日期: 2026年3月25日

(AsiaGameHub) -   The horse racing industry has voiced its disapproval following Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross’ confirmation that the Horserace Betting Levy will not be increased. Labour Minister Ian Murray delivered the update to the House of Commons on the Baroness's behalf, noting that the decision reflects racing's vital role in the UK's economy and sporting heritage. Consequently, horse racing remains the sole sport benefiting from a government-enforced levy, set at 10% of the annual gross profits for bookmakers earning over £500,000 from British racing wagers. These funds are overseen by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) to support breeding, scientific research, and veterinary training. The levy generated £108m in 2025, an increase from the £105m recorded in 2024. Baroness Twycross identified two primary factors for maintaining the current rate, starting with the broader gambling tax adjustments outlined in the 2025 Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously revealed that Remote Gaming Duty will jump from 21% to 40% this April, while General Betting Duty (GBD) is set to rise from 15% to 25% in April 2027. While these hikes impact online operators, British horse racing is excluded from the GBD increase, keeping its rate at 15% alongside the existing 10% racing levy. Additionally, the government declined to expand the levy to include international racing, keeping the focus strictly on domestic British events. Officials argued that the current levy, combined with commercial prospects, ensures a sufficiently strong future for the relationship between the betting and racing sectors. The announcement referenced findings from a review initiated by the previous administration, which concluded in April 2024. “The Government remains a firm supporter of racing. We back efforts to modernize governance, update the fixture calendar, and enhance horse welfare,” stated Baroness Twycross, adding that they will continue collaborating with the BHA and other stakeholders. BHA expresses opposition The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the sport's governing body, has made its frustration with the decision very clear. BHA CEO Brant Dunshea criticized both the duration and the conclusion of the process, stating it was disappointing that a three-year review resulted in no change to the rate. Dunshea noted that the industry participated in discussions in good faith, providing evidence of the widening gap between the costs of staging races and the revenue received from betting. He also suggested a shift in the government's position, pointing out that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) appears to have moved away from its earlier stance. Prior to the Budget, the DCMS had cautioned the Treasury that racing would see little benefit from a tax carve-out unless it was paired with a levy increase. Dunshea questioned why the DCMS now considers a rate change unnecessary just months after that warning. He warned that the industry faces significant challenges, including post-pandemic attendance issues, a stagnant levy, and the implementation of affordability checks from the Gambling Act Review White Paper. He suggested that if the government refuses to raise the levy, it should at least halt the introduction of affordability checks that could jeopardize the sport's financial future. The BHA also disputed the government's perspective on returns, claiming the sport receives less than 3% from the gambling sector, compared to 7.7% in France and 8.4% in Ireland. This decision may further strain the link between racing and betting, which was already under pressure during last year's tax debates, despite the BHA's ongoing cooperation with firms like Flutter Entertainment. Internal friction is also reportedly rising among major stakeholders like the BHA, the Jockey Club, Arena Racecourse Company (ARC), and the Racecourse Association (RCA) regarding the sport's strategic direction. 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) -   Digital sports media group Better Collective has appointed Thomas Plenborg as its new Board Chair, as the company revamps its international strategy. The company confirmed that Plenborg will replace Jens Bager as Board Chair, after Bager decided not to pursue re-election following more than a decade in the position. Better Collective recognized the 'critical role' the incoming Chair has already served in its corporate evolution, as the company has broadened its presence from Europe to North and South America. New horizons Established in 2004 and based in Copenhagen, Better Collective has grown into one of the largest digital sports media companies specializing in the betting industry and runs one of the sector's largest affiliate networks. The company has established a strong position in key regional iGaming markets, including Latin America through its 2024 purchase of Playmaker Capital. It also participates in other aspects of the iGaming ecosystem, such as responsible gambling through its Mindway AI subsidiary. "We are delighted to welcome Thomas Plenborg as our new Chair," stated Jesper Søgaard, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Better Collective. "Having collaborated with him on the Board for the past year, we have already gained from his extensive financial and strategic expertise. "His background with world-class companies will be extremely valuable as we continue striving to become the premier digital sports media group." Plenborg assumes the board leadership position as Better Collective prepares to enter another sector—the rapidly growing, though controversial, predictions market space. The company intends to utilize its US-focused brands such as Action Network and VegasInsider. This potential new revenue source follows the release of its Q4 and FY25 financial results in February, which showed a minor decline in annual revenue. Plenborg commented: "I want to thank Jens for his leadership and long-term dedication to Better Collective. He has been instrumental in establishing the governance, strategic vision, and growth trajectory over the last ten years. "I now anticipate collaborating closely with the management team and fellow Board members to further develop Better Collective for the benefit of all stakeholders, including customers, partners, employees, and shareholders." 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) -   Alberta appears to have provided the first clear timeline for launching its regulated iGaming market in the Canadian province. The province's regulator, Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), has released a guidance document for the iGaming transition period, detailing requirements for commercial operators seeking licences. The document outlines expectations for unregulated operators, stating they must submit applications, pay registration fees, and halt unregulated activities by July 13. The AGLC stated: "Any operator or associated entity running an unregulated lottery scheme in Alberta must submit a completed application and pay all applicable registration fees to AGLC by July 13, 2026. Operators must also stop all unregulated lottery scheme activities, including taking bets, by July 13, 2026. "AGLC may grant a maximum three-month extension to October 13, 2026, on a case-by-case basis, but only if an operator can show a compliance path for market launch that was not achievable before July 13, 2026." Though not a definitive launch date, this provides the industry with insight into the province's current timeline and pace for going live. Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC), which handles commercial agreements, anti-money laundering (AML), public complaints, and financial reporting, will set the official launch date. The AGLC added that all unregulated market activity must cease by the announced go-live date, regardless of whether it falls after July 13 or October 13 this year. Several operators, including Caesars Entertainment, have shown interest in Alberta's regulated iGaming market. However, the AGLC noted that fewer than 10 have paid the required fees so far. The six-month exemption provision only applies to iGaming suppliers that have paid the required fees and received written confirmation from AGLC that their application was accepted. The AGLC stated: "Despite strong interest from over 55 operator sites, only nine have paid the required fees to date. Regulatory Services is closely monitoring advertising and overall market activity, and continued non-compliance could significantly affect future suitability determinations." Regarding player accounts on unregulated sites transitioning to the regulated market, the AGLC stated that all outstanding bets must be resolved or cancelled beforehand, including settling open wagers, returning account balances, and notifying players about account closure timelines and procedures. Earlier this year, the AGLC published the Standards and Requirements for Internet Gaming, which outlines key iGaming components for the province, including licensing fees, tax rates, advertising, and player protection. Portions of the province's iGaming framework have been known since spring last year, when the iGaming Alberta Act was passed. 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 Care Quality Commission (CQC) has called on the UK’s new gambling harm treatment commissioners to maintain continuity during the shift to a statutory levy. Charities part of the National Gambling Support Network were commended for delivering ‘safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led’ treatment.  However, the CQC also recognized worries raised by GambleAware that the ongoing quality of care could be impacted as service commissioning moves to the NHS under a new funding model. The report stated: “We would urge commissioners to review the findings of this report to make sure services continue to provide care in a similar way so that people experiencing gambling harms still receive the care and support they need, and that there is ongoing oversight and assessment of the quality of services.” The Gambling Commission and GambleAware requested the CQC to conduct the review, with inspections occurring from May 2025 to March 2026. The 14 charities included in the review were the EPIC Restart Foundation, ARA Recovery For All, NECA, Gordon Moody, Beacon Counselling Trust, Primary Care Gambling Service, Aquarius, GamCare, GamCare Helpline, Adferiad, RCA Trust (Scotland), Betknowmore UK, Breakeven and Reframe Coaching. Findings showed that individuals dealing with gambling harm ‘could access services when needed and received personalized, needs-based treatment and support’. Longheld concerns The CQC joins a growing list of organizations expressing fears that the funding transition will slow treatment progress as the NHS becomes the primary treatment administrator, with services divided between England, Scotland and Wales. GambleAware noted in its legacy report ahead of closing on 31 March: “There is a concern that differences in local capacity could mean that the quality of services varies from place to place. Without deliberate action, these risks could erode progress made in prevention, early intervention, and equity of response.” The Welsh Government has already granted the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board £1.3 million to operate a gambling helpline for those with gambling problems in Wales. However, this will run alongside the well-known National Gambling Helpline operated by GamCare, sparking worries about confusion for people seeking help. GamCare confirmed it has contacted Welsh Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy regarding the decision, aiming to clarify how the two services will work together to support those in need. The charity’s CEO, Victoria Corbishley, said: “The shared aim must be to minimise any confusion for those reaching out in moments of vulnerability. Our focus remains firmly on the people we serve.” Independence vote Organizations like GamCare are currently learning how much funding they’ll receive from the £120 million raised in the first year of the statutory levy—funded by a percentage of UK licensed operators’ gross gaming yield. But uncertainty around funding for longstanding charities has grown due to rumors that groups with past industry ties would be excluded. However, this position seems to be easing, according to Duncan Garvie, founder of BetBlocker. Speaking at the Illegal Gambling Prevention Summit, he said: “Pragmatically, there was always going to be some level of disruption. What I hope to see if a softening of positions and to reach a place where all stakeholders can be included in the conversation without the stigmatisation.” During the third sector charity review, GamCare shared that the CQC found no evidence its support and treatment were influenced by the gambling industry. Corbishley welcomed the feedback, stating that being recognized as independent is ‘fundamental to the trust people place in us’. “This independent assessment is important assurance for commissioners, partners, and above all for the people who rely on our services,” she added. 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) -   SBC Summit Americas is set to debut a specialized Prediction Markets Forum to analyze one of the most rapidly expanding and discussed segments within the US sports betting landscape. Scheduled for Thursday, June 11, as part of the event's Breakout Stage, the forum will gather operators, legal professionals, and industry analysts to discuss the growth of prediction markets, the entry of sportsbooks into the field, and the regulatory and integrity hurdles ahead. The four-session track will be moderated by Patrick Everson, a sports betting analyst and contributor to FOX Sports. The recent spike in interest for prediction markets is largely linked to the 2024 presidential election, which pushed event contracts into the public spotlight.  Since that time, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics have all taken steps to enter the sector, while platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are expanding their reach through high-profile athlete endorsements and multi-year league partnerships. However, the industry faces legal uncertainty due to conflicting federal decisions and a surge in state-level enforcement actions and lawsuits from gaming regulators. “Prediction markets are set to be a defining feature of the American market by 2026, though the ambiguity between financial trading and traditional wagering presents significant challenges for the sector,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC. “This forum will gather the key figures influencing this space to help the industry understand the road ahead.” The program begins with an introductory session, Prediction Markets 101. Speaker Dan Zucker (President, Zucker Media Group) will explore the evolution of event contracts from 19th-century economic hedging to their current status as a potential billion-dollar industry. He will also explain the mechanics of these markets, the reasons for their rapid growth, and their influence on the modern gambling sector. Over the past 18 months, several prominent US operators have moved into the world of event contracts. In the session "How Sportsbooks Are Entering the World of Event Contracts," experts Dr. Laila Mintas (CEO, Dr. Mintas Consulting), David Huffman (COO, Sporttrade), and Dustin Gouker (Founder, The Closing Line) will discuss the motivations behind these moves and whether state-level partnerships are a vital part of their strategy.  The "A Question of Compliance and Integrity" panel will focus on the legal and regulatory hurdles facing US prediction markets. Legal expert Dan Wallach (Partner, Wallach Legal) will analyze the regulatory landscape, ongoing lawsuits from gaming groups and states, and the resulting compliance issues for operators. Looking forward, the "What’s the Future of Futures?" session will consider the long-term effects of prediction markets on the betting industry. Speakers Ilya Beylin (Associate Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law), Robin D Hanson (Associate Professor, George Mason University), and Chris Gerlacher (Senior Political Reporter and Industry Analyst, Prediction News) will discuss potential Supreme Court involvement and the tension between land-based opponents and online sportsbooks seeking to integrate these markets. This subject will also be explored on the Leaders Stage in a panel titled “The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US.” Experts Joshua B. Sterling (Partner, Milbank) and Alex Kane (CEO, Sporttrade) will review the evolution of these markets across North America and the reactions from investors, regulators, and operators to the shifting environment. The Prediction Markets Forum is a key component of the two-day SBC Summit Americas conference. In addition to the Breakout Stage, attendees can explore sessions on sports betting, casino gaming, payments, technology, compliance, affiliation, leadership, and player safety across North and Latin America. Secure Your Entry to SBC Summit Americas: VIP Pass – Priced at $700, providing full access to the conference agenda, expo floor, the Food Festival, and evening networking events. Expo+ Pass: Available for $95, offering access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (excluding evening networking events). Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes: Qualified operators and affiliates may apply for free passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass | Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass. 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) -   SBC Summit Americas is set to launch a dedicated Prediction Markets Forum, which will dive into one of the fastest-growing and most hotly debated verticals within U.S. sports betting. Scheduled for Thursday, 11 June as part of the Breakout Stage, this forum will gather operators, legal experts and industry analysts to look into the growth of prediction markets, the ways sportsbooks are entering this space, and the regulatory and integrity challenges that are defining its future. The four-session lineup will be chaired by Patrick Everson, a sports betting analyst and contributor for FOX Sports. The recent boom in prediction markets can be traced directly to the 2024 presidential election, which pushed event contracts into the mainstream. Since that election, DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics have all taken steps to build a presence in this space, while platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket continue to grow in prominence via high-profile athlete sponsorships and multi-year league partnerships. However, a rising tide of lawsuits and enforcement actions from state and gaming regulators, paired with conflicting federal court rulings, has left compliance requirements far from straightforward. “Prediction markets will shape the U.S. market in 2026. But navigating the gray area between financial trading and traditional sports betting is creating tangible uncertainty for this industry,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and founder of SBC. “This forum will bring together the leaders who are building this space to help the sector understand what lies ahead.” The forum will open with the introductory session, Prediction Markets 101. Dan Zucker, President of Zucker Media Group, will walk through how event contracts evolved from 19th-century economic hedging into a potential billion-dollar vertical. Along the way, he will break down how prediction markets actually operate, why their growth has accelerated so rapidly, and what their rise means for today’s gambling landscape. Over the past 18 months, a number of major U.S. operators have expanded into the prediction markets space. During the session, How Sportsbooks Are Entering the World of Event Contracts, experts Dr. Laila Mintas (CEO, Dr. Mintas Consulting), David Huffman (COO, Sporttrade), and Dustin Gouker (Founder, The Closing Line) will analyze how and why the region’s biggest operators are making the move and whether state-by-state partnerships could prove essential in their strategy. The panel, A Question of Compliance and Integrity, will address the regulatory and compliance challenges facing prediction markets in the U.S. Legal specialist Dan Wallach (Partner, Wallach Legal) will examine the regulatory framework governing event contracts and discuss the lawsuits brought by states and land-based gaming groups and the compliance challenges facing operators. Looking ahead, What’s the Future of Futures?, will examine the long-term impact of prediction markets on the betting industry. Speakers Ilya Beylin (Associate Professor, Seton Hall University School of Law), Robin D Hanson (Associate Professor, George Mason University), and Chris Gerlacher (Senior Political Reporter and Industry Analyst, Prediction News) will discuss the potential consequences of Supreme Court scrutiny and what the future may hold for land-based operators opposing prediction markets and online sportsbooks seeking to integrate them. The topic will also be covered on the Leaders Stage during the panel “The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US.” Experts Joshua B. Sterling (Partner, Milbank) and Alex Kane (CEO, Sporttrade) will examine how prediction markets are evolving across North America and how operators, regulators, and investors are responding to the rapidly changing landscape. The Prediction Markets Forum forms part of SBC Summit Americas’ two-day conference programme. Alongside the Breakout Stage, delegates can attend sessions covering sports betting and casino, payments and technology, regulation and compliance, affiliation, leadership, and player protection across North and Latin America. Secure Your Ticket to SBC Summit Americas: VIP Pass – Our VIP Passes are available for just $700. You’ll have access to the full conference agenda, show floor, complimentary food at our Food Festival and our evening networking events! Expo+ Pass: Includes access to the expo floor and all conference sessions (does not include access to evening networking events). Get Your Expo+ Pass at $95. Complimentary Operator & Affiliate Passes: Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes for SBC Summit Americas, subject to approval. Apply for Your Complimentary Operator Pass | Apply for Your Complimentary Affiliate Pass. 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) -   BC.Game has named Kar Kheng Giam as its new Chief Executive Officer, entrusting him with the significant responsibility of guiding the crypto betting brand's often-debated strategic direction. Giam, known as "KK," previously held a position at Coyote Bioscience, a biotechnology research firm based in Beijing that focuses on AI, big data, reagents, and system platforms. He served as Vice President – International at the company from 2021 to 2023, followed by a consultancy role from 2023 to 2025. His initial venture into the gaming and entertainment sector occurred in 2012 when he co-founded both Topgame and Tinymobi. These mobile game development firms, based in Beijing and San Francisco, created casino and social games, such as slots-style offerings. This background likely drew the interest of BC.Game, a company focused on crypto and technology. “BC.Game has cultivated a robust global community through the integration of innovative technology and captivating entertainment experiences,” Giam commented. “I am enthusiastic about assuming this position during a period of considerable opportunity for the company. Given the rising demand for transparent, user-centric platforms and the increasing embrace of crypto in online gaming, we are strategically positioned for global expansion. “My primary objective will be to reinforce our presence in regulated markets, improve the platform experience, and consistently foster trust among our users.” Numerous Factors to Address Giam assumes leadership at BC.Game during a pivotal moment for both the nascent and largely unregulated crypto betting sector, as well as for the broader betting and gaming industry. Increased taxation in Europe and Latin America is considerably impacting the conventional, fiat-based betting market. Regulatory landscapes are also evolving, with national bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Dutch KSA showing heightened vigilance towards unlicensed activities. Within the UK, BC.Game is primarily recognized for its football sponsorships, notably serving as the official front-of-shirt sponsor for EFL Championship club and 2015/16 Premier League champions Leicester City FC. Nevertheless, the widespread presence of unlicensed betting firms in English football has generated controversy. Companies such as BC.Game pursue partnerships in English football because of its global appeal, supporting their marketing goals in regions like Asia, Africa, and other territories. The UK government, however, appears poised to prohibit unlicensed sponsors from British sports, with a consultation currently underway. This development could potentially conclude BC.Game’s collaboration with Leicester, although it remained uncertain whether the two parties planned to extend their agreement beyond the current season. Furthermore, uncertainties persist regarding BC.Game’s operational framework and long-term viability. The company held a Curaçao license for an extended period, but following a legal disagreement with the local regulator and reports of bankruptcy in 2024, it has since obtained a license from the Indian Ocean island of Anjouan. The appointment of a new CEO, particularly one with Giam's extensive experience in the technology sector, indicates BC.Game's strong confidence in having navigated these challenges successfully. Recently, the company has focused on expanding into Africa, exemplified by securing licenses and sponsorship agreements in Kenya last year. It is also presumably monitoring discussions concerning the potential for regulated crypto betting, for instance in Estonia, with considerable interest. 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.