日期: 2026年3月26日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Formula 1 has prolonged its partnership with Allwyn via a new multi-year agreement, following a successful first season of collaboration. The sport has seen rapid global expansion in recent years, and this deal comes after a season in which it reached 827 million fans and achieved a cumulative global TV audience of 1.8 billion.  The extended partnership with the UK’s National Lottery operator focuses on boosting fan engagement through digital channels. “We’re delighted to be expanding and enhancing our partnership with Allwyn, bringing benefits to our fans and the communities where we race,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1. “Our work with Allwyn reflects our shared commitment to creating a positive legacy and using innovation to deliver new fan experiences—both for those watching from home and at our global events.  “Allwyn is a strong and valued partner to Formula 1, contributing to the growth of the sport and benefiting the people it reaches worldwide.” Trends continue for Allwyn and Formula 1 A key new element is Allwyn’s integration into the Formula 1 Predict platform, where fans can predict race outcomes during a Grand Prix weekend.  The new “Allwyn League” will offer prizes including race tickets, Paddock Club access, and exclusive memorabilia, while the company will have increased visibility during the formation lap of selected races throughout the season.  The Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Awards programme, launched in 2025, will expand in 2026 to support up to eight organizations across host cities—doubling the number of beneficiaries from its first year. Pavel Turek, Chief Officer of Global Partnerships at Allwyn, said: “We are thrilled to take our official partnership with Formula 1 to the next level, marking our most significant long-term commitment to the sport to date.  “By continuing our collaboration, we are reaffirming our shared belief in the power of Formula 1 to reach and inspire a global audience.  “This next chapter allows us to deepen that connection further through the launch of the Allwyn League fan experience, our headline partnership of the Formation Lap, and the expansion of our Formula 1 Allwyn Global Community Award programme.  “We will ensure the excitement of the track delivers a rewarding experience for fans and a lasting positive impact for the communities we visit.” Allwyn is just one of many industry operators to have engaged with Formula 1 in recent years, having already partnered with the McLaren team.  Earlier this month, Super Group-owned Betway was announced as the first official betting operator of the sport in a multi-year partnership. Before that, the company had also launched a branding partnership with the Atlassian Williams Racing team.  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 Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has indicated it will now be evaluating the imposition of civil penalties on those who breach anti-money laundering regulations. Proposed draft regulations outlining how civil penalties may be applied have been put forward following amendments to section 22 of the Gambling (Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Act 2018, introduced by the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025. Currently, civil penalties can only be levied against operators, but the GSC appears to be exploring a change to this and is seeking input from industry stakeholders through a consultation process. The GSC stated: “The Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 broadens this authority so that a civil penalty may also be imposed on specific individuals (specifically ‘controllers’, ‘key persons’, and ‘senior managers’) when an AML/CFT violation by the operator is attributable to that individual’s consent, connivance, or negligence.” Frameworks within the draft regulations focus on three areas: the maximum civil penalty that could be imposed on individuals or operators; factors to be considered when determining the penalty amount; and the procedures that must be followed to impose the penalty, including notice and appeal requirements. Guidance details how the Isle of Man regulator will apply this extended authority, covering: assessing individual responsibility; examples of how consent, connivance, and negligence may occur; the calculation of penalties; and the decision‑making process. The consultation period began on 23 March and will run until 25 May 2026. The GSC will hold an online Q&A session to help stakeholders understand the draft regulations and facilitate further discussion. The regulator will publish details of this session in due course. Once the consultation process concludes, the GSC will release a summary document outlining the responses received and any changes made to the regulations and guidance. Maverick Games, SBOTOP, and SK IOM Limited have all been fined by the GSC for AML violations over the past year. Shelgeyr Limited (Maverick Games) was fined £200,000 in February, Celton Manx Limited (SBOTOP) was fined £3.94m in July last year, and SK IOM was fined £70,000 in June 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   While a recent SBC Digital Day session was called ‘Adapting Marketing as Football Sponsorships Fade,’ the panel's conclusion was that sponsorship is not disappearing but instead transforming. Football sponsorships have been central to iGaming marketing plans, with the Premier League – called the “grandest stage of all” by Russell Yershon, CEO of Connectingbrands.com. Nevertheless, with front-of-shirt gambling sponsorships due to be prohibited from the coming season, operators must now reconsider how to connect with fans beyond conventional kit agreements. New sponsorship routes Yershon and fellow speaker Joaquin Gago, CEO of BetandDeal, both observed that the Premier League will remain an arena for brand visibility. As front-of-shirt space vanishes, sleeve and training-kit agreements are anticipated to become the next focal point for brand exposure. However, the panel concurred that the most promising prospects exist beyond the reliable sport of football. Panel moderator and iGaming Expert Editor Joe Streeter highlighted combat sports promoter MVP’s forthcoming MMA event on Netflix, which will feature stars like Ronda Rousey and Nate Diaz. The event, similar to many past live sports broadcasts on streaming platforms, is predicted to draw enormous global audiences. “It’s absolutely massive. It’s another route for these big global brands to think we know what the Netflix audience is, so let’s go and speak with the rights holder and see what we can do,” Yershon stated. This led to a broader conversation about sponsorships led by athletes. Yershon remembered collaborating with boxer David Haye for a gambling-related brand during his first bout against Tony Bellew, noting the “unbelievable coverage” it produced. With streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon increasingly offering live sports, the speakers also proposed that operators can connect with fans directly, circumventing the restrictions of club-based partnerships. Activation and localisation matter more than ever As the discussion progressed, Gago emphasised the growth of localised influencer campaigns, noting that “influencers are being used more in casino than sports because they are easier games to communicate and engage with the audience.” This approach has grown much more prevalent in recent years. Influencers, who might not have the same follower count as retired footballers, often show greater effectiveness because their communities are intensely concentrated on the specific markets a brand aims to enter. Both panellists agreed that localisation is now essential. Gago explained it is crucial to collaborate with, or employ, local individuals who genuinely comprehend the country and culture, and that any campaign must be tailored to the target market. This strategy does present challenges, however. Yershon insisted that meticulous selection of talent is vital, explaining that due diligence guarantees influencers not only portray the brand well but also connect with the correct audience. He finished by stating that regardless of the direction a brand chooses, activation is what separates mere visibility from a wasted budget. Pull quote – “You need to have a clear plan… otherwise you’re chasing your tail,” Yershon cautioned, stressing that investment without a strategy seldom yields measurable outcomes. Regulation at the centre of all decisions The panel agreed that regulatory structures are the most significant factor influencing sponsorship choices, and that knowing the marketing rules is as important as understanding the culture of a target country. Retired footballers, for instance, have historically been effective ambassadors for betting firms due to their recognition among older demographics. Yet, this is not always simple. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) illustrated this last year by upholding a complaint against a promoted post on X by Sky Bet. The post contained an embedded video clip from The Overlap podcast, and the ASA determined it was likely to have strong appeal to under-18s because of Gary Neville’s presence. Flutter challenged the decision, arguing that “black-market operators flood the internet and social media without any checks,” pointing out the disparity between regulated brands adhering to strict rules and unregulated operators facing no oversight. This debate connects to ongoing talks about a potential rule that could prohibit unregulated operators from sponsoring sports in England entirely, a change that would dramatically alter the sponsorship environment. Acknowledging this, the discussion shifted to how clubs manage these intricacies and where responsibility truly lies. Yershon mentioned Everton’s partnership with Stake, which had to cease its UK operations after its logo appeared as a watermark on a “widely viewed” social media video featuring an adult actress. “For Stake as a brand, you want to be on the grandest stage of all, which is Premier League front-of-shirt. Working with a team like Everton, you can benefit from that from the global awareness, so I see no issue with that whatsoever. It’s up to the Premier League club. “In terms of whether it’s right or wrong, if the law says you can do it, then why not,” he added, before stating that it is the regulator who must take a firm position. 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) -   Europe's gambling industry is taking an active role in the European Commission's (EC) initiative to combat online fraud throughout the continent. Early this year, the EC started developing an action plan designed to enhance cross-border cooperation among member states in tackling online organised crime. To build a comprehensive strategy, the EC invited stakeholders to provide feedback and share best practices for combating fraud schemes, including gambling industry representatives who have long been fighting the black market. As a sector representative, the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) responded to the EC's request for input by highlighting how illegal gambling providers target unsuspecting players by masquerading as licensed operators. To support its position, EGBA provided evidence including websites with domain names that closely mimic those of legitimate operators, exploiting the regulated market's reputation. Additional evidence revealed illegal mobile gambling apps on Google and Apple platforms, black market promotions on social media, and phishing schemes. The trade association also reminded the EC that illegal gambling platforms accounted for approximately 27%, or €18 billion, of Europe's total online gambling market GGR in 2025. This exposes players to considerable risk, as these platforms lack the protections offered by licensed operators and instead heighten the risk of identity theft, financial losses, and problem gambling. Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, stated: "Our collected evidence demonstrates how fraudsters are systematically exploiting consumer trust in the licensed gambling sector, endangering European consumers and enabling the illegal online gambling market to expand. "From counterfeit websites and fraudulent applications to phishing operations and social media fraud, these threats resurface as fast as they are removed. Piecemeal national responses to such fraud are insufficient – we require coordinated EU-wide action to prevent consumers and legitimate operators from facing an uphill struggle against fraud." The EC's Action Plan on Combating Online Fraud is anticipated to be adopted in the second quarter of 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The operator of bwin's Danish domain, part of Entain's international sportsbook portfolio, has been fined for breaching national marketing regulations. The Copenhagen City Court imposed a DKK 500,000 (£57,000) penalty following a Consumer Ombudsman complaint regarding ElectraWorks' promotional campaign. The campaign, run by ElectraWorks as operator of the Danish bwin site, was a 'Risk-Free Gambling' promotion. The Ombudsman reported it to Danish police as misleading in 2024 after a consumer complaint. The promotion featured the slogan 'risk free gambling up to 1000 DKK'. After viewing the ad, a consumer placed a DKK 1,000 bet on bwin.dk that lost. After getting a DKK 1,000 free bet, the customer made a second wager that won. However, they complained to the Ombudsman after receiving just DKK 15 in winnings. Both consumer and Ombudsman argue the ad was misleading because the customer finished with less money than started, contradicting the 'risk-free' claim. Torben Jensen, the Consumer Ombudsman, said: "When a gambling firm advertises 'risk-free' betting, consumers should face no financial risk. "I must therefore emphasize that marketing games as 'risk-free' is clearly misleading if consumers can lose money." Ads on Danish political agenda The Court further ruled that bwin's actions constituted 'illegal marketing' under the Marketing Practices Act, which bans advertising that may mislead typical consumers. The court noted 'illegal marketing had occurred for several years', targeting games at young people to attract new customers, requiring extra caution. This fine comes as Denmark overhauls gambling advertising laws to improve consumer protection in its regulatory framework. Denmark re-regulated its gambling market in 2012, ending the Danske Spil state monopoly. Since then, many operators have launched, including LeoVegas (running BetMGM and Nye Expekt sportsbooks), Unibet, bet365 and Stake. The overhaul, led by Taxation Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, will likely ban marketing during sports events and in public spaces. 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 Malta 2026 will include a specialized marketing track designed to assist brands in evolving their acquisition and engagement strategies for the modern age. As regulatory environments tighten and media channels multiply, marketing has become one of the gaming industry's most intricate sectors. Teams are no longer merely fighting for visibility; they are operating within a landscape defined by constraints and rapid evolution. Scheduled for 29-30 April, attendees will hear from CEOs, CMOs, and marketing experts as they address the primary hurdles of modern marketing, including rising costs, changing player habits, and the increasing impact of AI and data. The agenda is divided into two distinct segments. Marketing Unplugged, held on Wednesday 29 April, will focus on the strategic mindset required to solve the industry's major marketing issues, while Marketing in Action, on Thursday 30 April, will provide workshops centered on practical execution. “Marketing departments are facing unprecedented pressure as costs climb and the room for error diminishes,” noted Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “By offering various learning styles, this stage enables participants to grasp modern marketing theories and apply them through hands-on practice.” Marketing Unplugged will utilize diverse formats like CEO fireside chats, masterclasses, and live campaign reviews to promote deep engagement and discussion. Discussions will cover Malta’s status as a global gaming center, leadership insights from CEOs, and campaign teardowns by CMOs. Experts will also discuss AI regulatory frameworks and the changing landscape of search. Malta: The Global Gaming Powerhouse The CEO Chat Show: Leadership Insights AI Under the Microscope: Regulation and Responsibility Marketing Channels: Balancing Spend and Savings for 2026–2027 The CMO Review: Live Campaign Analysis SEO Trilogy Marketing in Action will transition from theory to practice, featuring interactive workshops where attendees can develop and test frameworks for immediate use. Participants will explore narrative-driven messaging, loyalty frameworks, and the psychological aspects of branding. Sessions will also demonstrate how AI and data can enhance campaign results and provide a competitive edge. Media & Messaging: Storytelling in a Regulated Era Player Retention and Loyalty: Maximizing Lifetime Value Branding and Psychology: Capturing Market Share AI and Data-Driven Marketing: Optimizing Campaigns Speakers appearing throughout the track include Sam Behar (Marketing Director, Sky Gaming), Sean Bianco (Co-Founder, Gain Change), Conrad Bugeja (Head of SEO at LiveScore Group), Brian Christopher (CEO & Creator, BC Ventures), Alina Famenok (Growth & Partnerships Expert, Former-CEO Already Media), Ivan Filletti (CEO, Gaming in Malta), Nikola Jellacic (CMO, Casumo), Jesper Kärrbrink (CEO, Immense Group), Karolina Moscicka (COO, BugsyEmpire), Francesco Postiglione (CEO, Casumo), Dmitry Starostenkov (CEO, Evenbet), and Marco Trucco (CMO, Immense Group). SBC Summit Malta 2026 is set for 28–30 April at the InterContinental Malta, expecting 6,000 industry professionals. The event also features tracks on product, regulation, affiliation, and leadership. Register for SBC Summit Malta The VIP Event Pass is available for €600, providing full access to the three-day conference and exhibition. Expo+ Passes are €150, while operators and affiliates can apply for complimentary entry via the official links. 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) -   Super Group’s departure from the U.S. in 2025 put an end to its bold expansion plans, yet for CEO Neal Menashe, it also highlighted the areas where the company maintains its competitive advantage. Africa contributes roughly 40% of Super Group’s revenue and has been its biggest regional market for five straight quarters—underscoring its critical role in the company’s broader strategy. The firm is also experiencing positive traction in emerging markets such as Botswana, where it launched in early 2025 and has already seen “strong growth” and new customer sign-ups. Expansion efforts are ongoing: Namibia is next on the agenda, thanks to its closeness to the two previously mentioned nations, and several more markets are in the works over the coming two years. Menashe cited key growth drivers like population growth, rising smartphone usage, and the expansion of mobile money—with the continent’s iGaming sector expected to double from $11 billion in 2025 to $22 billion by 2030. South Africa, which Menashe described as one of the most established markets, continues to be the foundation of this growth. “We’re the leading operator in South Africa. It’s a well-regulated market, we saw record casino volumes in our latest quarter, and our Jackpot City brand keeps gaining steam,” he noted. That said, not every market has yielded instant results. Nigeria, despite its large size, has turned out to be more difficult, leading the company to reassess its approach there. “Nigeria is one market where we haven’t performed as well,” Menashe admitted. “We’re revising our strategy for Nigeria, which is completely distinct from our approach elsewhere in Africa. We see significant potential there—it’s a huge market, and since we prioritize mobile, we’re refining our product to better fit the market.” American Lessons Having invested “hundreds of millions of dollars” in an attempt to compete in a market led by DraftKings and FanDuel, Super Group eventually determined there was no obvious route to making a profit in the U.S. But the venture wasn’t a total loss. It helped the company narrow its focus to markets where it already has size and operational strengths—especially Africa, where Menashe thinks Super Group has a presence comparable to the leading players in the U.S. market. In a recent episode of iGaming Daily, Menashe commented: “We picked up many valuable lessons. To compete, you have to be among the very best.” What will the 2026 World Cup offer? Given that many of the markets where Super Group operates are represented in the tournament, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026—hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—presents a major chance for the company to boost user engagement. “Sport is all about content,” Menashe explained, noting that the tournament acts as an extension of the football season, offering “an extra six weeks” of high-level user interaction. Per the company, 88% of its revenue comes from nations that are part of the World Cup. Past tournaments have always led to surges in user activity, and Menashe anticipates the same pattern for 2026. Instead of pouring money into costly official tournament sponsorships, Super Group plans to focus on digital marketing campaigns and use its existing football partnerships—specifically naming Arsenal and Manchester City. On the operational side, the main focus will be maintaining platform stability and smooth payouts during periods of high demand, especially since daily user counts can hit the millions. The World Cup also aligns with the company’s business model. Although Betway is positioned as a sports-focused brand, casino operations are the main source of revenue, making up roughly 80% of the group’s total income. “Sports bring in user interaction, and then the casino is where they can win large sums,” he said. “We’re a casino company at our core, but with this incredible sports brand and product, it’s all about delivering engaging content.” Balancing tax and growth With recent increases in gambling taxes in the UK and other markets where Super Group operates, it’s no surprise the subject was discussed. Menashe expressed his opinion that the ideal tax rate for iGaming operators is between 15% and 25%, cautioning that overly high taxes could push consumers to use unregulated platforms. “If you tax an industry so heavily that no one can turn a profit, countries end up losing all the tax revenue they would have otherwise gained,” he explained, pointing out the danger of illegal operators stepping in to fill the void. In the UK, where new tax increases are set to come into force, Super Group anticipates a financial impact but is confident it can manage the effects through improved efficiency and less competition as smaller operators leave the market. The company has already been optimizing its operations—cutting staff numbers and directing investments towards markets where it can achieve long-term profitability, like Canada. As taxes and competition both increase, Menashe wrapped up by sharing insights into the company’s strategy: focusing on markets where it can succeed and staying disciplined in others. “You can’t be present in every market,” he stated. “It’s not just a matter of launching a website—this is about being the absolute best.” 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 most recent FY25 financial results from Playtech Group have shown that the company is lagging in B2B revenue during a period when it is moving away from B2C operations. B2B revenue from last year's trading amounted to €688.3m, a 9% decrease from the €754.3m recorded in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA fell by 36% to €141.4m compared to FY24's €222m, while post-tax profit was €44.2m – a 28% year-on-year decline. The key factor affecting performance was the revised Caliente Interactive agreement at the end of 2024, under which Playtech ceased receiving extra B2B service fees in the first half of 2025 and began receiving dividend payments as a 30.8% equity stakeholder from the second half onward. Strategic regional priorities In contrast to the B2B revenue figures, B2C operational revenue stood at €78.5m (FY24: €97.8m), influenced by the €2.3bn sale of Italian gambling major Snaitech to Flutter Entertainment, along with a further B2C scaling back in Germany through the sale of domestic brand HAPPYBET. Nonetheless, a significant bright spot for Playtech in FY25 was its advancement in North America. Revenue across the US and Canada surged by 71% year-on-year on a constant currency basis, rising from €29.8m to €48m.  The company noted that this performance was fueled by strong activity from clients such as DraftKings, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and Delaware North. Live Casino has emerged as a key driver for Playtech’s US operations, the company confirmed, with the number of live tables operated by the firm nearly doubling year-on-year across its studios in New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Turning to Latin America, the region was labeled a "core strategic priority" by company management, even as domestic revenue fell by 27% to €162m, directly attributed to the revised Caliente agreement and the introduction of VAT in Colombia. Still, the regulation of Brazil at the start of last year helped mitigate a more severe impact, with Latin America revenue actually increasing by 8% year-on-year when excluding Caliente. Colombia also remains a viable medium-term opportunity due to Playtech’s local partnership with Wplay and the potential for the government to reduce the 19% VAT on online gambling deposits to a 16% tax on a player’s GGR. Despite tax challenges, B2B revenue in Europe grew by 4% year-on-year to €207.4m. Poland, Spain, Greece, and France were identified as top-performing markets for Playtech throughout 2025. UK revenue, calculated separately from Europe, decreased by 6% year-on-year but retains key priority status for the Isle of Man-based company.  The public Playtech Evolution AB dispute… The company also provided an update on its ongoing case with Evolution AB, stating: "Evolution has not sought permission from the New Jersey Court to add any group entity to the proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech plc or any of its subsidiaries." In October 2025, Stockholm-listed Evolution released a statement alleging that Playtech had hired Black Cube, an Israeli private intelligence firm that markets itself as specializing in "high-stake disputes." Playtech later acknowledged commissioning a private investigation into its competitor and stated it "stood by its decision" to do so.  Evolution characterized the move as a "smear campaign," claiming the investigation—which purports to have uncovered evidence of the company operating illegally in jurisdictions including China, Iran, and Sudan between 2021-2023—aimed to damage its reputation and could cause "multi-billion-dollar" harm.  Playtech, however, countered: "Evolution continues to avoid legitimate scrutiny instead of addressing longstanding questions about its conduct, including its decision to supply operators in illegal markets and support unlicensed operators in regulated markets." … which has contributed to a share price plummet The dispute did not sit well with the market, as Playtech shares dropped from 349.5p to 237.5p in the first five hours of trading on the day of the announcement.  Its share price has generally trended downward over the past 12 months, declining by more than 50% during that period. The exception has been a positive trend since the start of the year.  Even today, despite positive remarks from executives, significant progress in North America, and an upgrade to its expectations, the stock has fallen by 7.5% to £3.31. Its market capitalization remains just over £1bn.  Upcoming and ongoing tax challenges, the current dispute with a rival, and declining revenue may be among the factors deterring investors from backing the widely discussed Isle of Man-headquartered company.   Playtech’s position as a London-listed firm—specifically a FTSE 250 company—is an unenviable one amid such transformation, and it will aim to advance as outlined by executives to reverse steep drops in profit, revenue, and share price.  This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   After the prominent release of Treasure Tumble, iGamingExpert interviewed Relax Gaming’s Senior Product Manager, Barry O’Hare, regarding the planned introduction of the new Supercharge feature. This novel interface enhancement aims to consolidate the provider’s extensive collection of in-game extras into a unified, player-driven experience that emphasizes personalization and player retention. Could you begin by explaining what Supercharge is and why it has started appearing in Relax games?  Relax has developed a substantial portfolio of player-oriented add-ons and features over time. Supercharge serves as a central, simplified player interface that consolidates all these choices, enabling players to more easily find and customize their gaming experience. We consider this a clever enhancement that effectively addresses the needs of various player demographics. It provides access to a comprehensive selection of upgrade spins, empowering players to dictate their gameplay and directly access their preferred gaming experiences. What issue does the integration of Supercharge into the interface resolve?  As we progressively launched innovative features such as Bonus Reels and Feature Buys, their access points became dispersed. Supercharge consolidates all these into one cohesive, user-friendly hub. This not only enhances the ease of finding and activating features but also liberates crucial screen space, allowing the main game to stand out. By bringing these appealing features together, we guarantee that players can readily locate precisely what they desire. How is a product like Supercharge designed with the end-user perspective in mind?  Our main objective was to develop clear, user-friendly navigation. Concurrently, Supercharge had to integrate naturally into each game – appearing refined, fluid, and intrinsic to the overall experience. Close collaboration with our in-house studios during the design stage guaranteed that Supercharge adhered to the same rigorous quality benchmarks as the games themselves. The aim is to accommodate a wide spectrum of player preferences. Whether players favor Enhanced Spins for more frequent bonuses or high-multiplier volatility options such as Galleon Spins, featured in our newest releases, the design ensures these selections feel intuitive and simple. What benefits will operators gain from Supercharge, and what steps are required for its implementation?  Operators consistently strive to optimize player retention. By enhancing the visibility and ease of interaction with personalization features, Supercharge fosters more profound and prolonged engagement, leading to recurring visits. Our comprehensive analysis indicates that players who engage with game features they appreciate are significantly more prone to returning regularly. Since Supercharge empowers players to customize their gameplay, it establishes a more dependable basis for steady performance and elevated player lifetime value. Supercharge has already been previewed in your recent titles, Beast Gains and Treasure Tumble. What has the initial feedback been?  While it is still early, the response has been exceptionally positive. Operators showed enthusiasm even before launch, and since its release, we have observed robust engagement – particularly from the streaming community, who actively interact during live play with our streamer-compatible mechanics that generate authentic excitement. Preliminary data indicates not only enhanced feature discoverability, with a greater percentage of our players exploring game functionalities and add-ons, but also improved player retention. Players who activate Supercharge options are on average playing more rounds in their chosen modes compared to similar game samples where Supercharge is not accessible. Specifically in Treasure Tumble, players have enthusiastically embraced the Supercharge options, utilizing them to customize their sessions and interact more profoundly with the game's high-volatility elements.   What are the future plans for Supercharge and how might it evolve?   The current iteration of Supercharge can be regarded as ‘Version 1’. We have numerous promising improvements underway, some of which will be unveiled shortly. As we persist in broadening our game portfolio and platform capabilities, players and operators can anticipate ongoing growth and enhancement of Supercharge in the future, guaranteeing its status as a primary revenue generator for 2026 and beyond. 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) -   Playtech still classifies its US legal dispute with Evolution as merely a ‘contingent liability’, noting that its rival has not yet submitted a formal claim in the high-profile Black Cube case. Playtech defends its choice to hire independent business intelligence firm Black Cube to examine Evolution’s business practices and rejects any claims of illegal activity. Consequently, Playtech’s recently released FY2025 financial report does not include any actual cash reserves on its balance sheet to cover possible lawsuit damages. In the notes section of its report, Playtech stated: “On 21 October 2025, Evolution AB publicly named Playtech Software Limited—a Group subsidiary—as the party that commissioned a 2021 Black Cube report, which has been cited in ongoing US legal actions but does not involve any Group entity. “Additionally, on the same day, Evolution AB stated publicly that it would modify its complaint to include Playtech Software Ltd in the lawsuit. But as of the date these financial statements were approved, Evolution had not sought the Court’s permission to add any Group entity to the New Jersey proceedings, and no claim has been served on Playtech Plc, Playtech Software Limited, or any other Group entity. “The Group denies any allegations of illegal behavior. Due to the case’s early stage and the lack of any served claim against the Group—including no indication of the potential claim amount—this is deemed a contingent liability alone.” Last October, Evolution alleged that Playtech subsidiary Playtech Software Limited was responsible for commissioning Black Cube to investigate the provider’s operations in banned and sanctioned markets, as well as its supply to unlicensed operators in regulated markets. At the time, Playtech replied that the claim its subsidiary participated in a smear campaign is “entirely false and intended to divert attention from serious concerns about Evolution’s business practices”. It added that it stands by its decision to commission the report and welcomes a court review. In February, Evolution also provided little information about litigation updates in its Q4 investor report, but Chief Executive Officer Martin Carlesund stated that the company is “looking forward to progressing with the lawsuit”. Revenue dip but Playtech happy with FY26 start Playtech reported that its FY25 group revenue from continuing operations decreased 10% year-over-year to €763.6 million (FY24: €848 million), with B2B and B2C revenues falling from the prior year. Group adjusted EBITDA was €197 million, a 9% drop (FY24: €217.5 million). B2B revenue declined 9% YoY to €688.3 million (FY24: €754.3 million), mainly because of a revised agreement with Caliente Interactive affecting Latin America operations. Regulated markets revenue fell 7% to €559.4 million (FY24: €598.4 million) due to the Caliente adjustment and UK declines, which were partially balanced by growth in the US and Canada. On an underlying basis, regulated revenue increased by 6%. B2C revenue dropped 20% to €78.5 million (FY24: €97.8 million). HAPPYBET in Germany is close to finishing its wind-down, with completion expected in 2026. In May 2025, Playtech agreed with NetX Betting—a subsidiary of Frankfurt-listed operator pferdewetten.de AG—to purchase specific HAPPYBET hardware assets. The process is complete, with contractual terms in place with the relevant franchise partners. Meanwhile, Sun Bingo and other B2C operations were affected by regulatory measures and marketing limits. Sun Bingo’s operations are being reviewed due to UK online gambling tax changes. As of 31 December 2025, net cash was €28.5 million, up from a net debt of €142.8 million at the end of 2024. Free cash flow was €29.5 million, down from €73.1 million in FY24. Mor Weizer, CEO of Playtech, called 2025 a year of “major transition for Playtech” after completing the sale of Snaitech. He added: “The US had a particularly strong performance, with revenue nearly doubling as momentum picked up across our partnerships. We hit several key strategic milestones, expanding into more iGaming states and continuing to grow our Live offering.” “Our Latin America position also improved, backed by the revised Caliente agreement—which is performing well and further bolsters our presence in Mexico. “The strong momentum from 2025 has continued into early 2026, especially in the Americas. We’re still confident in hitting our ambitious medium-term goals and see exciting opportunities for the Group across all our markets.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.