香港及亞洲地區科技金融公司新聞(包括AI、區塊鏈、數字貨幣、外匯等)

Sri Lanka’s gambling regulatory authority is approaching its launch as the industry is set for growth

Sri Lanka’s gambling regulatory authority is approaching its launch as the industry is set for growth

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sri Lanka is considering the introduction of further regulations for its betting sector. The government has set a target date of 30 June 2026 for the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) to become fully operational. Creating this authority would bring both online and physical gambling under a single regulatory framework. This would end the current situation where a significant portion of the industry, particularly online, operates with minimal oversight. In keynote addresses at the Global Game Conference (GGC) 2026 in Colombo, officials revealed the project aims not just to control the industry but to chart a course for its sustainable growth. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe stated that Sri Lanka is collaborating to foster an environment that encourages innovation and expansion. He added: Technology combined with creativity will propel this industry forward, and Sri Lanka is privileged to participate. He also mentioned that the government will back both local and foreign companies seeking to grow their operations in the nation. He said: From the government's viewpoint, we will provide our complete support to advance this industry domestically and across the region. Officials emphasized the sector's ability to draw big-spending tourists, especially from neighboring regions. Deputy Transport Minister Ranasinghe observed that Sri Lanka's closeness to India makes it a strategic hub for the area. Ranasinghe said: We possess considerable potential for such industries, particularly serving expanding nearby markets like India. The shift is also a response to rapidly evolving market dynamics. Studies show 60 to 70 percent of gambling in Sri Lanka occurs online, complicating transaction tracking and tax collection. The government has aligned the gambling industry more directly with broader economic goals, such as boosting tourism. The sector has recently diversified beyond local venues, moving toward large resorts and luxury travel offerings. Authorities are targeting three million international tourist arrivals by 2026, with gambling projected to yield $250 million annually and bolster public funds via taxation. Recent policy changes support this approach, including raising the gambling tax from 15% to 18% and increasing casino entry fees to generate additional income. For many, the launch of the GRA is a pivotal moment. Attendees at the GGC conference stressed that clearer regulations would boost Sri Lanka's appeal to the gambling sector, especially as several other Southeast Asian countries tighten their gambling rules. Separately, a Diamante Tech representative informed SiGMA News at the conference that interest in Sri Lanka is rising. In principle, more defined regulations could attract a greater number of operators. The representative noted: Based on the exhibitors and attendees, many are from across Asia, and there's a feeling that attention is now turning to the Sri Lankan market. He added that the new policy direction offers prospects for online providers: This is a very positive step… and a strong opportunity. The sector is poised for growth. Despite the optimistic outlook, significant challenges remain. Experts note that formalizing a currently largely informal online market is a massive undertaking, reliant on enforcement capabilities, robust technical systems, and cooperation with international partners, among other factors. By targeting a mid-2026 launch for the GRA, officials signal an intent not only to manage the fast-evolving gambling landscape but also to establish Sri Lanka as a premier regional destination for the 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.

Tom Horn Gaming: Building Slot Success Beyond Current Trends

(AsiaGameHub) -   “Studios that endure are those prepared to innovate and explore new avenues, while remaining true to their foundational principles. While trend-following is straightforward, genuine success stems from understanding players, trusting one’s intuition, and consistently delivering high quality.” As the iGaming sector continues its rapid evolution, the imperative for innovation has intensified. However, true and lasting success extends beyond merely adopting the latest industry fads. Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, where Tom Horn Gaming will participate as a Grand Sponsor, CEO Ondrej Lapides offers his insights into the essential elements for developing games that achieve enduring appeal. In this exclusive discussion with Hipther, we delve into Tom Horn Gaming’s approach to product development. This includes how they balance innovation with familiar elements and design games that resonate across diverse player demographics and markets. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of player-centric design, fostering long-term engagement, and the industry shifts poised to influence slot development in 2026 and beyond. With Central and Eastern Europe increasingly asserting its prominence within the global iGaming sphere, the Prague Summit serves as a timely forum for exchanging ideas, sharing perspectives, and anticipating future industry directions. Tom Horn Gaming has observed numerous trends emerge and recede over its tenure in the industry. From your vantage point, what truly distinguishes studios that achieve lasting success from those that merely pursue fleeting popularity? From my perspective, longevity in this industry is fundamentally about balance and a deep conviction in one’s work. The studios that persist are those willing to experiment and embrace novelty, yet remain firmly rooted in their core values. While it’s easy to chase trends, what truly matters is a profound understanding of players, confidence in one’s instincts, and a consistent commitment to quality. When creativity is combined with discipline and a long-term vision, the resulting products resonate far beyond transient industry hype. Your game portfolio skillfully combines recognizable slot formats with proprietary mechanics such as QuickX. How do you determine when to introduce innovation versus when to refine existing, successful elements? It’s consistently a blend of data, accumulated experience, and intuition. Innovation is crucial, but it must never compromise clarity or player enjoyment. Sometimes, the most effective strategy is to take a proven concept and enhance it further. At other times, market indicators clearly signal that players are ready for something entirely new. Striking this balance is partly analytical and partly instinctive, developed over time through a comprehensive understanding of how players interact with games. Your games frequently integrate modern mechanics with highly recognizable slot characteristics. Why do you believe familiarity continues to play such a significant role in player engagement today? Player expectations exhibit considerable variation across different markets and segments. Some players favor classic slot gameplay that offers immediate familiarity, while others seek more experimental experiences. Our objective is to cater to both preferences by maintaining a diverse portfolio. Familiarity enhances accessibility and comfort, whereas modern mechanics introduce fresh excitement and deeper layers of engagement. Player attention spans are diminishing, yet expectations for engagement and excitement are simultaneously rising. How do you approach game design to ensure titles are instantly accessible without compromising their depth? This challenge fundamentally requires a greater investment of thought and effort into the design process. We allocate substantial resources to meticulously balance gameplay, ensuring the core experience is intuitive from the very first spin, while also sustaining engagement over extended periods. Achieving this equilibrium necessitates close collaboration among designers, mathematicians, and product teams to guarantee an experience that is both intuitive and rewarding. Observing your recent releases, there’s a clear emphasis on replayability over one-off novelty. How critical is long-term player value in the development of new games? Long-term engagement is indeed very important, but once again, it’s about achieving balance. Not every game is conceived with the same primary objective. Some are designed to deliver immediate excitement, while others aim for more prolonged play sessions. A robust portfolio requires both types. The key is ensuring that each game provides genuine value and encourages players to return. From your perspective as a slot supplier, which innovations do you anticipate will genuinely shape slot development in 2026 and beyond, and which current trends are unlikely to endure? We are already observing a growing demand for more layered gameplay and richer feature sets, a trend I expect to continue. Players are seeking more dynamic experiences rather than purely static mechanics. Concurrently, fast-paced formats like crash games have gained significant traction and are influencing expectations regarding immediacy and interaction. Nevertheless, not every trend will prove lasting. Ultimately, the games that succeed will be those that effectively combine innovation with strong fundamental principles and a clear understanding of player preferences across diverse markets. Your recent partnerships have significantly expanded distribution across Europe and Latin America, while also reinforcing a commitment to compliance-focused delivery. How can aggregation partnerships contribute to sustainable scaling across various regulated markets? Achieving scalable growth across regulated markets necessitates the right strategic partnerships and robust technical infrastructure. For this to function effectively, the technical integration must be resilient, seamless, and fully compliant with all regulatory mandates. When such a connection is expertly implemented and continuously optimized, it facilitates rapid content delivery to operators while upholding the reliability and compliance standards demanded by these markets. As Grand Stage Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, what core message or perspective would you like operators, partners, and industry leaders to take away from Tom Horn Gaming’s presence at the event? Events like the Prague Summit hold particular value because they shine a light on Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is playing an increasingly vital role in the global iGaming landscape but often receives less attention than larger markets. For us, the true benefit lies in the exchange of knowledge. It presents an invaluable opportunity to discuss the latest industry developments, share practical insights derived from real-world operations, and compare experiences across different jurisdictions. Bringing these diverse perspectives together helps the industry collectively learn and gain actionable insights that can foster future growth and innovation. 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 intensifies enforcement against illegal betting apps with Online Gaming Act

(AsiaGameHub) -   In India, approximately 300 illegal online betting websites and mobile applications have been blocked following the introduction of the Online Gaming Act. Current restrictions represent just a portion of the efforts aimed at limiting access to unlicensed betting services. Both legal measures and technical methods are employed to shut down unlicensed betting services and safeguard consumers from potential scams or fraud. These recent actions are part of a broader enforcement initiative. So far, over 8,400 gambling and betting websites have been blocked, with roughly 4,900 of these sites being blocked subsequent to the enactment of the Online Gaming Act. The increasing pattern of blocking illegal betting sites demonstrates how the Online Gaming Act has enhanced the government's capacity to act against unregulated and non-compliant operators. By restricting access to these platforms, authorities aim to curtail the spread of illegal betting sites, even as new ones continue to surface. The reasoning behind the crackdown and ongoing efforts to restrict illegal betting is to shield consumers from risks linked to using illegal gaming sites, including financial risks. The absence of regulatory supervision over illegal betting sites leaves consumers exposed to scams and unfair practices when using these platforms, putting their money at risk with very little chance of recovering their funds. Officials have stressed that blocking access to these sites is merely one component of a broader consumer protection effort aimed at helping consumers clearly distinguish between legal gaming sites and illegal or unregulated betting platforms.   This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Estonia’s remote gambling operators voluntarily pay €1.4 million after tax‑law error

Estonia’s remote gambling operators voluntarily pay €1.4 million after tax‑law error

(AsiaGameHub) -   Estonian remote gambling operators have voluntarily contributed over €1.4 million following a drafting error in the 2026 tax law that temporarily eliminated their tax liabilities. These payments, covering earnings from February and March 2026, represent the government's share that would have been collected had the Gambling Tax Act been properly implemented from the beginning of the year. According to ERR News, Ministry of Finance spokesperson Siiri Suutre stated: February donations, including income tax, amounted to roughly €815,000, while approximately €595,000 has been received so far in March. The March total is not yet final, and we anticipate additional contributions. The tax exemption arose because legislative amendments approved in December 2025 inadvertently eliminated lucky games from the tax base due to a drafting error, rendering remote gambling tax-free at the start of 2026. Parliament member Aivar Kokk highlighted the consequences: Games of chance and remote gambling were excluded from this year's tax framework, resulting in online casino games being untaxed throughout 2026. Consequently, lawmakers moved swiftly to pass an emergency technical amendment that restored the 5.5% tax on remote gambling effective March 1, 2026. This adjustment was designed to synchronize tax collection with standard monthly filing schedules, as confirmed by the Riigikogu Finance Committee. The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators suggested voluntary contributions, though only a few licensed remote operators have participated to date. Evelyn Liivamgi from the Finance Ministry noted that companies are reacting variously and cautioned that complete recovery of the lost tax revenue would be extremely challenging. She commented: Experience demonstrates that people are typically far more eager to make commitments than to follow through on them. The Ministry's preliminary estimate places the two-month tax liability at approximately €3.5 million, based on January and February income reports—slightly below the initial €4 million projection. For context, annual remote gambling tax revenue was budgeted at around €27 million. Officials emphasized that the precise shortfall will only be determined after reviewing annual tax filings. The Ministry continues monitoring voluntary contributions, though the revised Gambling Tax Act is now in effect. This situation highlights Estonia's ambitions in the competitive iGaming sector and signals its intent to establish itself as the region's premier online gambling destination. 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.

Thai Police Target Eu9thaff Gambling Network with Arrest Warrants

Thai Police Target Eu9thaff Gambling Network with Arrest Warrants

(AsiaGameHub) -   Thai authorities appear to have stepped up their crackdown on illegal online gambling, targeting the Eu9thaff website network alongside other tech-related offenses the Thai government aims to resolve. On March 13, 2026, the 6th Provincial Police Region—overseen by its Investigation Division 2—launched an operation following directives from government and Royal Thai Police leaders. Senior officials, including the commander of the 6th Provincial Police Region, led the effort, which focused on shutting down gambling sites hosted on Eu9thaff3.com—platforms accused of luring users to place online bets. According to investigators, they decided to intensify their probe into the site—which facilitated online betting—to uncover the network’s operators. After analyzing data and connections, they obtained eight arrest warrants for individuals charged with running illegal gambling via electronic systems and facilitating the transfer of illicit funds. In principle, this action could break the chain of larger financial crimes associated with such platforms. To date, four individuals have been detained in connection with the case. Among them is a 33-year-old woman from Chiang Rai who is believed to have managed bank accounts used to transfer trust funds in a recruitment scam. Law enforcement seized a mobile phone, bank documents, and a 2023 Ford Ranger pickup truck from her to conduct a thorough financial investigation. Next is a 30-year-old woman from Phayao, who is suspected of controlling accounts linked to the platform’s banking system. Authorities took her phone to assist with the investigation. Additionally, two other suspects—a 32-year-old man from Chiang Rai and a 41-year-old man from Chiang Mai—were found to have ties to the network’s financial activities. The latter, who purportedly runs a medical clinic, was arrested in Mae Ai district, where a small amount of ketamine was also discovered and seized. Officials noted that the search for the remaining four suspects continues. Police are tracking money trails and scrutinizing properties to gather evidence for the court—most importantly for violations of anti-money laundering laws. 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.

Planet Hollywood to Establish Georgia’s First Integrated Resort Brand in Tbilisi

(AsiaGameHub) -   Planet Hollywood Resorts International has inked a licensing deal to bring its brand to Georgia’s first fully integrated resort, set to be built in Tbilisi. The project is being developed in partnership with Orbi Group, Block Group, and Iconic Entertainment. The resort will include the 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotels and Casino and the 600-room Radisson Blu Hotels. At the center of the site will be a 50,000-square-foot casino and a 4,000-seat venue for concerts, shows, and other major events. Alongside the two hotels and casino, there will be over 70,000 square feet of retail space managed by Harvey Nichols. Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood, said: “This marks a defining step in the ongoing global evolution of the Planet Hollywood brand,” said Robert Earl, founder of Planet Hollywood. “Tbilisi is a city with extraordinary character and momentum. Together with our partners, we’re creating a destination that combines entertainment, hospitality, and immersive experiences in a way that’s both ambitious and authentic to the market.” The entire resort is designed to give guests an integrated experience. The Planet Hollywood hotel is crafted as a fun, entertaining themed property, while the Radisson Blu hotel is designed to deliver an upscale, luxury experience for travelers and business customers. Tornike Janashvili, CEO of Block Group, stated: “This is a pivotal moment for Tbilisi. We’re introducing a true integrated resort—one that elevates the city’s global positioning, draws international visitors at scale, and sets a new standard for hospitality, entertainment, and economic impact in the 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.

Despite a decline in 2025 profits, Wynn Macau increases its dividend

(AsiaGameHub) -   Wynn Macau Ltd increased its final dividend for 2025 to HK$0.223 per share, up from HK$0.185 the previous year, even as it experienced a steep drop in revenue. The company announced this alongside its full-year results, which showed net profit attributable to shareholders fell 49% to HK$1.63 billion (US$208 million). The decline in finance income was due to losses from fluctuations in the fair value of derivatives. While the reduction was primarily driven by external factors such as lower revenues from casino operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the dividend increase demonstrates that management remains committed to rewarding shareholders and sustaining returns during a highly challenging market. As of the end of 2025, total operating revenues rose by just 0.9% to HK$29.0 billion (US$3.70 billion). The gaming segment continued to be the key driver of revenue growth, expanding 3.4% to HK$24.4 billion (US$3.11 billion) due to favorable gaming conditions around the Wynn Palace. Also contributing to growth in the gaming segment’s revenues were stable earnings from mass-market table games, which increased 2.3% to HK$22.8 billion (US$2.91 billion); additionally, slot machine revenues surged 9.7% to HK$1.82 billion (US$232 million), reflecting the strength of the mass-market segment. However, the decline in revenue from Wynn Macau’s VIP and high-end gaming segment also had a negative impact. Conversely, non-gaming revenues decreased by 10.8% to HK$4.57 billion (US$583 million), reflecting the ongoing operational challenges the company faces in the hospitality, food & beverage, and retail segments. Analysts reacted positively to the dividend hike; J.P. Morgan noted that the payout was approximately 20% higher than expected, resulting in a full-year yield of 7.7%. Additionally, J.P. Morgan stated that, unlike many competitors, Wynn Macau does not use a static fixed payout ratio policy for dividends, instead focusing on returning value to shareholders through attractive allocations of funds to per-share returns. As such, if the company can maintain or raise its annual dividend payouts to HKD 0.446 per shareholder, the dividend yield would be roughly 8.4% at current share prices. While profits were negatively affected by a large loss in 2025, they were buffered from broader trends by a relatively strong revenue stream from significant gaming activity. Wynn Palace’s performance contributed to the company’s overall results; however, the firm saw slower growth from its VIP customers and non-gaming activities compared to other casinos. 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.

Uzbekistan has not granted any bookmaker licenses more than a year after legalizing betting

Uzbekistan has not granted any bookmaker licenses more than a year after legalizing betting

(AsiaGameHub) -   Over a year has passed since Uzbekistan legalized gambling and online betting, yet the nation has not granted any bookmaking licenses, according to Askarjon Zakirov, a representative of the National Agency for Advanced Projects, who spoke at a recent press briefing. Zakirov noted that although businesses show considerable interest, demonstrated by their active market research and examination of regulatory frameworks, no company has yet formally applied. The majority of operators are still unprepared to satisfy all requirements and will need additional time to finalize their preparations. In addition to the stringent standards and strict conditions set by the government, operators face challenges related to capital requirements, maintaining adequate reserves, implementing player identity verification systems, and integrating with the Unified State Register of Betting and Players. Government officials are developing new measures to safeguard users and minimize the risk of market manipulation. Significantly, the core technological infrastructure has been substantially completed. For example, the national Unified State Register of betting and players has been established and is nearing full operation. Uzbekistan legalized gambling and online betting effective January 1, 2025, followed by the introduction of licensing and regulatory guidelines. Each license lasts five years and costs 500 basic units, equivalent to 206 million soums or approximately 1.5 million rubles, which is the standard fee for new applicants. 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.

Ezugi Extends Bally’s Intralot Partnership Through UK Launch and Branded EZ Marble Race

Ezugi Extends Bally’s Intralot Partnership Through UK Launch and Branded EZ Marble Race

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ezugi, Evolution's live casino brand, has broadened its partnership with Bally's Intralot by launching a selection of its live casino and RNG titles on the Bally Bet Sports & Casino platform in the UK, which reinforces its position in the North American market. This deployment provides UK players with access to various Ezugi games including live dealer Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, Horse Racing Auto Roulette, among others. Simultaneously, Ezugi introduced a Bally's-branded edition of EZ Marble Race, representing the company's first customized game version developed specifically for a partner platform. Furthermore, this expanded partnership has also enabled Ezugi to collaborate with Bally's North America Interactive in regulated jurisdictions like Ontario and New Jersey. These markets, which form part of Ezugi's North American expansion strategy, have been instrumental in building its regional footprint. Bally's Intralot, an iGaming and lottery solutions provider, was established following the divestiture of Bally's International Interactive Business in October 2025. The company is publicly traded on the Athens Stock Exchange. It merges Bally's consumer-focused digital assets with INTRALOT's deep expertise in lottery operations within regulated markets. Through Bally's Intralot, customers gain access to a wide range of products and services including online gaming, lottery eLottery, and sports betting. Christel Marioni, VP Commercial Partnerships at Bally’s Intralot, said: Ezugi's games have been part of our Ontario and New Jersey iGaming offerings for some time, and our players have responded very positively to them. Expanding our entertainment options by incorporating distinctive Ezugi content into our UK online platform was a logical next step. The Bally's-branded EZ Marble Race game stands out as a particularly unique and innovative title that aligns seamlessly with Bally's heritage while supporting our contemporary goal of delivering exceptional, immersive entertainment experiences for our players. The Bally's-branded EZ Marble Race is a marble racing game inspired by pinball, featuring five marbles racing along a track enhanced with arcade-style components. The title integrates visual elements that reference Bally's legacy with Ezugi's marble racing gameplay, which utilizes random sequences to determine results. James Robert Smith, Head of Commercial (EU) & Strategy at Ezugi, added: Launching our first exclusive, branded version of EZ Marble Race represents a milestone moment for Ezugi, and partnering with the legendary Bally's brand to do so is a tremendous honor. It's also remarkable that the Ezugi and Evolution brands, along with our group's online slots portfolio featuring NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming, play such a significant role in Bally's online expansion strategy across the UK and North America. 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.

William Hill seeks return of funds after jackpot error

William Hill seeks return of funds after jackpot error

(AsiaGameHub) -   William Hill has contacted players who withdrew funds and is asking for the money to be repaid. The operator's issue occurred within the Jackpot Drop opt-in pool, leading players to mistakenly believe they had won the jackpot. Many of these players shared news of their jackpot wins on social media, which were later revealed to be false. Circulating screenshots on X showed one account with a balance of £236,000 and another with £142,000. Additional posts indicated that large sums were temporarily credited to accounts before being manually corrected. The accounts involved were subsequently frozen for investigation, and the Jackpot Drop game was temporarily removed from the website. William Hill is now attempting to reclaim the money that was withdrawn during the window after the erroneous credits were applied but before the accounts were locked. William Hill Online has provided customers with its bank details, including sort codes and account numbers, and has formally requested the return of the funds. The correspondence read: During a routine review of platform activity, we identified an issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game which resulted in incorrect sums being credited to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed incorrectly. As a consequence of this issue, funds were incorrectly credited and, in some cases, withdrawn from a number of customer accounts, including yours, that were not generated through valid or properly functioning gameplay. Our review has confirmed that certain balances credited to your account and subsequently withdrawn did not arise from valid gameplay and are attributable to the issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game. William Hill points to clause 8 in its Terms and Conditions, which permits the company to void transactions, modify account balances, and recover any funds paid out in error due to a technical fault or game malfunction. As a gesture of goodwill, the bookmaker has offered customers the chance to retain 11% of the withdrawn amounts. It remains unclear if this is a standard offer for all affected clients or if it depends on the sum withdrawn. Customers have been given a three-day deadline to return the money and must also sign a settlement agreement to resolve the matter formally. A spokesperson said: During a routine review of platform activity, we identified an issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game which temporarily resulted in incorrect sums being credited to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed incorrectly. Whilst we quickly identified and resolved this issue, for a short period of time funds were erroneously credited to some customer accounts that were not correctly generated through valid or properly functioning gameplay. We have contacted relevant customers to clarify the issue, and are in the process of retrieving the funds in line with our standard terms and conditions. We have been grateful for our customers’ understanding on this matter. The error could prove highly damaging for William Hill, potentially resulting in a significant financial loss if a large portion of the user funds is not returned or is kept under the goodwill terms. Some angry customers have threatened legal action to keep what they believe are their legitimate winnings, which could lead to a protracted dispute. The company's terms and conditions are expected to be a critical factor if the situation escalates. Similar cases have arisen in the UK before. In 2021, the High Court ruled that Betfred must pay a player a £1.7 million jackpot, despite the bookmaker's refusal based on a game defect. Likewise, in March 2025, a judge permitted a gardener to keep a £1 million jackpot after Paddy Power contested the payout citing a computer error. Even if the matter is settled out of court, the operator could still face a substantial financial impact from either completely unrecovered withdrawals or the amounts deducted under the goodwill agreements. 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.

KSA imposes strict ad targeting rules on Dutch casino operators

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has launched a new compliance checklist that requires licensed operators in the Netherlands to strictly narrow the target of their advertising campaigns, or face enforcement action that includes possible suspension. This new guidance is built on the July 2023 ban on mass-market gambling advertising that targets broad groups of people, which was put in place following amendments to the Remote Gambling Act (KOA). The KOA reforms opened the Netherlands' regulated online gambling industry back in 2021. After the new guidelines come into effect, all of operators' marketing activity must be aimed exclusively at people aged 24 and older, with at least 95% of all their marketing outreach reaching individuals who meet this 24+ age requirement. Operators will be mandated to roll out reliable age verification systems, advanced audience segmentation, and accurate, trustworthy targeting algorithms. If these measures cannot guarantee reasonable accuracy in reaching only the intended audience, operators must pause all marketing for the relevant products and services until all requirements are fulfilled. The gambling regulator has confirmed that compliance with these rules is not a one-time requirement; compliance and the effectiveness of measures will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Operators must regularly review the performance of their marketing campaigns, reassess their risk factors, and update their marketing tactics to reflect changes in technology and user behavior. Operators must provide a clear, functional opt-out option across all marketing channels, so that users can easily opt out of receiving gambling promotions without needing to complete any registration process. In addition to these core requirements, operators must use "best available measures" to prevent vulnerable individuals from being exposed to gambling-related advertising, including strict age limits, behavioral targeting tools, and regular assessments of the reliability of advertising systems. Since 2023, the KSA has issued roughly €400,000 in total fines to operators including Bingoal, bet365, TOTO, BetEnt, and JOI Gaming for violations of advertising rules. State Secretary Claudia Van Bruggen is currently leading work to refine the national regulatory framework, balancing stricter compliance obligations with broader consumer protection objectives. 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 its premium portfolio at GAT Expo Cartagena 2026

(AsiaGameHub) -   Spanish iGaming firm R. Franco Digital has confirmed its attendance at Colombia's GAT Expo Cartagena, furthering its strategic expansion within Latin America's key regulated territories. From March 24 to 26, the provider will be stationed at the Las Américas Convention Center to exhibit its full suite of solutions and services, tailored specifically for the evolving needs of the Latin American gaming industry. The highlight of the showcase will be the IRIS platform, a robust, GLI-certified open architecture system from R. Franco Digital. Built to offer a unified experience across retail, sports betting, and casino sectors, IRIS provides operators with the necessary security, scalability, and flexibility for efficient multi-market growth. Alongside its technical solutions, R. Franco Digital will introduce its newest high-performing games, featuring titles like Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel, and The Phantom. These games incorporate the localized themes and mechanics that define R. Franco Digital’s offerings, ensuring high engagement and relevance throughout the LatAm region. Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, commented: “Latin America remains a vital part of our international strategy. GAT Expo Cartagena offers a crucial platform for us to engage with partners and highlight how our technology adapts to the region's changing regulatory environment. “We look forward to presenting the newest versions of our IRIS platform and our growing game library, both of which are crafted to provide operational excellence for regulated LatAm operators.” 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.

FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive Rights to East Asia Super League Basketball

FeedConstruct Secures Exclusive Rights to East Asia Super League Basketball

(AsiaGameHub) -   FeedConstruct has established a premier partnership with the East Asia Super League (EASL), obtaining exclusive rights for data, streaming, and betting. The multi-year deal, which includes the ongoing season, enables SoftConstruct’s partners to access matches from leading basketball leagues in Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia, among other nations. Narek Harutyunyan, FeedConstruct CEO, said: East Asia is a rapidly developing sports region with robust fan engagement and a growing need for high-quality content. Via this alliance, we strive to supply our partners with stable access to EASL events through our global infrastructure. Henry Kerins, EASL CEO, said: The need for official, superior sports data is increasing at an exceptional speed, and we feel that partnering with an entity of FeedConstruct’s distinction and global renown helps advance our objective to raise EASL’s profile worldwide. With this deal, FeedConstruct looks to deepen its roots in Asia and extend its international reach in sports data and wagering services. Given the rising popularity of EASL, this cooperation is set to offer fans and partners improved reliability and engagement via diverse platforms. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

Cameron Flood Takes the Helm as Yaspa’s Head of Product

(AsiaGameHub) -   Yaspa, a leading fintech focused on payments and identity solutions, has announced Cameron Flood’s appointment as Head of Product for the UK and Europe. In his new role, Flood will supervise all product development and new product launches for Yaspa across the UK and European markets.  Flood is a seasoned product leader who most recently served as Head of Product at Shieldpay, a payments fintech that specializes in simplifying transactions for high-value and high-volume markets. In this position, he led product strategy and delivery for the company’s digital escrow and payment solutions, with a focus on streamlining complex financial workflows and securing high-stakes transactions, putting him in an ideal position to lead Yaspa’s product development in European iGaming markets. Before this role, Flood built a solid foundation in product management through a range of positions, including Product Manager at Vocalink, where he concentrated on building and rolling out real-time domestic payment infrastructure in markets such as Peru, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.  His career is marked by deep expertise in the fintech space, specifically in navigating the overlap between regulatory compliance, user experience, and technical scalability. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently proven his ability to turn complex business needs into customer-centric product roadmaps, successfully closing the gap between engineering teams and commercial stakeholders. This week, Sifted named Yaspa the fourth fastest-growing startup in the UK and Ireland. Over the past 12 months, Yaspa took home the Real-Time Payments Innovation award at the 2025 Payments Awards and earned a spot on CB Insights’ Top 100 Fintechs, a global ranking that shines a spotlight on the most promising, innovative companies shaping the future of financial services. This recognition comes during a period of continuous growth for Yaspa over the past 18 months; the company closed a $12m investment round in July, led by Discerning Capital. This period of growth has culminated in the launch of its new Atlanta office in the US, as well as the opening of its tech hub in Leeds, UK, in August 2025. Yaspa’s CEO James Neville said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron to the team. His experience and expertise put him in the perfect position to keep driving product innovation across payments and data solutions in our core markets. Cameron will work closely with Max Collinge, our Vice President of Product who is based in the US; his on-the-ground experience will help ensure Yaspa remains a leader in product innovation in the payment sector for years to come.”  Cameron Flood commented: “I’ve been impressed by everything Yaspa has already achieved, building payments solutions that don’t just move money faster, but deliver real-time intelligence that helps businesses grow responsibly. I’m excited to expand our product capabilities to serve even more businesses while upholding the innovation and customer focus that has driven Yaspa’s success.” 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.

1spin4win teams up with Alea to broaden its classic slot collection

1spin4win teams up with Alea to broaden its classic slot collection

(AsiaGameHub) -   1spin4win has entered into a partnership with Alea to widen the distribution of its popular online slot games, reinforcing its status as a premier iGaming studio in the market. This agreement will integrate more than 190 classic titles from 1spin4win into Alea's platform, which features a library of over 17,000 games. This will provide a global player base with a blend of both well-known and novel gaming options. The game studio launches four to five new games each month, spanning classic fruit machines, slots with adventurous themes, no-line slots, and seasonal titles tied to holidays like Saint Patrick’s Day, Valentine's Day, Oktoberfest, Halloween, and Christmas. Alea, a top-tier game aggregator, acts as a bridge between game developers and online casinos via a single API. This allows operators to offer thousands of games from more than 250 content providers without any additional technical integration. Jaime Carvajal, Business Development Manager at 1spin4win, said: Partnerships of this nature are fundamental to our long-term international expansion plans. Alea has established a robust platform that links studios with operators, and we are thrilled that our games will connect with new players through this collaboration. Eduard Verdaguer, Partnerships Manager at Alea, added: 1spin4win has earned a strong reputation for providing classic slot experiences founded on solid mathematical models and clear mechanics. Adding their portfolio to our platform equips our operator partners with a unique content style that consistently engages players in diverse 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.

Aviatrix Unveils Second Chance as the iGaming Metaverse Springs to Life

(AsiaGameHub) -   Aviatrix has unveiled its second game—fittingly named Aviatrix Second Chance—as the well-known provider enters a new era as the world’s first iGaming Metaverse. Last month, Aviatrix announced plans for the upcoming iGaming Metaverse launch, following over three years as a single crash game offering. Second Chance builds on Aviatrix’s success with a fresh mechanic: 50% of players per round receive a unique opportunity to keep their plane flying even after it would normally explode. This means players can land large wins even after missing the first cash-out opportunity, making it an ideal fit for exciting, high-volatility gameplay. Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The launch of Aviatrix Second Chance is a truly defining moment for us. For more than three years, Aviatrix was known globally as a single, award-winning crash game. Second Chance represents the point where that success evolves into something much bigger. “Second Chance combines classic Aviatrix mechanics with the chance to hit big wins even if you miss the first cash-out opportunity. We know players are going to love it.” The launch marks Aviatrix’s expansion into a multi-game ecosystem, where players can maintain one profile, loyalty system and progression across multiple titles. Aviatrix will next grow its portfolio into new verticals, including slot games and instant games. 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.

QTech Games enhances live-casino offerings with advanced AI realism from Sentient Gaming Group

(AsiaGameHub) -   Top distributor enhances its live-dealer offerings with AI-driven content from an up-and-coming player; unveils a QTech-exclusive world premiere QTech Games, a leading game aggregator serving emerging markets globally, has revealed a ground-breaking collaboration with Sentient Gaming Group. This partnership grants its platform clients access to a cutting-edge live-casino collection that delivers the world’s first interactive AI live-dealer experience. Sentient elevates the realism of digital live-casino gaming to a new standard. By merging advanced artificial intelligence with real-time gameplay, players can now engage directly with AI dealers and characters in immersive casino environments, creating a more focused, personalized journey that fosters deeper engagement. The company’s debut release, AI Roulette with Amanda, introduces a fully interactive AI croupier that interacts with players while providing a classic European roulette experience. This game is currently making its exclusive world premiere via QTech Games, bringing this innovative category of AI-powered casino entertainment to operators and players worldwide. Sentient Gaming Group is already expanding its portfolio with additional AI characters, new casino games, branded experiences, and multilingual options, with many more releases on the horizon. Each new dealer will be infused with a unique personality and specialization, delivering authentic casino experiences powered by cutting-edge AI. The collective goal is to create and showcase a new breed of smarter, more captivating, and interactive croupiers—their machine learning algorithms allow them to refine their performance based on specific interactions with individual players, resulting in a more realistic and personalized UX. The partnership’s five key selling points include: World’s First AI Live Casino: The inaugural fully interactive AI-driven live casino, launching an entirely new gameplay category. Industry’s Most Engaging, Intelligent Croupiers: A new generation of AI croupiers designed to be more visually appealing, smarter, and more interactive than traditional live dealers—creating a more personal and immersive casino experience. Exclusive Global Launch via QTech: AI Roulette with Amanda will debut exclusively on QTech’s platform, delivering the world’s first AI dealer product to operators. Real-Time Responsive AI Dealers: Players interact directly with AI dealers that react dynamically to chat, bets, and gameplay. Customizable AI Experiences: Operators can request branded AI dealers, localized characters, and tailored casino experiences built specifically for their brand and player base. Sentient Gaming Group will soon offer a range of customizable live-dealer games (including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and more) that blend timeless classics with innovative features, giving fresh takes on traditional formats. The popular live-dealer segment continues to gain momentum from an ever-growing global fanbase. Sentient Gaming Group’s AI-powered table games will accelerate this trend, creating a new type of online gambling experience. Accordingly, this provider now joins the progressive portfolio available to QTech Games, its partners, and the culturally diverse preferences of their players. As a defining aggregator for emerging markets, QTech’s platform boasts one of the broadest gaming portfolios available, localized for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support. Incorporating this evolving lineup underscores QTech Games’ diverse range of gaming options, solidifying its position as a definitive one-stop shop—now the go-to solution for international operators across developing territories. Kapil, AI Leader at Sentient Gaming Group, said: “Live-dealer games are in high demand worldwide, but Sentient Gaming Group’s next-gen croupier offering is taking this vertical to new heights, encouraging real-time player interaction for a higher level of engagement. Our unique blend of authentic AI experiences, roleplaying, and personalized real-time interactivity makes us a game-changer in this critical live-dealer space. This world-first rollout of AI Roulette with Amanda with our partners at QTech will serve as an instructive example. “This agreement will organically expand Sentient’s geographic reach, targeting emerging markets from Africa to Asia and Latin America, and generating new revenue streams. Moreover, we are dedicated to delivering a series of high-quality, customizable live-dealer solutions with bespoke AI-driven tables to help any platform partner deliver a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return to, driving deeper engagement and brand loyalty. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.” Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games, said: “Sentient immediately stood out as a pioneer in the live-dealer experience with this revolutionary AI-powered croupier solution—dealers that are always available, never miss a beat, and learn from interactions to foster a more personalized UX. It’s all about focusing on the player journey and building stronger connections through that journey, thanks to a new level of AI-inspired authenticity that tailors the experience to each player. “We can’t wait to launch AI Roulette with Amanda as an exclusive industry-first for QTech, and monitor how this breakout game performs across a range of new audiences.” 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.

GR8 Tech Upgrades Platform to Optimize Performance for World Cup

(AsiaGameHub) -   GR8 Tech is rolling out platform-wide upgrades to help operators maximize performance during the year’s biggest sports event. The tournament is projected to generate massive traffic, repeated betting spikes, and fierce user acquisition competition as operators compete for the same pool of players, so the company is upgrading the areas that most directly impact operator results. These updates will help partners convert more traffic, retain more players, and unlock greater value at every stage of the World Cup journey. “World Cup traffic alone does not guarantee better results. What matters is how effectively operators can turn that attention into acquisition, conversion, retention, and long-term player value,” said Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “That is exactly where our focus lies right now. We are refining the sportsbook experience, expanding engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to help partners get the most out of the year’s biggest industry opportunity.” The upgrades are centered on three core areas: Sportsbook: GR8 Tech is updating its sportsbook with redesigned navigation that makes event discovery easier and improves campaign visibility, alongside enhancements to Bet Builder, quick access and player-specific markets, and new Odds Boost functionality to support both player attraction and margin management. Engagement and retention: The company is expanding its loyalty, bonus, and user segmentation capabilities with a VIP-focused program, automatic bonus mechanics, more flexible bonus selection options, richer engagement mechanics for both casino and sports-related offerings, updated tournament settings, and new game content. Crypto: GR8 Tech is enhancing its crypto offering with earlier player segmentation based on wallet transaction history, more flexible VIP and risk processing before a player’s first deposit, and smoother wallet-based payments through features such as ramp payments and direct top-ups via WalletConnect and other crypto wallets. Across the entire platform, the company is rolling out a broad set of improvements to help operators extract more value from the year’s biggest opportunity. More detailed updates will be shared in upcoming releases, each taking a closer look at specific products and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform. 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.