月度归档： 2026 年 4 月

(AsiaGameHub) -   In his latest contribution for iGaming Expert, Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, examines the industry’s shift toward adopting the term ‘gaming’ and why this move is unlikely to be beneficial long-term, as other sectors increasingly adopt the gamification tactics first developed by the gambling industry. I have never been particularly fond of using the term “gaming” to describe chance-based game products. For years, I have viewed this as a strategic shift intended to avoid the negative associations linked to gambling and make these products more widely accepted. Even worse, it can be used to conceal the inherent risks of gambling while capitalizing on the innocent public image of mainstream gaming. It is possible I am mistaken, and this overlapping terminology has emerged organically for a range of reasons. Even so, one point remains unambiguous: gaming is far from harmless. While gaming is mostly enjoyed as a form of entertainment or relaxation, excessive engagement can trigger symptoms comparable to those linked to substance addiction. Groups most vulnerable to developing gaming addiction include children and adolescents, who are especially drawn to interactive games. If you have a 7-year-old boy in your household, you likely know exactly what I am referring to. Gaming is growing rapidly in popularity. In fact, two trends are very clear: non-gamers are becoming an increasingly small minority, especially among younger age groups. The Rutgers Addiction Research Centre shared that recent studies from the UK, US, Germany, and Canada indicate 86% of young adults have played online games in the recent past. Additionally, the 2023 Global Games Market report estimates that 3.4 billion people worldwide participate in gaming (Have you gambled in the past 6 months?). That equals 40% of the global population. As more jurisdictions introduce regulations for online gambling, attention has rightfully been drawn to the risks and harms connected to chance-based games. But at the same time, mainstream gaming has been expanding almost unnoticed, quietly integrating gambling-style features into its in-game purchase ecosystems. These include widely criticized loot boxes, discount prize wheels, near-win outcomes, battle passes, plus widespread use of FOMO tactics and daily engagement incentive schemes. Such gamification features are built into many products to encourage consistent customer engagement. Behavioral science now offers countless nudges and product placement strategies designed to motivate buyers to spend, ideally in ways that maximize profit for the seller. This is a standard part of capitalist economies and the pursuit of maximum profit, but where should we draw the line when it comes to manipulation? Interestingly, this question often comes up early in conversations about gambling. Many people’s immediate reaction to gambling still involves thoughts of misleading, fraudulent promises of large wins and rigged outcomes that give players a small taste of victory before leading them into a prolonged losing streak. Discussing random number generators and RTP can be difficult for many people. This is hardly surprising, as the gambling industry has built its reputation over decades, and manipulative practices remain common across the sector. For example, consider the widespread practice of delaying withdrawal requests under the pretense of KYC or other verification checks. However, the mainstream gaming industry is not entirely innocent of manipulating players either. Traditional matchmaking in online games operated on a skill-based principle: the system paired players of similar ability to create well-balanced, enjoyable matches. This is often not the case for many modern games, due to Engagement Optimised Matchmaking (EOMM), an algorithm designed to maximize player retention, a goal that the fairest possible matches do not support. Sometimes that means giving a player a loss, other times a win. A Electronic Arts research paper outlines how this system assesses what outcome is needed to keep players engaged, then groups players accordingly. Another major gaming company, Activision Blizzard, went even further with its patent for monetization-influencing matchmaking, which is explicitly designed to maximize the likelihood of in-game purchases by pairing players in specific configurations. In practice, this could involve deliberately putting a player on a losing streak against more skilled opponents who own a specific in-game skin (a cosmetic upgrade for a weapon). After each lost match, the player then receives prompts to purchase that same skin. If they make the purchase and equip the new skin, the dynamic shifts completely. They are then matched with less skilled opponents and dominate matches, closing the manipulative loop. Keep this in mind the next time you play Call of Duty. These research papers and patents have existed for nearly 10 years now, but most players still believe matchmaking operates in the traditional, skill-based way. Unsurprisingly, none of these companies have admitted to using these algorithms in their games. They have also paid little attention to criticism over their use of gambling features like loot boxes as part of their monetization strategies, or to complying with restrictions on these features that exist in some countries. The well-documented fact that gambling can be addictive and cause significant harm makes people especially susceptible to the behavioral tactics the industry uses. Practices that are rarely discussed or criticized in other industries face intense scrutiny when they appear in the gambling sector. There are both logical and emotional reasons for this dynamic. However, I would not be surprised if current developments in the mainstream gaming industry lead this critical perspective to spill over to gaming as well, given that the sector already has its own well-documented addiction issues. Global prevalence estimates for gaming disorder are not far behind those for gambling disorder, sitting at roughly 3% of the population. Player participation and industry revenue have both been rising for years, driven in part by the integration of gambling-style features. Up until now, this negative reputation has been assigned almost exclusively to the slot machine industry, but the public is gradually gaining a full understanding of the broader issues across both sectors. We may eventually end up referring to all these activities as gaming, but that rebranding is unlikely to improve the overall reputation of the sector going 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) -   Lawmakers in Bangladesh have pledged to roll out a nationwide crackdown on gambling and online betting, stressing that coordinated targeted measures are imminent for the sector. Actions will kick off after the country’s parliament adjourns on 30 April, as confirmed by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who promised a “zero tolerance” policy on gambling alongside drug use, in response to concerns raised by Zainul Abdin Farroque, the parliament member representing the Noakhali-2 constituency. “To save the youth from destruction, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy,” stated Ahmed, who confirmed that law enforcement agencies will carry out joint operations to dismantle networks tied to drugs and gambling. Most forms of gambling remain prohibited in Bangladesh under the 1867 Public Gaming Act, which leaves online gambling operating in an unregulated grey area with no domestic oversight. Ahmed’s push to curb online gambling comes even though Bangladesh passed the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 last year, which stipulates penalties of two years in prison and fines of up to $80,000 for people found operating or promoting online gambling services. In May 2025, Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department announced that it had identified more than 1,000 financial service agents suspected of being linked to illegal gambling transactions, and their details were submitted to the Bangladesh Bank. However, the latest concerns from politicians indicate that the law has not delivered the expected effect of effectively targeting the black market, so enforcement actions are now set to be intensified. This move also comes as the broader Bangladesh economy has seen slowing growth, further prompting the country’s home ministry to accelerate its actions in a bid to stop the flow of underground funds within the country. Latest economic reports show that growth has dropped to between 3.7 and 4.0%, significantly lower than the historical average of 6–7%. Lessons from its larger neighbours The end of April also marks the start of stricter enforcement actions for Bangladesh’s neighbour, India. Last week, Indian lawmakers confirmed that they will begin enforcing a ban on online real money gaming from 1 May, as laid out in the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules (PROGA 2025). The Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) has been assigned to oversee compliance with the regulatory framework, which was passed by India’s parliament in August 2025. The OGAI will categorize games under the new legislation and holds the authority to investigate illegal gambling activities. 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) -   UK heritage bookmaker Betfred has reinforced its dedication to British horse racing during a challenging period, bringing back its £2 million Triple Crown bonus for the 2026 flat season. The operator, which is extending its historic sponsorship of all five British Classics, will award the bonus to the connections of any horse that manages to win the historic trio of the 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, and St Leger Stakes – an accomplishment not seen since Nijinsky achieved the sweep in 1970. While the Triple Crown has been won 15 times historically, it has grown more difficult to attain in modern UK horse racing. Probable challengers are expected from the stables of Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby. O’Brien’s horse Gstaad is an 11/2 chance for this weekend’s Guineas and 33/1 for the Derby in June. O’Brien-trained colts Pierre Bonnard and Christmas Day have also become early 6/1 joint favourites with bookmaker Unibet for this year's St Leger. Betfred made history last year as the first firm to sponsor all five of racing’s premier events and will repeat this in 2026, starting with the Guineas festival at Newmarket this weekend. The focus then moves to the Epsom Oaks and Epsom Derby in June, finishing with the 250th edition of the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster Racecourse in September. This pledge is made even as marketing budgets are being squeezed across the UK because of the newly implemented 40% tax on Remote Gaming Duty (RGD). “It was an honour last year to be the first company ever to sponsor all five British Classics, and I am excited to repeat it this year,” stated Betfred founder Fred Done. “That is the reason I am putting up the £2million Triple Crown bonus once more. Nijinsky was certainly one of the legends, and it is high time we celebrated another Triple Crown winner. “Will another horse step up, create history, and achieve it again?” Betfred to push forward despite tax increases The company, which runs approximately 1,350 retail shops plus a Gibraltar-based online gaming site, has been candid about the effect recent tax rises will have on its £1bn gross profit. Fred and his brother Paul led The Sunday Times tax list for 2025 for the first time, paying roughly £400m in taxes. Betfred Management has been transparent about planning for worst-case outcomes, which could involve numerous shop closures. The bookmaker is not isolated in this situation – other leading UK operators like Ladbrokes Coral owner Entain and evoke, the parent company of William Hill, have already verified that a number of their high-street shops will close. Marketing spending has been cut industry-wide, with Coral ending its long-running Coral Cup sponsorship at the Cheltenham Festival, and SBC News seeing an email indicating a reduction in Paddy Power’s marketing team size. Nevertheless, Betfred evidently continues to find worth in sponsorship, maintaining its associations with rugby’s Super League and the PDC World Matchplay at Blackpool’s famous Winter Gardens. A headline-grabbing prize of this magnitude is certain to draw additional focus to the British bookmaker before a flat racing season that promises entertainment, notwithstanding regulatory disagreements within the industry. 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 Gambling Commission is calling on stakeholders to call out companies that are not effectively addressing the problem of the black market. Addressing the Ethical Gambling Forum, the UK regulator’s Executive Director, Tim Miller, stated the commission ‘will become increasingly vocal in drawing attention’ to firms that fail to shield consumers from illegal gambling and encouraged attendees to ‘lend your voices to that cause’. “We cannot allow inaction by others to undermine our efforts,” Miller cautioned. “Our ongoing work to tackle the illegal gambling market has revealed that the growing visibility and accessibility of illegal sites is another instance of big tech being too slow to act, only deploying their substantial resources for harm prevention when strongly compelled to. “The future of that market hinges on all of us collaborating with a common goal to continue providing an innovative and engaging consumer experience within a well-regulated framework centered on fairness and safety.” Miller's comments extend his earlier critique of social media giant Meta, which he said in January must increase its efforts to stop illegal gambling ads on its platforms. This follows research from the Marketing Intelligence firm WARC, which predicted just a week ago that black market advertising expenditure will exceed that of the regulated sector by 2028. The government allocated the regulator £26m over three years in November’s Autumn budget to combat the black market. Miller stressed that the commission aims to ‘ramp up our action’ against the illegal market by working with other regulators and law enforcement agencies. In addition to the funding, the government has established an illegal gambling taskforce to enhance cross-agency cooperation between law enforcement and major tech firms such as Google, Meta, and Visa. Providing a progress report on the task force, Miller expressed satisfaction with its initial advancements but warned that it must produce concrete outcomes and not ‘become a talking shop’. Mythbusting financial risk assessments Another key priority for Miller was the Gambling Commission's justification for the potential introduction of financial risk assessments, which have faced criticism from parts of the gambling industry. He referenced a recent blog post from the Gambling Commission that labeled the discourse surrounding the checks as ‘ill-informed or inaccurate’. Miller reaffirmed that the assessments – a central proposal of the 2023 Gambling White Paper – are intended to remove the necessity for operators to request financial paperwork from players. Critics have challenged the supposedly frictionless quality of the assessments, a core requirement of their implementation per the white paper, alleging they are simply ‘affordability checks’ by another name. “Let me be clear, the proposed thresholds for an assessment are not limits or caps on customer spend,” Miller stated. “The checks we have been piloting will not even try to evaluate what any individual customer can afford to gamble.” The UK regulator reports that its pilot study found only one in 1,000 customers who meet the current thresholds for an assessment will be unable to complete them seamlessly – a result that exceeds the white paper's projections. Miller underscored that there are no ‘predetermined next steps’ for implementing financial risk assessments. The Gambling Commission will now present its recommendations to its Board for further review before outlining future plans. He concluded: “If the decision is made to introduce these assessments, we will collaborate closely with DCMS, the industry, and credit reference agencies to form an implementation group. This group will work together to develop the specifics of a sensible implementation plan and schedule. “It will also assist in formulating guidance for operators to guarantee they adopt a proportionate method for interacting with customers when a financial risk is detected.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   SBC has released the nominees for the 2026 SBC Awards Americas, showcasing the top performers throughout the gaming sector in the Americas. Scheduled for June 10 at the Broward County Convention Center during SBC Summit Americas 2026, the event will host 600 industry leaders honoring excellence in North and Latin American gaming. The 2026 edition includes 34 categories that honor exceptional work by operators, affiliates, key industry figures, and various suppliers, ranging from payment experts and platform providers to game developers. Rush Street Interactive tops this year’s list with eight nominations, while Betting Hero follows with six. Optimove, Wazdan, and Betsson Group are close behind, each securing five nominations. Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC, stated: “The SBC Awards Americas continue to grow in stature because the competition across the region keeps getting stronger. This year’s shortlist brings together companies that are not only performing at a high level but also pushing standards forward across operations, technology, marketing, payments, compliance and player engagement. Being shortlisted is a real achievement, and every finalist should be proud of the recognition.” For North American operator categories, FanDuel seeks to defend its 2025 Sportsbook Operator of the Year title against competitors like BetMGM, Caesars Entertainment, and Hard Rock Bet. In the casino sector, BetMGM hopes to keep its title, facing stiff competition from Caesars Entertainment, Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet Casino, and Rush Street Interactive. Regarding Latin America, major firms including Betsson Group, Kaizen Gaming, Megapari, and Rush Street Interactive have been nominated in key operator categories, demonstrating their ongoing expansion and impact in the area. In the affiliate sector, Flashscore Network attempts to hold onto its Sports Affiliate of the Year – LATAM award, competing against Better Collective, Betting Hero, and MediaTroopers. All four are also nominated in the Sports Affiliate of the Year – North America category.  Among supplier categories, Optimove and Wazdan are front-runners with five nominations apiece. Sportradar, SoftConstruct, and OpticOdds also appear frequently, emphasizing the increasing significance of data, platforms, and content for operators in the Americas. Alea aims to repeat its Employer of the Year win from last year. Competing against Betsson Group, Rush Street Interactive, and BetMGM, the category is expected to be fiercely contested. In payments and compliance, OKTO strives to keep its Payment Solution of the Year – Latin America title, and Trustly looks to defend its North American counterpart. Additionally, GeoComply, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), and OpenBet are vying for the Compliance Solution of the Year award. The awards will also highlight new brands influencing the sector, with Octoplay, BETER, OpticOdds, and WagerWire appearing in the Rising Star in Casino and Rising Star in Sports Betting categories. The full roster of shortlisted companies can be found on the SBC Awards Americas website. Attendees should be aware that a specific ticket is needed for the awards ceremony. Details on table and ticket purchases are available here. Secure your pass for SBC Summit Americas: Expo Pass (Free): Grants entry to the exhibition floor with hundreds of brands from North and Latin America, plus basic SBC Connect access. Conference Pass ($399): Includes expo entry and the complete two-day conference agenda, with 250+ speakers on six stages and access to ‘Inner Circle’ sessions. Networking Pass ($399): Provides expo access and the entire SBC Connections program, featuring ‘The Hive,’ ‘The Exchange,’ ‘The Briefings,’ ‘The Walk Around,’ and ‘The Inner Circle,’ as well as official evening networking functions. Business Pass ($549): A comprehensive package offering full expo, conference, and networking access, along with upgraded SBC Connect features. VIP Event Pass ($799): The ultimate all-access pass covering the conference, networking, and exhibition, with premium perks like entry to the Operator Platinum Lounge and the Food Festival. 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 a statement provided to SBC News, the Irish Bookmakers Association (IBA) has stood up for the betting sector in response to assertions from the National Lottery. Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI)—the entity running Ireland’s National Lottery—claims it loses hundreds of millions of euros annually in sales income and tens of millions in funds directed to charitable initiatives. In a report evaluating the National Lottery’s economic effects, PLI contended that the longstanding practice of both physical and online bookmakers accepting wagers on National Lottery draws is hurting lottery sales. The FDJ United-owned company has demanded that the ‘regulatory gap’ separating the National Lottery and Ireland’s large licensed betting industry be eliminated. Two additional groups—representing charities and retailers—have aligned themselves with this call. In reply, Sharon Byrne, Chairperson of the IBA, stated: “We completely reject the National Lottery’s position. Our patrons have been placing bets on lotteries through their local bookmakers for more than three decades now. “Wagering on lottery results is no different from betting on the outcome of any other event, and it’s a well-established offering for many shops—shops that are already dealing with new rules and regulations under the soon-to-be-implemented licensing system.” Is Ireland’s evolving betting scene facing too many changes? The regulatory shifts Byrne mentioned were brought about by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. This legislation was presented to the Oireachtas in 2022 by the Irish government, with the goal of updating Ireland’s outdated gambling rules. One major update from the act was the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI), a new sector-specific regulator that will assume full control of licensing processes this year. The Act also created a Social Impact Fund, into which operators are required to contribute annually. The funds are used to back gambling harm prevention and treatment schemes, along with other projects. Like most laws, however, this one has left some parties unsatisfied—whether it’s those pushing for tighter rules on gambling advertising in Ireland, or the National Lottery operator and its objections to bookmakers taking lottery bets. For the IBA and the bookmakers it represents, removing a revenue source for betting companies could be an excessive move at a time when firms are adjusting to regulatory changes and some are re-evaluating their presence on Ireland’s high streets. “Our members are supportive of the new Gambling Regulation Act, but it’s crucial that there’s a level playing field,” Byrne noted. Putting aside any regulatory hurdles or disputes, Ireland continues to be a key target market for numerous betting operators—both large and small. Just last week, Eurasia Sport‘s 3et became the newest entrant to the market, following Fitzwilliam Sports and DragonBet. 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 recently launched ITV Win platform is poised to be the newest casualty of the UK's increase in iGaming taxes. Having launched only days before Rachel Reeves announced the near-doubling of remote gambling taxes to 40% in November, the platform notified users that ITV Win Bingo and Spins will cease operations permanently at 12pm on May 5. The choice to close operations followed the confirmation by the brand’s operating partner, Richmond Atlantic, that it would be shutting down due to financial strain caused by the tax increases. In addition to the remote gaming duty rising from 21% to 40%, effective April 1, a new general betting duty rate for remote betting is set to be implemented starting April 2027 at 25%. Prior to the November launch of ITV Win, Richmond CEO Adam Joseph stated that the venture would ‘redefine the iGaming landscape’. Nevertheless, a company representative told iGaming Expert that the business is closing, ‘primarily due to the unsustainable tax increases in the UK market’. The spokesperson further stated: “Regrettably, following the tax hike announced in November and implemented this month, despite various mitigations we established for early trading, it is evident that the business cannot sustain itself under the new tax regime. “We examined every avenue, including selling Richmond to another UK-facing operator, but this did not materialize. Consequently, we have decided to wind down operations.” Mitigation strategies start to take effect Operators of all sizes have been compelled to cut costs due to concerns regarding the financial implications of the tax revisions. Evoke, the parent company of William Hill, intends to shut approximately 200 betting shops starting in May in response to these pressures. Simultaneously, other operators have reduced marketing expenditures and terminated major sponsorship agreements, such as Coral’s backing of the Cheltenham Festival. While Richmond Atlantic bears the brunt of this situation, ITV Win’s platform provider, Gaming Innovation Group, and bingo supplier Pragmatic Play are also expected to lose significant revenue once the platform ceases operations. An ITV representative informed iGaming Expert: “We are aware that Richmond Atlantic, the operator behind the ITV Win Bingo and Spins website, can no longer trade, and as a result, the business and website are being wound down. “All customers have been notified of the closure and requested to withdraw their funds. Any customer unable to do so within the specified timeframe will be contacted manually to facilitate withdrawal, in accordance with UKGC regulations.” Is market consolidation approaching? Executives from firms like FDJ United and Entain have forecasted a consolidation of the UK market, anticipating that smaller operators would be squeezed out, and this announcement suggests that this trend is already underway. Particularly striking in this instance is that ITV's appeal was insufficient to lure another operator to acquire the brand through a deal with Richmond Atlantic, despite access to intellectual properties for some of Britain's most popular game shows, including The Chase, Tipping Point and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? With the rising popularity of live game shows, this portfolio should have been an attractive opportunity. However, it is apparent that companies are reluctant to commit the financial investment necessary to acquire ITV Win in the current tax environment. 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) -   Caesars Entertainment has reported a 'solid' beginning to 2026, coinciding with news of a possible acquisition of the casino operator. Speculation emerged last month that Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire proprietor of the Golden Nugget Casino and Fertitta Entertainment, is considering a $7bn (approximately $34 per share) bid for Caesars. On the company's Q1 earnings call, President & Chief Operating Officer Anthony Carano characterized the quarterly performance as 'solid', pointing to a 2.7% year-on-year (YoY) rise in net revenue to $2.9bn (Q1 2025: $2.8bn) and a $3m gain in adjusted EBITDAR to $887m. Key achievements for the quarter featured 'ongoing sequential improvements in Las Vegas operating trends, alongside revenue and EBITDAR expansion in the regional segment' when adjusted for the prior year's Super Bowl impact in New Orleans, in addition to record first-quarter digital revenues and EBITDA. Chief Executive Officer Tom Reeg also stated he was 'pleased with the year's start' and that Las Vegas is now 'in a much stronger position' compared to mid-2025, even though April 2026 proved 'somewhat softer' than expected. Image: Photo Spirit/Shutterstock Nevertheless, the robust first-quarter performance strengthens Caesars' standing as takeover rumors involving Fertitta persist, despite the company's refusal to address the speculation during its earnings call. Q1 revenue: Las Vegas – remained level with the prior year at $1bn. Regional – grew 3% YoY to $1.43bn (Q1 2025: $1.39bn). Digital – climbed 11.6% YoY to $374m (Q1 2025: $335m). Managed and branded – fell 1.5% YoY to $66m (Q1 2025: $67m). Q1 adjusted EBITDA Las Vegas – decreased 1.6% YoY to $426m (Q1 2025: $433m). Regional – declined 1.1% YoY to $435m (Q1 2025: $440m). Digital – surged 60.5% YoY to $69m (Q1 2025: $43m). Managed and branded – dropped 18.8% YoY to a $56m loss (Q1 2025: $48m loss). In the Q1 report, Chief Financial Officer Bret Yunker commented: “Our first quarter consolidated results demonstrate the stability of our Las Vegas and regional segments and the continued growth in Caesars Digital. “We expect to deliver strong free cash flow in 2026 as a result of continued operating momentum, lower cash interest expense, and lower capex.” 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) -   Codere Group has released its full-year 2025 financial results, recording growth across both its retail and online business lines as the company evaluates a possible $2 billion (£1.73 billion) sale. Group gross win – defined as the total sum the company has won (and its customers have lost) over a set period – hit €1.36 billion, marking a 3.2% year-over-year increase (13% when adjusted for constant currency). At the same time, adjusted EBITDA climbed 26% to €225.1 million, underscoring improved profitability following its recent balance sheet restructuring. Its strong performance was powered by core retail markets, most notably Spain and Argentina. In Spain, operational efficiency gains and “optimisation of its machine fleet” lifted margins, while Argentina delivered robust growth despite currency headwinds, backed by ongoing investment in gaming floors and equipment. Codere’s online division, which is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market in New York, also cemented its position as a key growth pillar, posting higher profitability and supporting the group’s wider omnichannel strategy across Spanish-speaking markets. The company invested €121.2 million in 2025, with most funds allocated to maintaining and upgrading existing operations, and ended the year with €118.6 million in cash following three consecutive quarters of positive cash generation. After net debt fell sharply following a late 2024 debt-for-equity restructuring, the group’s current leverage ratio stands at around 1.1x EBITDA – giving it a more stable financial foundation as it drafts its new 2026-2030 strategic plan. The Madrid-headquartered firm cut its total debt from roughly €1.4 billion to under €200 million as a result of the restructuring. However, market attention is increasingly shifting to the company’s ownership structure. Codere is reportedly weighing a sale valued at around $2 billion, a move that would come just one year after the aforementioned restructuring handed control to a broad group of bondholders and institutional creditors. Uncertainties continue to surround Codere Speaking on the iGaming Daily podcast, SBC’s Editor at Large, Ted Menmuir, said of the potential sale: “It seems clear that the narrative being pushed here is that whoever buys this company will acquire the second largest gambling brand in Spain with both a retail and online presence. They will also gain a foothold in the markets of Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and Colombia. “However, I believe you have to take Codere’s past track record into account. This is a company that was saddled with €2 billion of debt over the last ten years. It only just recently concluded its capital renegotiation with bondholders, which cut that debt load by 95%, so there is still no clear consensus on what Codere has actually proven it can deliver long term. “If you look at this from a high level, it is obvious that some form of private equity fund would be the most likely buyer. On the European front, Lottomatica is a company that has talked of leading global expansion, but I don’t think they will have the appetite to take on a company that carries so many existing liabilities.”  Questions also remain over the business’s long-term sustainability. The firm only recently emerged from an extended period of heavy debt, and potential buyers may weigh that troubled history against its improved current financial profile. As noted earlier, Codere Online recently reported revenue growth – a 6% annual increase to €224 million in 2025, fueled by rising player numbers.  However, its future outlook is clouded by rising tax rates in key markets such as Mexico and Colombia, which could squeeze margins going forward. A 19% VAT penalty has been imposed on online gambling gross gaming revenue (GGR) in Colombia. Meanwhile, the Mexican Senate approved a 2026 fiscal package that raises the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) on online gambling and land-based casinos from 30% to 50% of GGR. Taxation in Spain has also been a major point of discussion, and it remains to be seen going forward whether Codere can find a buyer willing to pay $2 billion for the firm and potentially compete with Cirsa, the industry’s largest player in Spain. 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) -   Kambi is relying on new alliances in France and Canada, together with a range of product upgrades centered on the FIFA World Cup, to maintain its first-quarter momentum throughout the year. The Swedish betting technology firm generated €43.5m (£40m) in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 4.9% from €41.5m. Its adjusted EBITDA saw a significant 63.5% rise, moving from a loss of €3.5m to a positive €5.7m. This positive EBITDA trend was mirrored in operating profit, which grew 80% year-on-year from €800,000 to €4.2m. This improvement was likely supported by a 2.1% reduction in operating expenses to €31.9m (Q1 2025: €32.6m) and a 0.4% dip in total expenses to €39.2m (€39.3m). Kambi responds to ‘external challenges’ Based on its Q1 results, Kambi anticipates concluding 2026 with a full-year adjusted EBITDA in the range of €20m to €25m. The group is also preparing for adjustments in response to multiple tax increases affecting the iGaming sector globally, from Europe to Latin America. Werner Becher, Chief Executive Officer, explained that the company has incorporated the new sports betting tax in Colombia into its 2026 projections. While this is expected to reduce revenue by approximately €4m, Becher stated that “we remain confident in our ability to deliver adjusted EBITA within our stated guidance range”. “While external challenges remain, we have started the year on the front foot,” he commented. “Kambi continues to offer market‑leading turnkey and odds feed products, we are progressing on efficiency and productivity initiatives, and we are entering the busiest period of the global sports calendar with confidence. “Against this backdrop, I believe the broader outlook for the business remains bright and I am encouraged by the opportunities ahead.” Lottery partnerships provide significant boost Key to Kambi's 2026 revenue and EBITDA forecasts are two newly signed partnerships in the Canadian lottery sector. Alongside its Q1 earnings, the company today announced agreements with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). The group has obtained a sportsbook technology and services contract with both lottery corporations, effectively operating a multi-provincial sportsbook solution that covers half the nation. These two Crown Corporations serve seven of Canada's ten provinces; BCLC manages sports betting in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in addition to its home province of British Columbia. Kambi won the contract after a Request for Proposal (RFP) process led by ALC, which aimed to find a single supplier for a national sports betting platform for multiple lottery operators. Under the agreement, Kambi will supply its complete turnkey sportsbook product. Becher said: “Being chosen to operate this multi-province sportsbook solution is a powerful validation of Kambi’s reliable technology, regulatory knowledge, and demonstrated capacity to perform at scale. “ALC and BCLC have established a clear plan for a unified, consistent sportsbook, and we are honoured to support its next stage with our high‑performance, compliant, and proven turnkey sportsbook. “Kambi has extensive experience collaborating with lottery and state‑owned operators globally, and we anticipate providing a premier sports betting experience for players in numerous Canadian provinces.” These alliances further broaden Kambi's client portfolio, now significantly featuring Canadian lotteries. The moves by BCLC and ALC come after a Q1 agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Beyond Canada, Kambi also anticipates its partnership with Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU), France's horse racing pool betting operator, to yield benefits in 2026. Becher commended its new partner as “one of France’s most established and recognisable betting brands”. “This launch marks Kambi’s introduction into the regulated French sports betting market, and I am hopeful about aiding PMU’s goal to increase its market share in one of Europe’s largest betting markets,” he added. “The PMU deal, combined with our Canadian expansion, demonstrates Kambi’s rising importance to major national and institutional operators.” Lastly, Kambi's leadership provided an update on its preparations ahead of the World Cup. Becher noted the firm is 'working closely with partners' and has scheduled a series of product improvements for its frontend, rewards, and trading systems. “These enhancements are intended not just for the tournament, but to provide enduring value long after it concludes,” he stated. “Simultaneously, we are further developing our AI‑driven trading capabilities. “After initial deployments in tennis and basketball, over 60% of Q1 bets were priced and traded by AI, a figure expected to grow further following the recent extension into ATP tennis.” 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.