日期: 2026年4月21日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Emma-Elizabeth Byrne, Head of Publishing at Gentoo Media, discusses career progression, systemic barriers, and inclusive culture within the iGaming sector with iGaming Expert. What are the most common mistakes you see people make when trying to make career progress in iGaming? A significant error observed in the iGaming industry is the assumption that career advancement occurs naturally over time. Given the rapid pace and intense competition of this sector, a lack of deliberate career planning leads to stagnation. Success requires seizing opportunities, taking ownership of projects and initiatives, and, crucially, clearly articulating one's professional ambitions. What systemic barriers do you see most often in iGaming, and how can individuals realistically navigate them? The predominant systemic obstacles often involve a lack of clarity regarding career progression, isolated teams, and unequal access to opportunities, particularly in less established companies. Sometimes, career ladders are unclear, and promotion can rely more on visibility or chance than on a structured development plan. To overcome this, individuals should be proactive instead of waiting for formal frameworks. This involves acquiring knowledge across different functions, pursuing projects outside their immediate responsibilities, and ensuring their contributions are recognized. Developing versatile skills—such as data literacy, AI proficiency, business acumen, and regulatory knowledge—is also vital to avoid over-reliance on a single specialty. What are the key aspects companies must consider when striving to create a genuinely inclusive culture for employees? Establishing a truly inclusive environment extends well beyond written policies. A major shortfall is often a lack of openness. When the processes for hiring, compensation, and promotion decisions are unclear, bias can take hold. Defined systems and accountability are more impactful than well-meaning intentions. The conduct of leadership is another critical element. Inclusion cannot be solely an HR function; it must be championed by leaders and evident in decision-making, opportunity allocation, and what issues are addressed. If leadership does not actively demonstrate inclusive behavior, it remains theoretical. Companies also frequently concentrate on recruiting a diverse workforce without a plan for integration. The true measures of success are retention and advancement. If new hires do not feel listened to, supported, or capable of growth, the culture is not inclusive—it is merely superficially diverse. What are the key lessons you’ve learned during your time in the iGaming industry for cultivating a positive workplace culture and navigating the complications associated with career progression? In a dynamic field like iGaming, transparency and effective communication are essential. Without them, expansion breeds uncertainty and damages trust rapidly. Regarding career growth, I've found it is seldom a straight path. Those who advance are adaptable, develop a broad understanding of the business, and proactively generate opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear. It is also evident that practical experience outweighs theoretical discussions. Genuine development occurs when individuals are granted actual responsibility and can push their limits. Ultimately, managers act as catalysts; they influence both the daily work environment and the tangible progress of their team members. Shifting focus to Gentoo’s performance, the company described 2025 as a ‘reset year’ following its separation from Gaming Innovation Group in late 2024. What are the company’s aspirations for 2026 as it seeks to navigate the challenges facing the affiliate sector? After a essential restructuring period in 2025, the strategy for 2026 centers on sustainable growth instead of pure expansion. Gentoo is beginning the year in a more streamlined and concentrated position, with defined goals to enhance profitability, fortify cash flow, and regain traction in its primary publishing and media operations. Concurrently, there is a pronounced shift towards prioritizing quality over quantity, increasing the value of web traffic, concentrating on high-yield markets, and adopting a more discerning approach to paid media after the difficulties encountered in 2025. Gentoo’s publishing unit experienced an 8% year-over-year improvement in revenue in Q4 2025. How significant was the December Google Core Update in improving publishing visibility, and what specific tactics made the difference? The December Google Core Update had a beneficial effect, but it was not the primary driver behind the performance increase on our platforms. Although it enhanced visibility and aided in stabilizing search rankings, it essentially confirmed the efforts invested during 2025. The improvement resulted from executing core principles effectively: Superior, more pertinent content Enhanced website architecture and user experience A focus on quality in SEO practices A deliberate emphasis on value rather than sheer volume was also key, ensuring that traffic led to conversions, not just increased numbers. Therefore, while the algorithm update facilitated better results, the substantial gains were achieved by aligning with the direction of search: quality, trustworthiness, and user benefit. Emma-Elizabeth Byrne, Head of Publishing at Gentoo Media, is scheduled to speak at the SBC Summit Malta. Get your tickets here. Complimentary passes are available for affiliates and operators. 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) -   Germany’s regulatory body GGL has set an example with a prominent local influencer, demonstrating that no individual is exempt from gambling laws. Rapper Capital Bra is widely regarded as one of Germany’s most successful figures in his field, amassing large followings throughout his music career. But beyond his loud music and controversial lyrics (in the author’s view), his recent event also featured a police visit arranged by the GGL… According to a GGL investigation, the rapper has been advertising unlicensed gambling operators to German audiences on his social media channels, frequently filming himself using these platforms. Streaming illegal gambling live and promoting black market operators via affiliate links violates Germany’s 2021 GlüStV gambling legislation. The GGL initiated proceedings against the rapper in October 2025, but he did not attend a scheduled hearing. This resulted in a warning of a financial penalty, which also went unanswered. Eventually, the GGL took further action and imposed a €250,000 (£217.4 million) fine. Wiesbaden police, assisted by the West Hesse police department, delivered the penalty to the rapper during his live performance. In an official press release, the GGL emphasized that unlicensed black market gambling platforms lack the safety features of regulated ones, do not provide player protection, and can result in fraud with no legal recourse. Compounding the issue, Germany currently has the highest rate of black market gambling penetration in Europe and one of the lowest rates of legal channelisation, which makes the GGL’s enforcement efforts all the more determined. The regulator stated: “While such procedures can present specific challenges—particularly when individuals are hard to reach and service of documents is difficult—the Authority will utilize all legally allowed methods and work with relevant police agencies to enforce the law. Experience demonstrates that these efforts are effective.” Ronald Benter, a member of the GGL’s board, concluded: “We do not hesitate to take action against high-profile individuals. Anyone promoting illegal gambling should expect consistent regulatory measures.” Black market gambling operators’ use of influencers and other prominent media figures to promote betting and casino services has been documented in multiple countries, including Germany, Finland, the UK, and Brazil. 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) -   Endorphina has been granted a license to operate in the Ontario iGaming market by the provincial regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This supplier registration now permits Endorphina to offer its gaming content to licensed operators in Ontario. The slot provider collaborates with more than 6,000 operators across over 50 jurisdictions, delivering its collection of over 200 premium slot titles worldwide in regions including Europe and Latin America. Džangar Jesenov, Head of Compliance at Endorphina, commented: "Obtaining approval in Ontario is a major milestone for Endorphina. "It validates the quality of our products, the robustness of our compliance systems, and our capability to succeed in strictly regulated markets." The Ontario license will further Endorphina's objective of broadening its footprint in North American markets. The company's expansion efforts are not limited to new jurisdictions, however. Endorphina recently finalized an agreement with Agreegain, which will see the supplier's games distributed across the aggregator's network of partner operators. Inga Kadyrova, Partnership Manager for Endorphina, said: "Partnerships such as this one strengthen our position throughout the industry, and I am confident our games will be an excellent fit for their portfolio. We are delighted to welcome Agreegain as a new partner." For more stories like this, visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, SBC's central hub for multimedia content, where our experts provide in-depth analysis of the major developments in 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) -   Yggdrasil Gaming has broadened its footprint in South Africa via fresh partnerships with SportyBet and Playco.za. Both brands now gain access to more than 100 titles from the developer, including games like MexoMax, Bob Marlin Goes Deep and Vikings Go to Olympus. Through its expansion in South Africa, Yggdrasil aims to leverage the strength of the nation’s iGaming industry. The company cited figures from the National Gaming Board indicating the market produced €75.5 billion in turnover for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Giovanni Fodera, Regional Manager at Yggdrasil, said: “South Africa is a strategically vital market for Yggdrasil, and launching with well-established brands like SportyBet and Playco.za marks a major milestone for the company. “These collaborations boost our regional footprint, widen the reach of our content, and mirror the robust momentum we’re building throughout Africa.” Yggdrasil made its South African debut in 2021 via a partnership with Intelligent Gaming Limited (IGL), granting the developer access to IGL’s roster of operator partners. In the meantime, additional collaborations with aggregators like Vyking have provided Yggdrasil with expanded access to operators across the African continent. South Africa continues its tax debate Due to the success of online betting and gaming in South Africa, the nation’s National Treasury has put forward a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue from online operations, which will be applied alongside provincial tax rates imposed on all gambling activities. Provincial tax rates range from 6% to 9%, meaning the nation’s effective tax rate will lie between 26% and 29% should the proposal be successfully implemented. Should the tax be implemented, it is expected to generate R10 billion (£456.1 million) annually. However, the Ministry of Finance stressed that the primary goal of the tax is to offset the costs associated with potential social harm stemming from the growing popularity of online gaming. A public consultation on the proposed change concluded on February 27, and stakeholders are now waiting for South Africa’s legislators to decide whether to implement the new tax. 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 Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has noted a “sharp contraction in online revenues” stemming from licences under the Netherlands’ Remote Gambling Act (KOA), indicating a structural shift in market dynamics. In its Jaarverslag Kansspelautoriteit 2025, the Dutch regulator asserts that the overall gambling market stays stable at roughly €4.3bn (£3.7bn), notwithstanding increasing pressure on the online sector. Figures derived from tax receipts of licensed operators indicate an 18.5% year-on-year drop in online gambling revenues, with KOA activity decreasing to an annual baseline of about €1.2bn – equating to €600m for each half-year. This drop comes after growth seen in 2024 and mirrors what the KSA terms a “counter-reaction to curb market expansion”. The downturn was expected after the introduction of tighter regulatory controls, such as a tax hike from 30.5% to 34.2% in January 2025, which is set to rise to 37.8% in 2026.  In addition to fiscal measures, operators must enforce monthly net deposit caps of €700 for adults and €300 for players aged 18–24, markedly cutting the spending of high-value customers. The KSA is of the opinion that these measures have changed consumer behaviour within the KOA market. Although player channelisation stays high, with roughly 94% of users betting with licensed operators, revenue channelisation has diminished.  Nevertheless, data shows the legal GGR share dropped to nearly 49% in early 2025, with the authority cautioning that players in the illegal market are “much less well protected”. Dutch online gambling trade body VNLOK has contested the KSA’s interpretation, asserting that headline channelisation stats “do not reflect where the money is going,” and cautioning that high-value players are moving to unlicensed operators in growing numbers. VNLOK contends that the KSA should not make player channelisation a priority, deeming this figure a “false metric” since 50% of GGR seems to be unaccounted for by KOA licences. Despite the online slump, other verticals have balanced out the online losses. The Dutch lottery and land-based gambling (casinos and betting) sector expanded by 4.6%, aiding in stabilising the total market at €4.3bn.  Looking to the future, the KSA’s regulatory focus stays firmly on player protection. “The focus point for 2025 was better player protection,” the authority declared, observing that gambling harm goes beyond financial loss to affect mental health, relationships, and social wellbeing. As the market adapts, the KSA will uphold this mandate while waiting for the government’s next legislative stage. A new Gambling Act is projected to be drafted in late 2025, with consultation in 2026, as policymakers mull stricter than advertising bans, higher age limits, and more rigorous enforcement. Instead of an immediate repeal, the KOA regime is poised to be reshaped via incremental reforms, pointing to a more restrictive future for the Dutch gambling 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.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The momentum behind the Maryland sweepstakes bill seems to have faded, as the state’s legislative sessions concluded without a formal decision on the bill’s passage. Two key opportunities to ban dual-currency sweepstakes arose: the House of Delegates passed two separate bills in 2026 that would have prohibited such sweepstakes. The Social Gaming Leadership Alliance (SGLA) celebrated the lack of progress on the bill, claiming there had been “false allegations” driven by casino interests. SGLA Managing Director Sean Ostrow said: “We are pleased with this result in Maryland and want to thank the Maryland lawmakers who took the time to thoroughly consider this issue.” “Over multiple hearings and dozens of meetings, SGLA addressed false allegations by casino interests by demonstrating that the Social Plus industry already offers strong consumer protections and contributes to Maryland’s economy, while pushing back against efforts to misrepresent long-standing lawful activity as gambling. “We are eager to work with lawmakers and regulators in 2027 to codify SGLA’s best practices for the broader social games industry, which can generate significant tax revenue while keeping consumers safe online.” Neither House Bill 295 nor House Bill 1226 advanced from the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. HB 295 was sponsored by the House Ways and Means Committee at the request of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency (MLGCA), and there were prior hints that Gov. Wes Moore would support the bill. The bills were a response to cease-and-desist letters that had been sent out. However, the MLGCA warned that compliance with these letters had not been achieved. Still, the District of Columbia has been identified as the next market to prohibit sweepstakes via the introduction of the Internet Gaming and Consumer Protection Act. DC intends to take a tough stance against sweepstakes with heavy sanctions: each violation could result in a civil fine of up to $100,000, which may increase to $500,000 for repeated violations of the ban. Councilmember Wendell Felder stated in a letter to the DC Council: “Inaction carries real consequences. Without a legal framework, revenue continues to flow to unregulated operators, consumers remain exposed to risk and the district falls behind neighbouring jurisdictions that are moving forward.” If the act passes, the district will join Indiana and Maine as U.S. jurisdictions that banned online sweepstakes casinos in 2026. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Software solutions provider SOFTSWISS is lauding its two-year partnership with Rubens Barrichello, as the company continues to expand its presence in the Brazilian market. The Malta-based firm reported a 64% year-over-year increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for Q1 2026, while total bets rose by 65%. Barrichello joined SOFTSWISS as a Non-Executive Director for its Latin American operations in 2024, and these divisions have grown significantly over the past two years. The company has scaled its local footprint from a single representative to a dedicated team focused on business development, account management, and marketing. The former Formula 1 driver has actively represented the company, attending major industry events throughout his tenure. SOFTSWISS noted he has played a key role in connecting the company to the local market—supporting educational initiatives, engaging with partners, and contributing to business growth. “I’m pleased with our fruitful partnership. As we enter our third year, our focus is on building further on what we’ve started,” said Barrichello. “I look forward to helping the team engage partners through racing experiences—it’s a way to share something personal while forging genuine connections.” SOFTSWISS’s recent developments Across the group, SOFTSWISS has been implementing several business improvements in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Last month, it launched the Partner API Tester, a self-service tool for testing its sports betting API, Sportsbook Partner API 2.0. Most recently, the company entered the prediction markets space, which has gained considerable traction in recent times. On Barrichello, Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, commented: “As a lifelong racing fan, I know that in business, just like on the track, milliseconds can determine success. Speed and precision matter even more over long distances. “This is exactly the mindset Rubens inspires in our daily work. It’s this approach that has helped shape our industry position and will continue to drive us forward.” 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 advance of this week's Westminster debate on gambling advertising, Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has called on MPs to proceed carefully. The debate, scheduled for this Thursday, was arranged by the Backbench Business Committee and was proposed by Alex Ballinger and Dr Beccy Cooper, the MPs for Halesowen and Worthing West, respectively. Significantly, both Ballinger and Cooper are advocates for gambling reform. They have been especially outspoken on the issue of gambling advertising and have consistently engaged in discussions promoting stricter marketing controls. During a debate on gambling reforms last December, Cooper stated: “We need regulatory and legislative tools to tackle industry marketing practices, and we must make sure that children are protected from the proliferation of gambling ads, sponsorship and influencer marketing. “We have heard about the last Government’s White Paper, which does not give us the right road map to address this public health crisis…and it fails to address advertising, sponsorship and the modern marketing of gambling. “We must look to review the White Paper and set a timeline for a new gambling Act.” Following this, Ballinger contributed to a January debate on gambling harm and youth protection, emphasising that social media presents the most significant risk of exposing minors to advertising and calling for greater government oversight of marketing. “There is a real problem in the self-regulation of content marketing,” he said. “The Advertising Standards Authority has a Committee of Advertising Practice code of practice that requires gambling marketing communications to be clearly identifiable as such, but again and again, we are not seeing that followed. “The evidence is clear. The public is tired of gambling adverts—that much is obvious. I urge the Government to heed the report of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling reform, which will include proposals on limiting the most harmful forms of advertising, particularly as it affects young people.” However, as in any political debate, there are opposing views. In an opinion piece for PoliticsHome, Hurst advocated for a balanced strategy that acknowledges the responsibilities of the licensed sector and the major threat it confronts in the UK – the black market. To support her argument, the BGC CEO referenced research from the global marketing intelligence agency WARC, which revealed alarming findings about the growing presence of illegal operators. Marketing spending by legal operators is forecast to fall by 9.2% in 2026 to £1.1bn. Conversely, the firm anticipates advertising expenditure from unregulated providers will increase by 32% over the next two years – exceeding the £1bn threshold by 2028. Since many licensed UK operators are currently reducing their gambling expenditure due to the Remote Gaming Duty tax rising from 21% to 40%, it can be inferred that the share of licensed advertising will continue to decline, while the illegal market's share grows. This aligns with WARC's conclusion, which indicates regulated operators are projected to represent less than half of all advertising spend by October 2028. “The direction of travel is clear: regulated firms are scaling back their advertising, while the harmful black market grows rapidly. That should give policymakers pause,” Hurst added. Faced with this potential future, the UK government has the sensitive job of continually balancing player protection with the risks of overregulation, a process that continues with the upcoming advertising debate on Thursday. 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) -   Affiliate management platform ReferOn continues to enhance its integration of advanced technologies within the iGaming affiliate sector. Throughout the past year, the company has made extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and tokenisation technology. Most recently, ReferOn has introduced a new built-in crypto finance layer to facilitate crypto payments through its licensed partners’ payment gateways. The firm is confident that its new solution can reduce friction in crypto payments by scaling payout volumes without increasing headcount, and by managing manual work to expedite payment cycles. “To be honest, manual crypto payments are a disaster waiting to happen,” stated Vlad Bondarenko, Head of Product at ReferOn. “When teams fear entering the wrong address, making a double payment, or organising ever-growing spreadsheets, the team environment becomes conservative and reactive.” The announcement of ReferOn’s crypto finance layer arrives a few months after the firm unveiled its latest tokenisation project in December 2025. The company has also been experimenting heavily with AI, and last month it announced the launch of a new analysis product, Evolution Cohort. Regarding the latest initiative, the crypto finance layer is part of a broader financial control centre – a dedicated finance page on the Refer platform accessible to all partner programmes. The platform aims to provide clarity on programme funding and top-ups, a transaction journal, and an automated payout flow. “Our new crypto finance layer eliminates this confusion by providing managers with a comprehensive, centralised hub that automates manual tasks via integrated payment partners,” Bondarenko added. “This feature isn’t just about offering affiliates a fancy new payment method or automating for the sake of it; it’s about freeing you up to run a revamped financial operation.” 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) -   New data outlining the trajectory of black market advertising spending has ramped up calls for the UK government to take action. Forecasts from marketing intelligence firm WARC indicate that by September 2026, regulated gambling operators will account for just over 53% of UK gambling ad spend. However, the balance is set to shift in favor of the unregulated sector as early as 2028. Total advertising spending in the 12 months from October 2025 to September 2026 is projected to hit £1.9bn, with regulated operators contributing £1.05bn — a 9.2% drop compared to the prior year. Legacy media will face the sharpest cuts to gambling ad spend, with expenditures set to fall by as much as £45m, or 11.5%, per WARC, driven by higher production costs and longer lead times for campaigns. Online advertising expenditure across video, social and search formats is also set to decline by 7.1%, or £33m, by September 2026. In contrast, black market ad spending is expected to rise by 32% to reach £845m this current year. This report arrives as pressure mounts on regulators and sports industry stakeholders to do more to curb the promotion of unlicensed gambling operators. Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Grainne Hurst has urged the government to take further action to combat the black market, as unlicensed advertising spending draws closer to the unlicensed sector. “The Government must go further and faster to clamp down on the black market before it is too late,” said Hurst, who noted that Members of Parliament are scheduled to debate gambling advertising later this week. “Targeting licensed operators when their advertising spend is already falling will not reduce overall advertising; it will simply bolster the harmful illegal black market, which is aggressively targeting UK customers. This should sound alarm bells in Westminster.” Tax takes its toll Gambling operators of all sizes across the UK have warned that any tax increases will significantly harm their spending power and empower the black market. However, in November, Rachel Reeves announced a rise in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%, which has now come into effect, alongside an increase in general betting duty for remote betting to 25%, set to take effect in April 2027. Following these policy changes, companies including Flutter, Entain and evoke all announced that their marketing budgets will likely be cut by as much as 20% to offset these new costs. Even Paddy Power — a brand renowned for its attention-grabbing marketing stunts — confirmed last month that it is restructuring its marketing department, with redundancies possible for “a small number of staff”, according to a Flutter UK&I spokesperson. Black market takes over Conversely, black market gambling advertising, which largely takes place online where rules are less strictly enforced, is only growing faster. Alongside this year’s rise to £845m, WARC predicts that illicit operator spending will reach £934m in 2027 and surpass £1bn in 2028. This data emerges in the same week that Google announced it blocked more than 270 million gambling ads in 2025, a figure that pales in comparison to the overall scale of black market gambling advertising. Prior research commissioned by the BGC and carried out by Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) found that operators are evading marketing filters used by search engines like Google by using names and brands linked to trusted organizations. Specifically, affiliates promoting links to “not on GamStop” casinos have been found to have hijacked inactive websites, with the most high-profile example being a domain once used by Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party. “Illegal operators are advertising aggressively online with no safeguards, no age checks and no consumer protections, posing a major risk to consumers,” said Hurst in February when the A&M report was released. Sponsorship in the spotlight According to WARC, sponsorship is growing even faster than advertising spending, with the firm reporting that unregulated operators will account for all sponsorship growth this year and make up more than half of total sponsorship spending by October 2027. While overall sponsorship spending has continued to grow, rising from £158m in 2019/20 to a projected £260m in the 2026/27 season, spending from regulated companies peaked in 2021/22 and has declined every year since. “This, in turn, has a significant impact on how visible and recognizable these unregulated companies are to UK consumers,” the report stated. Premier League viewers will recognize this trend, as several teams still feature unlicensed operators as their main shirt sponsor, despite an upcoming ban on gambling front-of-shirt sponsors. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has launched a consultation on implementing a ban on unlicensed gambling sponsorships, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stating that it is “not fair” that such companies can boost their profile without meeting the same standards as UK-licensed operators. These proposals would deal a major blow to unlicensed operators. However, no timeline has been set for when the ban would be introduced if approved, meaning sponsorship spending will only continue to rise in the interim. As Westminster prepares for the gambling advertising debate taking place on Thursday, 23 April, key industry stakeholders will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if MPs recognize the threat posed by the black market and the full scale of its spending power. 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) -   Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Intralot, explained the markets that drew the company’s attention when the chance to bid for evoke arose. During the operator’s recent FY2025 earnings call, Reeves noted that Italy—with its entry barriers—wasn’t an initial standout for Bally’s Intralot, though it does hold appeal for the firm. Earlier this week, Bally’s Intralot confirmed it’s in talks with evoke about a potential offer for all of the company’s issued and soon-to-be-issued share capital at 50 pence per share, totaling approximately £225 million. Reeves continued: “Romania is a desirable market and was on our radar. There’s also a complementary angle—evoke is a solid player in Spain, and we already have a footprint there, so that makes sense. “For any M&A opportunity, you need to consider all factors holistically. We have to follow all proper procedures. I see these deals as a way to speed up our growth—building an international presence like evoke’s would take years at that scale, so we’ll evaluate all options. It’s a logical match.” evoke runs the brands 888casino, 888sport, 888poker and William Hill in Italy and Spain, while the group also offers 888 and Winner in Romania. Reeves repeated his earlier remarks about the evoke deal: that the acquisition is a ‘compelling opportunity’ to bring Bally’s Intralot’s operating model to a significantly larger business, with the potential to transform its financial performance through substantial synergies. However, the Bally’s Intralot CEO also highlighted the value of evoke’s UK retail locations, describing them as generating ‘good cash’ and an added benefit of the deal under consideration. Entering a new tax era with strength Bally’s Intralot is well-positioned to expand its UK presence if it proceeds with the evoke acquisition. In Q1 2026, the firm’s UK net gaming revenue (NGR) reached £147.9 million, up roughly 10.5% year-over-year (YoY), with every month of the quarter showing growth compared to the prior year. UK online revenue in January and February hit £95.7 million, an 11.1% YoY increase, while March posted double-digit growth. “We entered the tax change from a position of strength, not retreat,” noted Reeves. Image: Joseph Hendrickson/Shutterstock Nearly two weeks after the remote gaming duty hike, the CEO reported that UK NGR for April so far is up double digits YoY to £32.2 million, with healthy player numbers and wager volumes. “We have not lost customers to competitors and we have not lost them to the unregulated market. Our brands are robust, our product is competitive and our player base is growing. Active players are up 7% YoY. While some competitors have been reducing marketing, we have been gaining players.” Reeves continued: “Wagers per player are lower year on year; that is intentional. We’ve tightened our offerings as part of our mitigation program; we are generating more efficient revenue from a larger player base. That is good business. I said on previous calls that a less competitive market would benefit operators with our scale and margin profile. 19 days into the new tax regime, I am more confident in that view than ever.” Where we stand Last December, evoke launched a strategic review of its operations, which included ‘a potential sale of the Group, or some of the Company’s assets and/or business units’. Despite evoke’s £1.8 billion in debt and Bally’s Intralot’s own £4.5 billion in liabilities, the deal is being framed as a potential rescue for the UK giant—meaning Bally’s does not need to absorb all of evoke’s debt. Bally’s Intralot has set a deadline of no later than 5pm UK time on 18 May 2026 to confirm whether it will make an offer for evoke or announce it does not intend to pursue the deal. “We entered the tax change from a position of strength, not retreat.” Robeson Reeves, Chief Executive Officer at Bally’s Intralot The company has told shareholders, debt holders and other stakeholders that its financing will align with its stated financial policy goals within its existing framework if the proposal results in a completed transaction. evoke has advised its shareholders not to take any action regarding the proposal. The company is set to publish its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (FY25) on 29 April. Any offer is subject to customary conditions and approvals, and Bally’s Intralot reserves the right to adjust the offer’s terms—including price, form and mix of consideration, and transaction structure. Looking for more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all multimedia content at SBC, where our team 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) -   Reports from multiple media sources indicate that a legal case in New Zealand targeting SkyCity has now broadened its scope to name bet365 and Super Group. This expansion poses a significant challenge to the nation's recently established iGaming regulations. Business Desk, a New Zealand business publication, reports that the legal action includes bet365’s co-founder and co-CEO, Denise Coates, as well as Super Group’s CEO, Neal Menashe, as defendants alongside the companies. An unidentified plaintiff initiated the legal filing, alleging that bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity are offering unauthorized online gaming services within New Zealand. The case originally began targeting SkyCity the previous month. Headquartered in Auckland, SkyCity Entertainment Group manages five casino venues in both Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, it holds an international interest known as SkyCity Online, a digital gaming platform run by the Maltese company Silvereye Entertainment, which falls under the Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) umbrella. The litigation initiated in March focuses on this digital venture and has since been widened to implicate bet365 and Super Group. Super Group is listed on the NYSE and operates the Betway sportsbook and Spin online casino. In a statement released at the beginning of March, SkyCity characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to challenge the legality of the online gaming activities conducted by Silvereye for a SkyCity subsidiary located abroad. New Zealand's regulatory shift This legal action unfolds as New Zealand undertakes a comprehensive reform of its gambling legislation. The market in New Zealand is still heavily regulated, especially when contrasted with Oceania's biggest player, Australia. Australia hosts major operators such as bet365, Entain’s Ladbrokes and Neds, Flutter Entertainment‘s Sportsbet, the leading firm Tabcorp, Betfair (run by Crown Resorts), PointsBet, and emerging challengers like betr. Conversely, in New Zealand, exclusive rights to offer both physical and online wagering belong to the state-run TAB NZ. Entain has held this role since May 2023 under a 25-year agreement, a position that received additional legal safeguards through June 2025 modifications to the Racing Industry Act 2020. This legislation effectively prohibits offshore online betting firms from operating within New Zealand. Consequently, some entities, including Betfair Australia and NZ—operated in Oceania by Crown Resorts rather than Flutter as in Europe—promptly withdrew from the market. Meanwhile, online casinos continue to operate outside the law. While the Gambling Act 2003 permits certain gambling activities, there is currently no regulatory structure for online casinos. However, changes are forthcoming, with a regulated market featuring 15 licenses scheduled to open on July 1, 2027. Reports suggest that both bet365 and Super Group’s Betway are keen on obtaining licenses in this upcoming market. However, the anonymous plaintiffs in the broadened lawsuit appear to object to any current market involvement by these two companies. 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.