分類: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has approved a four-year extension for Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s operating license, with the renewal taking effect retroactively from January 2026. Hard Rock Casino Rockford License Approved for Another 4 Years During a meeting held last week, Hard Rock Casino Rockford presented its case to secure the renewal of its casino owner’s license. Hard Rock Casino Rockford commenced operations on November 10, 2021, becoming the first new casino authorized under the significant 2019 gaming expansion law to open, and was designated as Illinois’ 11th casino. The casino initially operated from a temporary location before moving to its permanent facility in August 2024. The casino's first location was at the former Giovanni’s restaurant on North Bell School Road, where it opened as Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act in November 2021. Following approval from the IGB, construction on a permanent site for the casino began in September of the subsequent year. Less than two years later, in August 2024, the temporary venue ceased operations to facilitate the transition to the new site, which opened to the public on the 29th of the same month. Hard Rock marked the opening with performances by Akon, who was the inaugural artist at the Hard Rock Live! concert hall, and additional headliners that weekend included Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. In other Hard Rock news from April, its Atlantic City venue introduced its first $2-million Dragon Link progressive slot machines, provided by Aristocrat Gaming. What Else Did the IGB Do at the Meeting? At the same meeting where Hard Rock’s license was renewed, IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter reminded all licensed casino, video gaming, and sports wagering operators of their obligation to adhere to the Board’s updated advertising and marketing regulations, which were revised last year. Fruchter emphasized the Board's serious approach to advertising and marketing requirements and its expectation that both licensees and applicants will maintain these standards, cautioning that non-compliance could lead to disciplinary actions. He also encouraged video gaming terminal operators and licensed establishments to comply with the August 2025 changes, which impose restrictions on exterior advertising and signage. Among other stipulations, the updated law limits the use of movable flags, banners, temporary signs, and similar items outside licensed video gaming premises to a period of 90 days after the issuance of a location license. The IGB also advised all Illinois residents to avoid engaging with illegal, unlicensed, and unregulated retail and online gambling operators. The Board's next scheduled regular meeting is set for June 11, 2026. In related IGB news, a recent bill proposed in Illinois would grant the Board expanded authority over prediction market providers operating within the state, requiring them to pay a $1 million license fee for the privilege of operating in Illinois, among other conditions. 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) -   Flutter Entertainment has secured a significant legal win in the UK following a decision by the Court of Appeal to reverse a High Court judgment that was unfavorable to its subsidiary, Sky Betting and Gaming. The dispute, referred to as RTM v Bonne Terre Ltd, centers on a gambler with an addiction who alleges the operator utilized his personal information to send him targeted marketing, thereby exacerbating his condition. Targeted Marketing Allegedly Led to Massive Losses The claimant, known as RTM, asserted that the firm employed cookies and tracking techniques to profile his behavior without obtaining his permission. He contended that these actions resulted in losses totaling GBP 45,000 ($61,000) over a ten-year period. The High Court's initial decision supported RTM, finding that he had not given what it termed "legally operative consent" for his data to be utilized in this manner. This judgment employed an uncommon rationale, implying that RTM's condition as a problem gambler impacted his capacity to provide valid consent for data harvesting and targeted ads. This interpretation sparked worries within the sector, as it indicated that consent might be influenced by a person's individual vulnerabilities instead of the procedure for acquiring it. Sky Betting and Gaming contested this logic, maintaining that the claimant had agreed to cookie usage and had reviewed the privacy policies. The operator stated that its methods complied with recognized data protection guidelines. The company's position was that consent must be evaluated on definitive user actions, like clicking to accept terms and conditions. Determining Consent Remains a Tricky Issue The Court of Appeal finally ruled in the operator's favor. In the judgment by Lord Justice Mark Warby, it was concluded that the High Court had applied erroneous legal criteria to evaluate consent. The ruling dismissed the notion that businesses need to demonstrate what was occurring in a user’s mind at the moment they agreed to data processing. The emphasis, it stated, should be on whether the mechanism itself complied with the law. It is neither necessary nor relevant for this purpose to explore whether the individual data subject was vulnerable, with an impaired ability to make fully autonomous decisions. Lord Justice Mark Warby By stating that consent is not contingent on a subjective evaluation of vulnerability, the decision establishes a more consistent framework for companies. The matter is now sent back to the High Court for additional proceedings. Currently, operators can be confident that standard consent frameworks continue to be acceptable under UK and European legislation. Notwithstanding this latest ruling, harm associated with gambling continues to be a serious concern, particularly regarding marketing directed at at-risk people. Regulators are aware of the case, and the UK Gambling Commission plans to implement stricter regulations that will mandate operators to secure explicit permissions for marketing messages, as well as provide customers with enhanced control over contact methods and timing. 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) -   Nearly five months after New York regulators granted three highly contested downstate casino licenses, Resorts World NYC became the first recipient to launch full-scale casino operations with the debut of the first phase of its $5.5 billion renovation and expansion project on Tuesday. This former racino, now a casino, introduced 240 table games—an unprecedented milestone for downstate New York—alongside roughly 2,500 slot machines. Before this, NYC residents had to travel upstate or cross state lines to New Jersey or Connecticut to visit a Class III casino, but now they can access one directly in Queens. “Live table gaming is officially open in New York City for the first time ever and on day one we are contributing to the state’s economy, supporting jobs and giving back to New Yorkers,” Robert DeSalvio, president of Genting Americas East, said in a statement. “With our planned $5.5 billion expansion, this is only the beginning of something much bigger for Resorts World and for New York.” Resorts World is set to gain a major first-mover edge in the downstate area. The other two license holders—Bally’s Bronx and Metropolitan Park—are both new greenfield projects scheduled to open in 2030. By using existing, unused space, Resorts World was able to launch its first phase earlier than planned; the initial target was June. Construction will proceed in phases until 2031, and if its final target of 800 table games and 6,000 slot machines is achieved, it will boast the highest numbers of these in the United States. In its December license recommendation, New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) noted that Resorts World’s initial proposal included around 4,600 slots and 530 tables. Resorts World: The Most Ambitious NYC Bidder For most applicants, the downstate casino licensing process was a turbulent journey, but Resorts World was likely the top contender. Its substantial tax contributions as an existing video lottery terminal (VLT) facility and its aggressive approach to outbidding competitors made it nearly unthinkable for the project to be overlooked for a license. However, its eagerness might have been excessive considering how the process played out—only three applicants were left vying for three available licenses. The GFLB stated that among the three finalists, only Resorts World’s forecasts “significantly exceeded” the figures provided by the state’s consultants. Resorts World incrementally enhanced its proposal in multiple ways, such as: Proposing a $600 million license fee—$100 million above the state’s minimum requirement of $500 million Suggesting tax rates of 56% for slots and 30% for table games, in contrast to the 25% and 10% rates proposed by the other winners Forecasting $2.5 billion in tax revenue for the MTA over the next four years—surpassing the agency’s $1.8 billion budget Raising its workforce and community investment commitments to $2 billion, pushing the total project cost to $7.5 billion The bid most similar to Resorts World’s came from MGM Empire City in Yonkers, another existing VLT facility that was seen as a strong candidate. Unlike Resorts World, though, MGM took a conservative approach with its $2.3 billion bid—the lowest among all applicants. While Empire City had no trouble getting approvals, MGM eventually pulled out of the running, citing worries about competition and license duration, which let Resorts World take the lead. A Major Opportunity at the Perfect Moment The launch of Resorts World NYC’s first phase is a key milestone for parent company Genting, as it seeks to start capitalizing on what could be the largest casino expansion opportunity in decades. CBRE’s March report projected that a fully developed NYC casino market will generate between $4.7 billion and $5.6 billion in annual gross gaming revenue after 2031. This would make it the second-highest-performing casino market in the U.S., trailing only Las Vegas. Last year, the GFLB estimated that over the 10-year period ending in 2036, the casinos could generate more than $7 billion in gaming tax revenue and $5.9 billion from non-gaming sources. Having a possible four-year lead in NYC could support Genting’s turnaround initiatives in both Las Vegas and Singapore. Resorts World Las Vegas is bouncing back from a $10.5 million anti-money laundering fine imposed last year—the second-largest regulatory penalty in Nevada’s history. The struggling Strip casino, which is the most costly ever built in the market, has since established a property-level board of directors to aid in compliance and operational performance. In Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa received a conditional two-year license renewal in 2024; regulators held back the usual three-year renewal due to the property’s underperformance. In reaction, Genting has sped up a $5.3 billion expansion of the site, and the company informed investors earlier this month that it is “well-positioned for the next assessment cycle.” Jess MarquezJess has reported on the global gaming industry since 2022. A Reno, Nevada native, he wants to clarify that it’s pronounced Ne-va-da, not Ne-VAH-da. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Light & Wonder boosted its footprint in the German market with a high-profile showing at the 4th German Dealer Championship (GDC), reaffirming its dedication to the country’s land-based casino sector. This year’s gathering, held from 28-30 April at Spielbank Berlin, has emerged as one of the core meeting hubs for casino professionals across Germany. Dealers, operators and other industry stakeholders traveled to the German capital not only to compete, but also to build connections and exchange insights with fellow peers. As a key sponsor of the event, Light & Wonder leveraged the fourth edition of GDC to expand its presence in Germany and Europe, and highlight its backing for the development of the broader land-based casino sector. Industry Engagement Across the three-day event, the Light & Wonder sales team held fruitful discussions with operators and industry professionals, using the opportunity to deepen existing relationships and build new connections, while also showcasing its ongoing support for the dealer community. Attendees got to view the company’s full line of table solutions in action, including shufflers and chip management systems such as ShuffleStar, ChipMaster S and i-Deal Plus, as well as GM Atlas progressives — which have been widely used in German casinos for several years. Light & Wonder also used the occasion to highlight its ongoing development roadmap, with upcoming innovations planned to expand its reach across the EMEA region, including future releases tied to the company’s growing progressive product portfolio. In addition, Light & Wonder took part in the event’s official gala ceremony, which was hosted at the Grand Hyatt Berlin. A company representative presented one of the evening’s awards, recognizing excellence within the dealer community. Commitment to the German Market “Being part of the German Dealer Championship is always an honor, but this year’s edition in Berlin has been especially meaningful,” said Anna Odnoralova, sales manager at Light & Wonder. “The event brings together outstanding talent from across the country, and it gives us a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect directly with operators and professionals who are shaping the future of gaming in Germany. “Light & Wonder is dedicated to supporting this community, and our presence here reflects how important the German market is to our regional strategy.” “The GDC not only highlights exceptional dealer expertise but also reinforces the values of professionalism and responsible gaming that are foundational to our industry” Mark Howell, Managing Director – EMEA, Light & Wonder Mark Howell, managing director – EMEA at Light & Wonder, added: “Germany continues to be a core market for us within the EMEA region, and our involvement in this year’s championship underscores our long-term commitment. “The GDC not only showcases exceptional dealer expertise but also reinforces the values of professionalism and responsible gaming that are fundamental to our industry. We are delighted to support such a high-caliber event and contribute to the continued growth of the casino sector in Europe.” Light & Wonder’s presence at this year’s GDC highlights its growing momentum in the German market, reaffirming its long-term investment in the country and commitment to driving innovation and operational excellence across Europe’s land-based sector. 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) -   Australian casino and hospitality firm The Star Entertainment Group has released its financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2026 (Q3). The company's financial statements indicated a substantial decrease in its EBITDA loss. The Star’s EBITDA Loss Narrowed   According to the report, The Star's Q3 revenue amounted to AUD 266 million ($190.7 million), representing a 12% decline from the previous quarter. The company noted that this figure was slightly lower than the same period in the prior year. However, the company's EBITDA demonstrated significant improvement, with the Q3 EBITDA loss narrowing to AUD 1 million ($0.72 million). In comparison, the company recorded an EBITDA loss of AUD 24 million ($17.2 million) for the corresponding period in the previous year. When compared to Q2, The Star's EBITDA experienced a minor decrease. The Australian casino operator reported an EBITDA profit of AUD 6 million ($4.3 million) for the second quarter of the fiscal year. The company's announcement attributed the Q3 financial performance to a "seasonal softening in revenues" and a reduction in visitor numbers in Sydney. As of March 31, 2026, The Star held AUD 90 million ($64.5 million) in cash reserves. The Group Continues to Reduce Its Costs In its report, The Star also highlighted key achievements for the quarter, including the completion of the initial phase of selling its stake in the Destination Brisbane Consortium to its joint venture partners, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited and Far East Consortium International Limited. The second stage of this transaction is contingent on various conditions and is expected to be finalized by March 31, 2027. Under this agreement, The Star will receive a monthly casino operator fee of AUD 18 million ($12.9 million), in addition to a performance-based incentive fee. Furthermore, during Q3, The Star secured a waiver for its December 31, 2025, covenant tests under its existing Senior Facility Agreement (SFA). The terms stipulated that The Star was required to provide a refinancing commitment by March 31 of the current year and complete the SFA refinancing by May 15, 2026. In March, The Star also entered into a binding commitment letter with WhiteHawk for the refinancing of the group's debt. As of April 24, The Star has obtained the necessary regulatory approvals for the refinancing and anticipates its completion by May 15, 2026. In the interim, The Star announced that its management, led by Bally's, has initiated measures aimed at significantly reducing the company's expenses, optimizing its operations, and lowering supplier costs. While The Star is observing some signs of recovery, it acknowledged that its future remains subject to uncertainties, some of which are beyond the group's control. 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) -   Minnesota has joined the list of states attempting to prohibit prediction markets, much to the dissatisfaction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This development follows claims by Kalshi that a local politician utilized event contract platforms to wager on his own election results. Prediction Markets Continue to Spark Debate The status of prediction markets remains controversial, with Minnesota becoming the latest jurisdiction to seek regulatory control over the industry. These platforms provide event contracts—financial derivatives allowing participants to trade on binary outcomes for various events, including political and sporting contests. While the CFTC regulates these platforms for nationwide operation, detractors argue this framework gives them an unfair edge over traditional sportsbooks. Furthermore, it enables operators to function in regions where legal sports wagering is not yet established. The classification of prediction markets as gambling remains a subject of intense debate; however, there is a growing consensus regarding the potential for insider trading within certain event contracts. Consequently, the Minnesota Senate is preparing to review legislation that would outlaw the majority of event contracts. Minnesota Moves to Regulate Prediction Markets The proposed legislation recently passed a Senate committee and is heading to the floor for a vote. Proponents of the measure argue that prediction markets are essentially offering unauthorized sports betting services. Sen. John Marty, the bill's primary sponsor, asserted that these markets fail to adhere to state regulations and require legislative intervention. Adding to the controversy, Kalshi recently revealed that three political figures, including Matt Klein in Minnesota, used its services to trade on their own political campaigns. Klein confessed to the trades and settled a fine. He explained that his $50 wager was made because the regulations governing prediction markets seemed ambiguous—a sentiment shared by many critics, even those not calling for a total ban. Klein has since become a co-author and supporter of Marty’s legislative proposal. Meanwhile, the CFTC has challenged state-level attempts to regulate the industry, arguing that such actions exceed state jurisdiction. 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, a top sports technology provider, has announced the hiring of seasoned professional Sameer Deen as its new chief operating officer. Deen is described as an industry veteran with roughly 25 years of experience in the gaming sector. Deen Joins Sportradar With 25 Years of Industry Experience Per the announcement, Deen—who will take on the role of Sportradar’s new COO—will begin his tenure on May 18, 2026. In this position, he will report directly to CEO Carsten Koerl. As Sportradar’s new COO, Deen will be responsible for overseeing the company’s commercial and group operations. He will collaborate closely with the executive leadership team to support the company’s continued growth. As noted, Deen has deep roots in the gaming industry, with nearly 25 years of experience across sports betting, media, and digital commerce. His most recent role was chief commercial officer and president at Entain, a global betting and gaming giant. During his time there, Deen helped expand the company’s commercial reach while boosting operational efficiency. Deen also served as chief digital officer and senior vice president of digital at media firm Univision Communications. His prior experience includes leadership positions at U.S. media company Scripps Networks Interactive. Hiring Deen as COO aligns with Sportradar’s strategy to reinforce its leading status as a go-to provider of sports solutions. Deen Joins Amid a Transformative Phase for the Industry CEO Carsten Koerl welcomed Deen to the Sportradar team, stating that the entire company is thrilled to have him on board. Koerl noted the appointment comes at a “transformative time” for the industry, making Deen’s expertise in sports betting and digital media an invaluable addition. Deen’s leadership will be a tremendous asset as we continue to innovate, strengthen our position as a global leader in sports technology, and meet the evolving needs of our clients and partners. Carsten Koerl, CEO, Sportradar Deen expressed equal excitement about the opportunity. He praised Sportradar for being at the “dynamic intersection of sports, technology, and user experiences”—areas where he has both extensive experience and strong passion. I’m looking forward to working with Carsten and the team to write Sportradar’s next chapter, helping sportsbooks navigate and grow within the evolving sports product landscape. Sameer Deen, COO, Sportradar In other news, Sportradar recently faced criticism after reports alleged it supplies content to unlicensed gaming companies. However, the company dismissed the claims, stating they were fabricated by short sellers seeking to “erode shareholder value and profit from stock disruption.” 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 Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit/KSA) has issued warnings to two operators regarding specific betting products that present a heightened risk of match-fixing, specifically those involving own goals. The Two Operators Took Down the Unauthorized Bets In its statement, the KSA indicated that Holland Casino Online and Vbet had been offering bets on own goals, which contravenes Dutch gambling legislation. Following an investigation, the authority determined that these two entities were the licensed online gambling providers offering such wagers. For clarification, an own goal occurs when a player inadvertently scores for the opposing team. In the Netherlands, betting on these events is strictly prohibited due to the elevated risk of match-fixing. The KSA announced that both Holland Casino Online and Vbet promptly adhered to the warning and removed the unauthorized bets. Furthermore, the two operators have implemented additional management protocols to prevent similar wagers from appearing on their platforms in the future. The KSA concluded that this action has sufficiently resolved the matter, at least for the present time. In parallel, the KSA reminded operators that its online integrity guideline clearly outlines permissible bet types. According to this guideline, own goals are classified as a “negative event” because they can be easily exploited by individuals seeking to manipulate game outcomes. KSA Issued a Record-Breaking Fine Last month, the KSA imposed substantial fines on two operators for significant breaches of local gaming law. One of these fines was a record-breaking amount, though the KSA chair contended it should have been higher. The operators fined were Fortaprime and Novatech, both of which had been offering gambling services without a license. Fortaprime was ordered to pay a $2 million fine, while Novatech received a record-breaking penalty of $28.9 million. As noted, the KSA argued that Novatech's fine should have been greater given the seriousness of its violations, but the authority was constrained by the Netherlands' legal framework. 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 study of gambling ads on Meta's platforms in Ireland has revealed a significant gender gap, with ads reaching male users at more than double the rate of female users. The report, released on Thursday by a University of Cambridge-led team, concentrated on 88 gambling firms licensed in Ireland. It examined a sample of 411 ads shown from March 2024 to February 2025, reviewing audiences aged 18 to 65 and over. Scholars from the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling conducted an in-depth analysis of Meta's ad library. They used data that platforms are compelled to publish under the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA). This law mandates that major online platforms, such as Meta, supply comprehensive records of paid promotions and related audience demographic breakdowns for EU and European Economic Area nations. What were the main findings? The ads were delivered to 12,690,245 male Meta accounts versus 5,458,438 female accounts, a ratio of 2.3 to 1 in favour of men. In total, 18,389,653 distinct accounts saw gambling advertisements during the timeframe. Out of the 411 ads, 91 (22%) were specifically aimed at men only, with no ads targeting women alone. Most ads (74%) were configured to target 'All' audiences. Regarding age, younger adults received the bulk of ad impressions. The 25-34 cohort was the largest, with 6,246,408 accounts (33.9%). The 35-44 group followed, reaching 4,701,885 accounts (25.5%). Combined, the 25-44 age range made up almost 60% of the total audience reached. Notably, the study found one Betfair ad reached 1,320,179 unique accounts, about 26% of Ireland's population of 5.15 million. The five most-seen ads together reached 3,688,413 accounts. The researchers observed that while direct targeting of men was not extensive, Meta's ad distribution algorithms heavily favoured male users. They also pointed to the prevalence of sports-themed ads, especially for football, as a key driver of this gender imbalance. "Not that many adverts directly targeted men to begin with," stated report lead author Dr Elena Petrovskaya of the Cambridge Department of Computer Science and Technology. "But even when adverts were set to reach all genders, they still reached that very vulnerable group of young men. "It shows that if companies just put ads on social media, they are still reaching young men – the group we know from other research is most at risk of gambling harms." How does Ireland gamble? Ireland shows comparatively high gambling participation rates, with an estimated 64.5% of people having gambled in their lifetime. Around 3.3% of the population are considered high-risk gamblers, with men aged 25-34 displaying the highest levels of risky behaviour (1.3%) versus 0.2% for women of the same age. "Even in a country like Ireland with a small population, the number of accounts these ads reached was dizzying," Petrovskaya said. "We looked at Ireland as a case study of an environment where a modern gambling regulatory framework had not yet been adopted." The data gathering occurred before the full enforcement of measures in Ireland's Gambling Regulation Act 2024, which commenced in March 2025 and also created the Gambling Regulatory Authority. These rules imposed tougher advertising restrictions, including a watershed period prohibiting gambling ads on broadcast and on-demand TV and radio from 5.30am to 9.00pm. The rules also apply to social media and video platform ads, limiting them to users who follow a licensed operator. Co-author Dr Deidre Leahy from MTU Cork stressed the need for more study to evaluate the Gambling Regulation Act. "This research provides valuable insights that establish a baseline for the reach of gambling advertising on social media in Ireland before the introduction of a regulatory framework. "This baseline will be essential for assessing the impact of reforms under the Gambling Regulation Act." UK MPs brand ads as public health issue This study contributes to growing proof that gambling advertisements, particularly sports-themed ones aimed at younger men, can make betting seem commonplace. A recent All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) report on UK gambling ads advocated for more stringent reforms. The report highlighted an increasing focus of advertising expenditure on digital platforms, sports sponsorships, and social media. It proposed that operators were using tactics that could make gambling seem normal to underage viewers. Reacting to the report, UK MPs have classified gambling advertising as a public health concern. The Cambridge research concluded that the Meta Ad Library is a useful tool for tracking gambling ad practices in Ireland and across the EU. The authors called for the ongoing use of such platform transparency tools for regulatory monitoring. They also recommended further studies to gauge the effect of the Gambling Regulation Act and vigilant oversight of enforcement to stop ads from bypassing the rules. Kathryn EvansKathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Mexican daily newspaper Reforma has been accused of fabricating claims that 20 casinos received operating licences through a company tied to the family of jailed ex-politician Hernán Bermúdez Requena.  Mexico’s national gambling regulator and industry trade body AIEJA have both rejected the reports and accused the newspaper of lying about the process through which the licences were granted.   SEGOB, Mexico’s national gambling regulator, published a statement on its official website Monday confirming that all licences connected to Bermúdez Requena were only issued after a court ordered their approval.   On that same Monday, the front page of Reforma – a publication that has previously been accused of right-wing bias – carried a story claiming that 20 casino licences had been authorised for Compañía Operadora Clíe, a company linked to Bermúdez Requena.   Bermúdez Requena, who previously served as Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection for the state of Tabasco, is currently being held in custody in Mexico and faces multiple criminal charges.  He is alleged to lead the criminal organisation La Barredora, which operates as an operational wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.  Allegations Published in Reforma The licences at the center of the dispute were reportedly approved during the final year of former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s time in office.  Reforma’s story cited an investigation from a group called Mexicans and Corruption and Impunity (MCCI), a non-profit association that works to root out systemic corruption across Mexico’s public and private sectors. However, the regulator has since clarified that the licences were granted to Clie SA de CV by order of the Metropolitan Regional Chamber of Administrative Justice. It also confirmed that the casinos have not yet launched any commercial operations.  It added that Centenario and Diamante casinos, along with the online gambling site CrownCityBets, have had their licences suspended ever since the court order was issued.   Notably, the regulator stated that contrary to Reforma’s reporting, the 20 licences are operated under permits assigned to separate independent entities, not Clie SA de CV.   Former SEGOB Chief Denounces Reforma  Luisa María Alcalde, who led SEGOB as its head between 2023 and 2024, also pushed back against Reforma’s claims this week.   She explained that the company connected to Bermúdez Requena’s family received only one single licence back in 2017, during the administration of Enrique Peña Nieto.  Alcalde also confirmed that when she took office at SEGOB, Clie SA de CV had already filed a lawsuit against the regulator over its denial of 20 permits the company had requested starting in 2018.  SEGOB complied with the subsequent court order and issued the 20 licences, but followed the strict limitations laid out in the ruling. These limitations mean the licences do not cover slot machines, dice, card games or roulette.  Alcalde claimed the limitations had reduced the company’s interest in launching operations, and as a result the licences have never been used to date.  “Pro-corruption actors, acting in their typical fashion, want to tie me to the former secretary of public security of Tabasco,” Alcalde said in a video posted to X.   “They even published a photograph from an event I attended as interior secretary, where absolutely all state secretaries of public security took part, and most of them asked me for a photo.   “I had never met this Requena man in my life. In all the positions I have held, I have [never] committed a single act of corruption or dishonesty.”  Gambling Industry Trade Body Weighs In  The Association of Licence Holders, Operators and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Gaming Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) also commented on the case, expressing its “respectful support” for the regulator’s position and Alcalde’s clarifications.  AIEJA also suggested Reforma misrepresented the story, stating: “In this regard, AIEJA considers it essential that information related to permits, authorisations, establishments and operations in the sector be treated with objectivity, truthfulness and strict adherence to documented facts.  “Based on this premise, the association calls for responsible and accurate public discourse on issues related to this industry, in order to preserve the legal certainty of a formally regulated sector that is subject to ongoing supervision.” Kyle GoldsmithKyle has been part of the Clarion team since December 2023, joining after working in sports journalism, and now serves as a senior reporter focused on Latin America for iGB. 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 Monday Powerball drawing concluded without a jackpot or second-tier Match 5 winner. The grand prize is now approaching $150 million ahead of the next draw on Wednesday. Ten Players Matched Four Numbers Plus Powerball In the April 27 drawing, players competed for a $131 million jackpot and a cash alternative of $59.5 million. The top prize went unclaimed. No one matched all five white numbers for the second-tier award, though close to a dozen participants secured third-tier prizes. The winning numbers from Monday's draw were 18, 31, 33, 36, and 62, with the red Powerball number 3. The Power Play multiplier was set at 3x. Although the major awards were not won, ten individuals matched four white balls and the Powerball to claim the third-tier prize. Of these, seven won $50,000 apiece. The other three had activated the Power Play, earning $150,000 each. The Powerball jackpot continues to climb, now estimated at $143 million for the Wednesday drawing. A potential winner could choose a single lump-sum cash payment of $65 million. Last Jackpot Win Occurred in Early April It has been nearly a month since the last Powerball jackpot was hit. That most recent top prize was won by a Delaware player who became $231 million wealthier from an early April drawing. Subsequently, a ticket holder in Michigan won $1 million. This followed an earlier drawing that produced two $1 million Match 5 prizes for winners in New York and Oregon. 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 North Carolina man, Montfort Faulkner from Cary, has become the largest winner in the Fast Play lottery game, taking home the staggering $1,578,846 jackpot. Faulkner paid $20 to play the Jackpot 777 Fast Play game on February 3, 2026, at the Publix on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary; the lottery only revealed details about the lucky outcome today. Faulkner’s $20 ticket earned him a $1,378,846 jackpot along with $200,000 in cash, leading to a total win of nearly $1.6 million in the end. This isn’t the only recent story of a lottery winner from the state, as a mother won a $707,600 jackpot in the Magic Winnings game, beating very slim odds of 1 in 64.5 million, and opted for the full cash option, resulting in a total of $509,543. 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.