日期: 2026年5月14日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Online gambling operators in the UK are likely to experience increasing concern as the number of affordability checks being triggered for players appears to be significantly higher than initially projected in the White Paper. Initial estimates suggested that only 3% of players would undergo Financial Vulnerability Checks (FVCs). However, data from the initial implementation phase, as reported by Sarah Webster and Richard Sutcliffe from the Gambling Commission’s senior policy research team, revealed that 7% of players were subjected to these checks. This figure is expected to climb further when the thresholds for full checks are lowered from £500 to £150. The Gambling Commission (GC) has provided insights into the "light-touch" FVCs, detailing their effects since their introduction in August 2024 and outlining future plans. While the GC noted positive feedback during this period, concerns were also raised regarding a lack of awareness or clarity among operators about how these checks are conducted. Some operators mistakenly believed they were receiving credit reference data as part of a financial vulnerability check. Since the sharing of such data is prohibited, this indicates a misunderstanding by those submitting data returns to the Commission. The feedback stated: “Further to these findings, we met with relevant data providers to discuss these misunderstandings and ask them to support continued education of operators and clarity to consumers that only publicly available information is available as part of a financial vulnerability check.” It was also explained that “some of the responses from operators indicated a lack of knowledge about what is included in a financial vulnerability check”. These checks are limited to publicly available information concerning significant risk indicators, such as: A bankruptcy order or equivalent A County Court Judgment (CCJ) An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) High Court Judgment (HCJ) An Administrative Order (AO) or decree A Debt Relief Order or equivalent. The update from the Commission’s Senior Policy team was delivered with a degree of caution, as researchers are still assessing whether the affordability and target thresholds are effectively identifying vulnerable customers as intended. This suggests that researchers do not yet consider the pilot phase to be fully established, particularly in light of the upcoming reduction in the FVC threshold. Further monitoring of FVC conditions is necessary, with researchers concluding: “We will continue to monitor the impact of checks over time and, both directly and through the NatCen’s wider evaluation of Gambling Act Review measures, at the lower £150 threshold and share what we learn as more data becomes available. “As our work on this in ongoing, we will publish a full findings report following further consideration of the change to the lower £150 threshold.” 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) -   GamCare has urged the UK government to pause and reflect on the implementation of the statutory levy during the ongoing transformation of the NHS. The government announced in the King’s Speech, delivered in Parliament yesterday (13 May), its intention to introduce the NHS Modernisation Bill, which will eliminate NHS England and bring the UK’s healthcare system into closer alignment with the Department of Health and Social Care. This restructuring carries significant consequences for the gambling industry, particularly as NHS England recently assumed responsibility from GambleAware for commissioning treatment services under the statutory levy—alongside equivalent bodies in Scotland and Wales. NHS England had begun signing treatment contracts starting in April 2026 with organisations such as GamCare. All agreements were made on an annual basis, meaning that charities like GamCare would have needed to renegotiate funding arrangements each year with the treatment commissioner. However, forward planning has been disrupted by the uncertainty surrounding the new body that will assume this role from April 2027. GamCare described this transition period as occurring at a ‘critical moment’ for gambling harm treatment services as the sector adapts to these changes. The organisation’s CEO, Victoria Curbishley, argued that the upcoming funding decisions in April 2027 present an ideal chance to review the effectiveness of the controversial levy. She stated: “We believe there is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the early stages of the levy’s implementation and ensure the next phase is built on a solid foundation.” “The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has yielded important insights into how services can be effectively coordinated within a complex system.” Many sectors of the gambling industry were reluctantly drawn into the statutory levy framework, with opponents warning that progress in addressing problem gambling could stall and vital industry expertise could be lost. Given the system’s early stage, it remains difficult to fully evaluate the levy’s impact, despite generating £120 million in funding from operators in its first year—with 50% of that amount directed to NHS England. The government’s NHS restructuring poses an immediate challenge to the levy’s operation, and Curbishley stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted access to support for those affected by gambling harms throughout the transition. “We acknowledge the Government’s goal to modernise health commissioning and move decision-making closer to local communities,” she added. “For people experiencing gambling harms, maintaining continuous access to support during any structural changes will be essential.” 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 British government is moving forward with plans to abolish NHS England, one of three administrative bodies responsible for overseeing funds generated from the statutory levy on gambling harms. Yesterday, King Charles III delivered his annual speech outlining the Labour government’s legislative priorities for the remainder of the year. Among the bills announced was the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is expected to be introduced in the near future. If enacted, the bill will dissolve NHS England—a body within the Department of Health and Social Care established by the previous Conservative administration to manage the planning, budgeting, and delivery of NHS services across English regions and local authorities. The decision to scrap NHS England is not new; Keir Starmer’s government first proposed this move over a year ago, aiming to restructure the UK’s health system under a more streamlined framework designed to tackle pressing national health needs and regional inequalities. Under the new plan, the Labour government intends to replace NHS England with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to oversee regional commissioning arrangements. This broader reform of the NHS has coincided with the implementation of the statutory levy and a comprehensive overhaul of how problem gambling harms are addressed in the UK. Since April 2025, responsibility for these efforts has been shared between NHS England, the Office of Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID), and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For what was once a well-established network tackling gambling harms—and especially for the charitable organisations in England that provide treatment funding to those affected—the abolition of NHS England has left several critical questions unanswered. Drama surrounding the levy Previously, GambleAware served as the primary commissioner for gambling research, education, and treatment (RET), managing the allocation and distribution of its finances. The organisation had long advocated for replacing the voluntary system with a mandatory one. However, it became a casualty of the new structure, as the government opted instead to designate NHS England, UKRI, and OHID as the commissioners of levy funds. GambleAware subsequently ceased operations in March 2026. While various organisations—including those in NHS Scotland and Wales, along with OHID—have outlined their intended use of the funds, NHS England has not yet done so. It remains likely that the responsibilities for administering the levy will fall to the newly established ICBs and regional commissioning bodies, but without clear funding commitments, stakeholders are left awaiting clarification. Nevertheless, not all responses have been negative. GamCare, which operates the UK’s national gambling helpline, has stated it will collaborate with the government throughout this transition in NHS governance. The organisation has already received £4 million in funding from OHID’s inaugural round of allocations. Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive of GamCare, commented: “We recognise the Government’s ambition to modernise health commissioning and bring decision-making closer to local communities. “For people affected by gambling harms, ensuring continuity of access to support during any period of structural change will be vital. The initial phase of levy-funded commissioning has provided valuable insights into how services can be effectively coordinated and commissioned within a complex system. “As one of the largest providers in the sector, offering services ranging from helplines and treatment to outreach and prevention, we possess direct experience of what functions well and where improvements are needed.” Work continues… Despite the ongoing debate around NHS England’s dissolution, the other two levy-commissioning bodies remain active. Today, UKRI announced it has allocated funding to establish the UK’s largest dedicated research centre focused on gambling harms. The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will foster collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, charities, and individuals with lived experience of gambling-related issues. Research will be led by the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London, focusing on policy development, clinical practice, and public understanding. Notably, Glasgow and Sheffield universities are frequently cited for their research into gambling’s societal impacts. “Gambling harms can devastate individuals, families, and communities,” said Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council. “This new independent Evidence Centre represents a significant step toward building a robust, high-quality research foundation to guide better policies, prevention strategies, and treatments across the UK. “Through the Gambling Levy, UKRI is helping to create a sustainable, credible, and independent research capability on gambling harms, grounded in research integrity and public benefit.” NHS at the centre of Labour’s agenda Despite these developments, the government’s timetable may face delays. As of publication, ministers appear preoccupied with internal challenges, particularly following a significant defeat in last week’s local elections that sparked unrest among backbench MPs. Notably, the main challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at present is Wes Streeting—who, as Health Secretary, has overseen the planned dismantling of NHS England. According to some observers, this process has encountered difficulties, much like other major government initiatives. Yet for funding commissioners and beneficiary charities, the situation remains fluid. GamCare’s Victoria Corbishley added: “With further commissioning decisions anticipated before April 2027, we believe there is an important opportunity to review the early rollout of the levy and ensure the next phase is built on the strongest possible foundations. “We would welcome the chance to contribute our frontline experience and expertise to that process.” Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Super Group—parent company of global brands Betway and Spin—has elevated senior executive Kirsty Ross to the role of Chief Operating Officer.  Ross takes over the COO position from Jason Kenny, who held the role since late 2024. It remains unclear what role Kenny will assume next, as he is no longer listed as a member of Super Group’s Executive Team.  The new COO has been with Super Group since October 2023, having previously served in other C-level roles including Chief People Officer and Chief of Staff.  Currently based in the UK, she previously held multiple positions in South Africa’s financial sector, including stints at the country’s Investec and Bank of America operations.  “I’m excited to announce that I’ve taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Super Group,” Ross stated in a LinkedIn post.  “Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the chance to collaborate closely with teams across the business, supporting our leaders, enhancing operational processes, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution. I’m eager to build on the solid foundations already in place.  “Super Group is a company driven by talented people, clear goals, and a global perspective. In this role, my focus will be on empowering our teams to operate efficiently, scale sustainably, and meet our long-term priorities.  “Thank you to my colleagues for their support, trust, and ongoing collaboration. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”  Kirsty Ross. Credit: LinkedIn Super Group gears up for a strong 2026 The leadership changes coincide with Super Group’s Q1 results announcement, which revealed increases in revenue, profit, and adjusted EBITDA—coming in at $612m (£452.3m), $86m, and $152m respectively.  In percentage terms, these metrics rose by 18%, 31%, and 26% respectively.  The Guernsey-headquartered firm uniquely split its results update into two segments: Africa (its largest market) and the rest of the world.  Despite the challenges facing many iGaming businesses right now, Super Group has shown resilience, and its leadership remains optimistic in the early part of 2026. Ross is one of several recent changes within the organization.  Neil Menashe, Chief Executive Officer of Super Group, commented during the company’s investor call: “We’re seeing significant efficiency gains right now. We’ve brought on Justin Stock—who previously served as our external counsel and helped guide the business to its current state—as our Head of Commercial and M&A.  “We have an excellent team at the C-suite level of Super Group, and throughout the rest of our organization, we have truly talented people.  “With our International and Africa segments, we’re strengthening these areas, but to grow and sustain that growth, it’s all about our people, our platforms, and the technology we use.  “We need top-tier talent to help us make these critical decisions—and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing so far, and now we’re taking this to the next level.”  Interested in more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the new home for 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) -   President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has directed the intelligence division of MASAK to step up surveillance of consumer transactions and data linked to unlawful gambling operators. The current stage of the crackdown focuses on probes spearheaded by MASAK—Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board—which is said to be examining 13.8 million user data entries connected to illegal betting databases and payment platforms. Turkish news outlet Haberler reports that authorities have already associated over three million Turkish identification numbers with gambling-related transactions, a move domestic media describes as the Republic’s largest anti-betting operation in its history. This campaign is part of Erdoğan’s 2025–2026 “Action Plan to Combat Illegal Betting and Virtual Gambling”—a presidential initiative aimed at rallying the entire Turkish state against offshore operators, payment processors, and consumers engaging in black-market betting activity. Erdoğan has increasingly framed illegal gambling as a national threat equivalent to terrorism, cautioning earlier this year that online betting networks were harming Turkish society through debt, organized crime, and money laundering. “Gambling, alcohol, drugs and online betting are threats capable of destroying our social structure just as terrorism does,” Erdoğan declared during a government address outlining the strategy behind the crackdown. A new phase of stricter enforcement has begun, with MASAK and Turkish authorities arresting 108 individuals across 35 provinces accused of aiding illegal betting and gambling networks. Supervision of the enforcement drive has now shifted to Turkey’s new Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, who is overseeing the implementation of harsher measures under revised Turkish Penal Code provisions and the country’s broader judicial reform package. These reforms grant prosecutors expanded powers to freeze accounts, seize assets, and pursue criminal cases tied to illegal gambling transactions. Turkish authorities are also reviewing over 14,000 deposit accounts and 52,000 withdrawal accounts believed to have facilitated betting payments via offshore networks. While the first phase of enforcement focused on Turkish consumers and domestic payment channels, MASAK is now expected to broaden its investigations directly toward operators servicing Turkey from neighboring jurisdictions. Turkish media reports indicate the next enforcement wave will target gambling networks based in Georgia, Northern Cyprus, Armenia, and North Macedonia—jurisdictions Ankara views as hubs for Turkish-language betting operations and payment routing activity. This move signals a notable escalation in Erdoğan’s long-running political campaign to “clean Turkey from gambling”, a pledge repeatedly tied to his broader conservative and nationalist agenda ahead of future election cycles. However, the scale of the underground market underlines the challenge facing Ankara. Turkish regulators estimate billions of lira continue to flow annually through illegal betting systems despite years of ISP blocks, banking restrictions, and arrests targeting intermediaries and affiliates. For Erdoğan, the crackdown has evolved beyond morality politics into a broader financial and national security issue. The Turkish government increasingly views illegal betting as part of a shadow economy intersecting with organized crime, offshore finance, and digital money laundering networks operating beyond Ankara’s control. 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) -   Global interest in esports betting is expanding rapidly, according to DATA.BET, a leading sportsbook solutions provider focused on this sector. DATA.BET anticipates that the overlap between gaming and betting audiences will continue to grow through 2026, largely due to rising demand for esports—a trend further supported by the firm’s latest data. The company has reported increased player engagement during Q1 2026, particularly on its own platform, with total placed bets rising by 33.2% and combo bets surging by 72.1%. This shift reflects users adopting more advanced betting strategies, though DATA.BET attributes part of the combo bet increase to enhancements in user experience, especially improvements to its Single Page Application iFrame. “High margin efficiency has been a major driver this quarter,” stated Bohdan Holovnov, Head of Esports at DATA.BET. “Partners are increasingly recognizing that esports can deliver significant commercial value, prompting them to expand promotional efforts and attract greater traffic to the vertical. “This directly translates into more new users, higher turnover, and improved margins. At the same time, we maintain the most comprehensive coverage of matches and disciplines available, which is also evident in the swift growth of combo bets across our partner networks.” Traditional bookmakers worldwide are naturally preparing for the World Cup. However, the situation appears different in the esports space, where DATA.BET identifies Rocket League as the most promising discipline for betting—surpassing the FIFAe World Cup, which it acknowledges as typically being the year’s flagship event. Rocket League experienced a quarter-over-quarter turnover increase of 85.3%, alongside an 18.7% rise in bet coins and a 50.1% uptick in active players. The platform also boasts a 94% live coverage conversion rate. Additionally, DATA.BET found that top-tier esports events consistently outperform lower-tier events in terms of turnover, profit, and number of bets, although the volume of low-tier events continues to climb—particularly in CS2. Want to hear more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new home of all things multimedia at SBC, where our team provides in-depth analysis of major developments 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) -   SBC Events will intensify its focus on regulatory matters in 2026 following the signing of a tripartite agreement with the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). The three organisations will collaborate to deliver regulatory education across iGaming at SBC’s events and media platforms over the next three years. The partnership aims to strengthen regulatory education, foster international cooperation, and promote knowledge sharing through conferences, events, and related content initiatives. The groups will jointly develop educational materials, including interviews, expert commentary, podcasts, and publications covering key regulatory topics. IAGR President Ben Haden stated: “A vital opportunity for gambling regulators worldwide is maintaining consistent engagement with all segments of the global industry to educate and exchange insights with businesses regarding evolving rules and laws in our sector. This collaborative alliance with SBC and IMGL will greatly enhance communication among stakeholders and help elevate compliance standards.” SBC Founder & CEO Rasmus Sojmark remarked: “Regulation has become increasingly critical to how companies operate in our industry, and the constantly shifting regulatory environment makes compliance more challenging than ever. That’s why I’m proud to partner with IAGR and IMGL to provide SBC’s audience with timely, accurate information about regulatory changes across the globe.” A major initiative this year will introduce a comprehensive series of regulatory meetups during the SBC Summit in Lisbon, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026, enabling stakeholders to access up-to-the-minute updates on gambling regulations across various international markets. IMGL President Marc Dunbar added: “This collaboration represents an ideal synergy to keep the industry informed about permissible activities and restrictions in jurisdictions around the world. Combining IMGL’s network of gaming lawyers, IAGR’s regulator membership, and SBC’s industry influence and extensive content offerings creates a powerful platform for disseminating the latest regulatory developments.” For further details on the regulatory meetups, visit https://sbcevents.com/sbc-summit/. The organisations will also support the IAGR Annual Conference in Lima, Peru, scheduled for 19–22 October 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) -   Sciensano indicates that risky gambling habits in Belgium have stayed consistent over the last five years, even as over half of the population is still exposed to gambling advertisements weekly. The most recent Health Survey from the Belgian public health institute reveals that 2.6% of Belgian gamblers currently exhibit risky behaviour, with 0.6% identified as being at high risk for problematic gambling. Concurrently, the survey discovered that 52.2% of Belgians encounter at least one type of gambling advertisement each week through television, websites, or social media platforms. The study further emphasized the ongoing prevalence of lottery products in the Belgian market, as nine out of every ten Belgian players engage in lottery games. Gambling sponsorship exposure seems more varied. Approximately one in ten Belgians reported regular exposure to sponsorship, whereas four in ten indicated they observed minimal or no gambling sponsorship whatsoever. Additionally, the Sciensano survey determined that men and younger age groups consistently reported greater advertising exposure compared to women and older demographics, mirroring wider global patterns associated with digital platform use and online ad reach. Sciensano report comes after stringent Belgian measures This report also follows a tumultuous period for regulation in Belgium, beginning with a comprehensive advertising ban proposed in 2023 and enacted the following year. A significant change in 2024 involved increasing the legal gambling age from 18 to 21, and gambling sponsorship exposure might have decreased due to the prohibition on sports sponsorship, effective from early 2025. Sciensano states that television, sports coverage (presumably international), and social media influencers continue to be key sponsorship points for Belgian consumers. Within the existing framework, licensed private gambling operators are forbidden from advertising through television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and social media, along with direct communication methods such as email, post, and SMS. Only a few exceptions are still allowed, such as communication within physical gambling establishments, on operators' dedicated websites, and under specific circumstances via targeted search engine advertising. Nevertheless, the report also pointed out what it termed "blind spots" within the Belgian regulatory structure. The National Lottery largely operates outside Belgium’s Gambling Act, even though it represents the vast majority of player involvement. Consequently, lottery advertising is still widely allowed across television, radio, and social media platforms. The report further noted the ongoing existence of the illegal online gambling market, which largely evades the practical scope of Belgian advertising limitations. A familiar challenge… This appears to be a worldwide issue that regulators are finding difficult to manage – a situation many will recognize. Unlicensed operators are reportedly still targeting Belgian consumers via social media, affiliate platforms, influencers, and other digital channels, bypassing requirements for age verification, EPIS exclusion systems, deposit limits, or player protection. The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) stated that these findings emphasize the necessity for a more consistent and enforcement-driven gambling policy. “Exposure to gambling advertising and sponsorship continues to be a genuine societal issue, yet it no longer stems solely from licensed private operators,” the trade association commented. “It is also impacted by entities that are exempt from the ban, operate under temporary regulations, or neglect to adhere to the rules.” The association suggested that effective policy should instead concentrate on three key priorities: more robust enforcement against illegal operators; consistent advertising regulations for all gambling products; and preserving the distinctiveness of licensed gambling offerings. 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) -   Recent data indicates that online casino enthusiasts persist in revisiting classic favourites, even amidst the vast landscape of slot innovation. Kinetic Digital has discovered that across its Mega Casino platform, users are consistently attracted to recognisable themes and familiar mechanics, opting against trying out new titles. Specifically, fishing-themed games—a mainstay of the slot category—account for nearly half of Mega Casinos’ top 20 most popular slots. Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza recorded the highest number of unique players at 15,552, with seven other titles from this genre also appearing in the top 20. Among these 20 titles, there is a steep decline in unique player numbers from the peak of Big Bass Bonanza down to 2,380 for Blueprint Gaming’s Fishin’ Frenzy Bubble Bonanza, with only three games drawing in more than 10,000 unique players. This significant disparity highlights that most players gravitate towards a limited selection of games. Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Kinetic Digital, stated: “Players are demonstrating a distinct preference for established franchises that develop over time, instead of merely pursuing the latest market release. “At Mega Casino, we observe that these games foster long-term loyalty. By blending strong brand identity with repeatable mechanics, you develop titles that players consistently revisit week after week.” Beyond the count of unique players, this loyalty is reflected in the frequency with which players return to the listed slot titles. With few exceptions, most games in the rankings maintained return rates ranging from 25% to 46% over periods of seven, 30, and 60 days. Notably, for nearly every title, the return rate grew over time, further confirming the pattern that players are pulled back to familiar games despite the wide variety of content readily available to them. This inclination towards the familiar highlights the profitable potential for suppliers who discover a successful formula and can replicate it effectively. This is best illustrated by the fact that Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass series, launched in 2020, comprises a quarter of the chart. “The Big Bass franchise serves as an ideal illustration,” said Aldworth. “Pragmatic Play has succeeded in constructing a series that feels immediately recognisable to players, yet incorporates sufficient variation and novelty in each release to sustain exceptionally high engagement.” 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) -   Aristocrat Leisure continues to be confident about reaching a $1bn revenue target for its Interactive segment within the next three years. Even amid challenging global regulatory conditions, the company is aiming for fiscal year 2029 to achieve this ambitious goal. The $1bn target includes revenues from the NeoPollard Interactive Joint Venture, as the supplier remains committed to expanding its content and investing in iLottery to support this objective. During the recent financial earnings call covering the first half of its 2026 reporting period, which ended on 31 March 2026, investors questioned the feasibility of the target and noted that Aristocrat appears to be slightly behind schedule in meeting it. Momentum building toward the $1bn target In H1 26, Interactive reported: Revenue: $230.3m, up 6.5% year-on-year (YoY) (H1 25: $216.3m). Profit: $64.3m, down 10.6% YoY (H1 25: $71.9m). Margin: 27.9% (H1 25: 33.2%). Trevor Croker, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Aristocrat, responded by affirming that the goal remains achievable despite stagnating launches in US iGaming states and regulatory changes in the UK, as well as the time required to execute its technology and games approval processes. Croker commented: “What we do feel confident about is that we do see scaling of land-based franchises into digital, and we’ve already seen that with some of the land-based games. We’re obviously excited about Lightning Link coming through. “We’re also focusing on being ready to enter markets as they open. We are currently present in all markets except Rhode Island, but we expect Rhode Island, Maine, and other Canadian provinces to launch soon.  “At the same time, we now have 94% market access. We believe we’ve built a strong leadership team under Dylan and other executives we’ve brought on board. They are equipped to drive the business toward the $1bn target. Your observation is fair—we are behind where we wanted to be, and we accept that responsibility. Croker continued: “We also believe that, between ongoing content development, the iLottery business, and new launches such as Massachusetts and Michigan going live in July, Colorado’s open RFP process, and further scaling of these operations, these factors will help us reach the $1bn target.  “The platforms business is stable, but adding new capabilities like gaming analytics will help enhance performance and generate additional momentum toward the $1bn goal.  “In summary, we’ve sharpened our focus on this objective. We’ve recruited the right talent, organized our commercial teams, and established a clear path to achieve the controllable elements needed to meet the target.” CEO remains confident in Europe Investors also raised concerns about how the target could be achieved given European regulatory changes—including tax increases—and whether Aristocrat’s market share could realistically reach high single digits. Croker expressed confidence that Interactive operations would succeed in Europe despite these challenges, starting with the upcoming launch of Lightning Link later this year. The CEO stated: “When opportunities in iGaming are as significant as ours, it’s crucial to maintain focus. We’ve concentrated on North America, Canada, and the UK. “Your assessment about Europe is accurate. There are several evolving regulatory issues across Europe, particularly regarding changing tax regimes in various countries and shifts in market access.  “We do believe our land-based content will resonate well in iGaming, and we’ve already seen early signs of this success. We expect this trend to become even more evident when we launch Lightning Link later this year. Europe is indeed part of our growth strategy. “Our focus remains on securing our rightful position in North America and Canada—markets close to our core strengths—and on strengthening our presence in Europe. This includes growing both our land-based gaming business, where we hold approximately a 22% share of installed base, and our iGaming footprint in competitive markets. Europe represents a key geographic component of our path to $1bn.” Q1 financial summary Overall (in AUD) Revenue: $3.028bn (H1 25: $3.035bn). EBITA: $1.12bn, up 6.2% YoY (H1 25: $1.05bn). Margin: 36.9% (H1 25: 34.7%). Profit: $794m, up 8.4% YoY (H1 25: $732.6m). Aristocrat Gaming Revenue: $1.96bn, up 4.9% YoY (H1 25: $1.87bn). Profit: $1.06bn, up 3% YoY (H1 25: $1.03bn). Margin: 54.2% (H1 25: 55.2%). Product Madness (in USD) Social casino revenue: $541.7m, up 4.7% YoY (H1 25: $517.4m). Social casual revenue: $4.5m, down 91.4% YoY (H1 25: $52.2m). Social casual was sold early in the half. Revenue: $546.2m, down 4.1% YoY (H1 25: $569.6m). Profit: $253m, up 3.6% YoY (H1 25: $244.3m). Margin: 46.3% (H1 25: 42.9%). Croker concluded: “Looking ahead, we are well-positioned for the full-year and to capitalize on strategic opportunities. Our operating model is enhancing efficiency and scale, and we are increasingly leveraging AI to strengthen our strategic advantages and transform our operations.  “We remain dedicated to our capital management strategy and our active share buy-back program.” This article is provided by a third-party. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   Tipico Sportwetten has confirmed its position as the sole licensed sports betting operator authorized to stream every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to viewers in Germany. This morning, Tipico released an update to clarify its streaming privileges, noting: “From June 11 to July 19, when the World Cup captures the attention of fans around the globe.” “Tipico will offer an elevated live experience for its clients: exclusively for eligible users, the leader in Germany’s sports betting sector will stream World Cup matches, standing as the nation’s first and only sports betting provider to do so. “Eligible Tipico users can view every match via tipico.de and the Tipico Sports Betting application.” Earlier in May, the betting group for the DACH region revealed plans to stream all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup to eligible customers in Germany. While not officially confirmed, it is probable that Tipico secured the exclusive streaming package for betting operators from Stats Perform, FIFA’s inaugural official distributor for betting data and streaming rights. Tipico’s initial declaration faced scrutiny from German media outlets. Reports suggest that both Deutsch Telekom and FIFA were taken by surprise, leading to the temporary removal of promotional materials regarding the World Cup streaming service from the operator’s site. At that point, Deutsch Telekom emphasized that it retains exclusive ownership of Germany’s primary broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 via MagentaTV, having also sublicensed specific matches to public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. Deutsch Telekom stood firmly behind MagentaTV as the premier platform for World Cup coverage, asserting that “Anyone who truly wants to experience the World Cup cannot bypass Magenta.TV.” Nevertheless, the broadcaster called upon FIFA or Tipico to offer clearer explanations to German viewers concerning the specific nature and constraints of the sportsbook streaming offering. Tipico emphasizes streaming is exclusively for betting In response to the criticism, Tipico has taken steps to explicitly outline the scope and technical boundaries of its product, highlighting that the service is intended strictly as a betting-streaming feature, not a replacement for high-quality television broadcasts. The operator specified that streams will be accessible solely to verified customers in Germany who hold a positive account balance or have placed a bet within the last 24 hours. Additionally, the streaming interface will be subject to strict display limitations, occupying only one-third of the screen on desktops and tablets, or one-half on smartphones. Tipico further stressed the operational separation between the livestream and the sportsbook environments – “The live streaming and the sports betting product are clearly separated. In order to see Tipico’s product, the user needs to actively leave the streaming screen, and the service will stop once the product page is shown.” In its updated communication, the operator also recognized Telekom’s stance, noting that the betting-stream product differs significantly from full television broadcasts in terms of both technical quality and presentation. “Please also note, Telekom Deutschland GmbH is the sole holder of the TV broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany and has granted a sub-licence for selected matches on free-to-air TV to the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. Tipico highlights that its World Cup streams mark a major upgrade to its engagement services, expressing pride in being the first licensed German bookmaker to offer such content through its digital channels. FIFA has reaffirmed its agreement with Stats Perform as the exclusive distributor of betting-streams and data rights to licensed bookmakers, a collaboration encompassing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and numerous FIFA youth and futsal tournaments through 2029. 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 Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has released new details on the remit of the UK’s Illegal Gambling Taskforce, five months after its creation. Back in January, Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross made a landmark announcement that the government has set up a specialised unit to wage war on the black market in the UK. Not much else was known about the operations of this taskforce, until now. Three key objectives Those assigned to the taskforce will work towards lessening the influence of illegal gambling by tackling three distinctive objectives – preventing payments from and to black market operators, taking down offshore online marketing, and enhancing cross-agency enforcement to crack down on illegal remote and land-based gambling. All three objectives will be handled by a separate Taskforce sub-group, which will assess the progress made and propose follow-up amendments. Enforcement powers still on the cards The DCMS added that from the outset, the Taskforce and its sub-groups will not hold any power to direct or intervene in the work of the UK Gambling Commission (GC), although this could evolve with time as new priorities and challenges are identified, and any intended change is first agreed among all members. Structure of the taskforce Members of the Taskforce will include gambling industry stakeholders, policy experts, tech and fintech providers, GC and other government officials, and trade body representatives. It will be chaired by Baroness Twycross, while Ben Dean, DCMS Director for Sport and Gambling, has been named as Co-Chair.   Duration of the taskforce’s remit will span across 12 months, at the end of which members will take a decision whether to renew it. Taskforce operatives will conduct biannual meetings, while sub-groups ‘are recommended’ to convene on a quarterly basis.  Meetings will be conducted under Chatham House rules, where sources of information will remain anonymous. Work planning and administrative duties will be handled by DCMS officials acting as the Taskforce Secretariat, which will be responsible for arranging meetings, circulating papers, and coordinating taskforce-sanctioned actions. The taskforce comes at a time of prolific global expansion for the black market, with market analyst firm Gaming Compliance International revealing that illegal gambling operators are now attracting a combined $5.9trn (£4.36trn) in unregulated wagers – higher than the GDP of almost any country in the world. The GC, meanwhile, is also stepping up activities against illegal gambling, backed by an additional £26m in funding – which will in turn be backed by the UK”s new gambling tax framework. Just last week the regulator put out a job advert for a new Head of Illegal Markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), France’s gambling regulator, has introduced a new algorithm to estimate problem gambling activity nationwide – with early results raising significant concerns. Initial findings show that players classified as high-risk account for 60% of total operator gross gaming revenue (GGR), a proportion the ANJ labelled “concerning.” The regulator has highlighted a dual rising trend: both the number of problem gamblers and their share of operator revenues are increasing. According to the ANJ, the algorithm detected around 600,000 individuals with a high likelihood of excessive gambling during the second half of 2025. This figure represents 8.7% of the total online account-based gambling population across licensed operators, including those holding accounts with FDJ United and Pari-Mutuel Urbain (PMU)—two of France’s largest gambling operators. Of these 600,000 players, approximately 300,000 were deemed “manifestly excessive” gamblers, whose identification by operators the ANJ considers essential. The regulator also disclosed that these high-risk players contributed roughly €1.2bn (£1.03bn) in GGR, making up 60% of total online gambling revenue. The ANJ noted this share has been steadily climbing since 2023. In light of these findings, the ANJ concluded that operators’ current measures to detect and assist excessive gamblers remain inadequate. World Cup concern? The regulator is also preparing for potential challenges ahead of this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup—an event for which it has already cautioned gambling firms against deploying overly aggressive marketing tactics. Adding to these concerns, a 2024 French study found that 15.3% of sports bettors are currently classified as problem gamblers. The new algorithm is a key component of the ANJ’s 2024–2026 strategic plan, which prioritises reducing excessive and pathological gambling as a core objective of French gambling regulation. Under French law, operators must identify and support problem gamblers through actions such as direct player interventions, setting gambling limits, monitoring accounts, referring users to support services, and, where necessary, closing accounts. Efforts in this area have intensified recently, including the launch of a redesigned national self-exclusion register aimed at mitigating gambling-related harm. While the ANJ recognised some progress in operator performance—with the number of identified excessive gamblers rising from 31,000 in 2024 to 89,000 in 2025—it stressed that these numbers remain far below expectations, given the size of the player base and existing prevalence data. To address this gap, the ANJ developed the algorithm using continuous player account data provided by licensed operators, combined with scientific research on gambling behaviour. ANJ’s algorithm to categorise players The system assesses players based on 23 indicators and risk factors related to financial activity, gambling frequency, use of moderation tools, and player history. Using these criteria, players are grouped into four categories: recreational players moderate-risk players excessive players manifestly excessive players The ANJ stated that the algorithm’s accuracy was validated against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, under the oversight of a scientific committee composed of leading researchers. Although comparable initiatives are under development in countries such as Spain and the Netherlands, the ANJ said its model is currently the only operational tool of its kind in Europe. Operators may use the algorithm voluntarily in conjunction with their own internal monitoring systems. However, the ANJ made clear it expects swift improvements in detection capabilities, especially concerning the 300,000 players identified as manifestly excessive. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ, said: “The completion of this algorithm and its release to operators marks a pivotal moment for the regulator. It showcases our capacity to create an innovative and effective tool designed to accurately reflect real-world online gambling behaviours. “In addition to existing surveys, the algorithm enables a more objective evaluation of operators’ efforts to identify problem gamblers—efforts that must continue without delay. “It is also crucial that this identification process extends to physical points of sale, a goal we have consistently urged the two monopolies to pursue since 2024.” 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.