分類: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   While a jackpot win is never guaranteed, the routine of playing the lottery and checking your tickets can certainly provide something to anticipate each week. An Australian couple has secured AUD 1,260,098.55, approximately $840,000, which represents their portion of a five-way split jackpot from the TattsLotto draw on Saturday, March 21. One of five winning tickets secures $840K The Melbourne-based couple plans to use their winnings towards purchasing a new home, and the win came as a significant surprise to them. The husband described their reaction as "absolutely dumbfounded," noting that the event caught them off guard, as they typically only buy tickets when the prize pool reaches tens of millions. “I don’t normally purchase lottery tickets unless the prize on offer is AUD30 million or above, but I thought, why not! I’m so glad I ended up purchasing a ticket in the draw. I just woke up on Sunday morning and decided to check the ticket. My wife wasn’t home, so I had to give her a call and tell her the good news.” The anonymous winner's wife was in the process of boarding a plane when her husband discovered the win. The venue that sold the winning ticket, Advantage Pharmacy Pakenham, located at Shop 9, Village Lakeside East Shopping Center, 19-27 Lakeside Boulevard in Pakenham, also shared in the celebration. 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) -   Livestreaming has emerged as a major driver behind the continued growth of the iGaming sector, with a recent Stream Hatchet report identifying Stake as the undisputed leader. The Livestreaming Effect The report, released on March 20, shows global interest in iGaming has surged dramatically, with search demand increasing eight times from 2023 to 2026. A significant portion of this expansion is tied to livestreaming, where viewers already tuned into sports, esports, and competitions find betting content a logical extension. The figures underscore Stake's remarkable reach. In January 2026 alone, the brand was featured in over 6,600 stream titles on Twitch and Kick, representing approximately 60% of all mentions related to iGaming. The lead over rivals is substantial. 1xBet followed with 1,800 mentions, then Betano with 837 mentions, and Winamax with 653. Collectively, all other brands amassed only 4,400 mentions. Kick’s Streamers Lead the Way A key reason for Stake's supremacy is its close ties to Kick, a platform designed with gambling content in focus. This contrasts with Twitch, which took a separate route by deciding to prohibit streams that include unregulated betting sites. Furthermore, numerous top streamers on Kick have direct affiliations with Stake, clarifying the brand's prevalent appearance in stream titles. A parallel trend is evident in viewership numbers. The top ten iGaming creators in January 2026 all broadcast on Kick, accumulating a combined 88.4 million hours of watch time. Trainwreckstv led with 15.6 million hours, trailed by Classybeef at 13.9 million and Roshtein with 12.6 million. Just these top three accounted for over 42 million hours of viewing in one month. Other betting-related platforms are also attracting notice. In the US, prediction market services Polymarket and Kalshi dominated chat discussions with 12,000 and 11,700 mentions respectively, outpacing sportsbooks like FanDuel (8,800 mentions) and PrizePicks (5,300). Beyond Kick, betting content retains an audience, with YouTube channels such as Stokastic DFS drawing 742,000 hours watched, and Barstool’s network of channels adding tens of thousands more. 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) -   Controversial rapper 6ix9ine, also known as Tekashi 69 or Tekashi 6ix9ine, is currently serving a three-month prison sentence for violating his supervised release.  While behind bars, the 29-year-old whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, found a way to gamble online. Crypto betting platform Rainbet, which has 6ix9ine as an ambassador, shared a video of him playing a $50,000 blackjack hand. Controversies Won’t Stop  The clip opens with an automated message confirming it’s a call from a federal prison. In the video, 6ix9ine appears to be on the phone from his cell, while the other participants are in the back of a jewelry store discussing $50,000 owed for a custom piece.  They agree to put the full amount on a single hand through his Rainbet account. The hand looked tough at first, with 6ix9ine holding 13 against the dealer’s 10. Against the odds, the dealer busted, giving 6ix9ine a $50,000 win. “6ix9ine gambling $50,000 on Rainbet from Jail, dedication,” commented  Rainbet on its social media.  This isn’t the first time the rapper has shared gambling footage from prison. In January, he revealed he had paid $10,000 to get a phone in his cell and then wagered $15,000 on blackjack. Shortly after he was imprisoned, the rapper posted the following message on X: “I’m going back in time to Rick Ross career, anybody want anything.” A Magnet for Popular Names Rainbet has been attracting several high-profile figures, including streamer Adin Ross, who accompanied 6ix9ine when he surrendered to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on January 6, boxer Ryan Garcia, and influencer Cuffem, both also representing the same platform. Cuffem and Garcia are both representing the same platform. Ross, another controversial name related to gambling streams, has been accused of using online casino money to cover the costs of automated streams in a US civil case, along with Canadian rapper Drake.  In other words, the two claimed they were gambling with their own money and not funds provided by crypto casino Stake.At the start of 2005, Ross made a grand gesture and donated $20,000 to a couple on a casino floor.  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) -   An increasing amount of research indicates gambling companies are progressively adapting their marketing approaches to target female consumers, alarming public health officials and regulators. Influencers and ‘Fun Bets’ Changing How Women View Gambling New research by Deakin University scholars, which surveyed over 500 women aged 18 to 40 in Victoria, Australia, reveals that contemporary advertising methods are changing female perceptions of betting. The results demonstrate that gambling is frequently framed as a casual, social pastime, while its dangers are significantly downplayed. The study discovered that promotional efforts have expanded far past conventional channels. Social media networks, particularly those favored by younger women, are now key to these strategies. Influencers, ex-athletes, and lifestyle figures are employed to market betting services, making them seem more familiar and attractive. The research suggests these tactics contribute to a wider change in perceptions. Numerous subjects stated that gambling is now seen as more socially acceptable for women than it used to be. By associating betting with entertainment, fashion, or mainstream culture, firms are integrating it into normal daily experiences instead of presenting it as a hazardous pursuit. A major worry identified by researchers is the growth of "novelty bets." These wagers are commonly linked to events outside of sports, like reality TV shows or awards. Since they relate to well-known subjects, they can seem less intimidating to beginners. Nonetheless, specialists caution these starting points might steer people into more regular or serious gambling behavior. Research Highlights Shift from Casual Bets to Riskier Habits Those involved in the study outlined a pathway where seemingly innocent wagers could develop into more problematic routines. Investigators determined these products might serve as an entry point for people previously not involved in gambling. The analysis also looked at the impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives. Some betting operators advertise collaborations with women's charities or significant awareness campaigns. Although these programs can enhance a company's image, many participants were doubtful, interpreting them as tactics to gain credibility rather than sincere support for causes. Figures referenced in the study show female gambling involvement in Victoria is now on par with men's, with 50% taking part annually. This development has heightened fears that a greater number of women may face potential monetary and emotional damage. An equivalent trend has been noted in Queensland, where University of Queensland studies indicate sports betting is not as overwhelmingly male as before. Analysts contend that existing rules have failed to adapt to the evolving nature of gambling advertising. They emphasize that restricting only standard ads is now inadequate, as promotion encompasses influencer collaborations, sponsorships, and subtle messaging. The report's writers advocate for tighter controls and more extensive regulations, combined with public awareness programs to improve women's understanding of gambling-related dangers. 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) -   Authorities in the Philippines are stepping up measures to combat unlawful conduct associated with internet-based gaming services, placing special emphasis on safeguarding young people in virtual environments. PNP Increases Monitoring of Online Gaming Amid Concerns for Child Safety The Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed its Anti-Cybercrime Group to broaden its oversight and enforcement actions against offenses committed via gaming apps. This step comes amid rising worries that some platforms are being exploited for damaging behavior, such as taking advantage of underage users. Senior police officials stated that contemporary policing needs to reach past tangible locations into cyberspace, where threats to susceptible populations, especially kids, keep increasing. They emphasized that guaranteeing security in virtual settings has become a fundamental duty of law enforcement. One service under particular examination is Roblox, a widely-used gaming platform with a massive worldwide user base. Investigative reports indicate that some people have leveraged its interactive functions to contact minors, triggering concerns about possible predatory behavior and abuse. Government agencies are currently assessing the scope of these dangers through collaborative efforts. The PNP is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to evaluate suspected infractions. Their combined work involves pinpointing potential incidents of improper interactions with minors and other illegal activities facilitated by digital platforms. Philippines Issues Warning to Roblox Regarding Safety, Hints at Potential Ban Government regulators have also set a time limit for Roblox to explain its existing protective protocols. An insufficient response may lead to nationwide access limitations, such as delisting from app marketplaces and restrictions imposed by internet service providers. In addition to exploitation worries, authorities are also analyzing gaming elements that mirror betting activities. Certain mechanisms, like chance-based prizes and digital money, have faced criticism for subjecting younger players to casino-style dynamics. Research and parental input indicate that kids frequently find these systems confusing, potentially causing accidental purchases and bewilderment. The matter has also captured the attention of legislators. Elected officials are demanding more robust protective measures, such as tighter age confirmation processes and enhanced guidelines for shielding youth on digital services. Simultaneously, debates continue about finding equilibrium between oversight, innovation, and personal data protection. The Philippines' measures align with a wider international pattern, as numerous nations reassess how gaming companies handle user protection. With millions of daily active users globally, many below 13 years old, services like Roblox face mounting demands to reinforce their safety protocols. Officials highlighted that their initiative will not target just one program. Additional gaming and social media platforms are also being closely monitored as part of a comprehensive effort against internet crime and digital abuse. 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 New York player came just short of the Powerball jackpot but ended up winning $2 million instead. Additionally, another player took home half a million dollars courtesy of the 10X Power Play multiplier. Powerball’s Top Prize Remains Unclaimed Yesterday’s drawing again left the Powerball jackpot unclaimed, as no players nationwide matched all six winning numbers needed for the game’s top prize. Still, several players came close and earned rewards for their near-misses. The winning numbers from yesterday’s drawing were 12, 18, 47, 56, 63, and Powerball 1. The active Power Play multiplier was 10X. A player who matched all those numbers would have won $135 million via the annuity option or $61 million through the one-time lump sum. Though no one had that level of luck, one New York ticket holder matched all five white numbers to claim the game’s second-tier prize. Normally, matching the white numbers wins $1 million, but the Power Play feature doubled the player’s winnings to $2 million. Meanwhile, eight players correctly picked four white numbers plus the Powerball. Seven of them won $50,000 each, while the eighth received $500,000 because the 10X Power Play multiplier applies to this prize level. The jackpot has since grown to $147 million with a cash value of $66.6 million. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25. The Previous Prize Landed in Arkansas For reference, the prior Powerball jackpot was won earlier this month by an Arkansas player who matched all six numbers, earning a life-altering $251 million. Meanwhile, a viral internet claim asserts that the infamous Jeffrey Epstein won an $85 million Powerball jackpot in 2008. The claim says the late tycoon and pedophile won the prize from the July 2 drawing that year.    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) -   At Sri Lanka's 2026 Global Game Connect (GGC) conference, officials reaffirmed their dedication to a lawful, equitable, and sustainable gaming industry. The event was held earlier this month at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, South Asia's first integrated resort. The $1.2 billion IR, featuring a casino managed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, launched in 2025 and stands as the largest private investment in Sri Lanka to date. Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe informed conference attendees, "Technology combined with creativity will propel this industry. … From a governmental standpoint, we will provide our complete backing to advance this industry both domestically and across the region". Sri Lanka leverages its strategic location—four hours by air from Southeast Asia and two hours from India. "We possess substantial potential for [gaming], especially regarding expanding neighboring markets such as India," stated Deputy Transport Minister Susil Ranasinghe at GGC. Stricter regulation a prerequisite for operators Stringent regulation is essential to attract operators like Melco, a global entity headquartered in Macau. The 2025 Sri Lanka Gambling Regulatory Act mandates "transparency and good governance" to build "public trust in the gambling industry’s integrity". It prohibits "irresponsible products and practices" and mandates programs "to reduce social harm linked to gambling". Additionally, it incorporates measures to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and to prevent individuals under 18 from gambling. City of Dreams Sri Lanka hosted the first Global Game Connect trade show, March 16-17. South Asia's first integrated resort may serve as a leading indicator for global operators exploring new markets. This legislation covers both land-based and online gaming. Officials note that 60% to 70% of gamblers currently use illegal offshore services. Penalties for unlicensed iGaming operators include fines of up to Rs. 10 million ($107,000) or imprisonment for up to two years. The independent Gambling Regulatory Authority, established in 2025, was created to enforce the act. It is scheduled to be fully operational by the end of June. Sri Lanka links gaming, tourism As Sri Lanka continues its recovery from the 2022 economic crisis, officials are establishing a direct connection between gaming and tourism. They aim for up to 3 million visitor arrivals this year, exceeding the 2025 record of 2.3 million. Their strategy involves branding the island as a destination for high-end tourists, including gamblers. The $4.5 billion tourism revenue target is based on an average daily per-person expenditure of $160, an increase from $140 in 2025. With a rise in the gaming levy from 15% to 18% and increased casino entry fees for locals, gaming revenue is projected to generate an extra $250 million annually. However, for physical casinos, most revenue is likely to come from foreign visitors. One estimate indicates that the local entry levy, which doubled last year from $50 to $100, equals 40%~60% of a Colombo office worker’s starting monthly salary. Thus, Sri Lanka is broadening its reach. According to Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, the country identifies Saudi Arabia, the broader Middle East, and the United States as potential source markets. On the sidelines of GGC, a representative from iGaming platform provider Diamante Tech noted that stricter gaming regulation in Sri Lanka has increased its attractiveness to global manufacturers and suppliers. "There’s a feeling that people are now taking notice of the Sri Lankan market. It’s a very positive step… and a good opportunity. It’s only going to expand." Marjorie PrestonMarjorie began her gaming career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and film and plays the drums. 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) -   On Monday, authorities in Taiwan indicted 20 individuals for their roles in a money laundering operation that allegedly utilized Macau-based casinos to clean over TWD33 billion ($1.03 billion) in illicit funds. Law enforcement described the case as the country's "first cross-border casino money laundering case." The scheme allegedly involved depositing illegal gambling profits into the credit accounts of specific card runners, who then traveled to Macau to use high-limit cards for purchasing casino chips. These runners reportedly did little to no gambling. Instead, they either cashed out the chips for Hong Kong dollars—the primary currency in Macau's casinos—or handed them off to accomplices within the gaming center. Suspects connected to Asian iGaming firm According to the Yunlin District Prosecutor’s Office, the probe was initiated last November following a tip to the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) about a criminal organization recruiting money mules. Raids conducted in Taichung, Taipei, and New Taipei City resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects and 10 reported indictments. Charges have been filed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act. Local news reports have tied the syndicate to Jinzhou Entertainment City, an iGaming operator that targets players in Taiwan, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Online betting is prohibited in Taiwan and Cambodia and faces strict regulations in Vietnam. Alleged leaders, identified as Chen and Lin, are currently at large with 20-year arrest warrants issued. In 2024, International Community Radio Taipei reported that Jinzhou principals and associates were charged in a similar matter. The Taichung Prosecutor’s Office previously identified Lin as a "former high-ranking police officer" who allegedly used his role as a captain in the Taichung Criminal Investigation Corps to oversee a money laundering ring that netted approximately $1.4 million between 2021 and 2024. CIB: Police committed to ongoing money laundering fight In a statement regarding the case, the Taiwan Criminal Investigation Bureau said, “The police will continue to dismantle money laundering networks, enhance their technological investigative tools, and work with international judicial bodies to protect public assets and ensure a safe environment.” Marjorie PrestonMarjorie started her career in the gaming industry in 2007 and has concentrated on Asian markets since 2020. Outside of her professional life, she writes about travel and cinema and is a drummer. 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) -   Idaho has joined a 39-state coalition in a legal challenge against what the states claim is an effort by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to expand its regulatory authority, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador announced Monday. The coalition is asking federal courts to reject the CFTC’s claim that it has exclusive jurisdiction over specific sports betting activities—a move the states say would strip them of their longstanding power to regulate or ban sports gambling within their borders. This legal action comes amid broader uncertainty about the agency’s evolving stance on prediction markets and event contracts, particularly following recent internal changes and policy debates at the regulator. ‘Idaho will continue defending our right to regulate gambling’ In a statement, Labrador said, “Under the CFTC’s reasoning, states like Idaho that opt to ban sports betting would be unable to enforce those bans.” “An unelected federal agency says it found hidden authority in 15-year-old financial reform laws to override state gambling laws across the country,” he added. “Congress never granted that power, and Idaho will keep fighting to protect our right to regulate gambling as we see fit.” The legal dispute escalated to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals after Nevada sued Kalshi and similar platforms to enforce its state gambling laws. The CFTC filed a brief supporting the platforms, arguing for federal preemption. In response, Idaho and 38 other states submitted an amicus curiae brief backing Nevada. The coalition stresses that if the CFTC’s position is upheld, states—including Idaho—would be barred from enforcing sports betting prohibitions or regulations. Dispute over regulatory authority The controversy centers on a new generation of online platforms—including Kalshi and Crypto.com—that have begun offering wagers on sports outcomes through federally regulated exchanges. These platforms have promoted their products as financial derivatives rather than conventional sports bets. Kalshi reported that customers traded more than $1 billion worth of contracts tied to the February 2026 Super Bowl. Historically, the CFTC had refrained from endorsing these contracts. In September 2025, the agency issued an advisory clarifying it had not approved such contracts and acknowledged state laws could block them. However, following a change in CFTC leadership, the commission reversed its stance and, in ongoing litigation, argued that these contracts qualify as “swaps”—a category of financial instruments subject to exclusive federal regulation. The four key arguments  The coalition’s brief outlines four key arguments: limits on federal agency jurisdiction, the need for clear congressional authorization, preservation of state powers, and the CFTC’s lack of expertise. Federal agencies cannot unilaterally expand their jurisdiction—especially in domains like gambling that states have traditionally regulated. Supreme Court precedents require explicit congressional approval for agencies to impose broad rules affecting matters of substantial national importance. The coalition asserts Congress did not expressly empower the CFTC to regulate sports betting when it authorized oversight of derivatives markets after the financial crisis. Transfers of traditional state functions to federal control must be explicit. Gambling regulation has long been a core state responsibility. Unlike states—which have established licensing regimes, age-verification systems, responsible gaming policies, and integrity monitoring—the CFTC lacks both gambling-specific expertise and statutory mandates in this sphere. The Ninth Circuit is presently considering consolidated appeals concerning whether state gambling enforcement applies to platforms offering event contracts and prediction markets through federally regulated exchanges. The 39-state coalition urges the court to confirm that states retain the authority to regulate or prohibit betting activities regardless of how platforms characterize their products. 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) -   Top digital sports media group Better Collective has announced the appointment of Thomas Plenborg as chair of its board of directors during its latest annual general meeting. Plenborg will take up the high-profile role after his predecessor chose not to run for re-election. Plenborg Succeeds Departing Jens Bager Plenborg is already well acquainted with Better Collective’s operations, having become a member of the company’s board in 2025. In his new role as board chair, he takes over from Jens Bager, who opted not to seek re-election, wrapping up almost 10 years of service with the firm. Per statements from Better Collective, this appointment comes as the company aims to enter a new stage of strategic growth. Plenborg will be expected to draw on his extensive experience to guide the company forward and deliver greater value for its shareholders. Better Collective noted that Plenborg is a highly seasoned professional who currently works as a professor at the Department of Accounting of Copenhagen Business School. He also serves as board chair at DSV, a firm he helped grow from a regional operator into a dominant global leader in the transport and logistics space. Plenborg’s core expertise includes driving considerable shareholder value through sound strategic planning and M&A campaigns. Along with approving Plenborg’s appointment as board chair, shareholders also voted to re-elect vice chair Therese Hillman, as well as returning René Efraim Rechtman, Leif Nørgaard, Britt Ingrid Boeskov and Todd Dunlap to their seats on the board. Plenborg Eager to Support Better Collective’s Next Stage of Growth Speaking on his appointment, Plenborg thanked Better Collective’s leadership and shareholders for their trust, as well as his predecessor for his hard work building the company’s governance structure, setting its strategic direction and paving its growth path. Plenborg added that he is excited to begin working with the company’s management team and fellow board members to scale the business even further. I now look forward to working closely with the management team and my fellow Board members to continue developing Better Collective for the benefit of all our stakeholders, including our customers, partners, employees and shareholders. Thomas Plenborg, chair, Better Collective Jesper Søgaard, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Better Collective, also expressed his delight at Plenborg taking on the board chair role. He stated that the company’s team has long trusted Plenborg’s deep financial and strategic expertise, and is counting on him to help Better Collective solidify its status as a leading sports media provider. His [Plenborg’s] experience with globally-leading companies will be invaluable as we continue our work towards becoming the leading digital sports media group. Jesper Søgaard, co-founder & co-CEO, Better Collective A couple of months ago, Better Collective announced that its ownership of its own share capital had hit the 5% mark. At the time of that announcement, the company stated that it was evaluating a possible share capital reduction. 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) -   According to a new report from Citizens Equity Research analyst Jordan Bender, which utilizes anonymized wallet data from the tracking platform Juice Reel, retail participants on prediction market platforms are experiencing poorer outcomes than those using legal US sportsbooks. Study Shows Prediction Markets Users Lose More The research indicated that the median return on investment for prediction market users stood at -8% from July 2025 onward. This contrasts with a median ROI of -5% for bettors on legal US sportsbooks during the same timeframe and a figure of -7% in an earlier iteration of the report. The analysis also looked at users active on both types of platforms. This group showed a median ROI of +1% on sportsbooks compared to -6% on prediction markets, suggesting to Bender that these individuals might represent less profitable customers for conventional betting firms. Additionally, during Q4 2025 earnings calls, gaming executives projected that prediction markets represented between 0% and 5% of diverted sports betting activity, a range that corresponds with Citizens' own estimate of 5%. Earlier this month, Bender published a separate report arguing that betting data providers stand to gain significantly from the growth of prediction markets. Who Is Using Prediction Market Platforms? Bender’s report cited a discussion hosted by Citizens featuring two professional bettors, who noted that prediction markets present a promising avenue for profits since retail users typically take the opposite position. One participant stated that being positioned against the general public is optimal, characterizing market-making as very appealing and comparing the situation to running platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Using Sensor Tower data, the report also noted that 24% of Kalshi users are under 25, and the company has a median user age of 31. By comparison, the median age is 35 for both DraftKings and FanDuel. It was also emphasized that approximately 90% of DraftKings’ revenue comes from users aged 30 and above. The report also suggested a possible slowdown in acquiring new customers, observing that app downloads for FanDuel and DraftKings fell by 18% and 13%, respectively, from September 2025 to February 2026. In that same period, Kalshi achieved 6.3 million downloads, and its user base, which skews younger, may be a factor in that expansion. It is important to mention that while Bender’s report provides valuable details on the spending behaviors and demographics of prediction market users, it is not the initial study to assert that these users incur greater losses than traditional sports bettors. Similar findings have been reported before, and Kalshi has contested the notion that its regular users lose money more quickly than those on standard sports betting platforms. 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) -   Tensions are rising following a security incident at the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), as a German cybersecurity expert now asserts possession of confidential data from one of Europe’s primary gambling regulators. Earlier this month, the authority confirmed it had identified unauthorized system access, implemented containment protocols, and initiated an internal probe. The MGA Manages Comprehensive Data on Licensees For several days, the event appeared to be a routine cyberattack typical of the online gaming industry. That changed when Lilith Wittmann claimed responsibility via social media posts on LinkedIn and X, stating she had already distributed sensitive documents to journalists and government bodies. The collected information has been provided to media outlets and officials. We intend to reveal the organized crime networks you have facilitated while masquerading as a “legitimate public entity.” Lilith Wittmann In her posts, Wittmann suggested connections between licensed gambling firms and organized crime, though she has yet to provide public proof. If validated, these allegations could significantly disrupt the online betting industry. As a central regulatory body for hundreds of operators, the MGA maintains a vast licensing network and likely holds extensive records on corporate ownership and compliance audits. I am confident that the data gathered is of such public importance that its acquisition will eventually be viewed as a vital necessity in the near future. Lilith Wittmann The full extent of the data leak remains unclear. The regulator has not clarified if the breach involved personal information, financial details, or internal memos, nor has it revealed how long the systems were compromised. This ambiguity has kept industry stakeholders on high alert, as any exposure of regulatory records could carry heavy legal and reputational risks. Malta’s Standing in the Industry May Be at Risk Wittmann’s tactics have intensified the focus on the incident. She warned that any legal action against her would result in a broader release of the stolen data. The outcome depends heavily on the MGA's next steps. Malta enforces strict punishments for hacking state entities, potentially leading to international legal disputes and extradition requests. I trust that German authorities will exercise wisdom and refuse to extradite me to Malta, where I could face a decade in prison for hacking a public institution. Lilith Wittmann The breach has also highlighted Malta’s role in the global gambling sector. The nation is known for a regulatory environment that balances oversight with business incentives. Nevertheless, some critics argue that the rapid growth of the industry is straining the limits of supervision, particularly regarding cross-border operations. Currently, the industry is waiting to see if Wittmann will follow through on her threats and what the data actually reveals. While a minor leak regarding security flaws might be manageable, a widespread release of sensitive corporate data could create a very different scenario for the MGA and the companies it regulates. 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.