Colorado Lawmakers Are Considering New Gambling Restrictions

(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.

North Carolina Woman Claims $707K Lottery Prize, Plans Disney Trip

(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.

Codere is reportedly up for sale at a $2.3 billion valuation

(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.

Isle of Man proposes civil penalties for individuals as gambling bill enters consultation

(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.

Kansas Moves Toward Banning Smoking in Casinos

(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.

Episode 33: Are Prediction Markets Overhyped for March Madness?

(AsiaGameHub) -   This week, Ed Birkin and Robin Harrison discussed several important industry subjects, examining the recent ECJ ruling and the March Madness wagering market more closely. The duo starts by addressing the recent ECJ opinion regarding German player-loss lawsuits, which they indicate provides minimal guidance for the broader sector. The ruling seems to endorse the authority of member nations to implement their own gambling licensing systems, provided these regulations adhere to EU legislation. Nevertheless, it fails to resolve the most significant issues. March Madness and the actual scale of the wagering market Ed states that March Madness represents the world's most heavily wagered-upon competition. H2 projects that the legitimate US sportsbook handle for both the men's and women's tournaments together will hit $4 billion, an increase from $3.7 billion in the previous year. Furthermore, Ed approximates that prediction markets might produce approximately $1.6 billion in trading volume during the tournament, which he converts to about $530 million in handle-equivalent terms. The portion that directly rivals licensed sportsbooks in states where sports wagering is already permitted is considerably lower, estimated at between $135 million and $150 million. Are prediction markets receiving excessive attention? Based on their conversation, prediction markets constitute merely one of several elements that could influence sportsbook results. Additional challenges, including reduced promotional spending, economic pressures, and evolving consumer patterns, could potentially exert more substantial effects on handle. The duo wraps up by expanding the conversation about prediction markets to a wider context. Robin highlights recent advancements in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and the Netherlands, whereas Ed continues to express strong doubts regarding their future viability. 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.

Sportradar Unveils New iGaming Brand, Blending Sports Data with Casino Gaming

(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.

Zeal Explores Further Investments in Social Lotteries and Prize Draw Geographic Expansion

(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.

After 50 Years, Grandmother Wins $843K in Lottery

(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.

Couple Gets $840K After Splitting Jackpot with Four Other Tickets

(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.

Unsurpassed: Stake Dominates iGaming Streaming in 2026 Boom

(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.

No Interruption: 6ix9ine Wins $50K Blackjack Hand From Prison

(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.