(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi, despite ongoing assertions that it is not a gambling platform, is increasingly adopting practices typical of sportsbooks. The company has joined the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) as a member and has faced accusations of restricting users who regularly profit on its platform. The NCPG announced that Kalshi is its first member from the financial services and trading sector. The prediction market has committed to donating $2 million over the next two years to the organization. Other NCPG members include major sports betting operators, casinos, and lottery providers. In a statement, the NCPG emphasized that it “maintains a neutral stance on the legality of specific gambling, wagering, or prediction products.” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour stated that the company is “deeply committed to establishing a new benchmark for responsible trading.” The platform has implemented safeguards closely resembling responsible gambling measures used by betting operators, such as trading pauses, self-imposed limits, self-exclusion options, and access to mental health support for users. Meanwhile, Matt Kalish, co-founder of DraftKings, alleges that Kalshi may be enabling market makers to identify and restrict users who consistently profit. Does Kalshi Assist Market Makers in Restricting Users? Restricting successful bettors is a common practice among nearly all sportsbooks. Prediction market platforms, however, argue this distinction sets them apart from gambling operators. While gambling companies rely on users losing to generate profits, prediction markets claim neutrality, asserting they do not act as the house. Kalish contends that Kalshi provides market makers with tools to detect profitable traders, allowing them to opt out of offering liquidity in certain markets—functioning similarly to how sportsbooks limit high-performing users. His primary concern is not the act of limiting users itself, but what he describes as hypocrisy. He argues there is a clear difference between sportsbooks openly restricting winners and Kalshi doing the same while “directly lying and gaslighting consumers and competitors about how you operate in the market.” Kalshi and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the platform’s regulator, frequently assert that prediction markets are distinct from gambling and do not restrict profitable traders. “Traditional sportsbooks and casinos offer entertainment and hold significant power to exclude winners. In derivative markets, that is not allowed,” said CFTC Chair Michael Selig this week. “If you keep winning? Excellent. You keep your profits. What we’re seeing is a fundamental difference between markets and entertainment.” However, in a post on X, Kalish cited evidence suggesting that Kalshi’s Request For Quote (RFQ) and market-maker infrastructure includes user identifiers and supports filtering at the participant level. Q: Why does Kalshi share your user id to Wall Street market makers in RFQ api?A: To profile order flow for “risk management” *but* Wall Street = , so we pinky promise to NOT to use it to flag winning users, share lists, and decide when we’d prefer to not provide liquidity pic.twitter.com/HRTUkngv4a— Matt Kalish (@mattkalish) May 18, 2026 This post is among several recent public criticisms Kalish has directed at Kalshi. His core argument is that the platform functions essentially as a sportsbook—but one that offers a worse experience than established operators like DraftKings, where he spent over 14 years before leaving in April to lead a content-creation agency. Others counter that RFQs are only used for parlays, while limit orders remain anonymous, making it difficult for market makers to target users in single-market trades. Although parlays are growing in popularity on Kalshi, they are rarely profitable for bettors. Approximately 70% of sportsbook revenue comes from multi-leg wagers. Limited Liquidity Poses Challenges for Prediction Markets Users attempting to place individual bets on Kalshi may encounter restrictions when market liquidity is low—a situation that sparked Kalish’s recent criticism. “Kalshi upset me when my PGA Championship wager was routed to their market maker partners at far below fair odds,” Kalish told Front Office Sports. This prompted him to question “how sports bets are processed on Kalshi and who truly benefits.” He had attempted to cash out a bet on Brooks Koepka winning the tournament but found insufficient liquidity to do so at a favorable price. Liquidity constraints affect all users equally, regardless of whether they are profitable or not—this differs from sportsbooks selectively limiting successful bettors. Kalshi Accused of Functioning as the House At the same time, Kalish alleges that users are typically trading against market makers, which he claims operate much like traditional sportsbooks. Both DraftKings and FanDuel have publicly acknowledged acting as market makers on prediction platforms. “You’re not trading against me,” Kalish wrote in another X post. “We’re all trading against Susquehanna and professional Wall Street market makers.” Kalshi has also been accused of misleading users by promoting its peer-to-peer model as offering greater profit potential. A November lawsuit alleged the platform “resembles a betting exchange where wagers are indistinguishable from bets placed against a house.” The lawsuit claimed that users often bet against Kalshi itself—either through affiliated entities like Kalshi Trading LLC and KalshiEx, or through hedge fund partners such as Susquehanna. Kalshi dismissed the lawsuit as “baseless fiction,” stating it “reflects fundamental misunderstandings about how federally regulated Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) function.” Co-founder Luana Lopes Lara responded: “Kalshi is an exchange. It’s peer-to-peer, and there is no house. Anyone can place orders and trade with anyone else—whether an individual or an institution. Like any financial exchange, we have market makers who compete openly and help establish liquidity.” She added, “Anyone can join our market maker programs by committing to liquidity requirements. If interested, contact support and we’ll assist with setup.” The debate over whether Kalshi qualifies as a gambling platform is likely to persist. Nonetheless, its decision to join the NCPG signals a recognition of its operational similarities to traditional gambling operators for many users. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A Sportradar investor has initiated legal action against the firm, citing concerns over its purported connections to illicit gambling activities. The plaintiff, James Anthony Smale, asserts that he incurred substantial financial losses following a sharp decline in the company’s share value. Recent allegations suggest that as much as 40% of the firm's income could be derived from unauthorized operators. These claims were brought forward by Muddy Waters and Callisto Research, both of which have acknowledged maintaining short positions regarding Sportradar stock. Following these disclosures, the company’s stock value plummeted by approximately 25%. The lawsuit contends that the firm and its leadership are accountable for the financial impact on investors and should be held liable for damages. Stock Price Starting To Recover Smale’s lawsuit represents individuals who acquired shares between November 7, 2024, and April 21, 2026. In November 2024, the stock was trading at $17.83, a figure comparable to the $16.84 price point seen in April. The stock had reached a peak of $31.63 in August of the previous year, though it had already begun a downward trend prior to the emergence of the illegal gambling allegations. Subsequent to the reports, the share price dropped from over $18 to a low of $12.35. The stock has seen a modest rebound in recent days, climbing to $13.12. Data from MarketBeat indicates that short interest in the stock has decreased by 40%. Additionally, the acquisition of 2.2 million shares by Stephens Investment Management has supported the price recovery. Several of Sportradar’s business partners, including major sports organizations like the NBA, MLB, and NHL, are also shareholders. Muddy Waters has called upon these leagues to investigate the claims that Sportradar is facilitating illegal betting operations. What Are The Allegations? The outcome of the litigation will depend on the validity of claims that Sportradar is profiting from unregulated gambling entities. Muddy Waters alleged that Sportradar “has actively aided and abetted illegal gambling across the world’s black and grey markets – not as an accident or an oversight, but as a business strategy.” Undercover investigators posing as a startup sportsbook seeking access to bettors in Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Indonesia—where gambling is prohibited—claimed that Sportradar representatives stated they “serve everyone” and offered to facilitate introductions to the Yabo Group, a major illegal gambling operator in China. In addition to a 123-slide report, Muddy Waters published a 15-minute video on X, alleging that Sportradar collaborates with illicit gambling firms. "Sportradar: All-In on the Underworld" Be informed and entertained by MW's mini-doc showing the evidence of how $SRAD knowingly powers illegal operators, preys on addicts, and makes lower levels of sport susceptible to corruption. pic.twitter.com/ORMTjWyxUn— MuddyWatersResearch (@muddywatersre) April 27, 2026 Meanwhile, Callisto Research reports finding evidence that over 270 platforms—representing more than one-third of the 800 clients Sportradar claims to serve—are utilizing the company’s services while operating illegally in restricted or prohibited markets. Sportradar Denies Allegations The lawsuit frequently references statements from Sportradar executives asserting that the company does not conduct business in gray or illegal markets. In November of last year, CEO Carsten Koerl assured investors that the firm “only work[s] with licensed operators.” Koerl also noted that the company employs an “internal audit” process to detect instances where Sportradar’s “content is popping up in markets which are not licensed, which are not covered by the contracts.” He stated that such occurrences are limited to “a handful of cases every year” and emphasized that “we are monitoring this very closely.” Following the release of the reports from Muddy Waters and Callisto Research, the company reiterated that it does not partner with unlicensed operators. “These reports demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of our business and the industry and was authored by short sellers trying to erode shareholder value and profit from stock disruption,” the company stated. “Sportradar works exclusively with licensed operators, follows strict global compliance, and due diligence standards, and we stand by our independently audited financial statements, risk disclosures, and information provided to investors and regulators.” “We conduct our business with the highest ethical standards consistent with Sportradar’s policies and applicable laws and regulations.” The company may be required to substantiate these claims in court. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, requests a jury trial. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

  (AsiaGameHub) -   Hub88 has teamed up with leading content provider TaDa Gaming to deliver the studio’s extensive portfolio of localized casino titles and player engagement tools to its global network of operators. This partnership enables seamless integration of TaDa Gaming’s diverse offerings, including over 240 video slots, fish-shooting games, table games, card games, bingo, and crash titles. Top releases such as Fortune Gems 500, Gold Mine Express, Chicken Dash, and Fortune Zombie Lightning are now accessible to Hub88’s partners. TaDa Gaming’s game suite will also be complemented by its award-winning engagement tools—GiftCode and WIN CARD. At the core of TaDa Gaming’s success is its ‘glocalisation’ strategy, which combines proven mechanics with regionally tailored content designed to resonate with specific market preferences. The deal further expands Hub88’s growing network of internationally recognized suppliers, aligning with the rising demand for more personalized player experiences that yield measurable results.   Jessica Inglott, Head of Supplier Relations at Hub88, said: “We’re always on the lookout for suppliers that blend scale, quality, and a clear understanding of diverse player preferences.   “TaDa Gaming’s strong localisation capabilities and highly engaging game selection make them a valuable addition to our platform.”   Ray Lee, Director of Business Development at TaDa Gaming, said: “Partnering with a major platform like Hub88 is a milestone in our global distribution strategy. Our player-centric content is enhanced by our expert localisation efforts. “This allows us to deliver high-quality, tailored entertainment that connects with audiences worldwide. We’re looking forward to collaborating to deliver exceptional gaming experiences together.”   This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Broadway Platform has entered a partnership with leading sportsbook technology supplier Altenar to substantially enhance its sports betting product lineup for operators. Boasting a global reputation for its pioneering products, Altenar’s sportsbook module, which includes premium data feeds covering all major sports, precise risk management tools, and high-margin features such as Bet Builder and dynamic odds, will be incorporated into Broadway Platform. Clients of Broadway Platform will also gain access to Altenar’s updated front-end interface, which rolls out a series of widgets including Bet Suggestions, Bet Mentor and Bet Boost, delivering a competitive advantage to its partners. This agreement reinforces Broadway Platform’s well-respected position as a flexible, adaptable partner that consistently meets the evolving expectations of operators across the world. Giorgi Samkharadze, Director at Broadway Platform, said: “Integrating Altenar’s sportsbook marks a major milestone for Broadway Platform. Their proven expertise and cutting-edge technology will enable us to bring an enhanced betting experience to our clients and futureproof their brands.” Vagelis Bairlis, Head of Sales Operations at Altenar, said: “Partnering with Broadway Platform is an exciting development for Altenar. Spribe is a major force in the industry, and supporting the expansion of their ecosystem aligns with our mission to deliver high-performance, scalable solutions to forward-thinking platforms. “We have invested heavily across our entire product portfolio, and our fully managed sportsbook will offer a powerful entry point into the sports betting market.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

  (AsiaGameHub) -   Technology-driven platform provider The Mill Adventure has secured the internationally recognized GLI-19 certification, representing a pivotal advancement in the company’s strategy for North American expansion prior to its impending entry into Ontario’s regulated market. This certification strengthens The Mill Adventure’s standing as a platform partner equipped to assist operators throughout North America’s regulated landscapes, where technical adherence, comprehensive reporting, and secure player oversight are vital operational demands. GLI-19 establishes the technical benchmark for interactive gaming systems, addressing core platform operations, reporting protocols, KYC standards, and geolocation mandates. This achievement coincides with The Mill Adventure’s preparations to debut its first client in Ontario, considered one of North America’s most rigorous regulated online gaming sectors. By drawing on its expertise across various European regulated territories, the company provides operators with a validated model for navigating regulated market growth throughout North America. This recent accomplishment follows a sustained phase of development for The Mill Adventure, featuring the rollout of Dutch operator Winz.nl, and the broadening of its player engagement services through enhanced integration with Optimove’s CRM suite.   Bjørnar Heggernes, Chief Commercial Officer at The Mill Adventure, stated: “Securing GLI-19 certification validates that our platform and compliance infrastructure are engineered to manage the complexities regulated operators encounter in regions like Ontario, without sacrificing performance or scalability. “Our objective extends beyond simply entering North America; we aim to establish ourselves as an enduring technical partner for operators seeking to scale effectively across regulated jurisdictions.” For additional details regarding The Mill Adventure, please visit themill.io. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Infingame, a leading gaming aggregator, is enabling iGaming operators to adopt a more controlled and flexible strategy for promotional campaigns through its Challenges and Tournaments tools, designed to support fully customizable campaign planning, implementation, and optimization. As operators increasingly move away from rigid promotional formats, the capability to configure campaigns around specific business objectives and modify them in real time has become a crucial differentiator. Infingame’s engagement tools are designed to provide operators with this level of control throughout the entire campaign lifecycle. Both Challenges and Tournaments allow operators to set up campaigns with a high degree of accuracy, adjusting mechanics to align with different engagement approaches. In Tournaments, operators can select from various mechanics, including multiplier races, win races, bet races, highest win, and highest multiplier formats. This enables tailoring campaigns to different player behaviors and monetization targets. Challenges, in turn, offer mission-based engagement using mechanics such as spins and winning spins, where players accumulate points based on activity. These formats are particularly fitting for retention and progression-focused campaigns. Across both tools, operators can configure: participation rules and minimum bet conditions eligible games (from 16,000+ titles across 150+ providers) campaign duration and timing reward structures, including cash, free spins, and non-monetary prizes This level of flexibility allows campaigns to be constructed around specific segments, markets, or player behaviors, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all mechanics. A core feature of Infingame’s tools is the ability to monitor and manage campaigns while they are live. Operators have access to real-time performance data, including player participation and progression, supported by in-game elements such as progress bars, leaderboards, and campaign dashboards. This visibility enables teams to quickly identify trends and make adjustments without halting the campaign. The tools also include configurable engagement features that help operators shape player behavior during campaigns. For example, the Happy Hours functionality in tournaments allows operators to apply score multipliers during specific time windows, encouraging activity during peak or strategic periods. Visual elements such as customizable banners and branded pop-ups further support campaign differentiation, allowing operators to maintain a consistent brand experience throughout the player journey. Campaign execution is supported by automation features that reduce manual workload and improve operational efficiency. For instance, tournament payouts can be processed automatically or with a single action, eliminating the need for manual prize distribution. Operators can also control how different types of bets are treated within campaign logic, ensuring full alignment with promotional rules. With all campaign data consolidated within the platform, operators can evaluate performance across different formats and iterate quickly. Jana Filagina, Head of Commercial at Infingame, comments: “Operators today want more than ready-made promotions. They want full control over how campaigns are built and how they perform. With Challenges and Tournaments, they can configure every element, monitor results in real time, and adjust campaigns instantly. This level of flexibility allows teams to respond faster to player behavior and continuously improve outcomes.” The ability to compare campaigns, analyze engagement patterns, and adjust mechanics in real time supports a continuous optimization cycle, turning campaigns into an ongoing process rather than a one-off activity. About Infingame   Infingame is a leading game aggregator built to help operators move faster and scale smarter. Through a single API integration, the platform gives access to a portfolio of over 16,000 games from more than 150 providers, allowing partners to launch quickly without dealing with multiple integrations. Delivered via a single API, Infingame offers unparalleled technical excellence, the industry’s fastest spin times, exclusive tournaments and strategic partnerships with top-tier operators in North America, LatAm and beyond. Spanning a portfolio of slots, crash games, sweepstakes and live casino, book a demo via the LinkedIn page, website or at sales@infingame.com. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

  (AsiaGameHub) -   Golden Whale—an iGaming industry provider of machine learning-powered optimization and decision intelligence—has entered a partnership with the House Advantage Fund (HAF), co-managed by Discerning Capital & PVX, a specialized firm offering non-dilutive user acquisition funding to regulated iGaming and social gaming businesses. This collaboration introduces a fresh scaling approach, merging Golden Whale’s predictive AI and machine learning models with HAF’s funding capabilities to equip operators with both the capital and control needed to grow faster—all without diluting founder ownership. By linking expanded marketing spending to continuously learning optimization tools, operators can unlock greater expansion potential while keeping performance, efficiency, and long-term player value front and center, thereby amplifying growth impacts. This is achieved by directing investments using predictive insights into player value and churn risk, plus leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to maximize customer value. This creates a stronger connection between acquisition and retention, ensuring increased spending is supported by precise decision-making across the entire player lifecycle.   Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO at Golden Whale, said: “This partnership ushers in a new growth model for iGaming. Operators have traditionally viewed funding and optimization as separate challenges, but combining the two changes the game. By pairing non-dilutive capital with continuously learning decision models, we’re giving operators a way to grow with greater speed, precision, transparency, and far stronger control over the outcomes that matter most.”   Davis Catlin, Managing Partner at Discerning Capital, added: “Our strategy is clear: we provide financing to companies and partner with other groups that bring expertise to our borrower partners. We’ve gotten to know Eberhard and the Golden Whale team well over the past few years and believe they’ll deliver tremendous value to our partner companies. It’s a clear win-win: by helping companies optimize player behavior more efficiently, Golden Whale enables our partners to generate higher marketing returns and grow their businesses even faster. Through partnerships like this, we can seamlessly offer our borrowers ‘Scale in a Box’—complete with capital and best-in-class tech partners.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Crypto has evolved from a disregarded topic to a mainstream asset class, gaining acceptance across various regions and sectors worldwide. More industries are now readily accepting crypto as a payment method or integrating it into their systems, including iGaming. The sector has seen a rapid surge in “crypto casinos,” driven by players demanding enhanced privacy, quicker processing, and fewer geographic limitations that traditional payment methods cannot overcome. As one of the fastest-expanding iGaming segments, digital assets enable crypto casinos to benefit from reduced transaction fees, accelerated processing, and quicker decision-making by customers free from location constraints. However, their rising popularity does not eliminate the regulatory ambiguity in this landscape. Despite the growth of such platforms, the sector still lacks clear guidelines and instead navigates a fragmented regulatory environment with inconsistent treatment of crypto across different jurisdictions. Entrepreneurs establishing a crypto casino in regions traditionally preferred by conventional gambling operators often discover too late the strict treatment of crypto, including expensive licensing and rigid compliance demands. In some instances, regulators indirectly complicate crypto integration and the future of these platforms as much as possible, forcing companies to navigate unclear and sometimes conflicting requirements from financial and gambling authorities. Consequently, the real challenge in launching a crypto casino lies not in technical setup or player acquisition but in identifying the right location today to operate with legal confidence tomorrow. In response, a new category of next-generation licensing hubs has emerged, offering more flexible structures, lower costs, and a welcoming approach toward crypto-native business models. Among leading options, Costa Rica has gained significant traction and is widely regarded as a top-tier choice for crypto casino registration, according to legal experts. This is especially true for entrepreneurs seeking to avoid excessive administrative hurdles. It is reported that while most jurisdictions require crypto casinos to obtain both gambling and crypto licenses, Costa Rica permits starting with local entity incorporation and a data processing license, with no additional barriers. The country maintains a business-friendly stance on crypto gaming, allowing play-and-earn projects, decentralized games, and smart contract-based solutions to grow confidently within its legal framework. This makes the jurisdiction ideal for startups operating at the intersection of crypto and gaming, integrating crypto payments or other digital asset features into their platforms. While Costa Rica does not maintain a publicly accessible register of licensed operators, it is reasonable to assume it remains one of the most attractive and popular destinations for crypto casino incorporation. What was once a less obvious choice is now viewed as a solution, with some industry experts calling it “most suited for crypto casinos.” The lack of excessive bureaucracy, combined with a pro-crypto stance, has helped Costa Rica develop what can be described as a vibrant crypto-gambling ecosystem. However, this is not the only reason for operators’ interest. Behind Costa Rica’s growing appeal is a simple yet powerful combination of lower costs compared to other alternatives, no taxation on foreign-sourced income, and relatively light oversight of gambling activities. Nevertheless, Costa Rica’s light-touch regime does not eliminate the need for proper registration and ongoing compliance. Given the uncertainties in the sector’s regulatory landscape, entrepreneurs can turn to specialized law firms such as Inteliumlaw, which have developed sector-specific expertise to effectively support Costa Rica gaming license acquisition and bring necessary certainty to crypto-gambling project setup. With proven success in structuring online casino projects that “combine traditional gambling with blockchain technology,” they offer comprehensive support covering company formation, licensing, and continuous compliance for operators to build legally sound structures and achieve long-term success. As digital assets become deeper embedded in online gambling, crypto-friendly gambling models are becoming essential for operators targeting players who rely on digital assets. With this in mind, Costa Rica becomes particularly relevant, offering an attractive option for legally serving this audience, with its prominence as a crypto casino hub expected to remain strong in the coming years. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   PopOK Gaming has unveiled a new slot game called Fortune Tarta, which was released on May 15, 2026. The provider stated that this Asian-inspired game is ready for integration and features a 3×3 grid layout with five paylines. Per PopOK Gaming, Fortune Tarta offers a maximum multiplier of 5,000 times the bet, an RTP of 96.35%, and a hit frequency of 24.54%. The company also classifies the title as having low volatility. The core bonus feature is a Free Spins mode, which PopOK Gaming notes is randomly triggered when a Wild symbol lands during standard play, granting 10 free spins. During this round, a global multiplier starts at 1x and increases by +1 on every spin, regardless of the outcome. PopOK Gaming mentioned that additional Wild symbols appearing during Free Spins can randomly award extra spins, extending the bonus round and boosting the multiplier further. The company directs operators and partners to its website for more information and a demo version. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Digicode is set to participate in iGaming Germany 2026, taking place May 21–22 in Munich. At the event, the company intends to showcase its Diger Suite, a flexible software ecosystem designed to facilitate the creation and expansion of compliant iGaming platforms. The conference, held at Novotel Muenchen Messe, will center on the practical implementation of German gaming regulations. Digicode indicated that discussions will highlight the challenges operators face when scaling their systems under stringent requirements, particularly concerning payment orchestration and player management. During the conference, Digicode will demonstrate the capabilities of Diger Suite in areas such as reporting, data flow management, and system transparency, which the company states are engineered to ensure platforms remain audit-ready. Digicode also mentioned that its technical experts will be on hand to illustrate how a well-structured platform architecture can minimize operational difficulties in regulated environments. “When we engage with operators in the German market, the focus is increasingly shifting towards efficiency and long-term sustainability,” stated Alex Karichensky, CEO of Digicode Europe. “It’s not merely about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring your technology remains robust and responsive, even when new reporting mandates are introduced. Our aim is to demonstrate how we address these practical, everyday technical pressures.” Digicode further noted that its team will also discuss with stakeholders the integration of AI into product development, the modernization of legacy systems, and a transition away from traditional SaaS and revenue-share models towards complete platform ownership. This latter approach, the company suggests, can reduce reliance on vendors over the long term and accelerate adaptation to regulatory changes. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   EveryMatrix has obtained conditional licensing approval from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), allowing the company to provide its iGaming technology within the Canadian province. This milestone represents another significant step in the company’s ongoing expansion throughout North America. The authorization permits the Group to supply its award-winning casino and sports platform technologies to licensed operators in Alberta, which is set to become Canada’s second regulated iGaming jurisdiction after Ontario. Alberta’s regulated iGaming market is anticipated to launch in July of this year, providing licensed operators with access to the province under its newly established regulatory framework. Upon launch, EveryMatrix will deliver premium titles developed by its internal studio, Fantasma Games, along with aggregated content, with additional opportunities planned for portfolio expansion. This approval further reinforces EveryMatrix’s status as a leading provider in North America, where the company already holds licenses across multiple jurisdictions, including Ontario since 2022, New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. With a population of approximately five million, high levels of digital adoption, and one of the strongest GDP per capita profiles in North America, Alberta stands out as a highly promising iGaming market. EveryMatrix has already established commercial partnerships in the province, securing agreements to offer both its platform solutions and proprietary gaming content. Rani Axon, Market Manager, North America, EveryMatrix, stated: “Entering Alberta represents an exciting development for the Group as we continue to expand into one of North America’s most attractive regulated markets. This approval demonstrates the effectiveness of our compliance team and our ability to fulfill regulatory requirements in any jurisdiction.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The chamber has been opened, and DEGEN Studios is sending players into Tomb of Wishes, a 5×5 cluster pays slot where ancient magic powers cascading wins, destructive Wilds, and a three-stage bonus journey led by a genie with his own agenda. Each winning cluster removes symbols from the grid and feeds the game’s central counter. As more symbols are cleared, Random Wilds start appearing, crashing onto the reels to help complete clusters and extend cascades. However, the magic within Tomb of Wishes is volatile. If a Wild lands without contributing to a winning cluster, it self-destructs, taking neighboring symbols with it and clearing space for new cascades. A seemingly dead end can quickly reopen, triggering chain reactions that keep the tomb in motion. Once 40 winning symbols have been collected, the genie begins granting wishes—but nothing comes without cost. The Bonus Game unfolds across three progressive stages: The First Wish, The Forbidden Wish, and The Final Wish, each increasing the game’s volatility. The First Wish provides players with three charges, acting as lifelines when a spin fails to produce a win. If no winning combination appears, one charge is used to detonate selected non-Wild symbols and their surrounding positions, giving the grid another chance to collapse into a larger cluster. The Forbidden Wish increases the stakes with four sticky Blue Super Wilds, each starting with a x1 multiplier that grows every time they assist in forming a winning cluster. If the reels go silent, these Wilds destroy adjacent symbols to generate fresh cascade opportunities, maintaining the tension. Then comes The Final Wish. Four Red Super Wilds enter the grid, each carrying its own independent multiplier. When multiple Red Super Wilds participate in the same cluster win, their multipliers combine, unlocking the game’s most unpredictable and high-paying potential. After each cascade, the Wilds shift across available positions, forcing constant change on the board as players pursue the game’s 10,000x maximum win. This path to maximum impact isn’t built around a single dramatic moment, but through layers of destruction, movement, and escalating multiplier pressure that intensify as the tomb opens up. Danny Gordon, Head of Studio at DEGEN Studios, said: “Tomb of Wishes delivers a relentless rush of Wilds, explosions, and action, yet still offers players a clear sense of progression. You’re continuously collecting, triggering, diving deeper, and chasing the next stage. “That’s what makes the game so engaging. It features an attainable chase built right in, where every cascade keeps the sequence alive and every wish brings players closer to the bigger moments.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Evoplay, a leading game development studio, channels the power of the gods in Temple of Thunder III, an action-packed slot featuring dynamic features, strong Boosters, and divine rewards. The 5×3 game is set on Mount Olympus and stars Zeus as the main symbol, with gold crowns, heavenly harps, and ancient treasures enhancing each spin. Semi-stacked symbols and wilds increase winning opportunities, fueling anticipation for the game’s feature-rich bonus rounds. The core attraction is the Hold & Win bonus, which triggers when six or more Cash, Jackpot, or Booster symbols appear anywhere on the reels. Once activated, Bonus symbols lock in place, and players receive three respins, with every new Bonus symbol resetting the respin counter. Cash symbols deliver instant payouts throughout the feature, while five fixed Jackpots—Mini, Minor, Major, Mega, and Grand—can be collected for substantial rewards. Booster symbols enrich gameplay: Cash Boosters increase all visible Cash values by 50%, Super Cash Boosters double them, and Jackpot Boosters upgrade visible Jackpot symbols to the next tier. Successfully filling the entire grid with Bonus symbols during Hold & Win activates the powerful Full Grid 2x feature, instantly doubling all accumulated winnings before the round concludes. The game also offers a Free Spins mode, triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. In this round, Zeus appears more frequently, wilds have a stronger impact, and the chances of activating the Hold & Win Bonus are significantly higher. Additional Free Spins can be earned during the round, further boosting the potential for winning combinations. For those seeking immediate access to the main features, the game includes a bonus-buy option, enabling direct entry into the Hold & Win bonus or granting 10, 12, or 15 Free Spins. Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, stated: “Temple of Thunder III brings together some of our most compelling mechanics into one high-octane experience, merging intense Hold & Win gameplay with dynamic Boosters, Free Spins, and a rich mythological theme. “From escalating Jackpot upgrades to the chance to double rewards via the Full Grid feature, the game provides continuous excitement and ample opportunities for players to pursue legendary wins.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Octoplay has now launched its services with StarCasinò, the leading Italian casino brand under Betsson Group, marking a significant step in its expansion within one of the world’s largest gambling markets. StarCasinò joins PokerStars and Sisal as Octoplay’s third major integration in Italy over the past four months, highlighting the company’s accelerating growth trajectory. As global operators such as Betsson Group increasingly collaborate with Octoplay, the supplier is quickly becoming a rising force in the B2B gaming sector, supported by partnerships with some of the industry’s most reputable names. The collaboration with StarCasinò continues a clear upward trend in Octoplay’s presence across Italy. In January 2026, the company simultaneously went live with both PokerStars and Sisal, and now StarCasinò has been added to that portfolio. This move also supports Octoplay’s broader European rollout, which includes recent launches with bet365 and BetVictor in the UK, Luckia in Spain, and Adjarabet in Georgia. Since Ralitsa Georgieva assumed the role of CEO, Octoplay has secured a series of high-profile integrations across Europe’s most demanding regulated markets, reflecting the strategic direction guiding its rapid development. “StarCasinò marks our third tier-one operator launch in Italy within just a few months, underscoring the speed at which we are strengthening our footprint in one of Europe’s most vibrant gaming markets,” stated Ralitsa Georgieva, CEO at Octoplay. “Betsson Group has established itself as a benchmark for excellence in the Italian casino space, and their confidence in our content demonstrates the quality we are delivering to top-tier operators throughout the industry.” Fabio Denegri, Business Director Italy at Betsson Group, commented: “In an industry that is constantly evolving, our focus remains on introducing content that excels through innovation and performance. Integrating Octoplay brings fresh energy to our platform—their games combine innovative mechanics with cutting-edge design. We are confident that Octoplay’s offerings will appeal strongly to Italian players, further reinforcing our leadership position as a pioneer of innovation in the regulated market.” Octoplay currently holds active licenses in 17 jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Romania, Malta, Slovakia, Georgia, Brazil, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario. Less than three years since its first commercial launch, the company continues to expand its reach by partnering with top-tier operators across Europe, North America, and South 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.

  (AsiaGameHub) -   The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) within the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that Ygam will receive £3 million from the VCSE Gambling Harms Prevention and Resilience Fund, covering the two-year period from 2026 to 2028.  This funding will play a significant role in allowing Ygam to deliver its award-winning programmes, focused on education, early intervention and harm prevention, to safeguard children and young people across England from gambling-related harms.  The funding has been allocated to specifically support Ygam’s delivery across the South West, South East, Greater London, East Midlands, North West and East of England, alongside national activity where a local or regional approach is not required. Importantly, Ygam’s programmes will continue to operate across all regions of England. Over the past decade, Ygam has built a depth of experience and expertise working alongside schools, families and communities, establishing itself as the leading expert voice and defining best practice in preventative education.  Through comprehensive, CPD certified training and an extensive library of resources, Ygam empowers trusted adults in positions of influence or care, such as teachers, parents and youth workers, with the knowledge, tools and confidence to take meaningful action to support and safeguard children and young people. Since 2014, Ygam has trained over 39,000 delegates and reached an estimated 6.5 million children and young people across the UK.   Emily Tofield, Chief Executive of Ygam, stated:  “Our evidence-led programmes, which are grounded in a public health approach and informed by lived experience, have already reached and safeguarded millions of children and young people across the UK. This funding will enable us to continue to build on our deep and proven track record of delivering measurable impact in the gambling harms prevention field, supported by independent evaluation.”   “Education will always have a central role to play in effective prevention strategies, and this funding will contribute to ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding to be resilient to the potential risks and harms of gambling. We look forward to working alongside OHID, the Government and other stakeholders committed to our shared goals.”    This funding is part of the first tranche to be distributed under the new statutory levy introduced by the Government, which applies to all licensed gambling operators in Great Britain. The levy has raised £120 million in its first year, which will be allocated across research, prevention and treatment to address gambling-related harms. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has been appointed as the commissioning body for prevention, with 30% of the levy funding allocated to this strand.  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.

Plaza Hotel & Casino and The Mob Museum to offer The Wiseguy Getaway (AsiaGameHub) -   The Plaza Hotel & Casino and The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, have joined forces to launch a special downtown Las Vegas hotel package called The Wiseguy Getaway. This offering provides guests with an opportunity to explore beyond the Strip and immerse themselves in the storied mob era that shaped Las Vegas. The Wiseguy Getaway was developed by the Plaza and The Mob Museum in response to strong guest interest in Las Vegas’s gangster past. Both venues distinctly celebrate the city’s historical roots—The Plaza, with its iconic glass-domed restaurant featured in the film *Casino*, now named after Oscar B. Goodman, a renowned mob attorney and former mayor of Las Vegas. At Oscar’s Steakhouse, menu items such as No Nose’s Mob Meatballs, Crazy Phil’s Onion Soup, and Joey C’s Filet Mignon pay tribute to Goodman’s notorious associates. A key figure behind The Mob Museum, Goodman helped establish it as one of Las Vegas’s most distinctive attractions and a leading authority on organized crime, law enforcement, and mob history, thanks to its rare artifacts, engaging exhibits, and interactive experiences. The Wiseguy Getaway package includes: 2-night stay (minimum) at the Plaza Hotel & Casino 2 complimentary tickets to The Mob Museum Complimentary appetizer at Oscar’s Steakhouse during happy hour Exclusive autographed photo of Oscar B. Goodman, former Las Vegas Mayor and reputed mob attorney “From being featured in *Casino* to serving clients like those represented by Oscar Goodman, the Plaza has a deep connection to this compelling chapter of Vegas history,” said Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. “The enduring allure of the mob era fascinates our guests, so we expect this new package will be very well received.” “Las Vegas offers countless unforgettable experiences, and the Wiseguy package brings something truly original to the mix,” said Ashley Miller, vice president of marketing, communications and sales at The Mob Museum. “This downtown adventure blends world-class history, carefully curated dining, and a stay at an iconic hotel into a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.” Reservations for stays must be booked by December 26, 2026, and completed by December 28, 2026. To reserve your package, visit .plazahotelcasino.com/hotel-packages/wise-guy-room-package/. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   George Pace, Fraud Expert at SEON “The World Cup will represent one of the most significant challenges for fraud prevention teams in the betting and gaming industry. Promotion and loyalty abuse already constitute a major portion of fraud-related losses—and that’s even before accounting for the surge driven by the World Cup. During the event, logins, registrations, and transactions will all rise sharply at once, as operators aggressively compete through welcome bonuses and free bets. “While welcome bonus fraud typically draws the most focus, it represents only a single-instance threat. The greater danger lies in retention abuse, which provides fraudsters with a continuous source of income and often remains undetected for extended periods—particularly during high-traffic events. “When thousands of genuine, high-value players become active simultaneously, fraudsters don’t require advanced tactics. They simply need to mimic typical user behavior, making their activities harder to detect precisely when fraud teams are under the most pressure. “Recent findings indicate that many operators are not ready for this shift. Currently, 57% report that fraud losses are increasing at a faster rate than revenue—a disparity that only grows during peak-volume events like the World Cup. Operators who focus solely on securing the front end will remain vulnerable to attacks from the back.”   This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The 2026 PGA Tour circuit heads to Texas this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, and we have compiled the latest betting odds, forecasts, and selections for you. Local favorite Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the defending champion and the clear betting choice. CJ Cup Byron Nelson Odds at DraftKings Below are the current DraftKings odds for the top contenders at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson: Scottie Scheffler +154 Si Woo Kim +1225 Jordan Spieth +1850 Brooks Koepka +2600 Keith Mitchell +3200 Pierceson Coody +3900 Michael Thorbjornsen +4000 Wyndham Clark +4500 Davis Thompson +4700 Ryo Hisatsune +4700 Rasmus Hojgaard +4700 Thorbjorn Olesen +5700 Taylor Pendrith +5900 Mac Meissner +6300 Rico Hoey +6400 Michael Brennan +6400 Sungjae Im +6500 Stephan Jaeger +6800 Haotong Li +6900 Christiaan Bezuidenhout +6900 Max Greyserman +7200 Jordan Smith +7400 Tom Kim +7600 Eric Cole +7800 Doug Ghim +8000 Matthias Schmid +8600 John Parry +9200 Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen +9200 Patrick Rodgers +9200 Chris Kirk +9600 Beau Hossler +9600 Adrien Dumont De Chassart +9600 Max McGreevy +10000 Austin Eckroat +10000 Top Pick to Win the CJ Cup Byron Nelson Scottie Scheffler (+154) While the value on Scheffler is limited, the world No. 1 is primed for a victory. He made his first PGA Tour appearance at this venue in 2014, securing a T-22 finish as a 17-year-old. Although a struggling putter resulted in a T-14 finish at last week’s PGA Championship—following three consecutive runner-up results—Scheffler continues to lead the tour in both scoring average (69.24) and birdie average (4.88). The course typically yields low scores, though recent renovations have introduced thicker rough bordering the fairways. Scheffler dominated last year’s tournament at TPC Craig Ranch, winning by eight strokes with a total of 31-under-par. A repeat performance is certainly possible this week. Best Sleeper Pick for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson Jordan Spieth (+1850) Fellow Texan Jordan Spieth (pictured above) also debuted on the PGA Tour at TPC Craig Ranch at age 16, where he finished T-16. Spieth showed signs of returning to form with a T-18 finish at the PGA Championship last week. He remains focused on completing the career grand slam, a goal he may pursue next year when the event returns to Texas. Spieth placed fourth at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson last year and was the runner-up in 2022. Notably, Spieth currently sits 11th on the tour with 13 hole-outs this season. Best Longshot Pick for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson Ryo Hisatsune (+4800) Ryo Hisatsune is still chasing his maiden PGA Tour title, but he has been in contention several times this year: Farmers Insurance Open (T-2) WM Phoenix Open (T-10) AT+T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (T-8) Valero Texas Open (T-8) Hisatsune also displays strong statistical performance, recording 230 total birdies this season, trailing only Si Woo Kim (244) on the tour. Furthermore, he is tied for the third-lowest round of the season, having carded a 62 during the opening round at Pebble Beach. His first win appears to be within reach. 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.

The star-studded line-up includes senior leaders from Entain, LeoVegas and Authentic Gaming (AsiaGameHub) -   Executive search and HR advisory firm ESR Group has today announced it has completed filling all positions on its board of directors. The names added to ESR’s non-executive director (NED) roster include: Philip Doftvik – CEO of Qtech Games and former director at LeoVegas Gary Nall – Founder of PlayBook and former managing director at Entain Jonas Delin – Co-founder of Avanti Studios and former founder of Authentic Gaming (acquired by Light & Wonder) These iGaming industry leaders will support ESR’s existing leadership team in developing solutions that address real-world challenges for sector executives, founders, and investors in areas such as talent acquisition and HR, transformational growth, go-to-market strategy and execution, mergers and acquisitions, and investment. ESR Group consists of ESR Talent, which specialises in executive search and embedded HR services, and ESR Solutions, offering strategic, investment, and M&A advisory services. Luke Imeson, co-founder and CEO of ESR Group, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming these seasoned professionals and their expertise, stating: “This powerful blend of strategic visionaries and innovative minds is a tremendous asset to our already fast-growing business. While I’m not one to boast, I genuinely believe we’re poised to make a significant impact on iGaming companies around the world, especially in the realm of executive search.” Nall remarked: “I met Luke and Helena last year and was impressed by their dedication and authenticity—two essential traits in recruitment. When invited to join their board as a NED, saying yes was an easy decision, as collaborating with individuals of their calibre guarantees I can contribute meaningfully.” Delin added: “I’ve worked closely with Luke and the ESR team for the past seven years. What truly distinguishes them in a highly competitive market is their sincere commitment to solving both major and minor challenges, rather than simply pursuing fees.” Doftvik noted: “We engaged the ESR team to establish and scale our new technology hub in Malaga from the ground up. Their approach was highly strategic and positively influenced our organisation’s growth. I’m now excited to join them as a NED and help advance their business further.” Founded in 2023 by Imeson and co-founder Helena Scone, ESR Group enables iGaming, fintech, and tech startups and scale-ups to grow in a smart and sustainable way by identifying talent that aligns with their cultural and strategic goals. 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 unveils a reimagined brand identity designed to reflect the speed, ambition, and scale of today’s iGaming landscape. More than just a visual refresh, this new system embodies how modern technology companies think, operate, and evolve. (AsiaGameHub) -   Positioned as a tech company, GR8_TECH intentionally adopted the language of technology—through a coding-inspired visual style, modular design principles, motion-driven presentation, and structures that align more closely with contemporary digital products than with traditional iGaming branding. Crafted for a digitally native audience, the identity blends precision, confidence, and high-performance aesthetics with the dynamic energy of gaming and entertainment. It features a minimal yet scalable framework that maintains consistency across products, platforms, motion, and future subbrands. “This was never about altering the brand simply for change’s sake. GR8_TECH already possessed strong recognition and character,” said Iryna Ilchanka, Creative Lead at GR8_TECH. “Our objective was to refine it—to develop a system that feels more forward-thinking and better aligned with the level of technology and ambition driving the company.” Built to Evolve Inspired by championship-winning spirit, GR8_TECH was established for ambitious operators and teams who propel the industry forward with confidence, precision, and bold innovation. The redesign reinforces this foundation while equipping the brand with a more adaptable and digitally native visual language. “We did not aim to produce a static brand manual. Instead, we sought to create an evolving framework that grows in tandem with the business,” Ilchanka explained. Beyond its visual transformation, the new branding encapsulates GR8_TECH’s vision of modern championship: confident, disciplined, and propelled by technology and continuous evolution. GR8_TECH. Platform for Champions GR8_TECH is an award-winning provider delivering high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that empower operators to lead and succeed in competitive markets. Its comprehensive suite includes Crypto Turnkey and Hyper Turnkey solutions, GR8_Sportsbook, and Infinite Casino Aggregation. Through a geo-specific approach to solutions, emphasis on practical innovations, and an operator-first philosophy, GR8_TECH enables clients to achieve measurable results quickly and efficiently within their target markets. Trusted by leading operators globally, GR8_TECH has executed over 100 successful projects and earned numerous accolades, including Platform Provider of the Year at the SBC Awards 2025. 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.

Building on support for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Betano returns to international stage as Tournament Supporter of FIFA World Cup 2026 Betano to provide fans with unique and exclusive opportunity to experience FIFA’s hallmark event and engage responsibly with matches at tournament Global bonanza kicks off in less than a month’s time in Mexico City Betano has been named as an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026 for Europe and South America thanks to a new partnership between FIFA and Kaizen Gaming’s lead brand. (AsiaGameHub) -   The international showpiece tournament taking place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from Thursday, 11 June until Sunday, 19 July is set to be the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, as for the first time ever it will feature 48 teams contending for the coveted crown. This is the third time that Betano and FIFA have joined forces. Four years ago, Betano became the first sports betting operator to ever partner with FIFA when it joined as an Official Regional Supporter of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for Europe. More recently, Betano was announced as an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. “We are delighted to welcome Betano among the Tournament Supporters of the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, Romy Gai. “Since we first partnered with Betano four years ago, we have seen a genuine commitment to sporting integrity, bringing fans closer to our game and finding new, engaging ways to entertain them. We share these objectives and are glad to have this powerhouse by our side as we look forward to uniting the world through football once again in North America and beyond,” he stated. “Partnering with FIFA for the third time is a proud milestone for everyone at Kaizen Gaming and a clear reflection of our global evolution,” added George Daskalakis, co-founder and CEO of Kaizen Gaming. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the ultimate intersection of sport and entertainment, reaching billions of people. For us, it is the perfect stage to solidify Betano as the most trusted brand globally for responsible online sports betting. Our focus now is to deliver a thrilling, innovative and secure experience for fans throughout the tournament.” Owned by Kaizen Gaming, which was recognised in both 2024 and 2025 as Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards and Operator of the Year – Large at the SBC Awards, Betano will provide fans with a unique and exclusive opportunity to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup and to engage responsibly with the tournament’s matches. Fans will benefit from a range of responsible gaming tools, enabling them to set financial limits, manage their time and access specialised customer support 24/7. Betano is also organising a number of physical and digital fan engagement activations in Europe and South America to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026. 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.

Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram earned his spot at the Esports World Cup 2026 by winning the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, taking home USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) in prize money (AsiaGameHub) -   S8UL has now officially qualified for its third title at EWC 2026, following successful entries in Fortnite and Honor of Kings S8UL, a leading global esports and gaming content organization, has secured qualification for its third discipline at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after Indian Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram triumphed in the Road to EWC Chess qualifier at DreamHack Atlanta, becoming the first Indian player to earn a place in the Chess main event of the prestigious tournament. The qualifier featured a group stage followed by playoffs, with each series consisting of two games and Armageddon used as the tiebreaker. All games were played at 10 minutes with no increment. The group stage included two double-elimination brackets, with the top four players from each advancing to the playoffs. Aravindh progressed to the Upper Bracket (UB) semifinals from Group B after defeating Kyler Raines, Justin Liang, Oleksander Bortnyk, and Christopher Woo. In the UB semifinals, Aravindh faced Woo again and won 2-1 after the first two games ended in draws, clinching the decisive Armageddon game. He then secured another 2-1 victory over Alexey Sarana in the UB Final to advance to the grand final, where he once more encountered Sarana. The grand final followed a double-match format, with a Lower Bracket (LB) win triggering a single Armageddon decider if necessary. After Sarana claimed the first two games from the LB side, Aravindh demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, rallying to win the Armageddon decider and claim victory in the qualifiers. With this win, the 26-year-old earned USD 15,000 (~INR 14 lakh) and secured one of eight official spots in the EWC 2026 Chess main event, scheduled for August 11 to 15 with a total prize pool of USD 1.5 million (~INR 14 crore). The achievement also confirms S8UL’s participation in its third EWC 2026 title, following prior qualifications in Fortnite and Honor of Kings. Reflecting on his victory and qualification, Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram said, “Qualifying for the Esports World Cup this year is an incredibly proud and exciting milestone for me, especially with so many elite players and organizations from around the globe competing. This format offers minimal margin for error—every move counts when you're playing 10-minute games without increment against some of the world’s strongest opponents. I’m also deeply thankful to the S8UL team for their unwavering support and faith in me since last year. Their commitment to chess and developing Indian talent has been truly inspiring, and I’m eager to represent the organization and deliver my best performance at the main event.” Alongside Aravindh, fellow S8UL Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Pranesh M are still in the running to qualify for the EWC 2026 Chess event. Nine players will secure their spots via the Champions Chess Tour Leaderboard, where Nihal currently holds a qualifying position. Four additional berths will be awarded through the Last Chance Qualifiers closer to the tournament, and one final slot will be determined by the India Rising event, set to conclude on July 5. “At S8UL, one of our core missions has been to create platforms that enable Indian talent to compete and excel on the world’s biggest stages. Aravindh Chithambaram’s qualification for the Esports World Cup is a landmark moment—not just for our organization, but for Indian chess as a whole. The intensity and pressure of this format are exceptionally high, which makes this accomplishment all the more remarkable. We’ve always believed that India possesses world-class talent, and Aravindh becoming the first Indian to qualify powerfully affirms that conviction,” said Animesh Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL Esports. Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second year running, S8UL recently launched its most ambitious international esports campaign yet, competing in qualifiers across 13 titles: Apex Legends, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, EA SPORTS FC, FATAL FURY, Fortnite, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends 5v5, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Trackmania. This year’s campaign emphasizes strong Indian representation alongside established international talent, ensuring homegrown players are featured across multiple disciplines. That vision is already yielding results: S8UL’s all-Indian Honor of Kings roster qualified for the tournament, and Aravindh became the first Indian Chess player to officially secure a spot in the event. The organization also qualified in Fortnite through its international roster and remains in contention in several other titles. S8UL narrowly missed out on PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS qualification and fell short in the MOBA Legends 5v5 semifinals. The EWC 2026, running from July 6 to August 23, 2026, will gather over 2,000 players from 200 clubs across more than 100 countries vying for a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (~INR 720 crore). With confirmed qualifications in three titles, S8UL aims to keep raising the Indian flag on the global stage while pursuing further qualifications in additional disciplines. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will decide the NHL Eastern Conference semifinals, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Sabres dominated the Canadiens with an 8-3 victory at Bell Centre on Saturday, tying the series at 3-3. Montreal now faces the challenge of securing a win on the road to advance. DraftKings has Buffalo listed as a -118 home favorite, with a total set at 5.5. The moneyline handle is 61% in favor of the Sabres, while 66% of tickets are placed on them. Best Bet: OVER 5.5 (-108) Despite the typical tendency for teams to play conservatively in Game 7, these two sides have produced high-scoring contests over the last two games, combining for a total of 20 goals. Additionally, every game in the series has gone OVER 5.5 goals, except for Game 4, which ended 3-2 in Buffalo’s favor. A combined 21 goals (averaging seven per game) have been scored across the three games played in Buffalo. Buffalo’s goaltending has been inconsistent throughout the series, with the team alternating between Alex Lyon and Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen. Regardless of who starts tonight, there's a strong possibility that both could see action. Cole Caufield has regained his scoring form for Montreal, finding the net in three of the last four games. Combined with the excellent performance of linemate Nick Suzuki (3 goals, 6 points against Buffalo), there's a leaning toward a Canadiens victory in what is expected to be a high-scoring game. Pick: OVER 5.5 (-108) Best Player Prop for Montreal Canadiens Nick Suzuki OVER 0.5 Assists (-140) Nick Suzuki (pictured above) is Montreal’s primary playmaker, consistently setting up Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky in the offensive zone. These three players also form Montreal’s top power-play unit, meaning Suzuki will have ample opportunities to record an assist. Suzuki led the Canadiens with 72 assists during the regular season and recorded two assists in their Game 7 triumph over Tampa Bay in the opening round. His focus on passing makes this a favorable bet tonight. Best Player Prop for Buffalo Sabres Josh Doan OVER 0.5 Points (-115) Josh Doan has been a standout performer in the series against Montreal. He entered Game 6 riding a five-game point streak before being held scoreless. We're confident Doan will contribute again tonight. Betting on both player props along with the OVER 5.5 in a same-game parlay offers +475 odds if all three selections hit. A $10 wager would yield $47.50 in profit plus the original stake upon 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Thai police authorities have announced a collaboration with social media executives to develop a strategy for eliminating illegal gambling-related group chats from encrypted platforms. On May 14, representatives from the Royal Thai Police met with executives from Line Thailand. According to the Thai media outlet Top News Report, the discussions focused on methods to disrupt online gatherings related to gambling, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling. The meeting was attended by senior police cybercrime investigators, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, the Deputy Inspector-General of the force. Line, which is headquartered in Japan, was first introduced in 2011 by a subsidiary of the South Korean internet conglomerate Naver. The platform has gained massive adoption in Thailand, reporting between 54 and 56 million monthly active users. With more than 80% of the nation's population using Line, the company reports rapid business expansion. However, police allege that criminal organizations are utilizing Line's open chat rooms to attract bettors to unlawful gambling sites, launder money, and coordinate scams linked to gambling. Thai Police: Gambling Chat Rooms Must Go Similar to Telegram, Line provides open chat rooms with features that protect user anonymity, serving various community interests. Law enforcement states that offenders have misused these capabilities. While competitors like Telegram present greater legal challenges because they lack a physical base in Thailand, this does not apply to Line's parent company, LY Corporation. The company's significant presence in Thailand prompted it to set up a local subsidiary in Bangkok. At the meeting, police and Line management committed to enhancing their collaborative work "by mid-year." They also concurred that Line would intensify actions against Thai-language groups involved in promoting investment fraud and distributing pornographic content. A Royal Thai Police vehicle. (Image: Manrat Thiusthas [CC BY-SA 4.0]) The Royal Thai Police further requested that the social media company suspend accounts operated by crime syndicates that establish chat rooms for trading weapons and drugs. The leaders of Line Thailand pledged their "full cooperation" and indicated they would utilize backing from LY Corporation in Japan. Officials stated plans to improve current systems for requesting data blocks, allowing for broader, quicker, and more effective account shutdowns. They noted that the upgraded system is scheduled to be operational "by mid-2026." Raid Takes Down Online Casino AM 08 In other parts of Thailand, the Royal Thai Police are maintaining their campaign against illicit online casino businesses. Their most recent operations resulted in the shutdown of a well-known Thai-language casino site called AM 08, as reported by the Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight. Police in Ranong Province reported arresting a 24-year-old individual during a raid in the Mueang District. Authorities confirmed the confiscation of cash, computers, and mobile phones from the location, identified as a private residence. Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, Commander of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, stated that the AM 08 platform launched more than two years ago. Officials report that the site handled wagers from approximately 36,000 users. It is also accused of operating illegal lottery draws and providing slot machines, baccarat, and sports betting. In late last month, the Thai Department of Special Investigation froze funds totaling $15.3 million across multiple bank accounts. The department asserted that the money was connected to a laundering operation serving a large online gambling network. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   With less than a month remaining before the South Korean elections, gambling has emerged as a central issue, with candidates exchanging accusations and the President offering commentary on the matter. Earlier this month, election campaigning in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju turned into a verbal battle centered around gambling. During a televised debate, a candidate accused Kim Dae-jung, the incumbent superintendent of the province, of “hanging around near a gambling den” during a business trip. Since then, Kim admitted to visiting a casino at the hotel where he was staying for a work event but denied that he gambled there. His rivals have described his explanation as “illogical.” Meanwhile, Kim’s representatives claim his opponents are conducting a “smear campaign” ahead of the June 3 vote. An election commission building in Gwangju, the largest city in South Jeolla Province. (Image: NZ Tokideul [CC BY-SA 4.0]) South Korean Elections: Casino Allegations Continue As the election approaches, one leading contender has demanded a public investigation. The rival, Lee Jeong-seon, urged Kim to “clarify the allegations” through a “joint fact-finding investigation.” “We call on Kim to step forward and publicly discuss this issue in a debate,” said a spokesperson for Lee Jeong-seon’s campaign, according to the South Korean news outlet News1. “If Kim has nothing to hide, there is no reason to avoid it. If he refuses or evades our request, we will view it as an attempt to conceal the allegations.” Kim’s camp responded with a statement rejecting the claims. “[My rivals] keep portraying me as someone who illegally gambles,” the superintendent said. “As I previously stated, I recall going to a hotel casino, but I did not engage in illegal gambling. In fact, I can’t even play go-stop [a popular low-stakes Korean card game].” Kim’s spokespeople asked his opponents to stop “repeatedly raising doubts” and instead “present evidence.” “If they cannot provide any proof, they should issue an apology,” said Kim. Gambling Convicts Named Controversies involving gambling are not limited to the race for education superintendent in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju. In other parts of the country, media outlets have been investigating reports revealing that numerous convicted individuals are running for office on June 3—including several with histories of habitual gambling. While the original report did not name any specific candidates, MBC, South Korea’s national broadcaster, has identified many of them in a recent segment. Among those named is Choi Eun-sik, a candidate for the Okcheon County Council and a member of the main opposition People Power Party. Choi is reportedly convicted of two gambling offenses, along with charges related to drunk driving, operating a vehicle without a license, and assault. Meanwhile, the People Power Party’s Chungju City Council candidate, Shim Jae-ik, is said to have seven criminal convictions, including one for gambling. Chungju City Hall, located in Chungju, South Korea. (Image: hyolee2 [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Another candidate named with a prior gambling conviction is the People Power Party nominee Lee Jae-myung in Jincheon. President Issues Another Gambling Warning Although President Lee Jae-myung avoided directly commenting on candidates’ gambling-related convictions or casino allegations, he made gambling-related remarks in a recent social media post. “Illegal lending and gambling are signs of national decline,” the President wrote, as reported by the South Korean newspaper Seoul Kyungjae. The comments echo the President’s earlier warnings from late last year, when he cautioned that increased gambling could “lead to the downfall” of the nation. Politicians in South Korea must carefully navigate issues surrounding gambling regulation. The country generates substantial tax revenue from casinos, particularly in tourist destinations like Jeju Island. Jeju-based casino operator Lotte Tour Development recently reported record quarterly earnings amid growing foreign tourism on the island. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Gambling firms are pouring significant funds into political campaigns in Alabama in an effort to ease the state’s stringent anti-gambling regulations. However, their spending methods are causing confusion and frustration among lawmakers. DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have channeled no less than $42 million into super PACs that fund political campaigns nationwide. A substantial share of these funds has been directed to the American Conservative Fund, which is utilizing the money to distribute a wave of mailers throughout Alabama. Candidate Disavows Link to Godfather-Themed Campaign One candidate who appears to be supported by the PAC is Senator Garlan Gudger. Alabama residents might now view him as the Godfather due to a flyer from the American Conservative Fund. American Conservative Fund flyer featuring Garlan Gudger Gudger, though, states he had not seen the flyer prior to its distribution in mailboxes across the state. “This is from a super PAC from up north,” Gudger stated in a video shared on Facebook. “We have nothing to do with them and just wanted everyone to know that, as there are many questions circulating online.” Gudger was uncertain whether the campaign was an endorsement or intended to harm his electoral prospects. He noted that he saw the Godfather portrayal as a “negative spin, aimed more at damaging me than anything else in this race.” Last year, the Senate leader halted discussions about legalizing gambling in Alabama, arguing it was a distraction for lawmakers because of a lack of agreement. “Whenever you’re having a discussion, once this topic arises, everyone begins to use what they need or want from this specific bill to influence other issues they’re addressing,” Gudger told an interviewer. “And that’s really not right.” Are Direct Mail Services Winning Over Voters? A portion of the American Conservative Fund’s funds goes to Leading Pointe Strategy, a Georgia-based organization established by Tom Willis. Willis also holds the position of Senior Vice President at Arena Wins, which bills itself as “The Most Trusted Republican Advertising Agency in America.” The company’s website highlights its innovative mail design, which it asserts has “helped Republicans win hearts and minds in all 50 states.” Every flyer—such as the one depicting Gudger as the Godfather—includes a disclaimer that it is not approved by the candidate. It’s unknown if the group created the Gudger flyer, which only notes it was funded by the American Conservative Fund. Funding Campaigns on Both Political Sides Although most of Win for America’s funds are directed to the American Conservative Fund (which says it supports Republicans), some money is also allocated to American Future, a super PAC launched by DraftKings in 2023. American Future’s website states that it “is committed to electing strong, bold Democrats to state legislatures nationwide who will advocate for our future.” Funds from the gambling companies pass through the PACs to different strategy groups. It’s uncertain if these groups know that the money supporting them is also funding competing strategy groups that promote Republican candidates. Gaming America mapped out the flow of funds from the three major betting companies, illustrating which groups are receiving the money. Beyond Alabama, a significant portion of the funds is also financing political campaigns in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia. Lawmakers Demand Action on Gambling Interest Groups A separate group of Alabama lawmakers has demanded “immediate action and greater public scrutiny regarding serious campaign finance concerns tied to gambling interests and political action committees active in Alabama.” Nine organizations co-signed a letter sent to Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Wes Allan. The letter doesn’t directly name gambling groups as a concern, but references “allegations involving large financial contributions, intricate funding structures, and possible non-compliance with Alabama’s campaign finance disclosure rules.” Coalition leaders clarified their concerns in a press release, saying, “We know from other states that gambling money often brings corruption, undue political influence, and weakened public trust.” “The Alabama Constitution prohibits games of chance, yet we are witnessing unprecedented amounts of gambling-related money flowing into legislative races. Citizens should be deeply concerned about what this could mean for the future of our state.” Alabama has taken steps against companies trying to offer gambling services in the state. Sweepstakes casino operators are currently facing 21 lawsuits in Alabama, as residents seek to recoup losses incurred on these platforms. Although many Alabamians hold strong anti-gambling opinions, the coalition emphasized that “regardless of where citizens stand on specific gambling policy, all Alabamians should agree that lawlessness should not be tolerated; public transparency and compliance with campaign finance laws are essential to a free and fair election process.” Even when residents can trace the source of the funds, it’s still unclear why gambling companies are supporting both political sides and running campaigns that candidates are disavowing. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   The National Football League (NFL) has urged the commodities regulator to require prediction market providers to prohibit contracts on events that are “easily manipulable” by a single individual. Examples include first pass and field goal completion. The league submitted its request in a letter to the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig, as reported by CNBC. Written by Brendon Plack, the NFL’s head of government affairs and public policy, the letter also calls for the regulator to raise the legal betting age from 18 to 21 and ban margin trading. NFL’s Regulatory Requests Sports event contracts that are “not fully collateralized” risk “exacerbating addictive behavior and increasing loss exposure,” according to Plack. The league wants the CFTC to mandate that providers block contracts on events that are “knowable in advance.” Examples of such events include the outcome of the first play of a game. Plack also requested that Selig ban “inherently objectionable” contracts involving events like player injuries. The NFL raised several concerns about potential match-fixing and insider trading. The league seeks a special certification process from the regulator for individual player performance-related prediction contracts. Key Points of Contention The NFL wants prediction markets to follow many of the standards, rules, and guidelines applied to traditional sports betting operations. This stance may provoke disagreement with Selig, who has consistently maintained that prediction market platforms and sportsbooks are “two separate things.” “What you’re seeing is markets versus entertainment… They are different models,” Selig told Axios earlier this month. “The conventional sportsbooks and casinos are entertainment,” he added. Selig stated that the CFTC will regulate prediction markets “as financial markets, not as entertainment.” Throughout the letter, Plack reportedly cited multiple references to state-level gambling regulations. The mention of states could be contentious, as the CFTC is currently engaged in legal disputes with states that have tried to take control of regulating prediction markets. Spectators watch an NFL game at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. (Image: Myron Mott) While the issue involving states may be sensitive, the NFL and Selig may find common ground on concerns about insider trading. Earlier this month, the CFTC announced it was consulting with “all professional sports leagues” on measures to prevent insider trading. In his letter, Plack recommended that the National Futures Association—the U.S. derivatives regulator—establish data-sharing agreements with state gaming regulatory bodies. This, said the NFL executive, could strengthen enforcement tools to restrict certain individuals from participating in prediction markets. Such individuals should include NFL league employees, according to Plack. The CFTC recently finalized a memorandum of understanding with MLB, aiming to identify suspicious trading activity on prediction market 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The NCAA has confirmed that former Abilene Christian men's basketball student-athlete Airion Simmons has been banned for life. Simmons allegedly agreed to fix at least two games while playing for the college in March 2024. In a press release, the NCAA revealed that the now 25-year-old accepted a $3,500 bribe to "play bad" in a game against Tarleton State. He allegedly recruited other players to ensure Abilene Christian did not win. The NCAA says he received the cash in a Dallas parking lot but did not pay the teammates with whom he conspired. Simmons Named in Federal Indictment Simmons was one of several college basketball players named in a federal indictment in January. He first agreed to fix a game on March 19 against Texas A&M. However, despite his efforts to underperform, the team won. The scheme was allegedly led by former Chicago Bulls player Antonio Blakeney, Marves Fairley, and Shane Hennen. Both Fairley and Hennen have also been named in the NBA betting scandal that includes Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier. The bettors wagered $82,000 on Texas A&M to beat Abilene Christian, according to the indictment. After the bets were lost, the fixers said that they should have recruited more players. Simmons, along with another unnamed player, agreed to fix the next game against Tarleton State. Bettors wagered $40,000 on Tarleton State to cover first- and full-game point spreads. In this instance, the bets won, with Simmons scoring zero points. Gamblers Continue to Post Picks Online Despite being named in two federal indictments for their attempts to fix NBA and NCAA basketball matches, both Fairley and Hennen continue to post gambling tips online. On his Instagram account, Hennen advertises his tipping service, which charges for gambling picks. Shane Hennen promotes his NBA tips on Instagram @sugarshanewins He has not publicly posted any picks recently, but in October last year boasted of a 12-2 winning record from his previous 14 tips. During February and March 2024, prosecutors claim Hennen and his co-conspirators attempted to fix at least 21 games. Of these, the bettors won 13 times but lost money on the other eight matches. Fellow Tipster Promotes Must-Win Picks In addition to Hennen, Fairley continues to promote picks for his subscription service, Vezino Locks. He sells daily "locks" for $60 and recently claimed an 11-4 winning record. Marves Fairley promotes his tipping service on Instagram @vezino_locks As part of the NCAA’s investigation, Simmons said he had contact with two known bettors. The NCAA does not say whether they are Hennen or Fairley. Simmons is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery in sporting contests. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in federal prison. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

  (AsiaGameHub) -   Incentive Games, a leading B2B games provider, has received an interim gaming licence in Pennsylvania from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This approval, effective immediately, allows the company to offer its portfolio of real-money gaming products to licensed operators within the state. This builds on Incentive Games’ earlier licensing success in Michigan in 2025 and advances its expansion across regulated North American markets. The Pennsylvania approval further underscores the company’s focus on regulatory excellence, operational transparency, and secure, responsible gaming practices as it scales its presence in the region. Gaining a Pennsylvania licence unlocks access to one of the most established and competitive iGaming markets in the United States, where strict standards govern compliance and player protection. Incentive Games’ approval reflects its ability to meet these expectations across multiple jurisdictions.   Ahmed Baker, Chief Commercial Officer at Incentive Games, said, “Securing an interim licence in Pennsylvania is a significant achievement for our business and a strong endorsement of our regulatory approach. It strengthens our position in North America and supports our ambition to grow through trusted partnerships in regulated markets. We look forward to collaborating with operators in Pennsylvania to deliver high-quality real-money gaming experiences to their 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.