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Nevada Prolongs the Ban on Kalshi

Nevada Prolongs the Ban on Kalshi

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi, a provider of prediction market services, has had its ban upheld by a state judge in Nevada. The State of Nevada asserts that the services offered by Kalshi are gaming-adjacent and fall under the scope of gambling regulatory rules. Judge Jason Woodbury of the First Judicial District Court based in Carson City has ruled to issue a preliminary injunction that prevents Kalshi from selling contracts tied to sporting events, all types of entertainment events, and elections unless it holds a valid gaming license issued by the State of Nevada. Judge Woodbury issued the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the grounds that the court determined purchasing contracts linked to a specific sporting event is nearly identical to placing wagers through a licensed casino or bookmaker. The court's ruling also challenges Kalshi's claim that its products qualify as federally regulated "swaps" under the oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Speaking on this latest development, U.S. Gaming Law and Sports Betting Attorney Daniel Wallach called the ruling a key milestone for state regulators, writing on LinkedIn: Major win for Nevada, which now joins Massachusetts as the first two states to obtain a preliminary injunction against Kalshi. The legal landscape across the country remains highly fragmented www.bcljs.com, with Nevada being one of just a small number of states with an active court-ordered ban on offering Kalshi services. The regulatory environment for this space still remains fragmented in nature. The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Centre submitted amicus briefs to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the risks connected to the accessibility, transaction speed, and product design of the products and services available via Kalshi. 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.

Paradise Co.’s revenues dropped nearly 40% in March to $33 million

Paradise Co.’s revenues dropped nearly 40% in March to $33 million

(AsiaGameHub) -   Paradise Co. reported that its casino revenue for March dropped by 39.6 percent year-on-year and 44.0 percent compared to February, totaling US$32.8 million (KRW49.5 billion), though the operator provided no specific reasons for the decline. Although the total drop rose by 9.7 percent sequentially to US$389 million (KRW587.7 billion), overall casino revenue fell during the month, driven by a 43.4 percent year-over-year decrease in table revenue to US$29.1 million (KRW44.0 billion). For the first quarter of 2026, total revenue reached US$152 million (KRW229.7 billion), representing a 1.8 percent increase over the same period last year. During this quarter, table games revenue grew by 1.0 percent, machine revenue rose by 23.6 percent, and the total table drop climbed 3.6 percent to US$1.17 billion (KRW1.76 trillion). Paradise Co. operates three casino resorts in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, and holds a 55 percent majority stake in the Paradise City integrated resort, a joint venture with Japan’s Sega Sammy Holdings. 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.

Grand Korea Leisure’s casino revenue falls to $21 million

(AsiaGameHub) -   Grand Korea Leisure (GKL), a casino operator exclusively for foreign patrons, recorded casino revenue of KRW32.0 billion (approximately US$21.2 million) in March. This figure represents a 22.8% decrease compared to the previous year, yet an increase of 16.0% from February. This decline in revenue is somewhat unexpected, considering that the total drop amount—the sum of money wagered by customers—actually grew by 13.5% year-over-year and 18.8% month-over-month, reaching KRW339.3 billion ($225 million). Revenue from table games saw a 26.0% year-over-year reduction, totaling KRW28.4 billion ($18.8 million). Conversely, electronic (machine) revenue rose by 17.8% to KRW3.54 billion ($2.3 million), when compared to March of the previous year and February of the current year, respectively. GKL has announced casino revenue of KRW425.3 billion (US$294 million) for the fiscal year ending 2025. This report comes after the company decided to discontinue its plans to purchase the land housing the Seven Luck Casino in Seoul’s Dragon City development. GKL presently operates three casinos in South Korea under the Seven Luck brand, with establishments situated in both Seoul and Busan. 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.

Philippines Declares POGO-Free Status Following Crackdown on Violence

Philippines Declares POGO-Free Status Following Crackdown on Violence

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Department of Justice has confirmed that all Philippine offshore gaming operator hubs have ceased operations in the Philippines, following a government crackdown that effectively dismantled the sector. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida informed reporters that the extensive enforcement campaign resulted in the closure of 80% of previously active hubs within one month of their expiration date. He stated unequivocally that there are no legally sanctioned POGOs currently operating within the country, nor are there any operating illegally. He further reiterated the government's official position that no POGO operations will be permitted in the Philippines. Despite the official shutdown of the sector, the Department of Justice has indicated that monitoring of these operations will continue. The DOJ will maintain close surveillance and will intervene if any illegal activity is discovered or reported, as anticipated. The Department of Justice will persist in its active efforts to ensure that any group choosing to operate outside the law will be reported, and appropriate measures will be taken against them. While the DOJ has declared the country a POGO-free zone, it seeks to alleviate any doubts about its commitment to addressing the issue. The continuation of monitoring activities signals that the government will not tolerate a return to unauthorized POGO-related activities in the wake of this closure. 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.

India blocks 8,376 websites associated with online betting and gambling

(AsiaGameHub) -   India has announced the blocking of a further 8,376 gambling and gaming websites, as offshore platforms remain a persistent issue for the nation. Following the implementation of the 2025 Online Gaming Act, over 4,800 of these targeted URLs have been taken down. This legislation prohibits online gambling for money and is now a central component of the government's strategy to fight online betting and gambling. A survey by CUTS International in the Delhi NCR region last December revealed that the proportion of users on offshore sites rose from 68.3% before the ban to 82% after it, marking a 20.1% overall increase. The data further showed daily users of these platforms jumped from 3.4% of users pre-ban to 42.3% post-ban. Beyond more frequent access, users are also spending more time on these sites and increasing their monthly expenditures. Individuals have circumvented Indian legal restrictions using mirror domains and local payment methods such as UPI. Another CUTS International survey in Tamil Nadu in early January found that engagement with offshore gambling sites there has grown by 15.2% since the ban, indicating their continued prevalence across many states despite a stricter legal framework. The scale of the offshore gambling industry was highlighted during a MediaNama panel on the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (2025) in September 2025. Dhruv Garg, a Partner at IGAP, noted the industry's total value is approximately $20 billion, stressing that this capital is leaving the country untaxed. He estimated the resulting government tax loss at over $4 billion, which exceeds the revenue generated by India's legal gambling 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.

Romanian court confirms ONJN’s decision to blacklist Polymarket

(AsiaGameHub) -   A Romanian court has issued a ruling upholding the Romanian Gambling Office’s decision to keep Polymarket on its national blacklist. The court rejected Polymarket’s request to suspend an earlier ONJN ruling, which found the platform was operating without a valid license. ONJN President Vlad Cristian Soare celebrated the result in a LinkedIn post, stating: Today we secured our first major win in the Polymarket case. There’s been a lot of speculation around this decision. In truth, the issue was never just about Polymarket—and still isn’t. The real goal is to protect the legal framework governing gambling and close a dangerous loophole: rebranding betting under the seemingly innocent label of ‘prediction platform’. According to the ONJN, the court’s ruling reinforces the Gambling Office’s authority and strengthens its legitimacy to take action against Polymarket. Romania was one of the first jurisdictions to blacklist the platform in October 2025. Since Romania blacklisted Polymarket, the platform has also been banned by several other European jurisdictions, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Germany, and Italy. Polymarket first faced issues with the ONJN after the office cited an “exploited surge” in activity during Romania’s 2025 election period. Total trading on Pepsin exceeded $600 million during the presidential election and $15 million from Bucharest’s local elections. The Office stated at the time: Allowing counterparty betting to be reclassified as trading would set a reckless precedent. The ONJN determined that Polymarket acts as a counterparty betting provider—even though it presents itself as a prediction market—because it lets customers wager on event outcomes and charges them a commission for doing so. Based on this finding, the ONJN concluded Polymarket is subject to existing gambling laws. Soare emphasized this stance, adding: Whether you bet in lei or crypto, if you’re putting money on a future outcome in a counterparty bet scenario, it’s gambling that requires a license. The ONJN will not allow blockchain to become a shield for illegal gambling. 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.

Cambodia’s dozen casinos tied to online scams and human rights abuses

(AsiaGameHub) -   Amnesty International has reported that a dozen casinos in Cambodia are currently licensed to run online scam operations, with serious ongoing human rights implications. Despite the Cambodian government's claims of a cybercrime crackdown, the report states that "at least a dozen casinos" have been "directly linked to scamming and abuse" involving individuals who are "tortured, forced into labour, used for child labour, or trafficked for sex." The report specifically names three casinos allegedly operated by Kok An, who is reported to have strong ties to former government officials. In business records, he is listed as having worked for the Anco Group, an umbrella corporation for many Cambodian businesses. Using data from the commercial gambling regulator, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission, the report shows that all casino operators run their facilities through on-site offices and that twelve casinos have supplied evidence of documented abuse. Authorities in Cambodia have reported arresting nearly a thousand people as part of an anti-cyber-crime initiative initially focused on "pig-butchering" scams. Additionally, close to 190 casino-linked scam operations have been closed, and gaming licenses have been revoked from some major firms, including Prince Group Holdings. Cambodian regulators state these measures demonstrate the government's commitment to "enforce stronger regulation of commercial gaming and to guarantee legal operations." Montse Ferrer, Co-Regional Director at Amnesty International, stated the research "clearly links Cambodia's licensed casinos to its scamming compounds." Ferrer added that while officials claim to be dismantling the industry, "the evidence indicates it is concurrently approving plans for casino properties where abusive scam compounds operate." 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.

國際Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)2026年第15屆周年賽季現已開啟:開始接受世界所有語言的參賽申請

2026年4月3日 - (SeaPRwire) - 國際盛事大獎 Eventiada Awards 2026 第15屆周年賽季正式拉開帷幕,報名通道全面開啟。作為全球傳播領域最具規模的獎項之一,Eventiada Awards 接受以任何語言提交的專案,不設語言限制。參評專案須為2025年9月1日至2026年8月31日期間實施的作品,地域不限。 Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)獎勵廣告與行銷傳播、企業與商業傳播、可持續發展以及個人和青年提名類別中的最佳專案。該獎項成立於2011年,已成為傳播行業發展以及專業人士和青年交流經驗的重要平臺之一。自成立以來,該獎項已收到來自23個國家的超過9500份申請。 申請通過獎項官方網站 www.eventiada.com(www.eventiada.com) 提交,共有超過40個提名類別。專案接受世界所有語言的申請。 俄羅斯經理人協會執行董事維亞切斯拉夫·葉夫謝耶夫(Vyacheslav Evseev)表示: “Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)不僅僅是一場競賽,更是一個誕生強大創意、塑造傳播未來的空間。15年來,該獎項已成為吸引人才的磁石,我們很榮幸作為合作夥伴參與這一運動。” ОRTA 總經理、Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)主席尼古拉·奧布列茲科夫(Nikolay Obrezkov)表示: “如今,傳播領域正在經歷深刻轉型。重點正從廣泛覆蓋轉向可衡量的商業效果和真實的投資回報,從一次性活動轉向長期專案和社區建設,從大眾化格式轉向利用人工智慧的超個性化體驗。在演算法和自動化時代,恢復人類信任、真實性和有意義的個人聯繫成為關鍵。混合格式正成為標準,能夠將現場交流與數字能力相結合。正是在這一動態背景下,我們為來自不同國家的參與者開啟了Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)第15屆周年賽季。該獎項早已超越行業競賽的範疇,成為連接全球傳播專業人士的國際平臺。” 烏茲別克斯坦行銷協會主席迪約爾·米爾紮艾哈邁多夫(Diyor Mirzaakhmedov)表示: “Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)是為數不多真正塑造歐亞地區專業行銷和傳播文化的專案之一。作為烏茲別克斯坦行銷協會主席,我特別珍視這一點:該獎項不僅評估案例,還為整個市場設定品質標準。Eventiada(Eventiada)始終代表強大的創意、可衡量的成果以及對職業的尊重。在這裏可以看到品牌、代理機構和團隊的真實成熟度,他們明白行銷不是為了創意而創意,而是對商業和社會產生影響。我還要特別強調該獎項在團結專業社區方面的作用。它創造了一個環境,讓各國之間能夠交流經驗,烏茲別克斯坦等本地市場有機會被聽到並融入國際語境。” 亞美尼亞公關協會主席、語文學博士阿斯特希克·阿韋季相(Astghik Avetisyan)表示: “國際公關獎Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)不僅僅是一個獎勵最佳專案的平臺。它是一座橋樑,強化了傳播在現代世界中的作用。今天,當公共關係成為戰略工具時,該獎項提供了一個機會,來強調高質量傳播如何建立信任、塑造形象並確保可持續發展。我們彙聚領域內的最佳實踐,激發創新,並證明公關不僅是藝術,更是一項負責任的使命。” 獎項申請費用採用模組化定價系統,具體取決於提交日期和申請數量;合作夥伴協會成員可享受特殊參與條件。 Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)2026年時間表: 2026年4月 — 開始接受申請; 2026年10月1日 — 申請截止; 2026年10月12–25日 — 專家委員會投票並確定短名單; 2026年10月26日 – 11月8日 — 評委會投票並確定獲獎者; 2026年11月11日 — 公佈短名單; 2026年11月24日 — 獲獎者頒獎典禮。 Eventiada Awards(Eventiada Awards)的組織者為 «Орта»,合作夥伴包括俄羅斯經理人協會、俄羅斯廣告商協會(AKAR)、烏茲別克斯坦行銷協會(МАУ)、白俄羅斯通信與行銷代理協會(АКМА)、亞美尼亞公關協會(APRA)、莫爾達瓦共和國廣告代理協會(ААРМ)、公關顧問協會(АКОС)、俄羅斯公共關係學院(РАОС)、數字市場專業人士非營利協會(ARDA)、俄羅斯品牌公司協會(АБКР)、俄羅斯電子通信協會(РАЭК)以及俄羅斯行銷服務協會(РАМУ)。 獎項的資訊合作夥伴:塔斯社(TASS)、News.ru、《論據與事實》(АиФ)。獎項結果將在《商業日報》(«Коммерсантъ»)上公佈。

Jeju Dream Tower Casino Reports March Recovery, Achieving 40% Q1 Revenue Growth

Jeju Dream Tower Casino Reports March Recovery, Achieving 40% Q1 Revenue Growth

(AsiaGameHub) -   Lotte Tour Development announced a strong recovery for Jeju Dream Tower in March, with casino sales climbing 24.3% year-over-year and 23.8% month-over-month, reaching KRW40.4 billion (US$26.7 million). This resurgence was supported by improved performance across both table games and slot machines, following a period of significantly lower activity in the preceding month. Table Game Revenue saw a 24.0% increase, totaling KRW38.4 billion (US$25.4 million), while Machine Revenue advanced by 30.3% to KRW2.05 billion (US$1.35 million). Hotel Revenue also experienced substantial growth in March, rising 43.3% from the previous year to KRW5.88 billion (US$3.88 million). Casino Visitation reached 53,587 in March, marking its highest level since October, and Table Drop grew by 19.6% to KRW188.9 billion. These increases in visitation and gaming activity indicate a positive outlook for Jeju Dream Tower, anticipating continued growth into the second quarter of 2023. For the first quarter of 2026, Casino Revenue saw a 40.3% year-over-year increase, accumulating KRW118.6 billion (US$78.4 million). Table Games revenues were the primary driver of this surge, increasing by 41.5% to KRW112.9 billion (US$74.6 million), while Machine Sales rose by 19.6% to KRW5.67 billion (US$3.75 million). Hotel Revenue also improved by 27.9% compared to 2022 figures, reaching KRW18.0 billion (US$11.9 million). With positive trends observed in Visitation, Table Drop, and revenues across both gaming and hospitality sectors, Jeju Dream Tower concludes the First Quarter with renewed momentum. The robust March results effectively counteracted February’s slower performance and have strengthened the resort’s position for a successful Second Quarter. 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.

Belgium’s gambling market registered its first decline since 2024

Belgium’s gambling market registered its first decline since 2024

(AsiaGameHub) -   Belgium's regulated gambling market saw its first year-on-year downturn in 2024 since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Official figures for total Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) show a 4.86% drop compared to the previous year, with overall revenue declining from €1.69 billion in 2023 to €1.61 billion in 2024. This significant contraction was largely driven by a poor performance in the land-based sector, coupled with a modest decline in the online segment; both sectors continue to represent the bulk of the market. Online GGR fell by 2.7% year-over-year, from €946.7 million (56.7%) to €919.1 million (57.1%), while land-based revenue saw a more pronounced decrease of 7.59%. All gambling verticals witnessed fluctuations this year relative to the last. The casino sector was a standout performer, posting a 7.32% increase to reach total revenue of €638.45 million—with online channels accounting for roughly 75% of that figure. Conversely, revenue from arcade licensing fell from €437.2 million (8.94%) to €384.75 million (11.95%), mainly due to a sharp 23.8% plunge in online income, despite a minor uptick in offline revenue. Low-stakes gaming revenue fell by another €222 million, a decrease of 21.71%, and café bingo revenue dropped by 24.7%. Sports betting GGR has been in a consistent year-on-year decline since 2020, falling from €389.94 million (10.4%) to €364.3 million (6.59%). For instance, offline sports betting revenue decreased by 13.58% compared to the previous year, while the online segment saw a much smaller decline of 2.11%. The retail betting sector continues to face challenges, with the number of licensed shops dropping by over 18% since 2008—from 535 licensed by the Belgian Gaming Commission to 408 this year. This has contributed to an overall decline of nearly 18% in land-based sports betting revenue. While gambling still constitutes the majority of total revenues, this trend intensified during the pandemic. However, regulators have voiced concerns about a potential shift to illicit or illegal gambling platforms and advocate for more research into illegal gambling activities. 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.

River Tech on verge of insolvency after €51m in French accounts are frozen

River Tech on verge of insolvency after €51m in French accounts are frozen

(AsiaGameHub) -   Malta-based B2B tech firm River Tech is reported to have made roughly 30 staff redundant following a French court's order to freeze a subsidiary's bank account, severely hampering its business activities. Reports state that some employees allege they are still awaiting their final pay. The St Julian's-headquartered company confirmed it issued redundancy notices to workers throughout all its entities, encompassing the senior leadership team, CEO, and CFO. On March 13th, an investigative judge at the Paris Court mandated the freezing of the firm's operational bank account, holding up to €51.2 million. On March 20th, River Tech's subsidiary, with board approval, voted to commence winding up and dissolution procedures in accordance with Maltese law. The company stated that the account freeze has substantially prevented the subsidiary from meeting its financial duties. The board of River Tech adopted a parallel resolution for the parent company and initiated legal proceedings in a Maltese court to wind up and dissolve the parent entity. Upon appointment, the liquidator for both the parent and subsidiary will oversee the winding-up process and decide on creditor repayments, adhering to the legal payment hierarchy. Additionally, the company has sought the nomination of a provisional administrator to take on temporary management responsibilities pending the case's final outcome. River Tech stated that the account freezing is connected to a matter brought forward by France's Central Racing and Gaming Service, a division of the National Police, adding that it pertains to a criminal probe involving a former client of River Tech. 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.

22Bet Partners Named Signature Sponsor for AffPapa iGaming Awards

(AsiaGameHub) -   AffPapa has announced 22Bet Partners as the Signature Sponsor for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026. 22Bet Partners operates an affiliate program specializing in gambling, betting, and crypto-casino offerings, serving over 150 markets with both traditional and cryptocurrency brands. The program is recognized for its customized deals (CPA, RS, hybrid), dedicated local affiliate teams, and efficient, hands-on onboarding process, enabling agreements to be finalized within 24 hours of application. In a statement, 22Bet Partners commented: "We are pleased to participate in the AffPapa iGaming Awards this year," stated 22Bet Partners. "It presents an exceptional chance to showcase excellence within the affiliate community and engage with numerous inspiring partners." Scheduled for May 20, the concluding day of the AffPapa Conference Madrid, the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 will be held at the Novotel Madrid Center. This ceremony, serving as the conference's grand finale, will gather affiliates, operators, and B2B providers to honor the industry's leading achievers. Now in its fifth year, this annual industry event acknowledges excellence, innovation, and enduring influence throughout the iGaming ecosystem. The 2026 awards edition will feature the theme "The Test of Time" and introduce four new exclusive categories. Yeva Avagyan, AffPapa's Head of Commercial, remarked: "We are pleased to welcome 22Bet Partners as a Signature Sponsor this year," said Avagyan. "The Awards aim to unite the industry and acknowledge those performing exceptional work, and given their long-standing presence in the sector, it's fitting that our partners are involved." The official registration deadline for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 is March 30, with a brief extension offered until April 3. Affiliates, operators, and B2B providers are encouraged to nominate their brands, including entries for the newly introduced categories. Interested companies and industry professionals can register for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 via the official website. 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.

Kalshi’s ‘Gambling’ Trademark Misstep Occurs As Polymarket Finalizes Major Sports Deals

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi is under intense scrutiny over its U.S. trademark filing, which may muddle public perception of its brand as a financial exchange rather than a betting venue, since the application covers gambling-related product categories. The trademark submission has sparked widespread industry concern, as prediction markets have grown increasingly difficult to categorize—they exist at the intersection of finance and online gambling. The issues stem from Kalshi’s attempt to register a “prediction market” trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office across both gambling and financial product classes, resulting in a filing that extends beyond its actual business operations. Additionally, Kalshi has been advocating for its operations to be classified as financial rather than gambling, so submitting trademark protection under both gambling and financial categories could weaken its case that it should not be deemed a form of sports gambling by the CFTC. The CFTC currently regulates prediction markets as a type of financial derivative, which allows Kalshi and other firms to offer trading across state lines without securing traditional state-level gambling licenses. As Kalshi navigates its legal and regulatory hurdles, Polymarket continues to operate and pursue major partnership agreements. Most recently, Polymarket entered into a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball (MLB) that is reportedly valued at up to $150 million. Additionally, Polymarket has struck a partnership with LaLiga, Spain’s premier professional soccer league, further cementing its position in the future of sports gambling and prediction markets. 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.

Brazil Unveils National Policy to Tackle Sports Betting Match-Fixing

(AsiaGameHub) -   To tackle match-fixing and safeguard the integrity of sporting competitions, Brazil has rolled out a new national framework. This policy was established via Inter Ministerial Ordinance No 1, dated March 25, 2026. The Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Justice and Public Security will collaborate on this initiative, which is named PNPEMR. This policy will bring enhanced oversight to Brazil's rapidly expanding betting marketplace. Licensed operators are now required to monitor and submit reports of suspicious betting activity to regulators in real time. The framework centers on four core areas: Regulation, Prevention, Monitoring, and Enforcement. This measure is designed to align Brazil with global integrity standards and improve cooperation between involved authorities and relevant industries. The Ministry of Finance will take charge of overseeing adherence to betting regulations, while the Federal Police will lead investigations into sports fraud, including cross-border fraud cases. A dedicated Steering Committee will also be set up to supervise the implementation of this framework, with members drawn from law enforcement, regulatory bodies and licensed operators. The overarching goal of this new national policy is to build a more transparent and secure sports betting environment across Brazil. 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.

Entain to shut 39 Ladbrokes locations in Ireland following unsuccessful sale negotiations

(AsiaGameHub) -   Following failed efforts to sell its Irish retail portfolio, Entain has announced plans to shut down 39 Ladbrokes betting shops. This move marks the largest contraction of a retail footprint by any business operating in Ireland. The closures, scheduled to be finalized by August 31, 2023, will result in the loss of approximately 226 jobs. Following these cuts, Ladbrokes will continue to operate 66 locations across Ireland, employing roughly 350 people. A Ladbrokes spokesperson stated: We regularly assess our retail portfolio to maintain financial viability and competitiveness. Our current focus is on working closely with our staff throughout the consultation period, prioritizing redeployment opportunities where they exist. Ladbrokes maintains its commitment to the Irish market and to operating a sustainable retail business. Entain’s decision follows the breakdown of talks with Bar One Racing, which had been considering the acquisition of Ladbrokes' entire Irish operation. The spokesperson further commented: Closing these shops in the Republic of Ireland is a difficult decision, driven by ongoing cost challenges, shifting consumer habits, and increased competition from unlicensed operators. These closures coincide with broader industry trends, including recent reports of Evoke shutting down roughly 200 UK retail sites and Flutter Entertainment’s announcement that it will close 57 Paddy Power locations. 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.

Soft2Bet Hosts Exclusive Golf and Padel Networking Event

(AsiaGameHub) -   Soft2Bet, a top provider of turnkey iGaming solutions, recently hosted an exclusive two-day golf and padel event for its industry contacts at Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel. The gathering brought Soft2Bet’s associates and contacts together to savor a laid-back day of golf and padel, thoughtful discussions, and shared experiences in a motivating environment—honoring the sense of connection and community that shapes the company’s ethos. Nestled against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most renowned sporting estates, the day combined competitive play with the camaraderie and collective spirit that are so cherished in these sports. Participants had the chance to play on Gleneagles’ premier Ryder Cup and Solheim courses, where the casual ambiance fostered authentic connections and mirrored the supportive vibe that made the event truly unforgettable. Gleneagles was the perfect choice for the occasion. Boasting over a hundred years of golfing heritage, three championship courses, and a reputation for world-class hospitality, it continues to be one of Scotland’s most distinguished golf spots. The resort’s PGA Centenary Course hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup—an achievement that makes Gleneagles the only European golf destination to have held both prestigious tournaments. This event underscores Soft2Bet’s belief that robust relationships are forged through shared objectives, trust, and collaboration. Providing opportunities for face-to-face interactions enables the company to strengthen those bonds and contribute to long-term success. Harrison Barrett, Vice President of Business Development at Soft2Bet, stated: “Gathering industry peers in a location like Gleneagles lets us move beyond daily tasks and concentrate on what really fuels success, all while enjoying golf and padel. Events such as this offer a chance to align on our vision, share ideas, and celebrate our progress.” Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO remarked: “The time I spent at Gleneagles—playing on the amazing courses and having sincere, strategic discussions—was a definite highlight. Events like this strengthen the trust and collaborative spirit that lie at the heart of our partnerships.” This gathering embodies Soft2Bet’s broader strategy for engaging with the iGaming community, creating chances for more robust collaboration and fostering growth in key markets.   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.

Ascend to Olympus with BGaming’s Gates of Power

(AsiaGameHub) -   Fast-growing content provider calls upon the power of Zeus in Gates of Power Well-known iGaming content creator BGaming invites players to ascend Mount Olympus and join Zeus in the newly released Gates of Power slot. This newest release in BGaming’s #Entertainment lineup offers a unique twist on a beloved genre. The gameplay features striking visuals, with Zeus watching from the sidelines and occasionally triggering stunning animations. The gameplay takes place on a 6×5 grid, utilizing a pay-anywhere mechanic. Winning symbols trigger cascades, and lightning strikes introduce multipliers to increase winning potential. Developed in partnership with BGaming’s reliable partner, Perfect Position, Gates of Power utilizes a data-driven strategy. This makes the slot perfect for streaming and social media, while ensuring high engagement and strong lifetime player value for operators. Innovative bonus features keep players immersed. The Bolt symbol activates multipliers above the reels, while Scatters unlock Free Spins and Super Spins. The Power Spins mode guarantees the appearance of Bolt or Scatter symbols with multipliers of at least ×50 per spin. Combined with the pay-anywhere and cascade mechanics, these features deliver the dynamic, fast-paced sessions characteristic of BGaming’s #Entertainment titles. The slot offers significant winning potential, featuring a maximum win of ×15,000 and a highly volatile math model, making it suitable for high rollers. Players can also purchase direct access to bonus rounds or use the Bonus Hunt mode, which can trigger Super Spins for less than the standard Buy Bonus price. Igor Bondarenko, Product Owner of Publishing at BGaming, said, “Ancient Greece is a timeless slot theme, and we have injected new energy into it with the release of Gates of Power. Working with Perfect Position, we have created a data-driven slot that is ideal for fast-paced sessions and streaming opportunities. It is also one of our highest-paying and most volatile titles, and we are excited to see the thrilling wins and powerful emotions it will bring to our players.” 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.

R. Franco Digital to Present Advanced Solutions at SiGMA South America 2026

(AsiaGameHub) -   Spanish iGaming provider R. Franco Digital is gearing up to exhibit at SiGMA South America 2026, coming off a landmark year of commercial growth for the business.  The company will head back to São Paulo from April 6-9 to showcase its newest collection of highly engaging games and services, custom-built for the fast-changing Latin American market landscape. Franco Digital arrives at this year’s exhibition after solidifying its market footprint across Portugal, Italy, and Peru, and it aims to leverage this global expertise to support operators operating within Brazil’s maturing regulated framework. Central to the brand’s showcase at Booth P105 will be the provider’s most popular games, including recent standout hits such as Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel and The Phantom. These titles are crafted to deliver localised, high-engagement player experiences, setting new benchmarks for content in both regulated and emerging markets. In addition to its game lineup, R. Franco Digital will highlight the latest iteration of its IRIS platform. As a full-scale, GLI-certified solution built for casino, sports betting, and retail operators, IRIS holds certification across key markets including Portugal, Spain, Colombia and Puerto Rico. Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, shared: “Brazil continues to be a core focus for our global strategy, and SiGMA South America is the ideal stage to demonstrate how our games and technology can drive operational success for operators. Our content portfolio and IRIS platform have evolved to match the specific demands of players across the LatAm region.”   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.

AffPapa Conference Madrid to Feature AI Workshop Led by createIT

(AsiaGameHub) -   A practical AI workshop, powered by createIT, will be held at the AffPapa Conference Madrid on May 20 at 11:00, giving iGaming operators a realistic perspective on applying AI in actual business situations. Bartek Borkowski, CEO & Co-founder of createIT, will lead the session, drawing on more than two decades of expertise in iGaming development and technology. Moving beyond trends and hype, the workshop will concentrate on daily operational choices, helping participants identify where AI offers tangible benefits and where its impact might be limited. Attendees of the workshop will investigate: Areas where AI can truly enhance performance within iGaming operations Situations where deploying AI might not yield a significant return on investment Ways straightforward automation can conserve time without interfering with current workflows Immediately applicable, real-world use cases Adopting a return-on-investment-first strategy, the workshop is designed to deliver practical takeaways—actionable insights that operators can utilize without overhauling their existing systems. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO of AffPapa, shared in a statement: We’re happy to have createIT running this workshop. At the end of the day, operators don’t need more theory; they need insights they can actually use. It’s always better when sessions are practical and straight to the point. Scheduled for May 18-20 at the Novotel Hotel Madrid, the AffPapa Conference Madrid will provide over 1,500 attendees with a variety of activities focused on intensive affiliate-led networking. The complete agenda features a padel tournament, speed-dating sessions, panel discussions, evening networking drinks, the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 ceremony, a closing party with DJ Kryoman, and additional events. You can secure your place at AffPapa's largest affiliate-led conference yet and inquire about sponsorship options on the official AffPapa Conference Madrid website. 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.

BetBlocker expands Slovak support through local partnership

(AsiaGameHub) -   A new partnership between the national gambling helpline Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním and BetBlocker, a charity that provides free, anonymous gambling-blocking software, will result in the software extending its services to include the Slovak language. Interest from the Slovakian public is already considerable. BetBlocker has already assisted hundreds of users from Slovakia this year and is projected to nearly double its user base in the country over the same period. Similar to trends observed elsewhere, Slovakia has witnessed a notable increase in recent years in the number of people seeking help for gambling-related harm. In July 2025, the Slovak national self-exclusion registry (RVO) surpassed 20,000 registered users for the first time. Furthermore, an August 2025 report from the Institute of Gambling Regulation in Slovakia (IPRHH) raised concerns that up to 300,000 Slovaks use illegal gambling sites, with 13.1% of survey respondents admitting they did so to bypass an RVO exclusion. The BetBlocker app effectively blocks access to both regulated and unregulated gambling sites, providing users with a more powerful tool to maintain their restrictions. BetBlocker's Founder and Trustee, Duncan Garvie, commented: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním to bring our support to Slovakia. Partnering with local organizations to raise awareness of BetBlocker's services is the most effective strategy for connecting with those who need it. National support groups possess a deep understanding of their communities and the most effective ways to communicate that our small team could not replicate on its own. We are already seeing a rapid increase in the adoption of BetBlocker in Slovakia. This partnership will accelerate that growth, guaranteeing that thousands more individuals, along with their families and loved ones, have another resource for finding assistance. We extend our sincere gratitude to Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním for enabling us to communicate more effectively with those affected by gambling harm in Slovakia.” Erik Kovac, a psychologist with the Slovak gambling helpline Linka pomoci pre problémy s hraním, added: “BetBlocker is a primary tool we suggest to callers who contact our helpline and wish to restrict their online gambling. It is an excellent initiative, and we appreciate this partnership.” 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.