian province of Alberta once the local market goes live. 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 Southern Nevada Health District has confirmed two cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to stays at Wynn Las Vegas. The district is encouraging anyone who visited the property on or after September 1, 2025, to complete an anonymous health survey to aid inspectors in understanding the extent of the disease. Cases Detected Quickly, Property Responds Decisively  Although the two cases occurred several months apart, the SNHD advises screening for all visitors. One case was reported in September 2025, and the second in February 2026. Both individuals have since recovered, and the property has initiated a prompt, thorough, and comprehensive remediation of its water system. Legionnaires’ disease is a waterborne illness caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria were previously identified in several water samples from the property. However, the most recent samples collected by the SNHD did not detect any traces of the bacteria. According to the SNHD, the completion of the health survey is particularly valuable for health authorities. Information from the Public Critical to Health Authorities  “Completing this survey is critical to the investigation and helps public health officials quickly identify any additional cases and ensure appropriate follow-up. Those who are currently experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and inform their primary care provider of the potential exposure,” stated the SNHD. The health survey can be beneficial even for individuals who experienced only mild symptoms or recovered quickly. While Legionnaires’ disease is treatable, it is highly contagious and can be fatal in some instances. In February, the estate of Gary Curtis Jones filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the South Point Hotel Casino and The Grandview in protecting guests from the disease. Last March, another lawsuit, also related to a guest's death, was filed against Harbor Island Apartments, now known as The Harmon at 370, and Coast Hotels and Casinos, which manages The Orleans Hotel and Casino. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The UK Gambling Commission has stood by its financial risk checks initiative and reassured the industry that high-spending gamblers won’t need to submit detailed financial records as part of the programme. This follows a pilot study indicating that financial risk assessments (FRAs) would only affect a small minority of consumers and could be largely hassle-free. During a keynote speech at the Ethical Gambling Forum in London on Tuesday, UKGC Executive Director Tim Miller clarified the Commission’s interpretation of the guidelines outlined in the 2023 Gambling Act Review white paper. Miller aimed to address recent pushback on FRAs from parliamentarians and sector stakeholders, stressing that the process is designed to protect vulnerable consumers without imposing intrusive or blanket measures. No financial documents needed post-FRA Crucially, Miller maintained that operators won’t be required to request supplementary financial documents like bank statements after an FRA. He also stated: “the checks we have been piloting will not even attempt to make an assessment of what each customer can afford to gamble”. Miller acknowledged that requests for financial documents have been among the most controversial aspects of recent regulatory proposals. Critics argue such requests are intrusive and disproportionate. One such critic was the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), where CEO Grainne Hurst previously commented on the scheme: “Forcing punters to hand over bank statements isn’t ‘frictionless’, it’s intrusive and will drive customers to the illegal market, where there are no safeguards at all.” According to a YouGov survey published by the BGC, 65% of UK bettors would refuse to provide personal financial documents if it were a requirement to continue betting. Are these rebranded affordability checks? The pilot launched in August 2024 amid industry claims it was a rebrand of the heavily scrutinised affordability checks. In stage one, checks were triggered when a player’s net monthly deposit reached £500. Tier one UK operators participated, and the checks could also prompt the use of credit reference agencies to assess a player’s financial history. A second phase starting in February 2025 lowered the net deposit threshold to £150 or above. The Commission had previously stressed the checks were not intended as spending limits or “affordability checks” in the conventional sense. Miller highlighted the financial vulnerability of the pilot cohort, noting they were two to five times more likely than average customers to have defaulted on debts or enrolled in debt management plans in the past year. He told the audience that less than 3% of active customers would trigger intervention steps under the new pilot, while 97% would undergo a frictionless assessment without disruption. This figure exceeds the originally forecasted 80% from the white paper. In response to the pilot, Commission Director of Major Policy Projects Helen Rhodes said it “helped us understand the extent that assessments could be conducted in a frictionless manner.” The pilot suggested only 0.1% of active accounts—around one in a thousand—would need additional support to complete the assessment, a markedly lower figure than the initial 0.6% estimated in the white paper. Upcoming clear guidance Responding to these concerns, Miller stated the Commission intends to recommend clear guidance preventing operators from seeking extra documentation post-FRA, describing such requests as lacking “a legitimate regulatory purpose.” The Gambling Commission board has yet to decide on implementing the checks following the pilot. Miller indicated any decision will be evidence-based and contingent on ongoing government support. Should the board approve, a joint implementation group will be established with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), operators, and credit reference agencies to develop a practical rollout plan and proportionate operational guidance. Combating illegal gambling Beyond FRAs, Miller outlined recent enforcement actions targeting illegal gambling sites. Between 2025 and 2026, the Commission issued 741 cease-and-desist notices, reported nearly 398,000 illegal URLs to search engines (with about 267,000 removed), referred 1,068 websites for delisting, and disrupted 1,134 sites via takedown or geo-blocking measures. With an additional £26 million in funding from the Treasury over three years, the Commission plans to intensify efforts alongside a government-established illegal gambling task force. “One of the areas that my own subgroup is working on at the moment is the publication of a national risk assessment on the illegal market to help ensure that we are all focussed on the main risks that might arise,” Miller told the audience. A summer 2026 consultation response is also expected on gaming machine compliance and operator obligations to remove non-compliant machines from July 29, 2026. Miller emphasised collaboration, expressing openness to credible industry proposals aligned with licensing objectives. He affirmed the UK’s licensed gambling sector remains commercially successful and must continue balancing innovation with responsible consumer protection. “Now is a moment where we need to also look at what we can do to help keep the consumer experience positive and competitive, especially when viewed against the illegal market.” 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 showed interest. 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.