日期: 2026年4月9日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Betsson AB has released a preliminary alert regarding its Q1 2026 financial results, highlighting margin performance strains across its key markets. The Stockholm-listed gaming operator projects group revenue will hit €285 million (£248.2 million), a 3% drop from the €294 million recorded in Q1 2025. Meanwhile, EBIT is predicted to plummet to €34 million, marking a 47% decline compared to the €64 million from Q1 2025. This reflects the impact of a shifting revenue mix and rising cost pressures, which are largely tied to higher tax burdens. Breaking down its regional performance, Betsson’s Q1 results posted growth in Latin America (€93 million, up from €75 million) and Western Europe (€61 million, up from €56 million). However, this market expansion was offset by steep drops in CEECA (€96 million, down from €122 million) and the Nordics (€31 million, down from €38 million). While sportsbook revenue stayed flat year-over-year at €80 million, casino revenue fell by €8 million to €204 million. The company’s B2B division also experienced a notable downturn in performance, with revenue falling sharply to €51 million versus the €90 million logged in Q1 2025. The B2B segment’s share of total group revenue has dropped to 18%, a trend Betsson says reflects broader industry-wide adjustments, as noted in the statement that “the gross margin amounted to 57.6% (64.0) during the quarter.” In the first 10 minutes following the 4pm CET announcement, Betsson’s stock tumbled from 104.8 SEK (£8.37) to 81.95 SEK. It has since rebounded over the following hour, and as of the time of this report (5:21pm CET) it was trading at 91.30 SEK, which still marks a daily decline of more than 13%. Betsson’s CEO Stays Optimistic Even with the downturn in the company’s B2B segment — which appears to be one of the factors worrying investors — President and Chief Executive Officer Pontus Lindwall stayed confident in the business’s trajectory while recognizing the existing concerns. Pontus Lindwall, Chief Executive Officer of Betsson AB – Source: Betsson AB / SBC Leaders “Our B2B business is still being held back by reduced revenue from one of our clients,” he explained. “That said, since the beginning of December, this B2B client has seen steadying average activity levels. “Looking further ahead, I am enthusiastic about expanding our B2B revenue through both current and new partners, as we stick to our strategy of creating long-term shareholder value.” Lindwall expressed a similarly positive outlook in his comments about Betsson’s B2C operations. He stated: “Our B2C business is still performing strongly overall, with solid growth and a meaningful contribution to operating income. “That being said, we are investing in multiple B2C markets that have not yet turned a profit, which is lowering overall EBIT by roughly €10 to €15 million each quarter. “We remain confident that these markets have the potential to become profitable, and we will continue to regularly assess their performance and outlook.” Looking back at the full previous year, FY2025 saw Betsson post 8% revenue growth to reach €1.197 billion, but group earnings stagnated, falling 1% to €313.7 million (2024: €316.0 million). The flat earnings were linked to the start of higher taxes hitting bottom-line results starting in Q4. Company leadership noted improved trends, with early Q2 trading seeing average daily revenue rise 9% year-over-year through April 8, while sportsbook margins are outperforming the eight-quarter average. Betsson will release its Q1 2026 interim report on Friday, 24th April at 07.30 CEST. As of April 2026, the company has not issued formal full-year financial guidance for FY2026. 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 AI and shifting industry power dynamics continuing to reshape modern affiliate marketing, SBC Summit Malta will launch a dedicated Affiliates Reinvented track, examining how stakeholders can adapt and unlock new growth opportunities in an increasingly complex landscape. Held on Thursday, 30 April at the InterContinental Malta, this track will gather leading affiliates, marketing specialists, and industry experts for a mix of workshops and panel discussions centered on how the sector can adapt to a changing operating environment. Sessions will examine how evolving relationships with operators are reshaping the affiliate business model, the growing need to diversify customer acquisition channels beyond search, and the rising trend of taking affiliate businesses public. AI will also be a core theme throughout the day, with sessions exploring its impact on partnership management, content creation, and customer acquisition. “Affiliates are operating in a far more complex environment than they were even just a few years ago,” said Rasmus Sojmark, chief executive officer and founder of SBC. “Operators are growing more selective in their partnerships, search is becoming more competitive, and AI is changing how online visibility is earned. This track focuses on making affiliates aware of what strategies are working right now, and how they can implement those approaches in their own businesses.” The track will open with the workshop ‘How affiliate managers can use AI to stay ahead of the competition’, led by Stephen Clibbon (head of affiliates, VL Partners) and Elaine Gardiner (managing director, TAG Media). This session will illustrate how affiliate marketers can leverage AI to work faster and more efficiently, with practical strategies covering outreach, performance analysis, and partner optimisation, helping attendees maximize both their time and profitability. As major operators scale back their affiliate partnership programs, ‘The affiliate fallout: Survival in a shifting landscape’ will explore what this industry shift means for the future of affiliates. Featuring Vadim Aidlin (CEO, Mamuta Media), Emma-Elizabeth Byrne (head of publishing, Gentoo Media), Victoria Buttigieg (marketing and social media manager, Marlin Media), Clinton Cutajar (CTO, MediaTroopers), and Brendon Spiteri (head of commercial, Routy), the panel will unpack the impact of this shift on affiliate business models and what it takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.  The discussion will also examine how affiliates can build more sustainable long-term strategies, whether operators risk losing audience reach by pulling back on partnerships, and what the next phase of the affiliate-operator relationship could look like. Delegates will explore how AI is being used to manipulate search results in the workshop ‘AI manipulation – how machines are rewriting the SERPs’, led by SEO expert Alan Cladx (co-founder and CEO, AquaPony). Cladx will demonstrate how AI models are now influencing authority signals and rewriting search ranking logic at scale. This session will equip affiliates with a clear understanding of how these strategies work, the risks involved in deploying them, and how they can stay competitive in an increasingly complex search environment. Also featured on the track is the workshop Inside black-hat SEO – how it’s done (and how safe it really is), led by Daniel Lux (SEO strategist), which will walk delegates through how black hat SEO actually works, and the risks associated with using these tactics. Get Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Reserve your spot at SBC Summit Malta with our exclusive VIP Event Pass. Priced at €600, the pass gives you full access to everything SBC Summit Malta has to offer, including three days of networking, conference programming, and exhibition access. Looking for an Expo+ Pass? The pass is available for just €150. If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free complimentary pass! Operators can apply for a complimentary pass here. Affiliates can apply for complimentary passes here. 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) -   Speculation persists that Finland’s government is weighing the sale of shares in state-owned Veikkaus as regulatory reforms near completion. Starting in July 2027, Finland will move away from Veikkaus’s monopoly on betting, online casino, and online bingo services to a competitive licensing framework. This shift has opened up the possibility of Veikkaus being listed on the Finnish stock exchange, a move intended to generate funds for an economy struggling with sluggish growth. But Maija Strandberg, Finland’s Director General of Ownership Steering, told Finnish publication Kauppalehti that a possible initial public offering (IPO) is not expected to happen before the current government’s term ends in April 2027. She said: “You can think of it this way: the market will open in the summer of 2027, and Veikkaus will need to demonstrate that it can compete in that market. Is one year enough for the company to prove this? We would then be at the end of 2028. If we take any action, we are approaching the turn of the decade.” Strandberg added that Finland’s government aims to raise €3 billion in revenue to support an investment program, which includes selling stakes in publicly traded companies. Previously, the state generated €1.94 billion by listing Posti Oyj, the country’s postal service, on the Nasdaq Helsinki Stock Exchange in October 2025. Beyond financial gains, industry experts have noted that taking Veikkaus public would benefit Finland’s gaming sector by decoupling the organization from its dual role of regulating the market and operating within it. During a recent SBC webinar, Antti Koivula, Chief Compliance Officer at Hippos ATG, stated that “there is no strategic value for the state to own gambling operators; instead, it should stay on the regulatory side.” “Mixing the roles of market operator and regulator at the same time is not advisable—it’s a recipe for trouble,” he further commented. Lessons from FDJ? Across Europe, moving away from monopolies has resulted in state-owned operators transitioning into publicly listed companies. Nine years after France opened its online sports betting and poker markets to new licensees in 2010, the state-owned Française des Jeux—now rebranded as FDJ United—was listed on Euronext Paris, with 20% of the company acquired by shareholders. Jari Vähänen, Co-Founder and Partner at The Finnish Gambling Consultants, suggested that Finland could follow a similar route. However, he pointed out that Veikkaus’s diverse business segments might make the process more complex. Veikkaus’s portfolio includes a technology firm, a B2B service provider, Fennica Gaming (a B2B provider for global markets), and the operating arm that will compete in the new multi-licensed market. He said: “If the entire Veikkaus group were listed, there would be at least four separate private entities competing against other firms—but these entities would have different business narratives than the exclusive license-holding Veikkaus, so I’m not sure how that would work.” Nevertheless, he observed that privatizing Veikkaus’s multi-licensed division would be “relatively straightforward.” The application period for prospective new entrants opened in March, and law firm Nordic Legal reports that between 10 and 20 companies have expressed interest in joining the market. Although the market will open up for certain verticals, Veikkaus will keep exclusive control over Lotto, Eurojackpot, and physical slot machines and casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Portugal’s gambling regulator is looking to simplify the self-exclusion process as it undertakes a system revamp and introduces a new user experience. Unveiled by the Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service (SRIJ) on April 8 (yesterday), both players and non-players can use the platform to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators in Portugal. According to the regulator, the new system features a ‘simpler and more intuitive interface’ to enable faster and more efficient self-exclusion requests, and it has also been optimized for mobile devices. SRIJ stated: “With this new platform, SRIJ reinforces the quality of its digital services and the effectiveness of the gambling control mechanisms available to players.” Players can self-exclude for a specific period—with a minimum of three months—or indefinitely. Since regulation began in 2015, Portugal’s gaming market has grown to include 17 licensed operators. In Q4 2025, the market generated €337.6 million, a 4.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Responsible gaming is a key pillar of any regulated market, and the enhancement of Portugal’s self-exclusion service advances these goals. However, Miguel Luis, Head of Compliance at Portuguese operator Lebull, emphasized that the jurisdiction must learn from other markets and ensure measures do not create enough friction to push players to the black market. Speaking to iGaming Expert, he commented: “The biggest challenge is to maintain an engaging and frictionless experience while protecting the player from risky behaviour. The most common responsible gaming measures, such as wager, deposit or loss limits, are often seen by players as an ‘interference’ in their leisure time.” “I believe the right balance involves investing in educational UX/UI, with elements that resonate with the players, creating experiences where RG tools are presented not as barriers, but as elements of value to the user, and especially where these can be communicated as something good and at the reach of the player, not just as something ‘there’, or unilaterally imposed on the player.” Luis also noted that an effective responsible gambling regime requires ‘true cross-sector’ collaboration between stakeholders. 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) -   GR8 Tech has launched a major update for its ULTIM8 Sportsbook in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This update delivers enhancements across the full scope of GR8 Tech’s flagship sportsbook product, with the first being a revamped design that creates a more intuitive experience for players. It splits Live and Pre-Match user flows apart, adds dedicated Sport and Tournament Lobbies, and creates multiple entry points that direct players straight to the content they came for – effectively boosting conversion rates and cutting the gap between a player’s betting intent and placing their wager. Another user-focused improvement sees ULTIM8 Sportsbook’s widget-based architecture now fully extend across the new navigation infrastructure, which gives operators full CSM control over layouts, campaigns, and featured markets, all of which can be managed entirely in-house. Next, GR8 Tech’s Bet Builder tool has been expanded to add Corners, Cards, and Player Props options to its football offering, creating a more diverse selection of markets for every match, aligning with the increased number of teams and games in this year’s World Cup tournament. An entirely new feature is the Enhanced Prices market for football, which is separated from the standard winner market that carries promotional mechanics like early payout and accumulator bonuses. The key difference is that while the standard market remains fully ready to support promotions, the Enhanced Prices market offers improved odds without those promotional tools attached. A majority of the upgrades are already live on ULTIM8 Sportsbook, while the remaining updates will be rolled out just in time for the tournament’s kickoff. Dinos Doxiadis, Head of Sportsbook Business at GR8 Tech, concluded: “No matter what any single operator does, the World Cup will drive a huge volume of betting activity. The real question is how much of that revenue operators can retain. “Operators that treat this as just a traffic event rather than a product opportunity will see the impact in their retention data three months later. A player who enjoys a smooth experience finding and placing a bet during the group stage is a player you have a chance to keep long-term. That is what we are building toward.” Want to enjoy more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home for all multimedia content from SBC, where our team takes deep dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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) -   Genius Sports recruits ‘engagement expert’ Tony Marlow as new CMO Genius Sports has announced the appointment of Tony Marlow as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), who will join the executive leadership team of the NYSE-listed sports technology, media, and data group. Marlow comes to Genius from LG Ad Solutions, where he served as CMO and played a key role in establishing the business as a leader in connected TV and digital entertainment ecosystems. Genius highlighted his extensive industry experience, which includes prior CMO roles at Integral Ad Science and Data Axle, as well as leading B2B marketing at Yahoo. In his new role, Marlow will oversee Genius Sports’ global marketing, communications, and brand strategy. CEO Mark Locke commented: “We are the operating system of sport, with the infrastructure to create value across every part of the ecosystem. As the industry converges across data, media, betting, and advertising, our focus is on scaling that platform globally. Tony’s appointment strengthens our leadership team and our ability to execute against that vision and accelerate growth across the business.” Marlow joins at a critical moment for Genius Sports, as the company enters the final stages of its proposed $1.2bn (£900m) acquisition of Legend Media—set to be the largest transaction in its history. The deal will support the launch of a new media division, expanding Genius’ data services and reinforcing its position in sports content syndication for partners and clients. For sportsbook partners, Genius is also preparing 2026 upgrades to its BetVision product, with coverage set to extend into basketball and tennis. Marlow will lead global go-to-market efforts targeting core audiences, including leagues and federations, broadcasters and streamers, betting operators, advertisers, and brands. “I’m thrilled to join as CMO at such an exciting juncture. The live moment economy is here, and the sports category can now deliver even more value to fans and brands by helping them engage during the moments that matter most,” said Marlow. That creates value across the entire ecosystem while delivering a better experience for fans. Genius has built the infrastructure to make that possible. Our opportunity now is to bring that to the market in highly visible ways.” 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 new protocol has been communicated to licensed gambling operators in Spain, mandating enhanced customer identity verification and the confirmation of players' tax statuses. This initiative was launched by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which holds federal responsibility for Spain's gambling industry. The Directorate General for Gambling Regulation (DGOJ) will lead the implementation, working in conjunction with the State Tax Agency (AEAT). The protocol is a direct countermeasure to a rising trend of identity theft associated with online gambling, where winnings are fraudulently reported using stolen personal details. Data from 2025 shows the DGOJ received 8,675 complaints concerning impersonated taxpayers, a figure that represents a 12% increase from the previous year and highlights the growing severity of the problem. Anxieties among regulators were compounded by amendments to Spain's tax reporting rules, which took effect in 2025. The AEAT reduced the reporting requirement for gambling winnings from €1,000 (£871) down to €300 for individuals with an annual income exceeding €22,000. Although the goal was to boost fiscal transparency, this adjustment has heightened the risk of fraudulent claims, as even small wins can now create tax obligations under a stolen identity. Within the reported incidents, over 7,600 cases implicated people listed on Spain's self-exclusion registry. Regulators also identified situations where minors circumvented age controls by using the identities of others, frequently family members. The new framework obligates operators to adopt more rigorous verification procedures and to assist authorities in detecting suspicious account behavior. The protocol aims to simplify the process for victims to report issues and to facilitate the swift rectification of fraudulently incurred tax debts. To aid in implementation, the DGOJ has rolled out the PACS (Automated Case Management System) and a specialized online portal. This portal offers instructions on reporting identity theft and resolving tax status with the AEAT, while the system improves coordination between regulators, police, and tax officials to speed up investigations and resolutions. According to the regulator, identity fraud tactics are growing more advanced, with criminal groups employing automated tools to mass-produce accounts and take advantage of promotional offers like welcome bonuses. Sports betting remains the primary source of most incidents, but a significant surge in online casino-related fraud points to a widening of the issue across the gambling market. Authorities will keep assessing the protocol's performance as a component of Spain's broader regulatory approach, and additional actions are anticipated if identity misuse and related tax threats continue within the licensed sector. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Playtech has moved quickly to respond to recent developments in its ongoing legal dispute with Evolution.  The company said it will ‘defend itself vigorously’ against Evolution’s U.S. defamation lawsuit— which accuses Playtech of orchestrating a defamatory smear campaign against the company— and described the allegation as ‘baseless and without merit’. Playtech’s statement was issued after Evolution named the supplier as a defendant alongside Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP and Black Cube, and also added Juda Engelmayer and other individuals to the list of defendants. Playtech to ‘defend itself vigorously’ against Evolution Playtech has been anticipating this since October of last year, when Evolution held the supplier responsible for commissioning Black Cube to investigate Evolution’s operations in prohibited and sanctioned markets, as well as its supply to unlicensed operators in regulated markets. Playtech stated: “As previously announced, Playtech stands by both the decision to commission the report at the centre of Evolution’s claims, and the validity of its findings.  “Evolution continues to seek to avoid legitimate scrutiny rather than addressing longstanding questions about its own conduct, including its decision to supply operators in both illegal and sanctioned markets and to support unlicensed operators in regulated markets. “Playtech welcomes court and regulatory examination of the report and its findings and, importantly, the opportunity to be involved in the discovery process including to question Evolution’s employees, executives and officers in court.  “The company is very confident based on evidence it has, including recent additional evidence, that these proceedings will confirm the credibility and legitimacy of the report and the importance of the issues it seeks to address. “Playtech will defend itself vigorously against Evolution’s claims and will continue to act in the best interests of industry operators, suppliers and regulators as well as its shareholders.” Evolution Names Playtech as a Defendant Earlier today, Evolution issued a statement claiming Playtech orchestrated a defamatory smear campaign against it to enter the North American market and eliminate competitors. The legal filing also accuses Playtech of ‘trade libel, fraud and racketeering, as well as withholding information about its conduct from shareholders— even though Playtech Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer actively participated in preparing and spreading the defamatory report’. Evolution noted: “We are formally naming Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are clear: Playtech hired Black Cube to create and publicise a defamatory report designed to harm Evolution, all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its role.  “For nearly four years, Playtech spent millions of dollars in legal fees to conceal its involvement in this smear campaign and avoid accountability.” Evolution continued: “We are confident in our rigorous compliance policies and practices, and that the facts in this case are on our side. We look forward to holding Playtech, Black Cube, and all their accomplices accountable for the harm they have caused.” Looking for more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel— SBC’s new home for all multimedia content— where our team takes deep dives into the top stories from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments sectors. 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 introduced a new Page Insights tool as part of its HubAI suite. This feature enables Hub88's partners to transform data tables into visual dashboards, which the company notes facilitates the discovery of practical insights. Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, stated: “As our platform grows, our primary focus is making data more reachable and useful for our partners. “Page Insights greatly enhances how users engage with extensive data, merging AI analysis with clear visualization tools for immediate understanding and deeper perspective.” HubAI was originally introduced by Hub88 as an integrated assistant for partners in late 2025. Key features of the new update include a HubAI insights sidebar that automatically produces charts for metrics like top-performing games. The tool also utilizes HubAI’s context mode, enabling the system to analyze and explain data in response to specific queries. A fresh direction for content Beyond new features, Hub88 has recently worked to bolster the content available on its aggregation platform. In late March, the company revealed a partnership with Tequity, integrating the studio's game library, including its 17 ‘Originals’ titles. The collaboration with Tequity also covers Publishing vertical content and Crypto Trading games, broadening the options for Hub88's operator partners. During the same month, Hub88 finalized similar deals with 7Rings Gaming, DEGEN Studios and LuckyDraw. “We are excited to welcome Tequity to the Hub88 platform,” Castleman remarked at the time. “Their mix of Originals, Publishing content, and new Crypto Trading games provides our partners with more unique gaming options and a simplified path to launch.” 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 Aintree Festival, featuring the Grand National, is on the verge of beginning.  Following the end of the Cheltenham Festival a few weeks back, horse racing has remained in the headlines for various reasons. Now, a major calendar highlight for many is drawing near.  Despite significant regulatory scrutiny facing both horse racing and betting, there remains strong optimism for what is arguably the UK's most significant race taking place this Saturday.  As the festival begins today, Ben Cullen, Head of Risk at Midnite, discussed the expanding UK operator's strategy for Aintree with SBC News’ Bookies Corner, focusing on ‘the race which captures a nation’.  What marketing or promotional strategies do you have in place for the Aintree Festival and Grand National? Our promotional approach for the Aintree Festival and Grand National aligns closely with our general strategy, maintaining a sharp focus on both customer acquisition and retention. During the initial two days of the Festival, we will highlight prominent Bet & Get offers, complemented by an Extra Place strategy and a range of Super Boosts. These tactics aim to draw in new sign-ups while sustaining engagement throughout the week. Ben Cullen. Credit: Midnite On Grand National Day specifically, our tactics will be more restrained. Although we will provide an Extra Place promotion for the main race, we will refrain from Bet & Get offers or excessively aggressive deals. This acknowledges the event's character, as many customers are annual bettors who participate solely for the Grand National and rarely return to the sportsbook regularly.  Consequently, we aim to strike a balance between being competitive and ensuring promotional efficiency, rather than being overly generous in this area. What distinguishes Aintree – specifically the Grand National – from other events throughout the year? The Grand National stands out as a singular occasion in racing. For three days, Aintree holds the nation's attention. Individuals who haven't wagered all year suddenly find themselves analyzing form, selecting horses, and hoping for a major win.  The race represents the ultimate challenge, featuring 34 runners, 30 fences, and four miles of excitement. This unpredictability defines its appeal and, quite frankly, makes it incredibly compelling for betting as well.  Given the recent challenges facing the sport, how significant is horse racing for your brand? Has its priority diminished? Horse racing remains a central focus at Midnite, and we have dedicated substantial resources over the past 18 months to enhance the product we offer customers. Our client base continues to enjoy betting on horse racing, particularly during major events, and we do not anticipate this changing in the near future.  Does the Grand National continue to draw in punters? Do you still consider it the year's largest horse race for your business? It is undoubtedly the year's most significant race, drawing in experienced gamblers as well as those for whom this might be their sole annual wager. The race often becomes a communal event, with families participating and watching the action unfold together.   What trading patterns have you observed leading up to the festival? Are punters supporting any specific horses? It is slightly premature to answer fully, as 95% of our volume typically arrives on race day rather than beforehand. However, historically, we see wagers placed on horses that performed well at Cheltenham or in this race previously, so we anticipate needing contenders like I Am Maximus to be defeated!  Have any trends from Cheltenham persisted? Are punters anticipating repeat victories? As noted earlier, I believe I Am Maximus will be a strong favorite among punters, and I expect its odds to shorten as post time approaches. We have witnessed some substantial bets in recent years, so our focus is on monitoring them closely and managing our risk effectively. Some intriguing statistics emerged from last year’s Aintree Festival, showing few Cheltenham winners also triumphed at Aintree. Are punters backing Cheltenham champions, or is there more interest in fresher horses? Since the majority of bets are placed on event day, it is too early to detect clear patterns. Nevertheless, we consistently observe trends involving horses that excelled at Cheltenham and are competing again at Aintree. Cheltenham winners remain vivid in punters' memories, and given the brief interval between meetings, there is no reason for bettors to doubt they can succeed again. What measures do you plan to implement to ensure punters remain engaged after Aintree? We will adhere to the standard practices that define our customer treatment. This involves providing an excellent user experience, easy access, rapid withdrawals, fast settlements, and fulfilling our commitments.  Boasting one of the industry's most extensive content schedules also aids retention, ensuring customers have ample racing content to enjoy once the festival concludes. 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) -   Evolution has moved forward with its ongoing U.S. defamation lawsuit, effectively confirming that a legal showdown with Playtech is on the horizon for later this year.  The firm has included Playtech as a defendant in the case—joining existing defendants Calcagni & Kanefsky LLP, Black Cube, Juda Engelmayer, and several others.  Evolution claims Playtech organized a defamatory smear campaign targeting it, with the aim of breaking into the North American market and removing a key competitor.  The legal filing further accuses Playtech of ‘trade libel, fraud and racketeering, as well as concealing details of its actions from shareholders despite Playtech Chief Executive Officer Mor Weizer‘s active involvement in creating and spreading the defamatory report’.  iGaming Expert has contacted Playtech to get its take on being added to Evolution’s ongoing U.S. defamation lawsuit.  Last October, Evolution identified Playtech subsidiary Playtech Software Limited as the party that hired Black Cube to probe the provider’s operations in banned or sanctioned markets, plus its supply of services to unlicensed operators in regulated regions.  Back then, Playtech stated that the claim of a smear campaign was “completely false and intended to divert attention from major concerns about Evolution’s business practices”, adding that it reaffirmed its choice to commission the report and expressed openness to a court review.  Evolution adds Playtech to lawsuit In its most recent statement, Evolution noted: “We are officially including Playtech in our lawsuit because the facts are undeniable: Playtech engaged Black Cube to produce and promote a defamatory report aimed at damaging Evolution—all while misleading the market and lying to investors about its involvement.  “Over almost four years, Playtech has spent millions in legal costs to hide its role in this smear campaign and evade responsibility.”  Evolution also cited rulings from two U.S. state gaming regulators, which found that the information from the investigation lacked ‘evidentiary support’, adding that the report’s spread by Engelmayer and other defendants kept inflicting major reputational and financial damage on Evolution.  “Any justification Playtech gives for commissioning the defamatory report is contradicted by the £1.5m success fee it promised Black Cube for getting the results it wanted, plus the extreme steps Playtech took to hide its identity,” Evolution continued.  “Playtech and Black Cube keep making false claims of supposed misconduct during these legal proceedings, and we anticipate this will continue. It’s worth noting that Playtech currently runs or has run operations in some of the exact markets it accuses Evolution of operating in illegally.  “Playtech was even penalized in 2025 for compliance failures linked to some of its Swedish operations. These accusations are nothing more than Playtech’s ongoing efforts to undercut competition by damaging Evolution’s business and reputation.  “We have full confidence in our strict compliance policies and practices, and the facts of this case are on our side. We’re eager to hold Playtech, Black Cube, and all their associates responsible for the harm they’ve inflicted.”  Playtech disputes Evolution claims Playtech recently addressed the legal conflict with Evolution in its FY2025 financial report, released at the end of March. It stood by its decision to hire Black Cube to examine Evolution’s business practices and denied any claims of illegal behavior.  In the report’s notes section, Playtech stated: “On 21 October 2025, Evolution AB publicly named Playtech Software Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, as the entity that commissioned a 2021 report by Black Cube—one that has been referenced in ongoing U.S. proceedings but does not involve any Group entity.  “Additionally, on the same day, Evolution AB announced it would revise its complaint to include Playtech Software Ltd as a defendant. However, as of the date these financial statements were approved, Evolution had not requested court 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 rejects any claims of illegal activity. Given the case’s early stage and the absence of any served claim (including no indication of the potential amount), this is classified solely as a contingent liability.”  Interested in more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the go-to destination for all multimedia content at SBC, where our team takes deep dives into the top stories from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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 has detailed its Greek expansion plans to iGaming Expert, expressing confidence that Superbet will quickly capture market share from established local players. This move represents the debut trial of the company's "Super" corporate framework, supported by Blackstone's capital. Last week, Super—the rebranded corporate entity of Superbet—announced the Greek debut of its primary brand. Management believes the updated organizational model is capable of penetrating one of the most crowded online betting and iGaming sectors in Europe. This expansion serves as the initial major evaluation of Superbet’s revamped goals, which are fueled by a €1.2 billion investment from Blackstone. The private equity firm is backing Super to evolve into a multi-billion-euro iGaming powerhouse. Market analysts are keen to see how Superbet fares against more than 20 long-standing competitors in Greece, a landscape currently dominated by local giants such as Kaizen Gaming (Stoiximan), Novibet, and OPAP. The stakes are significant. Adam Lamentowicz, Chief Commercial Officer CEE at Super, is directing an aggressive market entry strategy that focuses on competitive sportsbook odds, localized services, brand visibility, and high-profile football sponsorships. “Greece is characterized by its fervent sports culture, which perfectly matches our identity as a sports entertainment provider,” Lamentowicz remarked. “Furthermore, the stable and transparent regulatory environment provides the necessary certainty for long-term investment.” Greece becomes Superbet’s fifth active market in Europe, joining its operations in Romania, Poland, Serbia, and Belgium. However, the Greek market is notably more developed and competitive than its previous expansion targets. Lamentowicz suggested that the high level of competition actually confirms the market's strength rather than serving as a barrier. “We don’t view ourselves as arriving late,” he noted. “Instead, we believe this is the ideal moment to disrupt both the iGaming and sports wagering sectors.” He further commented: “Our rivals have spent the last decade maturing the customer base. This creates an environment where our sophisticated product can excel, as users now have higher expectations.” A major factor in this optimism is Superbet’s technology, which is designed as a scalable and localized ecosystem rather than a simple sportsbook. “Our platform integrates a cutting-edge sportsbook, a wide-ranging iGaming suite, free-to-play options, and our own Supersocial network,” Lamentowicz said. “This holistic strategy enables us to provide an experience that transcends standard betting.” He added: “We have full confidence in our technical capabilities and our business model. By pairing our technology with precise local execution, we consistently achieve excellent customer engagement.” Super structure faces Greek test Notably, the company chose an organic entry into Greece rather than acquiring an existing firm, allowing it to maintain total control over its brand and the user experience. Consequently, Greece acts as the first real-world test for Superbet’s new corporate vision and its strategy for rapid international growth. “The Superbet brand is a vital strategic tool that we implement directly in new territories,” Lamentowicz explained. “By launching organically, we manage the entire customer journey and brand positioning from the start.” While mergers and acquisitions remain a possibility elsewhere, the company identified Greece as a market where success depends on dedicated brand investment and a capable local team. If technology provides the foundation, then localization is the company's primary competitive advantage. “Localization is a critical factor in every region we enter,” Lamentowicz emphasized. “We have established a successful history across Central and Eastern Europe that few other operators can match.” This strategy will be bolstered by a major sponsorship push, as Superbet prepares to announce partnerships designed to integrate the brand into the Greek sports scene. “We are dedicated to enhancing sports sponsorships in Greece through impactful collaborations,” he stated. “Our aim is to build deep ties with local supporters and introduce a new level of sports entertainment.” Go big or go home Despite these high goals, the core challenge remains: winning over customers from well-entrenched local leaders in a mature market. Shortly after its Greek launch, Superbet confirmed its initial major football deals, partnering with Super League teams PAOK Thessaloniki and Panathinaikos. These agreements will place the Superbet brand as the primary shirt sponsor, greatly increasing its local profile and marking a significant step in its effort to challenge domestic brands directly. Despite the bold entry, Lamentowicz remains focused: “Competition doesn't discourage us—it drives our performance and innovation,” he said. “Our objective is to secure a leading position in every market we join.” He concluded: “We are certain that our focus on the customer, product innovation, and effective local operations will allow us to grow quickly and become a preferred brand in Greece.” In a sector long controlled by established names, Superbet’s arrival in Greece is not just about joining the market—it is about demonstrating that even the most dominant players can be challenged. 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) -   Betting exchange operator Betfair, which is owned by Flutter, has rolled out a new interface for its Betfair Exchange product via a soft launch, featuring a user experience aligned with the familiar prediction markets format. Named Betfair Predicts, the offering is currently undergoing BETA testing with a small, curated group of customers. Backed by the existing liquidity of the Exchange, it gives users the option to forecast outcomes of events ranging from politics to sports, with the key note that rather than placing a traditional bet, users stake funds on a binary Yes/No result. Based on feedback from its users, the company believes there is strong demand for products of this kind in the UK. Even so, Betfair has opted not to make firm projections about how the product will develop, as it is “far too early” to share any conclusive statements. Speaking to SBC News, a Betfair spokesperson added: “We are constantly trialing new innovations, and Betfair Predicts is one example of this ongoing work. This is a BETA product that will evolve in line with customer feedback.” It is worth noting that Betfair provided technical expertise to another Flutter brand, the US-focused FanDuel, for the launch of FanDuel Predicts last year.  However, even though the two offerings share a similar core foundation, Betfair has avoided drawing parallels between the UK Betfair Predicts and the US FanDuel Predicts platforms, given the drastic differences in how prediction markets are regulated across the two countries. In the US, prediction markets do not currently fall under gambling regulations, and are instead classified as financial instruments. For this reason, they are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Kalshi and Polymarket are the two largest prediction market platforms operating in the US, and the sector has also caught the attention of more traditional players in the gambling space, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and a number of other operators. To date, though, prediction markets have only achieved a major breakthrough in the US, as regulators in most other parts of the world largely categorize them as gambling platforms, meaning they are required to secure relevant operating licenses to enter those jurisdictions. This is particularly evident in Europe, where countries including France, Belgium, Romania, Germany and others have imposed full outright bans on the products – despite a recent license approval in Gibraltar suggesting that they may eventually overcome the current regulatory barriers. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has taken a more accommodating approach, stating that prediction markets are permitted to operate as long as they obtain a valid gambling license. While similar peer-to-peer offerings have been active in the UK for a considerable period of time, with Betfair Exchange being a leading example, the fact that all these services are licensed by the UKGC removes any ambiguity over how they are classified in the 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.