日期: 2026年4月20日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Vyking has enhanced its aggregation platform by entering into a new strategic alliance with Alea. This collaboration will see Alea’s portfolio, which includes more than 17,000 casino titles, become accessible to Vyking’s network of operators. Florian Klimka, Chief Product Officer at Vyking, stated: “Our primary goal with this alliance is to increase value for our operator partners. Integrating Alea’s content into our proprietary aggregation layer allows for quicker access to a wider selection of games on a single platform, all while preserving the operational flexibility essential for scaling.” Both companies recognized that a robust technical framework was necessary to handle the large-scale content integration. Ramon Glieneke, Chief Operating Officer at Alea, highlighted the significance of establishing a ‘direct path’ to Alea’s game portfolio. “By giving Vyking a direct connection to our library, we are equipping their partners with the technical foundation required to expand into various markets efficiently, bypassing typical delays,” he explained. This new agreement follows Vyking’s recent partnership with Pragmatic Play to integrate that developer's complete game suite. Recognising the rise of crypto In addition to forging new content partnerships, Vyking recently introduced a new crypto casino solution last month, designed to address the increasing global operator demand for cryptocurrency-based products. With this launch, operators on Vyking’s Core, Edge, and Flex platform tiers gain access to a comprehensive gaming system built on cryptocurrency. The crypto casino is supported by K1ngPay, Vyking's proprietary crypto payment system, which handles gameplay logic, bonuses, rebates, and accounting. Players will have the ability to deposit funds, maintain balances, and play using major cryptocurrencies, all while retaining the option for fiat currency gameplay within a unified account. “Crypto players demand an authentic experience, not a makeshift solution. We developed our crypto casino to enable operators to provide genuine crypto gameplay, beyond just accepting crypto deposits, while keeping full operational control. For us, crypto is not an optional extra; it is a fundamental feature of a platform built for the future,” Klimka remarked during the announcement. 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) -   Ranging from Italy's full licensing system overhaul to stricter regulatory measures in the UK and the liberalization of emerging markets such as Finland, the global gaming sector is entering an era of major transformation.  To help operators navigate this constantly evolving landscape, SBC Summit Malta is launching a specialized ‘Market Disruption’ track focused on regulatory shifts and newly emerging opportunities that will define the industry's next phase of growth. Taking place on Wednesday, 29 April, the programme will bring together regional experts to analyze the most significant regulatory changes across the global gaming space and their impact on operators, covering everything from market entry strategies to long-term financial viability. Kicking off the track is the session Italy Reset: Consolidation, Control and the Next Licensing Cycle, which will unpack the ramifications of Italy's new licensing structure. Regional experts Marco Tiso (Managing Director, Sisal), Quirino Mancini (Partner and Director, WH Italy), Luca Grisci (Managing Director, HBG Online (Novomatic Group)), and Nicola Tani (Chief Editor, Agipro) will assess the core challenges facing operators entering the market, from financial consequences and regulatory adjustments to the barriers created by the new framework. “UK in Transition: Regulation, Retreat and the Fight for a Sustainable Market” will analyze how stricter regulation and rising operational costs are reshaping the UK gambling market. Christopher Dalli (CEO, L&L Europe) will explore how operators are adapting, from cost-cutting measures to adjustments in affiliate partnership models, alongside the rapid expansion of the black market, and whether tighter rules are protecting players or pushing them towards unregulated alternatives. A key highlight of the track will spotlight Malta's evolving fiscal framework with the session “New VAT Laws on Gambling and Betting, a Game Changer.”  Set to take effect on 1 October 2026, the new VAT regulations are expected to have a significant impact on how operators structure their business operations. The session will explore the drivers behind the reform, the benefits it brings to the gambling industry, and what steps Malta-based operators need to take to prepare for the changes, with insights from Nico Sciberras (Director Indirect Tax, MTCA), Cristian Edu (Head of Finance, Superbet Romania), and Ramona Cassar (Partner, Head of Tax, WH Partners). “Germany at a Crossroads: Regulation and Market Sustainability” will examine the challenges facing one of Europe's largest gambling markets. With growing black market activity, ongoing debates around channelisation, and increasing scrutiny over the balance between taxation and player protection, the session will explore whether Germany's current regulatory model is viable, moderated by Dr. Fabian Masurat (Lawyer, Taylor Wessing). “The Dutch Market at a Crossroads: Regulation, Politics and the Future of Licensing” will explore how political uncertainty and tightening restrictions are shaping the Netherlands' gambling landscape. With ongoing discussions around advertising bans and licensing limits, the session will examine whether increased regulation could drive market consolidation or force operators to exit the market, with insights from Frank op de Woerd (CEO & Founder, CasinoNieuws.nl). “Finland's Big Gamble: Can Regulation Win Back the Market?” will focus on the country's transition from a state monopoly to a licensed market by 2027. With channelisation rates declining and substantial revenue flowing to offshore operators, the session will explore whether the proposed regulatory framework can effectively compete with the black market, as discussed by Sam Brown (CEO, Rootz). Closing out the track, “Emerging Markets: The Next Billion Dollar Battleground” will examine where the industry's next growth opportunities are taking shape, as attention shifts from mature markets to regions across Africa, the UAE, Asia, and Latin America. With regulation still evolving in many of these markets, the session will explore where operators can make early moves, which regions are closest to formalizing regulation, and who is best positioned to succeed, featuring Donna Bugelli (Managing Associate, WH Partners). SBC Summit Malta will be held at the InterContinental Malta from 28–30 April, bringing together 6,000 industry stakeholders to explore the key forces shaping global gaming, from evolving regulation to technological innovation and shifting player expectations. Alongside the Market Disruption track, attendees will gain insights across marketing, sports betting and iGaming, operations and compliance, policy and PR, affiliation, and leadership. Secure Your Tickets to SBC Summit Malta Group Pass 3+ (VIP Pass): Available for groups of three or more, this pass grants full access to conference sessions, the expo floor, and networking events, all for a discounted rate of €400 per person. Single VIP Passes can be purchased at the full standard price of €600.  Looking for an Expo+ Pass? You can get one for just €150.If you are an operator or affiliate, you are eligible to apply for a free 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) -   Vergunde Nederlandse Online Kansspelaanbieders (VNLOK) is urging Dutch policymakers to develop a more precise understanding of the illicit gambling sector and to combat it with greater vigor. This appeal from the industry association follows the release of the spring 2026 monitoring report (H2 2025) by the Dutch gaming regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA). The report indicates that while growth in the regulated online gambling sector has leveled off, the black market is expanding. Metrics regarding the volume of licensed operators, gross gaming revenue (GGR), player counts, and channelization rates remain largely consistent with the previous autumn report (H1), though there has been a rise in the total number of active player accounts. KSA Chair Michel Groothuizen emphasized that there will be no easing of duty-of-care requirements for licensed operators, as the regulator and the industry must prioritize the protection of young adults (aged 18–24) from gambling-related harm. Duty of care was identified as one of five primary focus areas in the regulator's 2026 supervisory agenda, alongside combating illegal operators, safeguarding vulnerable demographics, overseeing advertising practices, and ensuring compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act (Wwft). Dutch market in H2 2025 Total GGR for the second half of 2025 reached €602m, a slight increase from the €600m recorded in H1, averaging roughly €100m per month—a decline of approximately 18% compared to 2024 levels. KSA estimates suggest that about 500,000 individuals gambled monthly during H2. While roughly 91% of players utilized only licensed operators, the financial channelization rate was lower, at 53%. The KSA noted that this figure is higher than the 49% estimate from the previous report due to a data correction, and attributed the overall decline to several contributing factors. The regulator believes that player protection initiatives, such as the net deposit limits implemented in October 2024, are proving effective, as average monthly player losses have trended downward since 2024. However, in H2, average losses rose to €124 per month, up from €117 in H1. This metric accounts for individuals who use multiple platforms and those who are not active every month. Young adults (18–24) accounted for 22% of accounts used in H2, though they incurred lower monthly losses—averaging €34 compared to €73 for older adults—and showed a preference for sports betting. VNLOK – proportional regulation focus VNLOK observed that while the licensed market is becoming increasingly secure, it is also facing mounting pressure, warning that further restrictions on legal operators could drive more consumers toward the black market. Consequently, the trade body is advocating for a focus on "proportional regulation, robust enforcement against illegal operators, and improved monitoring of overall gambling patterns." Björn Fuchs, Chair of VNLOK, remarked: “This report demonstrates that the legal market is providing better protection for players. Simultaneously, however, we see the legal sector contracting significantly, with tens of thousands of players participating in the illegal market each month, where they collectively lose an average of €100m monthly." “This is deeply concerning. Now more than ever, it is vital to look beyond the legal market, gain a clearer understanding of the true scale of the illegal sector, and intensify efforts to address it.” VNLOK stated that the Dutch legal online gambling market has shrunk by nearly 20% since 2024, with player numbers also trending downward throughout 2025. The association believes the scale of the illegal market is currently underestimated and is calling for the development of "a more reliable and robust methodology to accurately map the total number of players, both legal and illegal," citing the risk that policy decisions may be based on an incomplete understanding of where players are active. “Now more than ever, it is important not only to look at the legal offering, but to gain a much clearer picture of the true size of the illegal market and to intensify the approach to tackling it.” Björn Fuchs, Chair of VNLOK Groothuizen – Duty of care a top priority In a blog post, Groothuizen attributed the stagnation of the Dutch regulated market to the 2024 introduction of deposit limits and last year’s increase in gambling taxes. Groothuizen acknowledged that the illegal market is expanding due to technological advancements like AI and cryptocurrency, as well as the fact that deposit limits and financial vetting are prompting players to open multiple legal accounts or migrate to unlicensed operators. While the introduction of a universal gambling limit to prevent players from switching between licensed operators is a potential market change, the KSA Chair noted that this would not deter players from using illegal sites. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic. Groothuizen stated: “Fortunately, many Dutch citizens appear to value legal gambling, so the number of those switching may be lower than anticipated. This will undoubtedly depend on the threshold of such a limit." “It also means we must ensure the legal market remains visible to players—meaning no total advertising ban—while simultaneously ensuring the illegal market is addressed more effectively.” “We must keep the legal offering visible to players (so no total ban on advertising), but also that, on the other hand, the illegal market must be tackled more effectively.” Michel Groothuizen, Chair of Kansspelautoriteit The KSA chair added that he remains firmly opposed to relaxing duty-of-care standards for licensed operators, as the regulator must do everything possible to protect young adults gambling online. “While most Dutch players gamble for recreation and maintain self-control, we, as the Gaming Authority, must not gamble with the safety of those who may have lost control of their behavior. Young people, whose brains are still developing and who are prone to impulsivity, are a particular cause for concern." “Strict adherence to the duty of care remains a top priority for the legal market. It goes without saying that the illegal sector has no regard for the harm that gambling can cause.” Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from 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) -   Authorities and regulatory bodies of Belgium have been warned that ‘the visibility of the legal online gambling market is undergoing a critical decline’, and that a rising number of black market operators are capitalizing on this trend. This alert was issued by the Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO), the industry trade group made up of Belgium’s five largest operators: Ardent Group (which runs the Casino de Spa and Circus brands), Napoleon Sports & Casino (operating under the Super brand), Golden Palace Group, Kindred Group (owner of FDJ United) and Betsson AB. Fresh data collected from BAGO member firms shows that unlicensed operators make up 23% of total gambling expenditure in Belgium, a figure that is projected to rise in 2026. Members have observed that the growing prominence of illegal gambling brands is having a ‘disproportionate impact on the vulnerable groups they target’, with BAGO reports revealing that 47% of people registered in Belgium’s EPIS self-exclusion system continue to place bets through unlicensed operators. “Looking at these figures, we can see how deeply entrenched illegal gambling offerings have become in Belgium,” BAGO stated. “As the legal market grows less visible and harder for consumers to identify, the shift towards unlicensed operators is accelerating.” Belgium’s tight noose on online gambling  The warning highlights a core contradiction in Belgium’s regulatory framework, which has rolled out a series of restrictions on licensed operators over the past decade. In 2020, the government introduced a €200 deposit cap for users gambling via licensed online providers, a temporary COVID-era measure that was later written into Belgian law as a permanent requirement. Additionally, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne brought in a full ban on all gambling incentives, including sign-up offers, free bets and all marketing-related perks. In 2022/2023, the government also approved the Royal Advertising Decree, which prohibits all forms of gambling advertising across traditional media channels such as television, radio and printed publications. This was followed by a complete ban on gambling sponsorships for Belgian sports, with the regulator further stipulating that all online gambling campaigns must be restricted to audiences aged 25 and above; all campaigns also require prior approval from the Belgian Gaming Commission (BGC). After the advertising prohibition came into force, the De Croo government raised the legal gambling age to 21 years old in September 2024. Visibility a privilege for the black market While policymakers have introduced stricter limitations for licensed operators, particularly around advertising, legal providers are losing visibility and becoming harder for consumers to distinguish. As a result, users are increasingly exposed to unlicensed alternatives that operate outside Belgium’s consumer protective framework. “In a strictly regulated market, visibility is not just a matter of brand communication,” BAGO explained. “It is the mechanism that allows consumers to identify authorised, supervised gambling offerings. When that visibility drops, the line between legal and illegal operators becomes blurred.” BAGO further noted that nearly “two-thirds of online gambling traffic in Belgium is now routed to illegal websites”. According to member firms, this trend is not driven by consumer choice, but is a structural consequence of limits on licensed operators’ ability to engage with players. In this landscape, the boundary between legal and illegal gambling offerings becomes increasingly hard to maintain. A key concern raised by BAGO is the erosion of “channelisation” – the principle that regulated markets should steer players towards licensed operators where consumer protections can be enforced. Belgium’s regulatory framework has long been built on this concept, combining strict licensing controls with responsible gambling measures such as deposit limits, age verification and the EPIS self-exclusion system. “Channelisation sits at the core of Belgian gambling policy,” BAGO noted. “But it can only function if players are able to clearly recognise legal offerings. If that distinction disappears, players will inevitably drift towards unregulated environments.” This position has been supported by a number of recent legal developments. In its December 2025 ruling, Belgium’s Constitutional Court confirmed that national gambling policy must not only protect players, but also channel them towards licensed operators as a way to combat illegal supply. The Court stressed that authorised operators require an adequate level of visibility and public recognition to deliver on this objective. BAGO said: “It is only within a licensed ecosystem that effective player protection can be guaranteed. As soon as players move to illegal sites, there are no safeguards, no monitoring and no formal intervention structures in place.” The migration to the black market is particularly noticeable among younger demographics. BAGO data indicates that up to 65% of men aged between 18 and 21 have used illegal gambling websites, underscoring the exposure of vulnerable groups to unregulated operators. While Belgium’s tightening regulatory approach is designed to strengthen consumer protection, industry stakeholders argue that the stricter regulatory environment has inadvertently created conditions that favour illegal competitors. The near-total ban on gambling advertising, paired with restrictions on promotional tools and customer engagement, has reduced licensed operators’ ability to compete for visibility in the crowded digital marketplace. At the same time, illegal operators continue to reach Belgian consumers through offshore marketing channels, often using aggressive, unregulated messaging. System rethink As Belgium continues its review of national gambling laws, BAGO is calling on policymakers to reassess the balance between restriction and channelisation. “As long as unlicensed operators can flood the market with illegal marketing and target vulnerable audiences, further restrictions on licensed operators will deliver the opposite of the intended effect,” the association warned. BAGO is urging the government to step up enforcement against illegal operators, including faster site blocking measures and tighter oversight of payment channels and digital platforms that grant access to unlicensed sites. At the same time, it has advocated for a regulatory framework that allows licensed operators to maintain sufficient visibility to fulfil their role in the market. “An effective gambling policy does not protect players by marginalising legal offerings,” BAGO concluded. “It protects them by reinforcing channelisation towards a strictly regulated and fully accountable framework.” 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) -   In response to the mounting challenges of fraud, cyber threats, and regulatory shifts, SBC Summit Malta will host a specialized ‘Operations and Compliance’ track aimed at helping organizations enhance their security and operational durability. Set for 29 and 30 April, the event will convene senior executives, security experts, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for protecting businesses across operational, financial, and reputational dimensions. The 'Risk, Regulation and Resilience' track on Wednesday, 29 April, will explore cybersecurity, fraud, and black market issues through fireside chats and expert panels. On Thursday, 30 April, the agenda transitions to 'Policy in Practice,' featuring interactive workshops on the regulatory and operational impacts of AI and SEO. A featured fireside chat, ‘Tax Hikes 2026: Market Shocks, Regulatory Risks & Margin Impact,’ will investigate how increasing tax pressures are affecting operators in major European markets. The session, featuring Stephen Hodgson (VP of Tax, Midnite), Sara Haddow (Group Tax Director, Entain), and Russell Mifsud (Director, Head of Gaming Europe, KPMG), will analyze how companies can manage these burdens and the resulting effects on market exits and consolidation. The discussion “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27” will look at how operational leaders are navigating rising costs and compliance requirements. With Ramon Glieneke (COO, Alea), Tom McGovern (Chief Operations Officer, Flutter UKI), Tim De Borle (COO, Casumo), and Chris McGowan (COO, Scatters), and moderated by Joe Streeter (Editor, iGaming Expert), the panel will focus on investment strategies and the use of AI for more efficient operations. The second day of the summit will pivot toward the regulatory and operational nuances of AI and SEO. The workshop ‘SEO Terrorism in iGaming: Surviving Negative Attacks on Your Website’ will tackle the rising danger of negative SEO. Led by consultant Ivana Flynn (Head of SEO and Strategy), the session will teach participants how to recognize, track, and defend against malicious attacks on their digital presence. The ‘AI in Gaming: Shaping the Industry’s First AI Charter’ workshop will review the implications of new EU AI regulations for operators. Facilitated by Kinga Warda (Chief of Policy and Insight, Malta Gaming Authority) and Francois Piccione (Chief Technology Officer, Malta Gaming Authority), it will offer guidance on compliance standards and process alignment. The session ‘From AI Tools to AI Embedded in Business Workflows’ will discuss how to integrate AI into the heart of business operations. Featuring Philippe Guillod (VP, Analytics) and Fraser Dunk (CEO, Jurnii), the talk will focus on moving from AI experimentation to embedding the technology into daily workflows to improve efficiency and decision-making. SBC Summit Malta is scheduled for 28-30 April at the InterContinental Hotel. In addition to the conference tracks, the event will host 6,000 attendees, featuring a dedicated exhibition area and numerous networking opportunities. ____________________________________________________________________________ Purchase Your SBC Summit Malta Tickets Book your place at SBC Summit Malta with a VIP Event Pass. For €600, attendees receive full access to the three-day conference, exhibition, and networking events. An Expo+ Pass is also available for €150.Operators and affiliates may be eligible for free entry. Operators can submit an application for a complimentary pass here, while affiliates can apply for their free 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) -   The Netherlands' gambling regulator, the Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has stated that the country's illegal gambling sector is expanding further. In its most recent review, KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen noted that primary metrics for the legal market—such as licensee count, player figures, and total revenue—have stayed mostly flat over the past six months. This stagnation demonstrates the effect of rules enacted in 2024 and 2025, which encompassed deposit restrictions, advertising rules, and increased tax rates on gambling. Even with the market's lack of growth, the KSA indicated that average player losses have kept dropping, declining to approximately €120 (£104) per month in the latter half of 2025—a reduction of over 25% from the year before. Nevertheless, the KSA expressed renewed alarm over the scale of the illicit market. The proportion of gross gaming revenue (GGR) attributed to licensed operators decreased from 56% early in 2025 to 53% in the second half, implying close to half of all gambling expenditure now goes to unlicensed sites. Michel Groothuizen. Credit: LinkedIn “Research indicates the illegal market's global share is increasing, a pattern we observe in other European nations too,” Groothuizen stated. “Several technological advances, like AI, and trends such as cryptocurrency gambling are factors. In the Netherlands, this movement might also stem from our own actions to enhance player safety at legal operators, like the implemented deposit limits. “Whereas half a year ago we had not seen deposit limits per operator leading to multiple accounts, we now notice a slight rise in accounts per player. “Consequently, it is plausible that the financial capacity check triggered above a specific amount motivates individuals to open another legal account elsewhere to avoid it, or to move completely to illegal options.” As Groothuizen highlighted, illicit market growth is not confined to the Netherlands. Regulators worldwide appear to be struggling to manage the surge of unlicensed operators within their borders. For instance, a recent YieldSec report revealed 62% of gambling activity in South Africa occurred via unlicensed sites not regulated domestically. South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) CEO Sean Coleman informed SBC News that the country's regulators are “lacking resources and skill sets to deal with the illegal market”. This sentiment is likely common among experts in many countries, supported by a study for Flutter Entertainment detailing how UK black market operators function effectively without significant consequences. Regarding this, researcher Alex Wood remarked it would be “impossible” to legally confront these operators because of cross-border challenges. The KSA’s future plans For the future, Dutch authorities are evaluating a comprehensive deposit limit to stop players from hopping between licensed operators. Although this could limit avoidance within the legal market, Groothuizen recognized it might also drive some players to illegal alternatives. The KSA also reaffirmed its dedication to rigorous duty-of-care standards, underscoring persistent worries about high-risk gambling. Approximately 6% of Dutch adults engage in online gambling, and it has been highlighted that the country has “no age group that has as many gambling accounts, relatively speaking, as 18-year-olds”. Groothuizen cautioned that relaxing player safeguards would be unsuitable, emphasizing that protecting at-risk users is a foremost concern. Only last week, the KSA allocated additional money to its Addiction Prevention Fund to combat problem gambling. Although the regulator is often highlighted globally for addressing gambling harm and illegal operations, it continues to face extensive challenges—issues that extend beyond the Netherlands. Groothuizen ended his remarks by stating: “Strict compliance with the duty of care thus remains a key priority for the legal market. “It is self-evident that the illegal sector has no concern whatsoever for the potential harm from gambling.” 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 Romanian regulator, the ONJN, is allocating €5 million (£4.3m) in grants to tackle problem gambling. This financing is being distributed under the National Public Interest Programme 'Conscious and Free', a commitment formalized by the ONJN and published in the Official Gazette in December 2025. The grants will provide non-reimbursable funding for non-profit initiatives, drawn directly from the ONJN's 2026 budget earmarked for promoting socially responsible gambling. The allocation is divided into three key areas. The majority of the funds, €3.6 million, is designated for prevention, education, safeguarding minors, treatment, counselling, research, digitalisation, and the promotion of responsible gambling. An amount of €1.2 million is set aside specifically for establishing or expanding specialised treatment centres, a category of funding exclusively available to public authorities. The remaining €200,000 will support studies and impact assessments to guide the development of future public policies and intervention strategies. A complete timeline has been announced, outlining four distinct phases. The deadline for application submissions is 11 May, with eligibility assessments to be published on 15 May. A window for appeals will run from 18-20 May, followed by the release of final resolutions and compliance results between 21-26 May. On 8 July, the ONJN will publish the findings of an independent analysis along with the report from a specially appointed ONJN Evaluation Commission. These preliminary results can be challenged until 13 July, with the definitive results scheduled for publication on 28 July. The concluding phase involves finalising funding contracts from 29-31 July, with a target start date for all projects set for 3 August. Each initiative is planned to run for a four-month period, concluding in December 2026. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of ONJN, stated: “I promised that these projects would materialize. Despite all the obstacles in the past, the projects will exist and, most importantly, they will help vulnerable people. “We are thus ensuring the first funding in the history of ONJN for this type of programs and, at the same time, the necessary regulatory framework has been created for funding in the coming years. “I would like to remind you that, in order for these fundings to become possible, a collective effort was needed by ONJN, the Ministry of Finance and UEFISCDI, an effort that involved: amending the law; reforming the internal responsible gaming service existing at the level of ONJN; building the legal mechanism and adopting two orders of the President of ONJN that established the methodology and the applicant’s guide; public consultations; creating a platform for submitting projects; approving the State Budget Law; publication of the program and the announcement.” 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) -   Caixa Econômica Federal has verified the suspension of its initiative to introduce an online gambling platform in accordance with Brazil's Bets Law. Late last week, the bank declared it would halt the launch of its online betting brand scheduled for 2026, choosing to "observe upcoming changes in federal online gambling regulations". Consequently, Caixa will suspend its BRL 30 million (€6 million) license fee payment to the Ministry of Finance's Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA), the body responsible for regulating fixed-odds betting in the country. As reported by SBC Noticias Brazil, the state-supported financial institution faced examination from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU), which mandated it reveal its online gambling platform strategy and detail its planned use of public funds. Having been the sole operator of Brazil's lottery system since 1962, under a decree from President João Goulart, Caixa maintains this role today. Its subsidiary, Caixa Loterias, runs the nation's premier lottery games such as Mega-Sena, Lotofácil, Quina, and Lotomania, and also manages infrastructure and bidding for state lottery concessions. The suspension of Caixa's plans occurs against a backdrop of political disputes concerning the destiny of the Bets Law. Bets in limbo A bill (PL 1808/2026) was introduced last week by the Workers' Party congressional caucus, advocating for the full dismantling of the Bets framework and a ban on all online gambling nationwide, excluding state-run lottery offerings. This represents a potential reversal for Brazil, which only enacted its online gambling laws 16 months ago and has been viewed as a future major global market for the industry. While supported by 68 PT lawmakers, the bill lacks official approval from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or top government officials, making its political influence unclear. Additional doubt emerged on Friday when O Globo reported that President Lula is drafting a decree to modify parts of the existing betting system. The anticipated changes are likely to aim at limiting gambling access for economically at-risk populations, with a focus on safeguarding the Bolsa Familia welfare program. The President is also expected to propose extensive restrictions on advertising and promotional offers. These events have positioned Caixa in a delicate political situation. The federal bank's 2025 authorization to join the Bets market attracted criticism from political figures concerned about a state-owned entity advertising online gambling under the Caixa Loterias name. Caixa Loterias is obligated to direct approximately 40% of lottery income to public finance, aiding education, healthcare, sports, and social security initiatives, which establishes it as a crucial contributor to social investment in Brazil. Addressing the present ambiguity, Caixa reaffirmed it is keeping a close watch on regulatory changes. The bank stated: "Caixa clarifies that it continuously and responsibly assesses opportunities in the fixed-odds betting market, in line with the regulatory landscape. No contracts for platform operation have been signed to date, and there are no fines to be paid regarding this issue." It further noted that its strategic choices are based on "technical, legal, and sustainability principles, and continue to follow the federal government's guidance." 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) -   As operators navigate increasingly complex datasets, transforming information into actionable insights remains a significant industry hurdle. Gabriel Kolawale, Head of Product at Hub88, explains how AI-powered tools like Page Insights are revolutionizing data analysis, serving as decision-making ‘co-pilots’. The industry frequently discusses ‘data-driven decision-making,’ yet many operators still struggle with efficient player data processing. What are the obstacles? While the industry possesses an abundance of data, with operators handling millions of bets annually, the primary challenge for most lies in converting this data into effective strategies and actions. Gartner's analysis predicts that by 2027, 50% of business decisions will be ‘augmented or automated by AI agents,’ but many operators continue to rely on static and fragmented data. Despite the unprecedented volume of data being collected, a substantial portion remains underutilized due to the time-consuming nature of interpretation. In the fast-paced online casino sector, where margins and player behavior can change rapidly, such delays can create a significant competitive disadvantage. The missing element is contextual intelligence—technology that not only aggregates data but also comprehends it in real-time. Operators require systems that highlight relevant information precisely when it's needed, enabling immediate action. You've introduced Page Insights within Hub AI. What specific problem does this address? Page Insights is designed to eliminate the friction operators encounter between data and decision-making. Historically, analyzing performance by country, game, or individual player involved manual filtering and cross-referencing. Page Insights makes this process instantaneous. As soon as a user accesses a data-intensive page within the Operator Backoffice or Supplier Zone, the system generates easily understandable visual dashboards along with AI-generated summaries that pinpoint key patterns or trends. The AI actively draws attention to anomalies, surges in growth, and underperformance—often the most commercially significant indicators. Minor percentage shifts can lead to substantial revenue impacts, making the immediacy offered by this tool invaluable. How does this differ from traditional BI or analytics tools? Traditional BI tools, while powerful, were developed for a slower pace of decision-making. Many operate independently of the core platform, necessitate manual configuration, and require specialized users to extract value. Across various related industries, including FinTech, e-commerce, and SaaS, there's a discernible shift towards embedded analytics. The principle is that insights should be readily available at the point of decision-making, rather than in a separate environment that introduces complexity. Page Insights embodies this approach. It is fully integrated into the workflow and automatically adapts to the context of the page the user is viewing. It requires no setup, report building, or delays. Operational teams can thus respond more rapidly to performance fluctuations across diverse markets and partners. Could you provide a practical example of its application? One practical application of Page Insights is in analyzing country-level performance within the Supplier Zone. Traditionally, suppliers might export data into spreadsheets or create custom reports to identify revenue-generating regions. With Page Insights, this entire process is consolidated into a single view. Users can instantly identify top-performing countries, recognize markets showing upward momentum, and switch between metrics like GGR, turnover, actives, and average bet according to their specific business needs. The AI-generated HubAI Insights Sidebar adds significant value. For instance, it might highlight a 15% to 20% growth spike in a particular region or flag a decline that warrants further investigation. These are precisely the types of insights that drive commercial decisions. What role does Context Mode play in making data more actionable? Context Mode transforms the tool from a visual analytics platform to an interactive one. Instead of navigating dashboards or constructing queries, users can simply pose questions in natural language, and the AI provides responses based on the data currently displayed. This reflects a broader trend observed in AI adoption. Across multiple sectors, natural language querying is effectively ‘democratizing’ data analysis. In practical terms, this empowers account managers or commercial team members to ask questions like ‘who is the top performer’ or ‘what is the total GGR for the top five partners’ and receive immediate, contextual answers they can rely on. This reduces the dependency on technical teams for routine analysis, freeing up their resources for more complex tasks. What are the implications for the future of decision-making in iGaming? In this context, AI is evolving from a reporting tool to a co-pilot that surfaces insights, anticipates trends, and increasingly suggests actions. In a competitive environment where operators are expanding into new markets and managing increasingly complex ecosystems at speed, the rapidity of insight generation will be a key differentiator. Those who can identify and act on trends faster, whether it's a high-performing market or a declining segment, will gain a competitive edge. We have made substantial investments in our product offering over the past year and are continuously focused on introducing innovative tools that simplify complexity for our partners. Our objective is to minimize the gap between data and action as much as possible. Page Insights represents a significant stride in that direction. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   evoke and Bally’s Intralot may be on the verge of drastically altering the UK gambling market’s landscape.  Following a surge in speculation over the weekend, Bally’s Intralot has confirmed it is in talks with evoke about a potential offer for the firm’s entire issued and soon-to-be-issued share capital at 50 pence per share—valued at roughly £225 million. In a statement, the company noted that merging with the operator behind William Hill, 888 and Mr Green could ‘generate significant strategic and operational synergies, such as increased scale, a broader geographic reach, and chances to cut costs’. Bally’s Intralot has established a deadline of 5pm UK time on 18 May 2026 at the latest to confirm either that it will make an offer for evoke or that it has no plans to move forward with the deal—which could reshape UK gambling. However, the deadline can be extended if all parties agree. “We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business.” Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer at Bally’s Intralot Robeson Reeves, Bally’s Intralot’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We have built a business with a margin profile that stands out in this industry. evoke has the scale.  “We see a compelling opportunity to bring our operating model to a significantly larger business, and the potential to transform its financial performance through massive synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with conviction.” That said, Bally’s Intralot pointed out that ‘there is no guarantee an offer will be made, or about the terms of any potential offer, or that these synergies will actually be achieved’. Any offer will be subject to standard conditions and regulatory approvals, and Bally’s Intralot reserves the right to adjust the offer’s terms—including price, type and combination of payment, and deal structure. evoke Undergoing Strategic Review evoke has been struggling for a while now, with around £1.8 billion in debt. Last December, the operator revealed it would be conducting a strategic review of its operations, which included ‘a possible sale of the Group, or some of the Company’s assets and/or business units’. evoke’s debt burden risks being a barrier to this deal, as Bally’s Intralot itself has around £4.5 billion in debt. But since the deal is being positioned as a possible rescue for the UK-based giant—meaning Bally’s won’t have to take on all of evoke’s debt—the path to completing the transaction becomes more straightforward. William Hill, one of evoke’s operating brands – Image: Mick Atkins/Shutterstock Bally’s Intralot has informed shareholders, debt holders, and other stakeholders that if the proposal leads to a completed deal, its financing will align with its stated financial policy objectives within its current framework. In the meantime, evoke has recommended that its shareholders refrain from taking any action regarding the proposal. The company plans to release its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2025 (FY25) on 29 April. Interested in more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—SBC’s new hub for all multimedia content—where our team takes a deep dive into the biggest news 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) -   evoke and Bally’s Intralot have officially confirmed that acquisition discussions are underway. A public announcement from evoke, which has been approved by the Bally’s Intralot Board, indicated that talks are progressing regarding a potential acquisition of all of evoke’s issued and to-be-issued share capital at a price of 50 pence per share. As of April 17, the LSE-listed gambling group had 450 million shares outstanding. At 50 pence per share, this would place the purchase value at approximately £225 million. Following this announcement, evoke’s share price has seen an increase, trading around the 42 pence mark, its highest in a month. Credit: Google Bally’s Intralot retains the right to alter the terms of any potential offer, with May 18 set as the deadline for confirming such an offer. Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Intralot, stated: “We have established a business with a margin profile that distinguishes itself within this industry. evoke possesses the necessary scale. “We perceive a significant opportunity to apply our operating model to a considerably larger entity, with the potential to enhance its financial performance through substantial synergies that we are uniquely positioned to deliver. This is an opportunity we are pursuing with strong conviction.” The acquisition would consolidate three major brands under the Bally’s Intralot umbrella: evoke’s iGaming platforms 888casino and MrGreen, along with William Hill, which is the leading retail bookmaker in the UK and also a prominent online brand. However, this acquisition would also involve taking on significant debt, as evoke reported a net debt of -£1.8 billion in its interim H1 2025 results. At the close of 2025, evoke confirmed it was conducting a strategic review with the assistance of financial advisors Morgan Stanley and Rothschild & Co, which is when speculation about a sale intensified. This speculation was further fueled when evoke postponed its FY25 results to April 29, a month later than its usual reporting schedule in recent years. The news regarding the strategic review followed shortly after the UK Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, who confirmed an increase in Remote Gaming Duty from 21% to 40%, effective from April. Prior to the budget, evoke had decided to scale back its international presence for William Hill, withdrawing the brand from 13 markets to concentrate primarily on the UK. Subsequently, it was confirmed that an additional 200 shops would be closed within its domestic market. For Bally’s Intralot, the advantages are evident: a leading position not only in the UK but also in several other key European markets, such as Italy, where evoke recently secured a €7 million license under a newly regulated framework. 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.