分類: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Vancouver Whitecaps, a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, may relocate to Las Vegas after billionaire investor Grant Gustavson and his group submitted an undisclosed bid to purchase the team. If approved, the move would solidify Las Vegas as a growing sports destination. The Whitecaps Could Move to Sin City Billionaire Grant Gustavson has offered to buy the Vancouver Whitecaps through a privately funded proposal, with details of the deal remaining confidential. A spokesperson for Gustavson confirmed that the long-term goal is relocating the team to Las Vegas, though they emphasized the plan is separate from current efforts to develop new sports venues in the city. This potential move aligns with recent concerns raised by Vancouver Whitecaps leadership and MLS CEO Don Garber about sustaining the team’s presence in Vancouver. As a result, the franchise has been on the market since 2024. Remaining in Vancouver Might Be Impossible Currently co-owned by Greg Kerfoot, Stephen Luczo, Jeff Mallett, and Steve Nash, the club leases BC Place—a stadium that isn't soccer-specific—leading to scheduling conflicts and revenue limitations. Despite these challenges, the Whitecaps have performed well this season, finishing second in the MLS Western Conference. Both fans and owners have voiced strong support for keeping the team in Vancouver, launching initiatives like the “Save the Caps” campaign. However, no buyer has emerged willing to maintain the team’s home base there. A Whitecaps spokesperson noted over 100 interested buyers have approached the club, but none intended to keep the team in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Las Vegas continues to expand its status as a major sports hub, highlighted by plans for a new NBA franchise. The arrival of the Whitecaps could further strengthen the city’s sports landscape. 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) -   In a move that has surprised many, prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket have opted out of the Kentucky Derby this year, despite a recent history of offering contracts on a wide range of events from politics to sports. Both firms declined to list a market for the annual Derby, a premier horse race held at Churchill Downs that consistently attracts enormous betting activity. “There Is a Door That Could Be Opened” Polymarket made a short-lived attempt to open a market for the Derby last week, but it was quickly taken down. Churchill Downs confirmed the platform removed the offering following a request. “We contacted Polymarket and requested the removal of the wagers,” Churchill Downs spokesperson Breck Thomas-Ross informed ESPN. “Polymarket agreed to the request.” Kalshi, for its part, did not announce any intention to facilitate trading on the race. This reluctance appears unexpected considering the aggressive expansion of prediction markets into sports. Industry analysts, however, cite a major legal obstacle: the Interstate Horseracing Act. This federal law grants racetracks and state authorities considerable authority over horse race betting. “The law is currently quite explicit about what [prediction markets] can do without obtaining consent from our sport,” stated Tom Rooney, president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. “Consent from a racetrack, a state gaming commission, or a horseman's group could open a door. That consent has not been granted at this time.” “The Wagering Is the Event” Rooney has also cautioned federal regulators that permitting these markets could damage the horse racing industry, which depends on betting income to fund purses, track operations, and breeding initiatives. “The betting activity is the central focus of the Kentucky Derby,” commented John Holden. “The primary reason most attendees go to the Derby is to wager on the race.” The previous year's Derby saw record-breaking betting volume, with wagers totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. This revenue is channeled directly back into the sport via taxes and revenue-sharing deals. According to experts, prediction markets pose a threat to this financial model. A migration of betting to these platforms would reduce the amount of money returning to the horse racing industry. “If a significant number of people turn to these prediction markets, the racetracks would face severe financial difficulties,” explained economist Thomas Lambert. The Derby, held on May 1-2, 2026, was won by the longshot Golden Tempo, a horse with 23-1 odds. Renegade, Ocelli, and Chief Wallabee finished behind the winner. Cherie DeVaux, the trainer of Golden Tempo, became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner. 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) -   In New York, lawmakers are advancing a new legislative measure to investigate a rapidly expanding area within the sports betting industry. Introduced in late April, the proposal aims to establish a special task force to assess proposition bets—particularly so-called “under” wagers. Task Force Plan Aims to Examine Growth of Prop Betting Senate Bill S10153, sponsored by Jeremy Zellner, is currently under review by a Senate committee responsible for gaming and wagering matters. If enacted, the bill would create an independent panel to analyze how these bets function and the potential risks they present. Proposition betting diverges from standard betting by focusing on specific in-game events rather than the overall result. “Under” bets allow bettors to place wagers that an athlete will fall short of a predetermined statistical threshold, such as achieving fewer points or assists than anticipated. The legislation would form a four-member task force selected by senior state officials, including the governor and legislative leaders. Task force members would serve without compensation but would be reimbursed for necessary expenses. Appointments must be finalized by mid-2026. The panel’s responsibilities include evaluating the frequency of “under” bets, their financial impact, and their broader economic influence on New York’s legal sports betting sector. It will also examine potential threats to sports integrity, specifically whether such bets could encourage match manipulation. Prop Bet Oversight Effort Set to Address Integrity and Safety A key focus of the review will be the effects on athletes, amid rising reports of harassment and online abuse directed at players when their performance influences betting outcomes. The task force will investigate how this pressure affects both professional and collegiate athletes. The study will also address consumer protection and problem gambling. The law underscores the importance of understanding public perceptions of these bets and determining if enhanced safeguards are warranted. It calls for an assessment of systems designed to detect unusual or suspicious betting activity. To fulfill its mandate, the panel will collaborate with regulators, industry stakeholders, researchers, and sports organizations. The process may include public hearings and solicitation of input as needed. Relevant data will be supplied by state agencies and licensed betting operators, provided it remains within legal boundaries. A final report containing findings and recommendations is due by the end of 2026. The results will be made available to the public and may inform future decisions regarding stricter oversight or expanded restrictions on proposition betting in New York. 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 Coalition for Prediction Markets, an organization representing prediction market platforms, has urged U.S. regulators to clarify how federal regulations define "gaming," expressing concern that a broad interpretation could hinder industry growth. The Need for a Narrow Definition In a letter addressed to Christopher Kirkpatrick at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the group contended that current rules may incorrectly classify activities that should not be considered gambling. Companies such as Kalshi assert that their offerings are financial instruments, not gambling services, maintaining that event contracts enable users to trade on real-world outcomes in a manner that generates valuable market insights. Central to the debate is a CFTC regulation that prohibits contracts related to “terrorism, assassination, war, gaming, or any activity unlawful under state or federal law,” as well as other actions deemed contrary to the public interest. The core issue lies in the interpretation of the term "gaming." The coalition is requesting the agency to define the term narrowly, restricting it to casino-style games rather than encompassing sports-related contracts. They argue this distinction is crucial to differentiate prediction markets from conventional gambling. “The Coalition advocates for a formal rule defining ‘gaming’ to include only casino-style games traditionally regulated by states. This would clearly distinguish event contracts traded on designated contract markets,” the letter stated. The matter has already arisen in court. Judges in the Ninth Circuit recently questioned why casino gaming would exclude sports betting, noting that wagering on sports is a common feature in casinos. The “Economic Significance” Factor The coalition emphasized that prediction markets function differently. “Event contracts on DCMs are linked to real-world events with potential financial, economic, or commercial implications. Wagers on casino games lack any economic significance beyond the bet itself.” In contrast, state regulators maintain that contracts tied to sporting outcomes fall under state sports betting laws, which require licensing and are administered locally. Additionally, professional sports leagues are seeking more stringent oversight, contending these markets present risks similar to traditional betting but currently lack comparable safeguards. Among proposals submitted during the public comment period, which concluded on May 1, are recommendations to raise the minimum participation age to 21, implement real-time monitoring for suspicious trades, and restrict certain contract types involving injuries or officiating decisions. Now, the CFTC must determine whether to revise its rules—a decision that could influence the trajectory of prediction markets in the United States and clarify whether they will continue expanding into sports-related contracts. 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) -   UK-focused offshore gambling giant dismantles major corporate entities days before new probe report is released, sparking renewed concerns over accountability and regulatory gaps. Black Market Betting Network Dissolves Key Companies Before Investigative Report The results, due to be published by GAMRS and Deal Me Out, examine a group that has been widely linked to brands including MyStake, GoldenBet, DonBet and Rolletto. It is believed to have taken billions of pounds of bets from UK users without a proper license to operate in the market. Ahead of publication, details show that two key companies in the structure, Santeda International B.V. and GTW B.V., have formally been closed down. The timing has attracted interest, given the increased scrutiny created by prior investigations into the group’s activities. In late 2025, the last GAMRS report described a sprawling, multi-jurisdictional system for concealing ownership and avoiding regulation. The Curaçao-based entities acted as licensing fronts, with operational control largely traceable to Georgia, and technical and financial hubs throughout Europe. In this way, the network was able to operate in both regulated and unregulated markets with low transparency. The backbone of the ecosystem is platform provider Upgaming, which, investigators said, was more than just a software supplier. The earlier report provided evidence that multiple gambling sites had shared backend infrastructure, hosting environments, and even customer service systems, indicating that they were centrally managed behind the scenes. Millions of UK Bettors Use the Websites Despite Crackdown The traffic analysis also revealed the scale of the operation. Associated platforms drew millions of visits, with the UK being the largest source of users. Enforcement efforts have cut off some access to content, but engagement levels remained high. The companies, which have recently been dissolved, were run by corporate services provider IGA Group. Following the entity’s cessation of involvement, directorship was reported to have passed to an individual called Xianbo Wei before the entity was ultimately deleted from official registers. Investigators suggest legal entities are dissolved, and operations continue through active websites, leaving consumers exposed. However, there is no clear corporate body to deal with disputes, so users may face significant problems in recovering funds. The latest report was briefly delayed by legal correspondence from a leading UK law firm, but the report’s authors have confirmed it will be published after a short right of reply period for named parties. The paper that follows will likely extend these results, looking in more detail at how the network responds to pressure. These include altering corporate structures, keeping shared technical systems, and continuing to target restricted markets. With billions of alleged UK betting volume and increasing media attention, the case is likely to spur calls for tougher enforcement against offshore operators and those who provide their infrastructure. 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) -   Formula 1 has announced FanDuel as its newest Official Betting Operator. By partnering with a leading online gaming entity, the top motorsports series aims to bolster its footprint in the United States and the broader North American entertainment sector. Formula 1 and FanDuel Aim for Deeper Integration to Provide Racing Fans with Enhanced Experiences This collaboration promises mutual benefits for both organizations. FanDuel’s 17 million users in the United States and Canada will gain access to real-time data and betting scenarios throughout every race weekend. Simultaneously, Formula 1 plans to feature the operator’s content, such as the Betting Guide and various editorial pieces, on its official app and website. Jonny Haworth, Director of Commercial Partnerships at Formula 1, celebrated FanDuel’s appointment as the new Official Betting Operator, noting that this move serves to deepen the connection between fans and the Formula 1 brand. “With sports betting playing an ever-growing role in how fans—particularly those in the US—engage with sports, it is essential that we collaborate with a robust, strategic partner to drive our market momentum. FanDuel, with its vast user base, provides another channel through which eligible fans can engage with and feel the excitement of Formula 1,” Haworth concluded. FanDuel Looks Forward to Enhancing Fan Engagement via Its Sportsbook Platform Karol Corcoran, Managing Director of FanDuel Sportsbook, expressed similar enthusiasm regarding the formation of this partnership and the designation as an Official Betting Operator, highlighting the potential for more interactive fan experiences. “Formula 1 produces a vast amount of real-time data, and our platform is designed to convert that information into compelling betting opportunities. Through this partnership, we will be able to offer even more immersive, data-rich experiences for fans throughout the race weekend,” he concluded. 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) -   While the NBA continues discussions with a U.S. federal derivatives regulator regarding an integrity framework for prediction markets, the league submitted public comments this week in connection with a comment period for proposed rulemaking. In a four-page letter submitted to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the NBA restated its position that sports-event contracts should be subject to comprehensive regulations aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport. Dated 30 April, the letter from Dan Spillane, the NBA’s assistant general counsel for league governance & policy, was submitted on the final day of the public comment period for the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning prediction markets. “There is no higher priority for the NBA than protecting the integrity of our games and preserving public confidence in our league and in our sport,” Spillane wrote. The NBA sent the letter just days after Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed that the league had held discussions with the CFTC on a potential integrity framework for prediction-market trades involving basketball. Like several other professional sports leagues, the NBA’s willingness to potentially partner with the CFTC would mark a shift from its previous stance on prediction markets. A Focus on Official Data Typically, sports event contracts are listed on Designated Contract Markets (DCMs), otherwise known as regulated exchanges that facilitate trading of futures, options and swaps. Spillane supports requirements for DCMs that would bar athletes, game officials and other league and team personnel from trading any contracts tied to their league’s games and events. Additionally, he emphasized that DCMs should be mandated to cooperate with integrity-related investigations carried out by national sports governing bodies. For probes into suspicious trading activity, the NBA has urged the CFTC to require DCMs to share specific traders’ identities with the league conducting the inquiry. Earlier this week, a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who won roughly $400,000 on a Polymarket trade centered on the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to using classified intelligence for that transaction. This trade serves as a prime example of the risks tied to insider trading. On Thursday, Polymarket announced it has selected blockchain data platform Chainalysis to enforce its market integrity rules across the DCM’s DeFi platform. Shortly after the landmark PASPA ruling, Spillane traveled across the country to inform state legislators about the importance of using official league data throughout the bet settlement process. In his letter, Spillane referenced officially verified league data on multiple occasions. To maintain consumer confidence, he wrote, DCMs should be required to use official league data to settle sports-related contracts. Silver Praises CFTC’s Commitment to Integrity Speaking at an Associated Press Sports Editors event on 27 April, Silver lauded the CFTC for collaborating with sports leagues to prioritize integrity. While the NBA has yet to finalize an integrity framework with the agency, Silver noted that a potential partnership would likely mirror the Memorandum of Understanding the CFTC signed with Major League Baseball in March. Once completed, this framework could pave the way for the NBA to potentially sign a marketing deal with a leading prediction market operator such as Kalshi or Polymarket. “We aren’t necessarily adverse to entering into licensing deals with them,” Silver said. “But again, the league’s number one role is to ensure the integrity of the competition. And that’s what we’re most focused on right now.” Silver made these comments during the same week that two NBA-associated figures appeared in Brooklyn federal court in connection with a widespread illegal betting scandal. On Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Farrell told a judge that prosecutors will likely file additional charges against former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. During a hearing before U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall, Rozier learned he could face charges of honest services fraud and sports bribery later this month. Rozier is facing charges in U.S. v. Earnest, a case involving a scheme to defraud several leading U.S. sportsbooks. Damon Jones, another defendant in the case, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Jones, a former unpaid assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers, admitted to providing inside information to a group of bettors to defraud a sportsbook out of money. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced next January. Matt RybaltowskiMatt leads long-form feature coverage of complex sports betting scandals. He also reports on finance, M&A and other technological advancements. 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) -   Kentucky’s House Bill 904 has officially moved forward after the state legislature successfully overrode a veto from Governor Andy Beshear. The new law grants racetracks in the state the authority to provide fixed-odds wagering options to Kentucky residents. Bill 904 Advances to the Next Phase With fixed-odds betting, gamblers can lock in a specific price at the moment they place their bet. For instance, a wager placed at 5–1 odds will pay out at that rate even if the odds fluctuate before the start of the race. This system is a significant departure from the pari-mutuel wagering model that has been the standard at American tracks for more than a century. Senator Michael Meredith (R-Oakland), who introduced the legislation alongside Senator Matthew Koch (R-Paris), noted that the fixed-odds component was added following input from stakeholders with experience in international racing markets. Meredith pointed out that because fixed-odds are prevalent outside the United States, there is a belief that the format could win over bettors who are unhappy with pari-mutuel systems, particularly regarding the influence of computer-assisted wagering (CAW). Furthermore, Meredith suggested that the new format would be more attractive to younger fans who are already used to fixed-odds sportsbooks. State authorities are now tasked with creating the regulatory framework for fixed-odds operations in Kentucky. This process involves deciding which entities can offer the service and how it will be integrated with pari-mutuel betting. While the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation is expected to manage the rollout, a firm date for when these bets will be available to the public has not been announced. Resistance to the New Legislation Churchill Downs, the world-famous home of the Kentucky Derby, has maintained its opposition to the introduction of fixed-odds betting. This resistance is likely tied to financial concerns, as the company could see a shift in its revenue streams if it adopted the fixed-odds model. The core difference between the two systems lies in how revenue is generated. In pari-mutuel wagering, the track takes a "takeout"—typically between 15% and 25%—from the total betting pool before payouts are made. This ensures the track receives a guaranteed portion of the handle to cover purses and operating costs. In contrast, fixed-odds betting usually functions on much tighter margins, meaning the track's profit is not guaranteed and depends on the race results. The legislation does not mandate that Churchill Downs offer fixed-odds betting; instead, other venues like Kentucky Downs in Franklin or The Red Mile in Lexington may choose to implement it. In separate developments, Churchill Downs is currently seeking to purchase the intellectual property for the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and the Preakness Stakes, highlighting the company's ongoing efforts to increase its dominance in the horse racing industry. 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) -   Managing Donald Trump's disposition could be a full-time occupation. His unpredictable mood shifts and erratic behavior are widely known, as is his tendency to go off on tangents from which he never returns, a well-documented reality, along with his persistent dissatisfaction over never having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump’s Nobel Prize’s Chance Slimmer Than in 2025 However, William Hill now suggests that the former president remains a contender for the prize, setting his odds at 25%. The sportsbook has observed that his odds were approximately 55% last year, but they have since decreased. The bookmaker's representative, Lee Phelps, offered his perspective on the current odds and the rationale behind the company's continued tracking of the former President: “While the Norwegian Nobel Committee has not confirmed Donald Trump as one of the 287 nominees for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, we currently regard Trump as the frontrunner for this year's award. Although the announcement for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is not scheduled until October, we anticipate that Trump’s name will remain in consideration right up until the Committee makes its decision.”  A contributing factor to Trump's reduced chances is his alignment with Israel in what appears to be a full-scale conflict against Iran. The resulting geopolitical turmoil makes him an improbable recipient of this year's prize, unless the Committee is considering it as a means to appease him. However, appeasing Trump's volatile temperament is not a strategy that astute bettors would rely on. In the interim, prediction markets, which President Trump has shown sympathy towards, seem to anticipate that he will not complete his current term. 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) -   Hacksaw’s Board of Directors has decided to remove Group CEO Christoffer Källberg from his position. Ana Vrabic Verdir, a board member, will serve as the company’s interim CEO. Hacksaw Dismisses Christoffer Källberg  Per a statement, Hacksaw’s Board of Directors has concluded that a change in Group CEO is appropriate to better align with the Group’s strategic direction. The Board reaffirms that the company’s strategy remains unchanged and expresses confidence in its performance and future prospects.  Operations across all subsidiaries will continue as normal, and Hacksaw is still supported by a strong core team in Sweden. One of these operations is the company’s new investment division, Hacksaw Ventures, which the group unveiled last month. Following Verdir’s appointment as interim CEO by the Board, a comprehensive search for a permanent Group CEO was launched, conducted by a leading executive search firm. The process focuses on identifying a candidate with the experience and leadership capabilities needed to execute the Group’s long-term strategy. It should also be noted that during her tenure as Interim Group CEO, Verdir will not be considered independent of Hacksaw and its management, and she will step down from the company’s Remuneration Committee. Patrick Svensk, chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that he wishes to thank Källberg for successfully leading the company’s IPO on the large-cap list of Nasdaq Stockholm in June of the previous year. He also acknowledged Källberg’s valuable contributions to Hacksaw, which led to solid financial performance, and wished Källberg all the best for the future. Further Details on Hacksaw Hacksaw is a B2B technology platform and game development company. According to its official website, its scalable, modular platform—built on a modern codebase—supports the rapid creation and distribution of games. The company develops digital slots, scratch cards, and instant win titles.  Operating across the entire B2B iGaming value chain, from development to distribution, Hacksaw serves a customer base that includes some of the industry’s largest private and state-owned iGaming operators. The company’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HACK. As mentioned, Källberg played a key role in the company’s success, but it remains to be seen if his successor, or even interim CEO Verdir, can match this. In other Hacksaw news, the company recently brought back Merlin Masters Atlantis, a fan-beloved franchise, which now has a new installment. 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) -   Prediction markets often position themselves as superior alternatives to traditional sportsbooks. When questioned about regulatory oversight, these platforms typically maintain a consistent stance: they should be regulated by the CFTC because they function as financial instruments rather than sports betting venues. AP Digs into Prediction Markets and How Gambling Addicts Respond to Them However, an investigation by the Associated Press reveals a different perspective from those struggling with gambling addiction: they report experiencing the same psychological "high" whether they are "trading" on prediction platforms or "wagering" on sportsbooks. The AP consulted Dr. Cynthia Grant, VP of Clinical at Birches Health, who confirmed that professionals are observing the same “cycle of anticipation, action, and reaction” recurring among users. One individual, a soccer coach, shared that his gambling journey began at age 16. Lacking access to formal bookmakers, he and his peers initially bet against one another. Upon turning 18, he began frequenting casinos and sportsbooks, but after suffering significant financial losses, he eventually migrated to prediction markets. “I would be drowning in debt, receive a $2,000 paycheck on a Friday, and it would be completely gone by the weekend. I wouldn't even have enough money for gas,” the 21-year-old told the outlet. The man eventually sought help through Gamblers Anonymous, an organization that connects individuals struggling with gambling issues to the support and resources necessary to recover. Another case involved an accountant who became addicted to sports betting following its legalization in New York. He eventually transitioned to prediction markets, specifically trading on Kalshi. The accountant characterized prediction markets as “the same product, just rebranded.” “It’s a dangerous loophole. How can they operate like this and claim they aren't a sportsbook?” he questioned. While treatment professionals have not formally classified prediction markets in the same category as traditional sports betting—largely due to a lack of extensive research—the patterns are clear. Experts like Jody Bechtold, CEO of The Better Institute, note familiar behaviors such as chasing losses, dishonesty, and secrecy. In response to the AP, Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible trading initiatives. More Evidence Needed to Gauge the Impact of Prediction Markets Diana defended Kalshi by comparing it to casinos, asserting that the platform is “more transparent, fairer, and less predatory.” Marlene Warner, CEO of the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, expressed uncertainty regarding how to categorize prediction markets. “Honestly, I don’t have enough information. There hasn't been enough study on them, so I cannot definitively say whether the risk level is higher, lower, or equivalent,” she stated, noting that while she is concerned, her position lacks a foundation in concrete research. 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) -   Ukraine’s gambling regulatory body, PlayCity, unveiled a new online complaint system aimed at speeding up public reports of illegal gambling ads, the agency stated on Thursday. The online tool enables users to report potential violations across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, TV, radio, outdoor ads, and other public spaces. PlayCity took on the role of the official state agency overseeing gambling and lotteries after policy functions were transferred to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Its forerunner, the Commission for the Regulation of Gambling and Lotteries (KRAIL), was shut down in April 2024—this came after the regulator repeatedly failed to issue gambling licenses promptly. How does the tool work? Those filing complaints need to indicate the type of platform, provide a direct link to the ad, and upload supporting proof like screenshots or videos. Notably, the system automatically stores submitted content and is designed to capture and save temporary ad materials—like social media "stories"—at the moment of submission. This lets regulators examine content even after it’s been taken down or expired. Once submitted, complaints are first reviewed by PlayCity’s team to check if the reported material breaks Ukraine’s gambling advertising rules. In cases where ads are found to be illegal, the regulator will take the following steps: Ask major digital platforms (including Meta, Google, TikTok, YouTube, Viber, and Twitch) to remove the content. Block social media pages that repeatedly share illegal gambling ads. Issue fines to identified responsible parties, or refer unresolved cases to law enforcement if identities can’t be verified via official state records. The statutory administrative penalty for illegal gambling ads in 2026 is fixed at UAH5,188,200 (equivalent to $118,069). Ukraine’s ongoing enforcement Tougher enforcement against illegal gambling ads was rolled out under Law No.9526d—the same legislation that dissolved KRAIL. The launch of the online complaint tool is part of PlayCity’s ongoing digitalization initiatives to boost regulatory supervision in Ukraine’s gambling industry. Since it was set up 11 months ago, the regulator says it has imposed nearly UAH80 million in fines for illegal gambling ads, and blocked over 500 social media pages sharing forbidden content. These enforcement numbers reflect a wider tightening of Ukraine’s regulatory framework after gambling was legalized in 2020. PlayCity recently started overseeing an automated system that blocks military personnel from accessing online gambling services. Launched by Ukraine’s Ministries of Digital Transformation and Defence in March, this system aims to reduce problem gambling among service members during the current martial law period. The complaint form is now live and accessible to all Ukrainian citizens via the PlayCity website. It allows the public to actively contribute to monitoring and regulating illegal gambling ads. Kathryn EvansKathryn reports on concise breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislative matters. She’s a proud North Walian, fluent in Welsh, and a lifelong Wrexham FC supporter—long before Hollywood took notice. 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.