日期: 2026年4月16日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Matias Montero, Latin America Managing Director at EveryMatrix, sat down with SBC’s Fernando Noodt for a thorough discussion exploring key challenges, opportunities, and top success tips for operators in LatAm’s iGaming markets. With upcoming regulatory shifts, a wide range of distinct regional markets, and an upcoming World Cup taking center stage, Montero lays out the critical factors operators must consider to thrive across this diverse region. What is your career background and what expertise of the LatAm iGaming sector have you brought with you to EveryMatrix? I’ve dedicated a large portion of my career to the iGaming industry, with work experience across both Latin America and Europe. For the past five years, I was employed at Vibra Gaming, a game and platform developer focused on creating products for the LatAm region, where I led operational and commercial teams while collaborating closely with operators across various markets. Joining EveryMatrix has allowed me to bring my on-the-ground, practical knowledge of the region. I understand how this area operates, and how to turn that insight into commercially viable solutions—ranging from impactful regulatory matters to payment processing and local partner ecosystem challenges. This role is an incredibly exciting challenge for me. I previously helped build a local brand like Vibra, working to strengthen it against major international competitors. Now, my goal here is to build on EveryMatrix’s existing work in the region, expand our footprint, and drive sustainable growth. How can operators navigate the diversity that we see across LatAm and find success in that ever-evolving landscape? On paper, the region functions as a single market in terms of geography and language—with Brazil being the obvious exception. But in reality, it is made up of many distinct markets, so adapting your strategies is essential. Strategies that succeed in Argentina will not yield the same results in Peru or Mexico. Integrating and building a seamless bridge between retail and online operations is also critically important. Omnichannel strategies have been a topic of discussion for years; it’s one of those buzzwords that blew up in popularity, yet in many cases, we still haven’t successfully integrated both retail and online channels. Plenty of land-based operators are looking to expand online, and regulatory hurdles remain a key factor here. The core solution is partnering with local teams that understand player behavior and distribution networks, allowing you to tailor your offerings more effectively. What are the main barriers to entry in those regulated markets and how can EveryMatrix’s solutions help them to overcome them? Right now, the primary barrier to entry is regulatory and operational stability. New regulations are introduced, tax burdens shift fairly frequently, and the rules of the game are constantly being revised. iGaming policies shift drastically from one market to the next, so in my view, a key barrier is the lack of consistent regulatory and institutional stability—something that would enable more predictable business operations. At EveryMatrix, we provide a fully compliant, proven solution that is already live across multiple regulated markets worldwide, and we’re bringing that global expertise to LatAm to ensure our product aligns with local regulations and regional requirements. How can EveryMatrix help both domestic and international operators strike the right tone and offer the right products for players across the region? One key factor is offering content that aligns with local player preferences. For instance, crash games have gained massive popularity in Argentina. Additionally, user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, targeted promotions, and access to local payment methods are all critical elements for successfully entering and operating in the market. On that front, EveryMatrix runs the industry’s largest content aggregator, boasting over 45,000 game titles and 180 integrations. Our offering is highly diverse, featuring both globally proven content and local providers or region-specific games. EveryMatrix’s Engage Suite includes a range of promotional and gamification tools designed to boost player engagement, which is vital for player acquisition and retention. It also allows for full front-end customization, paired with CRM strategies that help attract and retain players. The key goal is ensuring that the international operators we partner with don’t come across as foreign brands in the region, so we make all the necessary tweaks to eliminate any obvious imported feel. A landmark event for the industry this year is the World Cup. How should operators in LatAm approach the World Cup and how can EveryMatrix’s expertise assist? The World Cup is a make-or-break event for player acquisition and engagement across LatAm, at minimum. It also serves as a critical stress test for operators, putting their operational readiness to the ultimate test. For this reason, the focus needs to be on performance, scalability, and stability during peak traffic periods. EveryMatrix’s high-performance sportsbook is built to handle surging traffic during peak periods, with integrated risk management and trading tools. As I noted earlier, our engagement tools work across both the casino and sportsbook to maximize player activity throughout the tournament. How can EveryMatrix’s turnkey solutions cater to the needs of any type of operator looking to gain market share across LatAm markets? Our turnkey solution provides every tool an operator needs to launch a fully functional iGaming system: a PAM platform for player registration and account management, a sportsbook, a content-aggregating casino platform, a full suite of promotional and engagement tools, plus payment gateways and CRM systems. We also offer a back-office tool called Data Hub, a real-time data streaming service that lets operators track key KPIs and performance metrics to make immediate, data-driven business decisions. What is the biggest challenge you see coming down the road for LatAm operators in 2026, and what is your top tip for anyone looking to overcome it? The most significant upcoming challenge is a mix of escalating regulatory requirements—rules that won’t just be put in place but will grow stricter over time—paired with increasing competition as more players enter local markets. As markets become more rigid and structured, profit margins will shrink. Operators will need to maintain full regulatory compliance while also operating with maximum financial and commercial efficiency to sustain their businesses. This will likely lead to some consolidation among operators across select regional markets. My top advice is to prioritize long-term sustainability over just chasing short-term player acquisition. When a market first regulates, many operators rush in to claim market share, but as rules shift and new competitors enter, only businesses with a viable, sustainable model will survive. 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) -   Entain has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, as robust online results helped offset the ongoing downturn in its British retail betting operations. The London-listed gambling giant, which holds a market valuation of £3.91bn, reported a 3% increase in total group revenue for the first quarter. This was driven by a 7% rise in gaming revenue, which helped balance a 3% decline in sports betting income. A similar trend was observed when comparing digital and physical channels. Online betting revenue grew by 5%, whereas retail revenue fell by 3%. Specifically, gaming revenue climbed 9% online compared to 1% in retail, while sports betting revenue saw declines of 1% and 3% across those respective channels. These figures suggest that Entain is increasingly becoming a digital-first business, despite the high visibility of its Ladbrokes and Coral brands on British and Irish high streets. Notably, Entain highlighted that Q1 online revenue in the UK and Ireland exceeded expectations with 13% growth. Conversely, retail revenue dipped 1%, consistent with Gambling Commission data indicating a steady decline in retail gross gaming yield (GGY) and customer participation. Like other major UK and Irish retail operators, Entain has been scaling back its physical footprint, including the closure of several Ladbrokes locations in Ireland earlier this year. The group faces a challenging landscape in 2026, compounded by an increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) effective from April. While this tax hike will likely impact online performance, the retail sector continues to navigate its own set of political pressures. Nevertheless, Entain remains optimistic due to a strong start to the year—particularly within its online and international segments. The company has reiterated its FY2026 guidance, projecting online net gaming revenue (NGR) growth of 5-7% and targeting £500m in annual adjusted cash flow by 2028. “We entered 2026 with strong momentum which has continued in Q1, with strong volume growth across our diversified portfolio,” stated Stella David, Chief Executive Officer of Entain. “This further demonstrates our ongoing strategic execution and strengthening operations, and also highlights the growth embedded in our globally scaled business. Our strong and resilient business has started the year well, and we continue to build on this momentum.” An international lifeline for Entain? While the UK and Ireland remain core markets, the increasingly complex regulatory and tax environment suggests that international operations will play a vital role in the company's future. Overall international revenue grew 1% year-over-year in Q1, with gaming revenue up 8% and sports revenue down 3%. Online revenue for the international segment rose 2%, reflecting an 8% increase in gaming and a 2% drop in sports, while retail revenue fell 4% overall, with gaming and sports down 4% and 5% respectively. The group also drew confidence from its Australian operations, where revenue outperformed expectations with 12% growth. Entain operates two brands in this lucrative market—Ladbrokes and Neds—though the region is currently experiencing its own regulatory shifts. In contrast, the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) segment has seen a significant downturn, with total net gaming revenue falling 6%. Within that division, online revenue slipped 1%, while retail revenue plummeted 30%. BetMGM continues to be a primary revenue driver for the group, generating $696m in revenue from US and Canadian operations for both Entain and its joint venture partner, MGM Resorts. As domestic pressures intensify in the UK, maximizing the potential of its international portfolio will be essential for Entain, which may necessitate difficult strategic choices regarding the underperforming CEE division. “Our sharper focus and optimisation initiatives reinforce our conviction in delivering sustainable growth and improving cash generation,” David added. “Entain remains well positioned to be a long-term industry winner, seizing the many opportunities ahead, and I am confident in our future.” 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) -   Following a complaint filed by SPRIBE, a Brazilian court has ordered Flutter Entertainment‘s local operating brand, NSX Brazil, to remove an Aviator-style game from its product lineup. Aviator is one of Poland-headquartered game developer SPRIBE’s flagship titles – a social gaming product built around a flying curve that can crash at any time. During gameplay, users are required to cash out their winnings before the in-game plane crashes. The company has been highly protective of the product and its associated trademark over the past several years, including pursuing legal action to block unauthorized use of the IP. For instance, it was previously involved in prolonged litigation with Georgian company Aviator LLC. For the dispute involving NSX, SPRIBE filed its claim with the Court of Justice of Pernambuco (TJPE), referencing its Aviator trademark registration with Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), which grants it exclusive rights to use the trademark under the Industrial Property Law. The court ultimately ruled in favor of SPRIBE and ordered NSX to immediately cease all use of the Aviator trademark, including ‘identical or confusingly similar marks, such as reproductions of visual, graphic, or audiovisual elements’. “This interim ruling in Brazil represents a major milestone in SPRIBE’s global strategy to protect its intellectual assets,” a statement from SPRIBE noted. “The company is actively monitoring markets across all continents and will continue to enforce its trademark and copyright protections in every applicable jurisdiction. “SPRIBE remains dedicated to taking all necessary legal action against infringing parties to preserve the integrity of the original Aviator experience, and ensure a fair, transparent environment for its global player community.” NSX is part of Flutter Entertainment’s Brazilian division, which was established in 2025 following the January launch of the regulated local betting market – known regionally as the ‘Bets’ market. Flutter Brazil was set up through Flutter’s acquisition of NSX, the operator of Betnacional, one of the largest betting brands in Brazil, which operated in the market prior to the official launch of the Bets market. Flutter later brought both NSX/Betnacional and the local operations of its Betfair sportsbook and betting exchange under the Flutter Brazil umbrella. SPRIBE confirmed that it had previously partnered with Betnacional under an agreement first signed in 2022. The legal dispute between the two parties emerged in 2025, after an Aviator game was launched on the NSX platform. “While SPRIBE is deeply committed to its clients and places high value on long-term professional partnerships, the company has made clear that it cannot tolerate violations of its intellectual property,” SPRIBE’s statement added. SBC News has reached out to Flutter to request a comment on the ruling. 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) -   1xBet, the Cyprus-based operator, has named Chris Bird and Quirino Mancini as strategic consultants as it aims to enhance its global focus on responsible gambling and player protection. Bird brings a wealth of experience in international sports, sponsorship, and strategic growth. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Manchester City from 1998 to 2003 and spent nearly three decades at JD Sports—first as a Non-Executive Director, then later as a Marketing Advisor. He has also held the role of Chief Executive Officer at two organizations: Sports Tours International, a sports travel firm, and The Raheem Sterling Foundation—a charity honoring the Manchester City icon that focuses on empowering young people in the UK and Jamaica. Last year, Bird joined Kinkladze Global, founded by ex-Manchester City and Georgia football star Giorgi Kinkladze, as a Strategic Advisor. Meanwhile, Mancini offers deep expertise in gaming law and regulation. He previously served as President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) and remains a member of its Executive Committee. His work centers on regulatory policy, compliance, and the advancement of responsible gambling standards across global markets—evidenced by his founding of both SBC Advisory Partners and GamingLaw.eu. He also holds a Partner position at WH Partners, a Malta-based law firm. These appointments are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global integrity and social responsibility initiatives in the 35 jurisdictions where it operates. Both consultants will contribute to developing long-term frameworks designed to support research, policy dialogue, and practical tools aimed at enhancing player safety and promoting sustainable industry practices. 1xBet’s continued repositioning The appointments build on the success of 1xBet’s Player Protection Index Series—an independently commissioned research program examining responsible gambling frameworks across multiple regions, including Western Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Bird and Mancini join Simon Westbury at 1xBet, who was appointed as a Strategic Advisor nearly a year ago. Bird’s Manchester City background maintains the football-focused theme among the firm’s Strategic Advisors, as Westbury previously served as Administration Manager at Sheffield United. Since Westbury’s arrival, the company has renewed its partnership with French football giant and current Champions League holders PSG, while also strengthening its presence in the esports scene through sponsoring MIBR’s VALORANT team. With Bird and Mancini now adding to 1xBet’s growing list of Strategic Advisors, many in the iGaming industry will be monitoring the company’s progress in the near future as it continues its repositioning toward regulated 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Authorities in the United States have imposed sanctions on two Mexican casinos due to their connections with the Cartel del Noreste, an organization previously labeled a terrorist group by the Trump administration. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury has asserted that the Casino Centenario in Nuevo Laredo serves as a ‘stash house’ for drugs and a conduit for laundering illegal money for the cartel. Additionally, OFAC has sanctioned the Diamante Casino and Comercializadora y Arrendadora de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., the corporation responsible for operating both establishments. Scott Bessent, the Secretary of the Treasury, stated: “As President Trump has articulated, the Treasury will deploy every available instrument to safeguard our nation from violent cartels seeking to inflict terror upon innocent Americans. “The Treasury remains committed to targeting the various income sources that cartels depend on to maintain their activities, such as the trafficking of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the United States.” OFAC characterized the Cartel del Noreste as one of ‘Mexico’s most brutal drug trafficking organizations,’ headquartered in Nuevo Laredo, a bustling commercial port situated on the US-Mexico frontier. This group emerged from the Los Zetas organization in 2014 and faces accusations of involvement in drug smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, and extortion. In addition to these businesses, Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez has also been sanctioned, facing allegations of overseeing the organization’s human smuggling activities. Concurrently, OFAC alleges that attorney Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez is rendering unlawful services to the cartel, and activist Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez is submitting fraudulent claims against Mexican authorities to disseminate cartel disinformation. These sanctions freeze assets held by the designated individuals and entities within the US and forbid individuals from conducting business with them in the United States. OFAC had previously sanctioned five senior members of the group, and this latest measure further emphasizes OFAC’s scrutiny of casino establishments throughout Mexico, which are suspected of being utilized by some of Mexico’s most prominent criminal organizations to launder illicit gains. Last November, the US imposed sanctions on members of the Sinaloa Cartel-linked Hysa Organized Crime Group, as well as Entretenimiento Palmero, S.A. de C.V. – a casino and entertainment firm owned by one of its members. In total, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued notices to ten casinos connected to the group. 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) -   Local authorities in England are nearing increased authority over the issuance of retail licenses, following a bill’s successful passage through the House of Lords. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill completed its third reading in the House of Lords yesterday, 15 April, advancing it towards its final stages of review and Royal Assent. Prior to this, on Monday 13 April, proposals to amend the bill were approved by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government in the Labour government, during the Lords’ report stage. Of particular significance is Amendment 305. This clause facilitates the introduction of ‘gambling impact assessments’ (GIAs) within the framework of the Gambling Act 2005, marking a substantial departure from the existing “aim to permit” rule. Until now, the default position for licence applications has been their approval. If a local authority chose to deny an application, it was required to provide justification with sufficient evidence, such as an elevated risk of gambling harm among the population. With the implementation of Amendment 305, authorities will be empowered to develop GIAs for specific areas under their jurisdiction. Through these assessments, they can argue that the proliferation of gambling premises would be detrimental, again supported by evidence of local harm and cumulative impact on residents. This implies that licence applicants will now be obligated to demonstrate their compliance with the licensing objectives established as a result of these GIAs, effectively shifting the burden of proof to the applicants to show why they should be granted a licence in those designated areas. “This would amend the Gambling Act 2005 to enable licensing authorities to adopt, and act in accordance with, policies aimed at preventing the grant of gambling licences in order to respond to (a) the cumulative impact of multiple gambling premises or (b) other reasons relating to the licensing objectives in that Act,” the amendment specifies. However, this does not constitute an outright prohibition, as refusals can still be challenged. Application rejections would be deemed unlawful if the applicant successfully proves that granting such a licence is consistent with the licensing objectives defined by the local authority. It is important to note that Amendment 305 does not override the ‘aim to permit’ rule. Instead, it introduces a reverse mechanism for designated areas where applicants must justify licence approval. The amended bill will now return to the Commons for consideration of these amendments, during which Amendment 305 could potentially be removed by MPs. Should the amended bill receive Royal Assent, it remains to be seen whether this will satisfy local councils across the UK, which have consistently called for over a year for greater independent authority over gambling permits and advertising within their jurisdictions. PM Keir Starmer had previously endorsed calls from gambling reform campaigners for a review of the Aim to Permit rule. Led by Labour MP Dawn Butler, a number of Labour MPs and councillors have been advocating for increased powers to prevent gambling businesses from establishing themselves in their areas, with a particular focus on Adult Gaming Centres and betting shops. “We will give councils stronger powers over the location and numbers of gambling outlets to help create safe, thriving, high streets,” Starmer stated during a Prime Minister’s Questions session back in September 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) -   Behind The Gloves (BTG)—the iGaming sector’s fitness-focused networking community—has solidified its next stage of growth by launching a founding Advisory Board. This move follows BTG’s successful participation in the 2026 SBC Charity Boxing Championship (March 27), as the organization transitions from event-led initiatives to a scalable, long-term business model. Founded in 2023 by Strive Gaming executive and boxing enthusiast Lee McFarland, BTG emerged as a post-COVID project aimed at offering a healthier alternative to the industry’s late-night networking culture. The newly established Advisory Board brings in top industry leaders to guide BTG’s expansion. Michael Brady, Founder and Chairman of Bede Gaming and Chairman of Connexus Group, joins RiskCherry CEO Rob Fell and former Light & Wonder SVP of People and Capability Katie Byers. The board will support BTG’s expansion into new verticals, including corporate wellness programs, brand partnerships, and digital products, as the initiative seeks to grow beyond its roots in industry events. BTG is positioning itself as a “business for good,” committing to reinvest a portion of its profits into community initiatives and charitable causes. McFarland said: “The launch of our Advisory Board reflects Behind The Gloves’ commitment to building a strong business that can expand globally and reach more people than ever before. “We’re thrilled to welcome Katie, Rob, and Michael to the Board and look forward to leveraging our industry’s distinct energy to support good causes and deliver accessible activities for all fitness levels on a larger scale.” What started as small boxing pad sessions has grown into a broader movement centered on health, well-being, and networking at industry events. Participants are encouraged to swap late-night drinking for structured morning training—a shift many say enhances focus, energy, and productivity. With growing sponsor backing and an expanding community, BTG is now targeting international expansion, confident that demand for purpose-led, fitness-driven networking will continue to rise. 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.