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(AsiaGameHub) -   Mississippi is intensifying its initiatives to tackle gambling-related harm through new academic studies and legislative measures, designed to reshape the state's current betting practices and their social impacts. These developments are particularly crucial, since conventional harm prevention methods may now be insufficient. Young People Are Especially Vulnerable The University of Mississippi is launching a new research facility dedicated to studying gambling behaviors among university students. Sanctioned by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, the Center on Collegiate Gambling is scheduled to commence operations later this year with an approximate budget of $700,000. Project researchers emphasize that fresh data is urgently required. Legal sports betting has grown swiftly throughout the United States, potentially putting young adults at heightened risk. With gambling platforms more accessible than ever, preliminary survey results from university personnel indicate the problem has already become pervasive. Almost 40% of students acknowledged engaging in some type of gambling activity during the previous year, with a portion exhibiting behaviors consistent with problem gambling. In addition to gathering data, the center will create preventive initiatives, provide support services, and counsel legislators on possible policy reforms. The objective extends beyond merely comprehending the issue to actively influencing its resolution. Harm Prevention Must Keep Up with Market Realities Wider policy changes are already in progress across Mississippi. A newly proposed bill would mandate casinos to verify major winnings and subtract any outstanding child support obligations from the winner's payout. The legislation targets large-scale prizes like jackpots. Proponents contend this measure would guarantee that financial obligations are fulfilled when considerable amounts are at stake. Mississippi is also stepping up its crackdown on illicit operators. State regulators routinely issue cease-and-desist notices to unauthorized platforms that provide games of chance and sports wagering services without proper authorization. These operators are frequently located offshore and do not provide basic consumer safeguards or harm prevention measures. These academic and legislative initiatives show the state is slowly adjusting to contemporary trends. This transformation is particularly notable within higher education. With students now having betting platforms readily available on their mobile devices, the distinction between occasional participation and harmful use is becoming unclear. Establishing a specialized research center reflects growing recognition that current approaches will be inadequate for tomorrow's challenges. 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) -   Lottery operator Allwyn has announced the successful completion of its merger with Greek company OPAP. The company stated that this combination establishes it as "the second-largest listed lottery and gaming operator globally." Following this transaction, Allwyn is now officially listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Allwyn Becomes the Second-Largest Listed Lottery Operator in the World In its official announcement, Allwyn confirmed that the planned business combination between Allwyn International and OPAP has been successfully finalized. The company highlighted that this merger unites two highly successful businesses, thereby expanding their already established long-standing partnership. Allwyn initially invested in OPAP back in 2013. Allwyn further elaborated that the combined entity, which will operate under the Allwyn name, is now a more robust business. It holds leading market positions across several key markets and is characterized by a highly diversified product portfolio, positioning it for future success. The company emphasized that it is now supported by advanced technology and possesses a strong financial foundation, enabling it to pursue further growth opportunities. Additionally, Allwyn reiterated its ongoing dedication to responsible gambling practices and the generation of shareholder value. Regarding value generation, Allwyn confirmed its intention to distribute EUR 0.80 per share to its shareholders. This distribution will occur after the completion of share transactions involving shareholders who opted for the cash exit. The cash exit is anticipated to take place in April. Upon completion of these transactions, Allwyn will have 770,799,070 shares outstanding, excluding any treasury shares. Allwyn also stated that it remains on schedule to redomicile from Luxembourg to Switzerland before the end of the first half of 2026. Furthermore, the company indicated its intention to pursue an additional listing, with the London and New York stock exchanges identified as potential targets. Allwyn’s Leaders Praised the Milestone Representatives from Allwyn expressed their enthusiasm for this significant milestone. Karel Komarek, the company's founder and chair, described the deal's completion as the commencement of a "new chapter," building upon the existing momentum of both businesses. Komarek added that this transaction represents the culmination of 13 years of trust and commitment to creating value for players, shareholders, and society. He believes the combined entity is now well-positioned to achieve even greater success and redefine the entertainment landscape. Allwyn has exceptional potential in the rapidly evolving world of consumer entertainment, and we have the strategic clarity, scale, capabilities and ambition to define the future of the industry. Karel Komarek, founder & chair, Allwyn Robert Chvatal, Allwyn's chief executive officer, conveyed his strong confidence that the post-merger Allwyn will be capable of driving sustainable growth and value creation. He extended his gratitude to all those who supported Allwyn throughout the transaction, which has solidified the company's position as a leading force in lottery gaming. I would like to thank our shareholders, employees and regulators for their support as we bring together two best-in-class organisations to create the second largest listed lottery and gaming operator globally. Robert Chvatal, CEO, Allwyn In related news, Allwyn recently had to discontinue its planned merger with Novibet due to competition concerns. 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) -   Gambling firm Codere is reportedly exploring the sale of its operations for an estimated $2.3 billion or more. This information was initially reported by the economy and finance publication Expansión. Codere Could Sell Its Business by August According to Expansión’s report, the Spanish gaming group is considering a potential sale of its business to another entity. Consequently, the company has engaged Macquarie Group, a prominent financial advisory firm, for its services. Expansión stated it was contacted by anonymous sources familiar with the situation. These individuals indicated that the sale remains in its preliminary stages. The sources mentioned that bids are anticipated by mid-May, with a potential binding offer expected in June. If this schedule holds, a final agreement could be reached by the end of August, the sources familiar with the matter suggested.   Expansión asserted that any prospective deal would also encompass Codere Online, which is the group’s publicly traded online gambling division. A Buyer Would Gain a Strong Foothold in Spain & LATAM Regardless, with Codere firmly established as a leader in Spanish gaming entertainment, such an acquisition would provide a potential buyer with a significant presence in the country. Furthermore, acquiring Codere would grant the hypothetical buyer access to other markets where Codere’s products are available, including Argentina, Colombia, Italy, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay. Expansión suggested that potential buyers could include both gaming companies and financial investors. The news outlet added that certain restrictions on private equity firms might narrow the range of potential buyers. 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) -   Since 2019, Colorado has permitted online sports wagering, enabling residents to place bets from their homes or on the move. Furthermore, the Colorado Lottery recently transitioned to a digital platform to compete with the rising popularity of lottery courier services. However, state legislators are now moving to regulate the rapidly expanding gaming sector due to various responsible gambling concerns. Colorado Considers Prohibiting Player Prop Wagers The Colorado Senate recently approved two pieces of legislation that, if enacted, would place new restrictions on the state's lottery and gambling sectors. One bill aims to cap sports betting advertisements and outlaw controversial prop bets, while the other seeks to dismantle the state's digital lottery system. The first measure, Senate Bill 131, intends to regulate the sports wagering market by limiting television commercials, banning prop betting, and establishing mandatory deposit caps. Prop bets have faced significant criticism due to their connection to the harassment of athletes by bettors. The NCAA has long advocated for a ban on prop bets involving student-athletes, maintaining that such wagers cause undue stress for young players. Additionally, the proposed deposit limits are designed to prevent addiction by stopping players from chasing their losses. Senator Matt Ball pointed out that gambling is a unique addiction where those struggling often believe that continuing the behavior is the remedy. While he noted that many people gamble responsibly, he argued that safeguards are necessary to protect the most at-risk players. The bill was criticized by the major betting operator DraftKings, which warned that over-regulation could frustrate players and drive them toward the unregulated and more hazardous offshore market. Nevertheless, SB 131 managed to pass the Senate Finance Committee with a slim majority. SB 117 Aims to End Colorado’s Digital Lottery Shortly before SB 131 advanced, the Senate Finance Committee approved a separate bill that would terminate Colorado’s online lottery if signed into law. Supporters of the measure raised concerns that lottery games are becoming too similar to traditional gambling and expressed disapproval of players being allowed to fund their accounts with credit cards. SB 117 was introduced by Senator Jeff Bridges, who characterized the expansion of online lottery gaming as alarming and compared its impact to that of fentanyl. He noted that the most frequent players are often from lower-income demographics, which makes these digital gaming products particularly dangerous. 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) -   Jennifer Orbock typically played the lottery only occasionally, but her luck changed dramatically. She purchased a $1 digital instant ticket on a whim and gave it little thought until she received the astonishing news – she had hit the jackpot, winning $707,600! The odds of winning the Alakazam level progressive jackpot for Magic Winnings are 1 in 64.5 million, which makes Orbock's victory even more remarkable. She promptly chose to collect her winnings immediately, selecting the lump-sum, after-tax amount of $509,543. In a lighthearted comment about her good fortune, Orbock informed the lottery that she always believed she possessed “jackpot DNA.” As an added bonus for her family, the Charlotte mother plans to take them to Disney World. “We are taking the kids to Disney,” she stated. In other lottery news, a couple from Melbourne, Australia, recently won headlines by securing a prize of approximately $840,000. 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) -   Reports indicate Codere is on the market with a valuation surpassing €2 billion (or $2.3 billion). Spanish newspaper Expansión stated on Wednesday that Codere has engaged Jefferies and Macquarie Capital as advisors to prepare the firm for a sale. According to the report, interested parties are expected to submit non-binding offers for Codere by mid-May, with a final purchase agreement to be finalized before the August summer break. Currently, Codere’s ownership is divided among roughly 84 investment funds. In 2024, Codere completed a recapitalization deal that cut its corporate debt from €1.4 billion to around €190 million. The company noted this would secure a “future of stability and growth” and enable it to pursue further expansion in LatAm and Europe. “With an optimal debt structure and greater liquidity, Codere is positioned to seize new expansion opportunities in its key markets, consolidating its leadership in the sector,” the group said in a statement upon the recapitalization’s completion. Codere currently operates in European markets including Spain and Italy, as well as LatAm markets like Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Uruguay, and Colombia. Reports suggest Codere Online would be part of any potential sale of the broader business. Allwyn as a Potential Codere Suitor Ed Birkin, managing director of H2 Gambling Capital, told iGB he believes the rumored €2 billion valuation will be too high for most buyers. He named Allwyn International and Flutter Entertainment as potential acquirers, while remaining in private equity is another viable option. In January, Allwyn closed its $1.6 billion acquisition of a 62.3% stake in PrizePicks. On a post-FY2025 investor call, CEO Robert Chvátal said the company was exploring other M&A opportunities, though primarily focused on proprietary sportsbook technology. Birkin also noted Codere could be an “interesting omnichannel opportunity” for operators looking to enter the LatAm market. iGB will provide more updates on this story as it unfolds… 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 Isle of Man is proposing changes to its gambling laws that would allow the regulator to issue civil penalties directly to senior executives for compliance failings. This represents a departure from the existing approach of only penalizing companies. The measure aims to increase personal responsibility for directors, compliance officers, and other key staff at gambling firms. The proposed Isle of Man Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 would give the regulator the power to fine individuals if violations happen with their consent, through their connivance, or due to their negligence. This step is part of the regulator's wider programme of reforms designed to tighten entry controls. It would also broaden investigative authority to keep pace with changing risks in the industry. The bill, guidance and consultation The Bill introduces new direction-making powers, permitting the gambling regulator to give formal written orders to licence and certificate holders. These directives could require the provision of information, the execution of corrective actions, the suspension or cessation of operations, or an orderly shutdown following licence surrender. Failing to adhere to these directions could result in serious repercussions. The amendments would permit regulators to revoke or suspend licences and certificates. Such offences could be punished with up to six months in prison or level-5 fines, with the potential for higher penalties if convicted on indictment. In addition to the bill, the Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has published draft guidance outlining how it would assess individual responsibility and determine appropriate fines. The guidance makes clear that sanctions against individuals would be applied in addition to, not as a substitute for, penalties against the company. The regulator has conducted extensive consultations on its broader legislative reforms and has now launched a specific public consultation concentrating on these personal accountability measures. Gambling industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback between 23 and 25 May 2026. A history of enforcement The draft legislation comes after recent enforcement actions, including a £200,000 fine the GSC levied against Shelgeyr, the operator of Maverick Games, in February. This penalty was for systemic weaknesses in customer due diligence and continuous account monitoring. The regulator has also acted firmly in other recent instances, such as imposing penalties on Celton Manx for compliance deficiencies and revoking the licence of Boldwood Software's owner. The GSC notes that the Isle of Man's money laundering risk is currently rated as "medium high". After the consultation period ends, the Gambling Supervision Commission will consider the feedback received before finalizing the bill. To help the industry comprehend how personal accountability will work in practice, the regulator also intends to host an online Q&A session to offer more detail on the enforcement of the new measures. 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) -   Concerns that preventing smokers from gambling while they smoke have long maintained a strange loophole in America's ban on indoor public smoking. Casinos have continued to permit players to smoke cigarettes while gambling, harming the health of employees and other customers. Kansas Legislation Offers Hope to Health Advocates Seeking to End Indoor Smoking Exemption Discussion about ending this practice has been intense. Many casinos have been hesitant to take proactive action, worried that patrons would cease visiting. Some have implemented smoking bans without seeing their revenues drop. Kansas may now be considering following suit broadly, with new legislation – House Bill 2252 – poised to modify the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act and ban smoking in casinos. Additionally, the amendment aims to prohibit electronic cigarettes and marijuana as well. Secondhand smoke has emerged as a significant problem nationwide, and advocacy groups argue there is no economic or health rationale for permitting smoking inside casinos, even though smoking sections have been substantially reduced. Comparable initiatives are underway not just in Kansas, but also in New Jersey, which has emerged as the leading example in the fight against the indoor smoking loophole that permits smoking on casino floors. Initiatives Continue in New Jersey, Iowa and Other Locations New Jersey casino employees are once again pushing to eliminate indoor smoking in Atlantic City's gambling venues, now requesting that the New Jersey Supreme Court determine if the state constitution ensures their right to a safe work environment. Nevertheless, some attempts have not achieved their intended outcomes. A distinct measure in Iowa failed to pass. Discussion of the matter has been loud and contentious, engaging prominent lawmakers from numerous states, yet none have demonstrated readiness to address it. Senator Tony Bisignano was one of those who opposed the measure, though he claimed smoking would be eliminated "soon." 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) -   Sportradar has introduced its own iGaming brand, describing it as a combination of its sports data proficiency and casino offerings, representing the "next step in the evolution" of its iGaming division. Announced on Tuesday, the new brand, Playradar, will utilize Sportradar's sports data to create exclusive hybrid betting products. Playradar will offer a continuous live experience center where players can watch sports livestreams and place real-money wagers. The platform includes social functionalities that allow users to engage with each other in real time by exchanging insights, reactions, and tips. Access to both live and archived sports and casino streaming will be provided, with the goal of transforming key sporting moments into event-based gameplay that merges sports streaming with casino-style mechanics. Sportradar stated the brand will function exclusively in regulated markets, with game launches planned across 2026. An initial rollout is scheduled for the UK, North America, and Latin America. The company noted that most of its current clients already run both sports betting and casino operations, positioning Playradar as a "natural channel" for sustained revenue generation. Founder and CEO Carsten Koerl commented that the product will enhance the company's capacity to implement its long-term growth plan. “Playradar content is engineered to facilitate optimized cross-selling between sports and casinos, assisting operators in boosting player value and session duration at a time when user engagement and retention are crucial for operational sustainability,” Koerl said. Haitin brought in to lead Sportradar’s iGaming charge In early January, Sportradar revealed the hiring of Edo Haitin for the role of executive vice president of iGaming. Haitin brought more than two decades of industry experience, having previously held the position of CEO at Playtech Live. “We have a unique capability to effortlessly integrate live and historical sports events, innovative gaming mechanics, and casino content, and we benefit from the advantage of distributing games to a portfolio of operators that is already licensed,” Haitin said. “I am tremendously enthusiastic about further reinforcing our iGaming business via Playradar and developing it into a frontrunner in iGaming content, by capitalizing on Sportradar's current assets and the deeply experienced and talented team already assembled.” 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) -   During this morning's FY2025 earnings call, Zeal Network executives informed analysts that the company is exploring potential investments in more social lotteries and prize draw ventures beyond Germany. Dr Stefan Tweraser, the recently appointed CEO of the German lottery operator, stated that Zeal possesses a robust financial reserve for investment purposes, with additional details to be disclosed later in 2026. The company's overall results showed a 16% revenue increase across all operations, reaching €218 million. The lotteries division accounted for the bulk of this figure (89%), also posting a 16% year-over-year revenue gain. The period's revenue exceeded the September projection of €205-215 million by 2%. EBITDA reached €68.8 million, hitting the upper limit of the earlier €63-68 million guidance. Gaming revenue climbed 46% for the period. Company executives commended Zeal's 21% increase in marketing expenditure over the year. CFO Andrea Behrendt informed analysts that this upward trend is projected to persist into 2026, as Zeal intensifies its strategy for investing in environments without jackpots. Marketing expenditure is anticipated to outpace revenue growth in 2026. Behrendt noted that this investment has yielded returns, creating considerable value for shareholders. The expansion into additional digital marketing channels in 2025 enabled the company to enhance its partnership strategies, according to the CFO. New customers grew despite weak jackpot environment A key highlight of the FY25 earnings report was Zeal's customer base expansion, achieved despite what was characterized as a challenging jackpot environment in 2025. The lottery segment added 7% more registered customers during the 12-month period, totaling 1.2 million. Monthly active users (MAUs) for lotteries increased 8% year-over-year to 1.6 million. In the gaming division, MAUs hit 30,000 in FY25, representing a 36% increase. Behrendt stated that this demonstrated Zeal's ability to boost customer acquisition even during periods between jackpots. She added that lottery customer acquisition has grown less reliant on jackpots, resulting in greater stability. Nevertheless, the subdued jackpot environment in 2025 caused lottery cost-per-lead to rise by 32%. In response to questions about its prize draw operations and domestic competition in Germany, Tweraser asserted that Zeal dominates the 'dream house raffle' segment, with rivals falling short of its scale, customer growth generation, and capacity to drive lotteries from offline to online. The company anticipates scaling up its Traumhausverlosung operation to raffle as many as one house per month going forward. With Germany still undergoing a review of Interstate Treaty gambling rules, an analyst inquired whether Zeal foresees any regulatory shifts ahead. Tweraser responded that no major changes are expected and that the operator maintains close communication with the GGL. Zeal expects revenue uptick of up to 19% in 2026 Zeal projects 2026 revenue between €250 million and €260 million, representing a potential 19% rise over 2025. EBITDA is forecasted at €70-75 million, which already incorporates higher investment levels compared to 2025 aimed at further diversifying the company's portfolio. Nicole MacedoNicole began her career in local newsrooms in her native Gibraltar, where she contributed to launching the peninsula's first exclusively online broadcaster. 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 senior citizen dedicated approximately half a century to playing lottery games, and luck has finally smiled upon her as the anonymous winner claimed the life-changing prize, winning an AUD 1,260,098.55 jackpot valued at roughly $843,700. This marks the second comparable jackpot win across Australia in recent days, with the victor hailing from Melbourne and being one of five entries sharing the grand prize from TattsLotto draw 4661, held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. More Million-Dollar Winners from the March 21 Draw in Australia Similar to fellow winners, the senior woman was utterly astonished by her stroke of fortune, expressing her thrill to lottery officials. She informed TattsLotto that the winnings would significantly assist with completing various household projects and providing for her family. The winning ticket was purchased at Ormond News and Lotto, located at Shop 1, 491 North Road in Ormond, joining a series of substantial prizes claimed by Australians in that momentous weekend drawing.  "What! Are you serious?! One point two million dollars! Darling, you'd better not be teasing me," the woman exclaimed to lottery representatives, sharing her elation with officials, and adding: "You've made an elderly woman extremely happy! I'm in my eighties and have been playing for more than 50 years."  The winner also plans to set aside a portion of the funds to address her health needs, and humorously mentioned sharing the exciting news with her physician. The other verified winners who have come forward to collect the identical prize are a married couple from Melbourne. The husband discovered the wonderful news upon waking and had to hurry to reach his wife, who was on the verge of boarding a flight. 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.