日期: 2026年5月7日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Light & Wonder has become the latest iGaming company to highlight concerns over how geopolitical uncertainties are affecting the gambling industry. The slot manufacturer estimates that external factors beyond its control, particularly US President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade tariffs on multiple countries and recent adjustments to remote gaming taxation in the UK, will result in a financial impact of $30 million (£22 million). In light of these challenges, Light & Wonder forecasts only single-digit EBITDA growth for 2026. Regarding the UK tax changes—which have already raised remote gaming duty from 21% to 40%—Matt Wilson, Light & Wonder’s President and Chief Executive Officer, assured investors the company is working with operators to manage the effects but acknowledged these shifts would “begin to pressure our growth trajectory.” A multitude of concerns Like many global industries, gaming continues to grapple with the unpredictability introduced by Trump’s inconsistent tariff policies on imports from various nations. Back in May 2025, Light & Wonder indicated it was exploring relocating part of its supply chain to Mexico to reduce the economic consequences of the tariffs through the USMCA free trade agreement among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since then, additional financial pressures have emerged from changes in the UK’s tax framework—a major market for Light & Wonder—alongside broader economic impacts driven by rising tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. The latter situation has led to significant increases in global oil prices and poses potential risks to the gaming sector in several Asian countries near active conflict zones. Despite these difficulties, Wilson reported that gross gaming revenue remains stable in the US during the first quarter. “GGR’s holding up nicely in the face of a lot of geopolitical risk,” he told investors. “[There are] a number of different factors that could be hitting the US consumer, but they’re powering right through it at the moment. It’s something to watch closely. You look at the fee per day numbers, you look at the reported GGR, it looks like the market’s holding on very well.” Nonetheless, Light & Wonder began the year on a positive note despite prevailing uncertainty, recording consolidated revenue growth of 2% year-over-year to $790 million (£580 million) and AEBITDA growth of 5% YoY to $327 million (£240 million). This growth was primarily fueled by improvements in both its gaming segment, which saw a 3% YoY increase to $512 million (£375.9 million), and its iGaming division, which expanded by 18% YoY to $91 million (£66.8 million). Can AI offer solutions? In addition to efforts aimed at addressing regulatory and geopolitical challenges, Light & Wonder has allocated $20 million (£14.7 million) toward investments in AI infrastructure and new market expansion, as well as $10 million (£7.4 million) for legacy legal expenses. Wilson stressed the company is advancing its AI initiative with “urgency and discipline,” which started in 2025. He added: “We’ve got 43 initiatives and work streams that we’re working on across technology, content, SciPlay, and our operations. We think it can make a very meaningful impact on our organisation over time.” Oliver Chow, Light & Wonder’s Chief Financial Officer, described building AI infrastructure as a “meaningful driver of efficiency and capability”—two critical elements as the company seeks to overcome global uncertainties and evolving regulatory landscapes. 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 2026 local elections are being described as a generational shift in the UK electorate, marking a decisive break from the traditional dominance of the Labour and Conservative parties. As voters head to the polls on Thursday, the political map of the UK is poised for transformation, driven by the rising influence of Reform UK and the Green Party—two populist forces reshaping voter sentiment. Thursday’s results are set to serve as a critical political test for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with Betfair Exchange markets predicting significant losses for Labour and a strong showing by both Reform UK and the Green Party. More than 1,600 council seats across England, Scotland, and Wales will be up for grabs, marking the first major electoral assessment of Labour’s performance since Starmer secured a decisive general election victory in 2024. On the Betfair Exchange, Reform UK is currently the heavy favourite to win the most seats, priced at 1.02—implying a 98% likelihood that Nigel Farage’s party will lead the national seat count. Despite recent setbacks in parliamentary by-elections, including Gorton & Denton and Caerphilly over the past six months, Reform’s anti-establishment appeal and consistent polling momentum appear well-aligned with the dynamics of local elections. James Mackie – Betfair James Mackie, spokesperson for Betfair Exchange, told SBC that “Thursday’s contests could permanently reshape the political landscape.” “As the first major opportunity for voters to express their views since the last general election—and with odds pointing to substantial losses for Labour—the 2026 local elections are poised to have a profound impact on UK politics,” he said. The Green Party is also expected to emerge as a major disruptor. Led by Zack Polanski, the Greens have increasingly focused on Labour-held progressive and urban areas, aiming to capitalise on growing voter discontent with the government’s direction. Betfair currently prices the Greens at 1.88 (a 53% chance) to finish second overall and at 1.58 (a 63% chance) to secure more seat gains than Labour. “Reform are 1/50 to win the most seats, and the Greens are backed at 8/11 to outpace Labour in seat gains—voters appear ready to reject the traditional giants of UK politics,” Mackie added. For Labour, the market outlook reflects deepening concerns about Starmer’s leadership, less than two years after the party returned to power. Exchange odds place Labour at 100.00 (a 1% chance) of winning the most seats, only slightly ahead of the Conservatives at 110.00 (0.9%), underscoring the continued erosion of support for both established parties. Political bettors are also factoring in the risk of leadership upheaval if Labour suffers the scale of defeats currently projected. Betfair punters have priced Starmer as the favourite to step down as Labour leader between July and September 2026 at odds of 2.42—an implied probability of 41%. The Prime Minister has faced persistent criticism in recent months following a series of political missteps, including the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, a move that sparked internal dissent and renewed questions about Starmer’s judgment. “There could also be immediate consequences for the country’s current leadership—a disastrous result for Labour is likely to trigger calls for Sir Keir Starmer to resign,” Mackie stated. “With the Prime Minister priced at 7/1 to lead Labour into the next election and an exit between July and September heavily favoured, bettors appear to have already reached a verdict on Starmer’s future.” Starmer fall guy Attention has now turned to potential successors. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has emerged as the market favourite to become the UK’s next Prime Minister, priced at 4.0 (a 25% chance), despite not currently holding a seat in Westminster. Reports over the weekend indicated that Burnham has held talks with MPs in north-west constituencies about securing a return to Parliament via a by-election. Burnham had previously sought the Labour nomination in the Gorton by-election earlier this year but was blocked by the party’s NEC—a contest Labour ultimately lost to the Green Party. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner follows closely in the leadership market at 4.5 (a 22% chance). “If Starmer steps down, it looks set to be a contest between two northern figures, with Angela Rayner at 11/4 and Andy Burnham at 3/1 as the current frontrunners,” Mackie concluded. Beyond Thursday’s results, betting markets are increasingly viewing the local elections as a key predictor of the next general election. Betfair currently prices a hung parliament at 4/6 (a 60% chance) as the most likely national outcome, while Reform UK is at 4/1 (20%) and the Greens at 39/1 (2.5%) to become future governing parties. “The outcome of Thursday’s votes will inevitably shape perceptions as we look ahead to the next general election,” Mackie said. “A hung parliament is the current favourite at 4/6, but a significant shift toward Reform or the Greens could shift that outlook as the picture becomes clearer.” 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 Online has reported continued growth across the business for Q1 2026, notably in Mexico ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Nasdaq-listed company’s Q1 results were released amid speculation about a possible sale of Grupo Codere, the Madrid-based omnichannel gaming group that holds a major stake in Codere Online. Total revenue for Codere Online—which, like Grupo Codere, is headquartered in Spain but primarily serves Spanish-speaking Latin American markets—amounted to €60.3 million (£54.7 million), up 16% from the €57 million recorded in Q1 2025. The company also showed strong performance in profitability metrics: adjusted EBITDA increased from €1.8 million to €6 million, while net income turned from a €700,000 loss into a €7 million profit. Marcus Arildsson, Chief Financial Officer of Codere Online, described the first quarter as “a clear step forward in profitability,” highlighting both the rise in adjusted EBITDA and the return to net profit. The year has started strongly for Codere, providing leadership with confidence after the company posted a €1.8 million net loss at the end of 2025. Mexico leads the way for Codere On a market-by-market basis, Mexico stood out for Codere Online, with net gaming revenue (NGR) rising 13% to €34.6 million (from €30.5 million), driving total revenue of €30.4 million from the country. This strong result comes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico alongside the United States and Canada. Public interest in the tournament could significantly boost customer engagement for the company; however, Mexico presents challenges such as a ‘sin tax’ on gambling introduced last year. In its home market of Spain, net gaming revenue grew 16% year-over-year, from €21.9 million to €25.5 million, with overall revenue also reaching €25.5 million. The World Cup may serve as an effective customer acquisition tool in Spain as well, though the market faces regulatory hurdles including marketing restrictions and renewed political debate over reinstating a ban on betting bonuses. Beyond Spain and Mexico, Codere Online’s other core markets are Argentina, Colombia, and Panama. Combined, revenue from these “other” markets totaled €4.4 million, reflecting a slight 2% decline compared to €4.5 million in the prior year. Casino operations accounted for the majority of revenue—63%—while sportsbook contributed the remaining 37%. Revenue growth was driven by a 14% year-over-year increase in the active customer base, which now stands at 183 million and has grown steadily over the past two years. Codere Online has also provided its full-year outlook, projecting revenue between €235–245 million and EBITDA of €15–20 million. This would represent steady improvement over FY2025 figures of €224.1 million and €13.8 million, respectively. Shares in the company have risen more than 7% during the first half-hour of trading on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, reaching $9.72 (£7.13). This follows a positive trend over the past 12 months, during which the share price has increased by nearly one-fifth. Founded effectively in 2021 following a spin-off from Grupo Codere, Codere Online went public on the Nasdaq that same year through a merger with SPAC DD3 Acquisition Corp II. Although Grupo Codere itself is not publicly traded, it will still benefit from Codere Online’s strong financial performance—not only due to revenue contributions but also because of the positive image this creates for the parent group as it reportedly seeks potential buyers. A rumored valuation of $2 billion initially drew attention when discussed, but positive results from a company in which Grupo Codere holds a majority stake can only enhance its appeal. Aviv Sher, Chief Executive Officer of Codere Online, stated: “We delivered a very strong start to 2026, achieving record quarterly net gaming revenue of €64.4 million, up 13% year-on-year. “In Spain, performance accelerated meaningfully, with net gaming revenue growing 16%, reflecting a clear continuation and acceleration of the positive trends we began to see in the second half of 2025, particularly in the fourth quarter. “Mexico also continued to deliver double-digit growth, supported by a 20% increase in the number of active customers.” 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) -   Oklahoma is on the verge of becoming the 11th state to effectively prohibit sweepstakes, pending one final obstacle in the legislative process. The bill’s passage hinges solely on the signature of Governor Kevin Stitt, as growing momentum supports the ban. With only five days remaining, Governor Stitt must decide whether to sign the legislation; if he takes no action, the law will automatically take effect. In the absence of a clear signal from Stitt, there is significant public and political support opposing sweepstakes within the state. Advocates cite consumer protection as a primary reason for advancing the ban, aiming to prevent offshore operators from operating freely in the state. Governor Stitt has previously criticized the broader impact of gambling, even stating that he would eliminate all forms of gambling if he could. While his opposition extends to traditional gambling, he has shown some support for sports betting as a regulated activity. Washington may soon join Oklahoma in banning sweepstakes, aligning with its recent legalization of online casinos through updated regulations. Speaking before policymakers in Washington, D.C., Committee on Human Services Chair Matthew Frumin strongly condemned the sweepstakes industry. He remarked: “These platforms currently operate in the district without meaningful consumer safeguards or regulatory oversight, creating both health and financial risks for residents and limiting the district’s ability to respond to any potential issues of fraud or theft arising from them. “This legislation establishes a comprehensive licensing framework, including a consumer protection plan, responsible gaming requirements, taxation, reporting, and an enforcement framework administered by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.” 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) -   Sportsbook technology provider DATA.BET has incorporated tennis into its offerings for global betting and gaming operators. This addition aligns with DATA.BET’s broader product development strategy, aiming to enhance player engagement and provide a more consistent betting experience for its operator partners. Tennis will play a ‘central role’ in DATA.BET’s plans to expand across various sports disciplines, the company states. Headquartered in Cyprus, DATA.BET has traditionally specialized in esports but has been broadening its reach into other verticals. “Tennis is among the top five most popular sports for our clients, which makes expanding coverage in this discipline a clear priority for DATA.BET,” said Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “By expanding our tennis coverage, we enable operators to offer deeper, year-round tennis betting opportunities.” DATA.BET’s tennis integration has been made possible through a partnership with Infront, an official sports data and content provider. The company emphasizes its commitment to sourcing data from the most trusted sources available. Diogo Almeida, Head of Sales at Infront Bettor, commented: “Our collaboration with DATA.BET supports our goal of ensuring that the entire betting market has access to official data, reaching as many sportsbooks as possible and allowing their customers to enjoy a high-quality offering, all while being protected by live fast-path official data delivered directly from the umpire’s chair.” This move comes just one week after DATA.BET launched its entry into predictions via a new platform, following the trend set by several major betting companies such as Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel and Betfair, DraftKings, and Fanatics. As previously noted, DATA.BET has been actively expanding into traditional sports verticals over the past year. Its expertise in the dynamic esports sector, combined with its use of AI, forms a key foundation of confidence in its capabilities. “The number of markets we can offer is almost limitless,” Thomas Donson, the firm’s Head of Trading, told SBC News at ICE earlier this year. “If a customer requests a specific bet, we can deliver it because the underlying data exists. This is no longer a generic product—players need what they want to stay engaged.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Genius Sports reported a significant net loss for the first quarter of the year, yet the company's leadership remains confident in its ambitious year-end projections. The London-headquartered, NYSE-listed sports technology firm released its Q1 financial results today, showing a 30.5% increase in year-over-year revenue, rising from $143.9 million (£105.6 million) to $187.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the group also grew by 21.3%, from $19.8 million to $24 million. However, Genius's progress towards profitability was impacted by its $1.2 billion acquisition of Legend earlier in the year. Genius reported a Q1 net loss of $55.5 million for the group, a substantial increase of 576.6% from the $8.2 million loss recorded in the previous year. The company directly linked this to the $1.2 billion Legend acquisition, as well as foreign exchange fluctuations and stock-based compensation. Nevertheless, considering a cost exceeding $1 billion, this loss is not deemed catastrophic. Nevertheless, the Legend acquisition has presented challenges for Genius, particularly from a market standpoint, since its inception. The markets did not respond with the same enthusiasm as Genius to the acquisition of Legend, a leading global sports and entertainment digital media platform, resulting in a 23% drop in the firm's share price immediately following the announcement. Genius's management, supported by several independent investment analysts, has asserted that this market skepticism stemmed from a fundamental misinterpretation of Legend as merely an affiliate business. Genius and others contend that its scope extends far beyond that. Setting aside the Legend M&A, Genius can draw confidence from the strong Q1 performance of both its betting and media divisions. Revenue from the Betting Technology, Content, and Services division increased by 33.3% to $146.2 million (from $109.7 million), while Media Technology, Content, and Services revenue grew by 22.7% to $41.7 million (from $34.3 million). Mark Locke, founder and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “Our first-quarter results highlight the resilience and clarity of our business model, demonstrating robust revenue growth in both Betting and Media, fueled by long-term agreements, expanding client relationships, and the introduction of new products throughout the global sports and betting landscape.” Source: Genius Sports – investor Summit A Legend-ary role of the dice for Genius? Genius's share price continues to be significantly lower than its level before the Legend acquisition. Last month, specifically in early April, its market capitalization dropped below the Legend takeover valuation for the first time, reaching a low of $1.01 billion on April 10, almost $200 million less than the acquisition cost. As of yesterday's market close, the company's shares were priced at $4.40 each, a decrease from just over $11 on December 31, 2025, which was 33 days before the Legend acquisition was announced. Despite this, Genius asserts that the Legend transaction will ultimately benefit its business. Management now anticipates group revenue between $990 million and $1 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA between $270 million and $280 million by the close of 2026. The company also projects Q2 revenue of $185 million and EBITDA of $45 million, following the finalization of the Legend takeover on May 1, 2026. “With the Legend acquisition now finalized, we are extending our platform further into fan engagement and participation, generating new prospects across sports, media, and iGaming,” Locke concluded. “This integration reinforces our long-term growth trajectory, improves monetization throughout our ecosystem, and is anticipated to lead to substantial margin expansion and cash flow over time.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Hub88 has enhanced its aggregation hub by entering into a new content partnership with Games Inc. This collaboration brings over 70 slot titles and table games from Games Inc’s portfolio to Hub88’s operator partners. Fiona Hickey, Managing Director at Games Inc, stated: “Hub88 is a key partner for us, sharing our values, operational approach, and strong reputation, which helps unlock access to more brands worldwide. Their platform is technically outstanding and significantly expands our reach. “We are confident that our creative style and innovative approach will connect well with their partners across multiple global markets.” Founded in 2012, Games Inc initially worked with operators to develop custom slots before transitioning to become an independent provider, according to Hub88. Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, highlighted Games Inc’s ‘extensive experience and deep understanding of operators’ as standout qualities that influenced the company’s decision to enter into the partnership. “They have spent years carefully crafting custom games, and this expertise is evident in the performance of their portfolio,” he added. “Their content is driven by real-world insights and data, bringing additional value to our operator network.” Hub88 empowers operators with greater control In addition to new content partnerships, Hub88 has launched My Products this month to further strengthen its product offering. According to Hub88, the introduction of My Products reflects its commitment to providing operators with increased control and supports its ‘one-stop-shop’ strategy. The new feature is integrated into Hub88’s HubConnect solution and offers operators a dashboard where they can view their complete product catalogue, monitor enablement status, adjust preferences, and enable multiple games at once. Castleman commented at the time of the announcement: “As operators expand and create more diverse lobbies, managing games can quickly become complex and inefficient. “My Products provides our partners with a quicker and more intuitive way to manage their content—from discovery through to activation—all within a single, streamlined experience.” 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) -   Swiss Casinos’ online casino arm is set to offer additional iGaming content to its Swiss players following a new partnership with Yggdrasil Gaming.  This integration, powered by Playtech, will incorporate Yggdrasil’s content library into the game lobby of swisscasinos.ch, featuring popular titles like Valley of the Gods, Vikings Go Berzerk, and Raptor. Yggdrasil has maintained a presence in Switzerland’s iGaming sector since 2020, and this collaboration with Swiss Casinos will further strengthen its standing in the country. Patrick Mastai, Online Casino Director at swisscasinos.ch, commented: “As one of Switzerland’s leading casino operators, we’ve built a strong reputation for delivering premium entertainment within a highly regulated market.  “Teaming up with Yggdrasil allows us to expand our game portfolio with proven, high-performing content.” Yggdrasil Gaming also noted that more titles are expected to be added to the Swiss Casinos online platform in the coming months. Yggdrasil branches out Over the past several months, the iGaming provider has been expanding its footprint across Europe, including a partnership with Admiral to grow its presence in Serbia’s iGaming market. However, Yggdrasil’s growth isn’t limited to Europe; it recently secured a dual partnership in South Africa with SportyBet and Playco.za. Lexuri Arnaiz, Regional Manager for Spain and Northern Europe at Yggdrasil, added: “Enhancing our presence in Switzerland through our collaboration with swisscasinos.ch underscores our commitment to operating in well-regulated markets.” iGamingExpert recently interviewed nAni Srinivasan, President of iTech Labs, and Joshua Strydom, Chief Compliance & Risk Officer at Yggdrasil, about the supplier’s Game in a Box—a new proprietary technology designed to simplify and accelerate game development from concept to launch. Strydom said: “Game in a Box provides studios with a structured development framework that already addresses many of the practical requirements for regulated distribution. “Rather than each studio having to tackle the same regulatory and operational challenges from scratch, they can work within a model built to support licensing, certification, localization, and integration more efficiently.  “Yggdrasil positions it publicly as a framework to streamline delivery and handle much of the heavy lifting around market entry. This doesn’t remove compliance obligations or make regulations disappear; instead, it makes the route to market more consistent, scalable, and less dependent on each studio reinventing the wheel.” 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) -   LCKY Group has taken a significant step to bolster its position as a competitive player in Europe’s regulated online gambling sector by reaching “definitive terms” for the acquisition of RoyalCasino, a Denmark-focused operator. The deal enables LCKY to expand into one of Europe’s most established and stable regulated gaming markets, gaining access to a portfolio of locally tailored Danish online casino brands, including KapowCasino and ValhallaCasino. Established in 2016, RoyalCasino has built a strong presence in Denmark’s online casino landscape, earning a reputation for steady and profitable growth within a highly competitive regulatory framework. LCKY views this acquisition as a strategic move that closely aligns with its long-term commitment to operating in regulated and sustainable revenue markets. Financial projections from dealmakers indicate that the addition of RoyalCasino is expected to increase group revenues by 18% to 20%, while EBITDA is forecast to rise by 29% to 31%. The acquisition also supports LCKY’s broader multi-brand strategy. By integrating RoyalCasino’s well-known local brands into its platform, these brands will benefit from new proprietary enhancements developed by LCKY’s development team. Richard Brown, CEO of LCKY Group, described the acquisition as both strategically sound and financially advantageous for the company’s long-term goals. “This is a highly strategic and financially compelling acquisition for LCKY Group,” Brown said. “RoyalCasino brings both strong market presence and high-quality earnings in Denmark—a market that aligns closely with our focus on regulated, sustainable growth.” “The transaction enhances our scale, strengthens our competitive position, and provides clear opportunities to drive synergies and long-term value creation. We look forward to working closely with the RoyalCasino team to realise these opportunities.” Denmark has increasingly emerged as a benchmark jurisdiction for industry operators due to its high channelisation rates, mature consumer base, and stable licensing environment. LCKY will enter the Danish market as the Folketinget (Parliament) finalises the terms of a new advertising bill that includes specific requirements for gambling advertising and marketing, with measures aimed at promoting safer gambling practices. Per Petersen, CEO of RoyalCasino, emphasized the advantages of combining local Danish market expertise with LCKY’s international infrastructure and operational scale. “RoyalCasino is one of the largest online casino operators in Denmark, a market known for being both well-regulated and high-value,” Petersen said. “Our industry is marked by intense innovation and competition, and we see the synergy between RoyalCasino’s local expertise and LCKY’s international scale and iGaming experience as a powerful foundation for mutual success.” The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the second half of 2026. Partis served as the principal M&A advisor to RoyalCasino on the transaction. 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 competition for market share in Italy is becoming increasingly fierce as Lottomatica and Flutter compete in the rapidly evolving online gambling sector. While Lottomatica currently holds a slight lead with a 31.8% market share compared to Flutter’s 31%, Flutter’s growth trajectory in Italy remains strong. Once the dominant player in Italy, Lottomatica now faces mounting pressure from Flutter, which continues to challenge the established order in Europe’s second-largest gaming market. Flutter has intensified its efforts through strategic acquisitions, most notably completing the purchase of Snaitech in April 2025. This acquisition strengthens its position alongside other Italian brands such as Sisal, Pokerstars, Tombola, and Betfair. Reporting to investors, Chief Executive Officer Peter Jackson described Flutter as the ‘clear number one operator online’, highlighting that the company is ‘outgrowing both the market and its main competitors’. Jackson particularly praised the success of Sisal’s MyCombo product, which enables users to create custom pre-match football accumulator bets. According to Flutter, multi-leg bets account for approximately half of Sisal’s pre-match football wagers. Flutter continues to grow Data released by Agipro in January showed that Flutter held a 26.5% market share in December, just after the market transitioned under the new licensing system administered by the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). This represents an almost 5% increase since the beginning of the year, underscoring the momentum Flutter is gaining in Italy—and serving as a warning to Lottomatica. In comparison, Lottomatica ended 2025 with an online market share of 31.3%, having grown by only 0.5% over a similar period. Regarding Flutter’s performance in Italy, Jackson noted that Snaitech has yet to fully benefit from the migration of customers to Flutter’s SEA platform, which was completed at the end of April. He added: “I’m very excited about the outlook for the rest of the year in Italy, with Sisal’s ongoing, exceptional performance and the unlocking of Sisal’s market-leading products for Snaitech following the platform migration.” Alongside Flutter, Lottomatica is also keeping a close eye on several international operators looking to expand their presence in Italy’s revitalised market. Betsson, for example, reported record Q1 revenue in Italy and continues to gain market share. Meanwhile, multinationals bet365 and Entain maintain a presence in Italy through Eurobet. Despite these competitive pressures, Lottomatica reported solid results: a 10% year-on-year increase in online gaming segment revenue to €265 million (£229 million). Overall gross gaming revenue grew modestly by 2% year-on-year to €1.24 billion (£1.1 billion). Strong performance across Italy’s leading operators reflects the overall health of the online gaming market, which now includes 46 operators holding 52 licenses collectively following the recent regulatory changes. Combining both old and new regimes, total spending in the Italian market rose by more than 15% in 2025, reaching €3.2 billion (£2.76 billion), up from €2.8 billion (£2.42 billion) in 2024. Questions still to answer While Italy’s market appears to be developing well under the new ADM framework, significant questions remain regarding advertising regulations, especially the 2018 Dignity Decree. This legislation completely bans gambling companies from sponsoring sporting events. However, proposals have been submitted to amend certain provisions in an effort to boost Italian sports through increased gambling marketing investment. Currently, ADM and the Senate’s Culture Commission are evaluating the restrictions as they attempt to balance consumer protection with the need for greater marketing visibility. Industry stakeholders argue that limiting regulated sector exposure has unintentionally contributed to the expansion of Italy’s substantial unregulated betting market, estimated to be worth around €1 billion annually. 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) -   Gibraltar became the first jurisdiction to issue a license to a prediction market company in April. Slotegrator COO Olga Ivanchik offers her comments on Gibraltar’s decision to be a first mover in a very lucrative space. Envision an online entertainment product with millions of users, whose legal status varies widely across different regions. In countries where it is regulated, clear safety guidelines are established, and significant tax revenues are generated. Conversely, in nations that ban or heavily restrict it, users and associated revenue are pushed offshore. Does this scenario ring a bell? Slotegrator COO Olga Ivanchik This was likely the case for authorities in Gibraltar, who issued a license to prediction market operator ADI Predictstreet at the beginning of April, aiming to boost tax income. This move made Gibraltar the first territory to diverge from the European trend; numerous countries across the continent have banned or blocked platforms like Polymarket or Kalshi. While Gibraltar has taken the lead, it is not acting alone. Malta is currently considering the introduction of a new category of license specifically for prediction markets, according to statements by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri. Prediction markets themselves are not a new phenomenon, but their recent surge in popularity certainly is, and the issues surrounding them are complex. The first challenge is determining which regulatory category they belong to – are they gambling platforms? Financial exchanges? Or something entirely different? Each regulator is making its own determination; in the US, they fall under the authority of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, whereas France’s Autorité Nationale des Jeux categorizes them as unlicensed gambling. Recent remarks from Andrew Lyman, Gibraltar’s gambling commissioner, clarified that various platforms operate under different models, meaning they may not all fit into a single, established regulatory framework. He also suggested the possibility that Gibraltar could develop a bespoke regulatory regime for prediction markets, similar to the approach being explored in Malta. Both Gibraltar and Malta are highly respected regulators with extensive experience, and they are adopting a pragmatic and realistic perspective. The global appetite for prediction markets is growing, and anyone involved in iGaming understands that clarity is preferable to confusion. However, so far, they do not have much support. In the iGaming industry, there is a worldwide trend towards stricter regulations. Across Europe and Latin America, authorities are more inclined to introduce tighter rules rather than loosen them, particularly concerning sportsbook advertising or online casino bonuses. Attitudes towards prediction markets are even more stringent. While only a few countries have officially regulated them, there are many more that have opted for prohibition, such as Brazil, which outlawed prediction markets and promptly blocked 27 related websites. These restrictive measures, however, place regulators out of sync with public sentiment. Players enjoy the wide variety of available bets and the underlying mathematics; in genuine prediction market products, odds are determined by market dynamics, and each bet functions as a contract between two parties, with the platform simply facilitating the transaction. The platform then collects a commission, eliminating the need to incorporate a house edge into the odds, thereby benefiting both players and operators. Beyond their undeniable appeal, prediction markets are also gaining cultural credibility through partnerships with professional sports leagues. ADI Predictstreet serves as the official FIFA prediction market partner for the upcoming World Cup, and in the US, where prediction markets are classified as financial instruments, the NHL has entered multi-year agreements with both Kalshi and Polymarket. Additionally, Polymarket has secured a deal with MLS. In the long term, prediction markets may follow a similar path to legalization as online casinos and sportsbooks once did: initial resistance, followed eventually by a shift towards protecting players, shrinking the black market, and generating tax revenue. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Colombia, and Brazil are just a few examples from a lengthy list. Moreover, jurisdictions such as Gibraltar and Malta that embrace this inevitable development early on could reap substantial benefits. As pioneers, Gibraltar and Malta will have the chance to position themselves as leaders in a sector already valued in the billions, and one that is expected to continue expanding in the future. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Entain Australia & New Zealand is collaborating with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) after the regulator identified over 500 violations of national self-exclusion regulations in Australia. Following an ACMA investigation, the operator of Ladbrokes and Neds entered into a court-enforceable undertaking. The ACMA determined that Entain had: Opened accounts and enabled wagering for individuals registered with BetStop. Created new accounts for customers who were listed on BetStop. Failed to sufficiently promote BetStop in customer text messages and emails. In response, the ACMA has accepted an 18-month court-enforceable undertaking from Entain. As part of this commitment, the company will undergo an independent review of its compliance systems and processes and implement any recommended improvements. An Entain Australia spokesperson stated: “We take all our regulatory responsibilities seriously. These issues emerged during the initial phase of a new national system, and we have cooperated constructively with the ACMA to introduce meaningful enhancements to our processes and controls. “Our priority is ensuring proper support for our customers—especially those who have chosen to self-exclude—and building lasting trust through a strong, compliance-focused culture.” According to ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood, several violations involved Entain customers maintaining multiple accounts across Ladbrokes and Neds platforms. Lidgerwood explained: “When someone enrolls in BetStop, gambling operators are required to close all accounts associated with that individual under their services. “In this instance, Entain’s systems failed to properly identify and connect all wagering accounts held by affected customers across its platforms, including one account that remained active for more than a year after the customer had self-excluded.” Entain confirmed it engaged with the ACMA throughout the process, submitting detailed responses and working in good faith to resolve the concerns. The company noted that the BetStop system and related procedures were still being refined at the time and emphasized that it had invested significantly in strengthening its compliance framework, governance, and internal culture, with several improvements already implemented. Entain also highlighted that the use of an enforceable undertaking instead of a financial penalty reflects both the nature of the breaches and the regulator’s confidence in the company’s ability to address them effectively. However, the ACMA clarified that it did not issue Entain with an infringement notice because that option was unavailable under current circumstances. It added that failure to comply with the enforceable undertaking could result in court-imposed financial penalties. Entain’s legal proceedings with AUSTRAC Compliance with national self-exclusion rules is not the only challenge facing Entain in Australia. The company is also preparing for a Federal Court case against Australian financial crime watchdog AUSTRAC regarding alleged failures in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) compliance. Justice Moore is scheduled to hear the dispute between Entain and AUSTRAC on 30 November 2026. By 6 August, Entain must submit its evidence for the case; AUSTRAC was required to finalize its case by 10 April, though settlement remains possible before then. In December 2024, an AUSTRAC investigation into Entain’s Ladbrokes and Neds brands led to allegations that the operator allowed 17 high-risk customers to spend AUS $152 million (approximately €93.6 million) without sufficient due diligence. Notably, one customer—with documented links to drug trafficking—is accused of laundering over $20 million through Entain’s platform. Last October, Entain acknowledged shortcomings in its prior AML/CTF compliance program from December 2018 to August 2024 but disputed certain interpretations and claims made by AUSTRAC. The company asserted that its AML/CTF compliance had been substantially upgraded as of August 2024 and was fully aligned with regulatory standards. Entain further pointed to operational changes made over the past two years and reaffirmed its full cooperation with AUSTRAC, stating it continues to engage constructively and in good faith. Andrew Vouris, Chief Executive Officer of Entain Australia & New Zealand, remarked at the time: “We genuinely regret that our previous program fell short of expectations. We relied on expert guidance at the time, but upon reflection, we recognize it did not meet the necessary standards. “We have taken responsibility for our mistakes, learned from them, and spent the last two years overhauling our approach. Today, Entain operates a market-leading compliance program grounded in a compliance-first philosophy—committed to winning, but never at the expense of integrity.” 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) -   IGT PlaySports Head of Sports Trading, Tony DiTommaso, explains how extensive expertise will allow IGT to assist and scale opportunities for clients in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup. Soccer’s popularity in the U.S. is climbing as the sport gains greater visibility. With the FIFA World Cup set to kick off in mid-June, North America will be the center of global attention as it hosts the tournament for the first time since 1994. Beyond the massive international viewership, millions of spectators are expected to visit the 16 host cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada. This heightened focus on soccer is expected to trigger a surge in wagering volume across North America, a market that typically trails behind major U.S. sports like basketball, baseball, and American football. Financial services firm Gabelli, based in New York, forecasts that the total U.S. handle will more than double the $1.8bn recorded during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We view this as a prime opportunity to promote the World Cup to our clients and sustain business momentum during the traditionally quieter summer months. Wagering is already open for group stage matches beginning June 11, alongside various tournament props, including qualification outcomes, eliminations, group winners, and individual player awards. The comprehensive betting menu for the World Cup mirrors that of other major sporting events, such as March Madness, the Super Bowl, and professional league playoffs. Offerings include the standard three-way money line (win, lose, or draw) and prop bets—such as team top scorers, player discipline, and assists—that cater to both casual soccer fans and those with deep knowledge of international players and teams. We have made a concerted effort to communicate proactively with our clients regarding the tournament. We are currently providing hundreds of prop bets for each match scheduled for early June, as well as numerous tournament futures markets, including group betting, the Golden Boot, teams to advance, and odds regarding when host nations might be eliminated. Fortunately, IGT clients benefit from the PlaySports Trading Advisory Service team, which prioritizes events of this magnitude and possesses a thorough understanding of the sport, its betting trends, and emerging opportunities. As these major events approach, IGT’s trading advisory team increases engagement with clients, keeping them updated on new content as it becomes available. Preparation for this year’s World Cup is especially critical, as the event’s presence in the United States is expected to drive substantial handle. A study by the global payments platform Paysafe suggests that the World Cup will generate opportunities for both first-time bettors and increased engagement from experienced sports wagering enthusiasts. The research indicates that 92% of those planning to bet expect to wager at their usual level or higher, with 37% intending to increase their activity—a figure that rises to 51% among U.S. residents. The rise in online betting and soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S., paired with the tournament’s timing during the typically slower summer season, creates a unique convergence of potential for IGT clients. Unlike previous tournaments, this event takes place in U.S. time zones, features an expanded number of teams, and offers highly accessible viewing options. Some of our team members recall the 1994 World Cup, which certainly boosted handle; with today’s technological advancements driving engagement, we anticipate even greater growth 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.