日期: 2026年5月21日

(AsiaGameHub) -   With the effects of the statutory levy continuing to unfold, GamCare has strengthened its team by naming Chris Thornton as the charity’s new Director of Operations. Thornton will oversee the delivery and performance of GamCare’s national and regional services, including the National Gambling Helpline, and brings substantial experience from roles within NHS-funded organisations. This background will be essential as GamCare adapts to a new landscape where the NHS now commissions gambling harm treatment under the statutory levy, formally taking over from GambleAware in April. Thornton has previously worked with the British Red Cross across the North of England and the Isle of Man, where GamCare noted he managed £3 million in annual income from the NHS and local commissioning services, as well as from Primary Care Sheffield and St John Ambulance. Victoria Corbishley, Chief Executive Officer of GamCare, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Chris to GamCare and to the Executive Leadership Team. He brings precisely the blend of strategic and operational leadership that reflects our approach, significant experience of leading complex health and community services at scale, a strong record of evidencing impact, and a deep commitment to reaching people who are often underserved.” Complications aplenty Thornton’s experience of working alongside the NHS will be especially valuable for GamCare, given the disruption anticipated through the implementation of the NHS Modernisation Bill. Crucially for the gambling industry, the legislation will abolish NHS England, the body that currently oversees gambling harm treatment with its Scottish and Welsh counterparts. As a result, funding contracts for the 2027 financial year will now have to be negotiated with an organisation yet to be named that will succeed NHS England. GamCare described the move as arriving at a ‘crucial time’ for gambling harm treatment, as stakeholders continue to assess the effectiveness of the levy, which raised £120 million from UK licensed operators in its first year. New revenue streams The organisation secured over £4 million from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities as part of a wider allocation of £25.4 million to gambling harm support services under the prevention arm of the statutory levy, together with funding from NHS England. However, amid the uncertainty created by the levy, the charity stated in its latest Trustee Annual Report that it must explore new avenues to broaden its funding approach and develop ‘more diverse, resilient income streams’. The charity highlighted that Thornton previously co-led successful bids worth £22 million during his tenure at Primary Care Sheffield, where he led city-wide clinical services. On his new role, Thornton said: “I’m thrilled to join GamCare at such an important moment for the organisation and for everyone working to reduce gambling harms across the UK. “The combination of specialist expertise, integrated delivery and frontline impact is rare in any sector, and is shaping how effective support for gambling harms is understood and delivered. I’m looking forward to building on those foundations and to playing my part in ensuring GamCare’s services continue to meet growing demand as the sector evolves.” 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) -   Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has retained its full-year guidance despite a stagnant start to 2026 trading. The Q1 financial results of the Stockholm-listed iGaming technology group reported revenue at €9 million, a minor decrease from €9.1 million in Q1 2025. GiG’s leadership emphasized that the company is still in a phase of operational adjustments, implementing cost-saving measures to enhance earnings outcomes through steps designed to “build foundations for growth later in the year”. Operational and commercial adjustments led adjusted EBITDA to drop to €200,000 from the €400,000 recorded in Q1 2025. During this transition period, GiG continues to operate with a lower EBITDA margin of 2%, compared to 4% in the prior year. While rolling out initiatives under its strategic transformation program—expected to generate €4.5 million in annualized savings—GiG’s Q1 accounts detailed a post-tax net loss of €5.2 million. The action plan was backed by CEO Richard Carter, who said: “We took decisive and necessary steps to optimise our operations and these measures, including headcount reduction, and adoption of AI.” He added: “Combined, this will deliver underlying cash flow generation whilst also enabling long term, sustainable profit growth as revenue growth accelerates from the second half of this year.” The company also continues its migration strategy away from its legacy Alira platform toward its proprietary CoreX technology stack. GiG expects this transition to yield further operational savings while improving performance capabilities for its clients. Commercially, Q1 achieved several strategic milestones. In February, GiG announced a platform and sportsbook migration agreement with Jupiter Gaming, expanding its footprint in the UK market at a time when regulatory changes are reshaping operator economics. Leadership remains focused on FY2026 revenue targets of €44 million to €48 million and adjusted EBITDA of €10 million to €13 million, implying EBITDA margins exceeding 20%. Management further noted that recent increases in the UK Remote Gaming Duty could create opportunities for operators with stronger balance sheets and differentiated offerings. The company also secured three post-period commercial agreements, including a partnership with LuckyDays to enter Alberta’s regulated online gambling market ahead of its anticipated July launch. Moving forward, GiG highlighted a strengthened commercial pipeline: it has launched four new brands year-to-date and expects between 12 and 14 launches across 2026. Approximately 90% of expected annual revenue is already supported by commercial agreements, giving management confidence to reaffirm its guidance. CEO Carter concluded: “Combined, this will deliver underlying cash flow generation whilst also enabling long term, sustainable profit growth as revenue growth accelerates from the second half of this year.” 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) -   Hon. Dale Nally—who’s leading Canada’s push to make Alberta the country’s second province with regulated gaming—conveyed a simple message: there’s no better place than Alberta. Addressing attendees at the SBC Summit Canada, Nally—Alberta’s Minister of Service and Red Tape Reduction—assured that the province will be an ideal match for operators as its gaming market prepares to launch on July 13. He told attendees: “We’ve cut red tape, created a business-friendly atmosphere, and maintained low corporate taxes—you can’t ask for more. So if you enjoyed your time operating in Ontario, you’ll absolutely love what Alberta has to offer.” A new chapter for Alberta For many operators gearing up for the launch, parts of Alberta’s market will feel familiar, as the province has adopted much of its framework from Ontario’s successful model—one that generated over CA$4 billion (£2.1 billion) in revenue last year. Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) will oversee the market as its regulator, just like Ontario’s regulator, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Additionally, the Alberta iGaming Corporation (AiGC) has been established to function as an independent conduct and management body, similar to iGaming Ontario. The AiGC recently announced that interim Chief Executive Officer Dan Keene will take on the position permanently, leveraging his prior experience as the Director of Gaming Business at the AGLC and his time at Century Casino and Molson Canada. Nally stressed that when it came to legislating gambling, policymakers didn’t try to reinvent the wheel—instead, they actively looked to other markets to see what was effective. “We looked at what’s being done in the UK, and we admire the protections they have in place,” he noted. “I also want to commend the Ontario team—they’ve done an excellent job launching a responsible gambling marketplace that’s safer and more accountable. We’ve drawn heavily from their experience for our plans in Alberta.” Player protection will be front and centre While Nally acknowledged that he’d shut down online gambling entirely if he could, he explained that the push for regulation stemmed from the realization that Albertans were already participating in iGaming—so it needed to be brought under government oversight. Key regulations for the new market focus on social responsibility and player safety, including strict rules on advertising scope. Alberta players will also have access to a province-wide self-exclusion register, plus tools to set financial and time limits on their gaming. “We want gambling to be as safe and responsible as it can be—and that’s only achievable in a regulated setting,” he stated. “We want self-exclusion to be as straightforward as possible so that those who choose it can’t take part in gambling activities. We know that when people reach a low point, they’re ready to quit—but the days after can be tough. A system-wide self-exclusion program makes it easier for those dealing with problematic gambling behaviour to get the support they need.” Striking a balance Alberta is known as one of North America’s most business-friendly regions, thanks to a younger population drawn to the province by its thriving oil and gas sector. These traits make Alberta an appealing option for potential operators, and Nally highlighted that the same business-focused mindset guided the market’s development. As the Minister responsible for cutting red tape, he reassured stakeholders that Alberta didn’t overdo it with the requirements imposed on the industry. He said: “We had to find that middle ground because governments often get overzealous and want to regulate every detail. That’s not our approach. “We want light-touch regulation and an easy entry process for our market. It won’t be the wild west—far from it—but we believe it’ll be a straightforward place for operators to join, and it’ll be done responsibly.” According to Nally, 37 operators have already paid their required registration fees, and up to 70 could join the market when it launches. The likes of PointsBet, Caesars Entertainment, BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have all confirmed plans to enter the market and expand their presence in North America. The market is projected to reach CA$1.35 billion (£730 million) in revenue. However, Nally told attendees that the market’s success won’t be measured solely by its financial results. He said: “Our success metric will be the market’s feedback: Did players have a fun time? Was it safer? Was it responsible? If all the player safety and responsibility measures we’ve outlined are in place, that’s what will define our market’s success. The revenue will just be an added bonus.” This article is provided by a third-party. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   Within the highly regulated North American gaming sector, operators are currently navigating the challenge of balancing the demand for accelerated payment processing, AI-powered personalization, and cryptocurrency advancements against increasing requirements for security, compliance, and player safety. The North America Payments & Tech track at the upcoming SBC Summit Americas will explore how industry players are adapting, focusing on strategies such as enhancing the user experience through innovative payment solutions and leveraging AI and stablecoins to modernize their business operations. The track kicks off with "Tech Leaders: How Tech Leaders are using AI to Engage Customers, Transform Operations, and Shape the Industry." This session will feature senior technology executives discussing the application of AI, real-time risk assessment, and scalable infrastructure to boost performance while ensuring regulatory adherence. Key focus areas will include fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and data-driven player engagement. Industry experts Macario Gallegos (SVP & Chief Information Officer, Seminole Hard Rock), Emily Haruko Leeb (Co-Founder & CEO, Saroca), Owen Monagan (CEO, LayUp), and Dan Pinto (CEO & Co-Founder, Fingerprint) will share insights into their current investment strategies and the technologies providing them with a competitive advantage. Payment innovation takes center stage in "Emerging Payment Methods: Biometrics, BNPL, Open Banking & More," where panelists will analyze how developments like open banking, biometrics, and digital wallets are transforming the player experience, while simultaneously introducing new regulatory and compliance hurdles. Matt Brezinski (Director of Gaming, Trustly), Tony Fontaine (Executive Consultant, Independent), Alex Ursa (Head of Gaming, Betr), and Leighton Webb (VP and General Manager, iGaming and Sports Betting, PayNearMe) will examine the practical implementation of these solutions within the complex US regulatory landscape. The session "Crypto compliance and regulated stablecoins?" will investigate whether stablecoins, such as USDC, can facilitate broader crypto integration in iGaming and sports betting by offering reduced fees, faster transaction speeds, and improved price stability. Speakers Nick Imperillo (Senior Fraud & Risk Expert, GeoComply) and Michelle Martin (Chairman & CEO, Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Institute) will discuss regulatory obstacles in the US and Canada, as well as the importance of KYC/AML protocols and secure payment rails in making stablecoins a viable option for regulated markets. Also included in the track is "The Future of Payment Personalization: Should Players Choose How They Pay?" This discussion will look at how operators use data-driven insights to customize payment journeys—ranging from preferred payment methods to instant withdrawals and affordability checks—and whether such personalization risks triggering regulatory concerns or player protection issues. Sue Page (CEO, North America, Neosurf) and Liron Warhaftig (Vice President Player Journey, Rush Street Interactive) will debate the boundaries of personalization and when it might shift from a convenient feature to a driver of harmful behavior. The North America Payments & Tech track is one of several specialized streams at the event, alongside sessions covering Leadership, Regulation & Compliance, Sports Betting & Casino, and Player Protection. A dedicated breakout stage will also be available, focusing on Prediction Markets and Player Protection. SBC Summit Americas will be held at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale from June 9–11, hosting 10,000 delegates from the gaming and betting sectors across the US and Latin America. Get your tickets for SBC Summit Americas! Expo Pass ($0) – Access to the exhibition floor and basic SBC Connect features Conference Pass ($399) – Full access to the show floor, conference sessions, and SBC Connect Networking Pass ($399) – Full access to the show floor, SBC Connect, SBC Connections, and evening networking events Business Pass ($549) – Full access to the conference, show floor, SBC Connect, and SBC Connections VIP Pass – Full access to the conference, show floor, SBC Connect, SBC Connections, evening networking, and complimentary food and beverages at the Food Festival This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Consulting online casino reviews has become a vital step for players in Canada. With an unprecedented number of options, sorting through the vast array of available platforms requires time. Players must feel confident that the sites they select are equitable, secure, and valuable. Reviews assist Canadians in filtering out the clutter, gaining a true understanding of a casino's performance, and identifying critical distinctions in aspects such as withdrawal speeds, promotional offers, and safety measures. We recently interviewed online casino specialist Lara Wilson to learn how Casino.ca provides its audience with a competitive advantage. With over two decades of industry experience, Wilson is well-versed in what Canadians need to verify before registering. Her professional background includes collaborations with major entities like Paradise Poker, Sportingbet PLC, and LeoVegas. Currently at Casino.ca, she aims to utilize that extensive experience to help her audience make more informed choices. What factors do you consider when selecting a casino? I prefer a platform that focuses on the finer points. I seek a seamless and user-friendly experience, so straightforward navigation is key. Organized menus, a clean layout, and rapid page loads are the features that appeal to me. My goal is to find a site where I can spend more time enjoying top-quality games instead of getting frustrated with the interface.  However, I also appreciate a diverse selection of games. Since I enjoy slots, I keep an eye out for releases from preferred developers. In my experience, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, and Relax Gaming consistently offer reliable options for new titles. Occasionally, I switch to table games and roulette, so I prioritize sites that provide strong choices in those categories as well. Why are reviews currently significant for Canadian players? The iGaming landscape in Canada can be daunting for beginners due to varying regulations across provinces. Currently, Ontario is the only province with a competitive regulated market, though Alberta is set to follow. In other regions, players are restricted to government-operated sites—which often lack variety and value—or offshore casinos. Since most players opt for offshore sites, making a knowledgeable decision is incredibly important. As online casino enthusiasts ourselves, we understand that player preferences vary. Some seek innovative slots from niche studios, while others prefer live dealer table games. One user might prefer a desktop, while another opts for mobile play via an app. Reviews play a key role in connecting players with the ideal online casino for their specific needs. How does your platform evaluate online casinos? At Casino.ca, ensuring our content is credible and current is a top priority. We utilize a consistent, rigorous methodology for all our casino reviews to address every significant factor. This allows our readers to easily compare options and swiftly find the platform that fits them best. Naturally, we assess standard features like game variety, website usability, and bonus quality. However, our analysis extends much further. For example, it is crucial that players trust a site's security and game fairness. Consequently, our experts verify licenses, SSL encryption, and certifications from auditors such as eCOGRA. User convenience is also critical, so we examine available payment methods and withdrawal processing times. Since players may require assistance, we also evaluate customer support. Most importantly, player safety is paramount, and we insist on the availability of robust responsible gambling resources. What makes Casino.ca a trustworthy source? We understand that trust is a major concern for users reading online casino reviews, and we handle this with great care. Our experts offer a complete overview, and we exclusively recommend casinos that meet our strict criteria. To ensure our reviews are genuinely helpful, we include any minor flaws we encounter. If our research reveals a casino is unsafe, we add it to our blacklist. This helps readers identify sites to avoid without learning the hard way. As an affiliate, we earn a commission when readers click our links. This revenue allows us to keep our content free for everyone and does not sway our review conclusions. We are dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, and users can be confident that our recommended sites are secure, fair, and safe. How has the online casino industry evolved during your career? What does the future hold for Canada's iGaming sector? Canada is currently a thrilling market for online casino enthusiasts, and I anticipate further improvements for players. Alberta's upcoming launch of a private gaming market this summer is a promising development that will transform the experience for local residents. The success seen in Ontario has already drawn attention from other provinces, so I expect more competitive markets to emerge throughout Canada in the near future. In addition to regulatory shifts, technological advancements are benefiting the industry. Operators are becoming more inventive, integrating concepts from indie gaming and social media to create engaging, immersive environments. As mobile gaming grows, we are noticing a trend toward on-the-go options. I expect these standards to keep rising, with payment processes becoming increasingly efficient and user-friendly. 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 past two years have significantly reshaped the global iGaming landscape. As newly regulated markets launch rapidly and established jurisdictions tighten their compliance requirements, operators are shifting away from aggressive acquisition models toward strategies centered on long-term sustainability and profitability. Where operators move, suppliers tend to follow. In 2026, the commercial focus has shifted toward maximizing player lifetime value through highly engaging, retention-oriented content and robust operator partnerships. The logic is clear: with soaring customer acquisition costs, operators are far more likely to return, and retention is critical when acquisition costs are this high. Suppliers and operators are also pursuing long-term agreements to ensure their success can be replicated across global markets. Against this backdrop, iGaming Expert spoke with Arman Avetisyan, Head of Pascal Gaming, to discuss the company’s progress and ambitions for the year. The studio has remained active this year, creating meaningful player experiences through launches such as *Sugar Balloon* and showcasing its solutions at various trade shows. However, according to Avetisyan, the foundation for this year was laid in 2025. He explained that the company’s rebrand and repositioning marked a turning point for Pascal Gaming. “(In 2025) we refreshed our entire brand identity — a new logo and visual direction that better reflects our commitment to story-driven and emotionally engaging content,” he said. “We launched more than 30 new titles, including several Hold & Win and Buy Bonus games, as well as crash games.” What drives slot success in 2026? Avetisyan explained that Pascal Gaming evaluates games through a narrative-focused perspective. While features and mechanics are important for any high-quality game, studios need to go a step further. Storytelling is essential for creating immersive experiences that players want to revisit. The studio’s head emphasized that the goal is to create slots that evoke emotion in players rather than offering passive experiences. “Our main objectives are portfolio expansion in target markets and a focus on in-game character creation. Animal-based games are at the top of our list,” he added. “To achieve this, we continue to invest in high-quality, story-rich content — including new character-driven crash games and an updated 3×3 slot series.” Where does Pascal Gaming distribute its games? The studio has recently concentrated on high-growth emerging markets, noting that the fast-paced nature of its games, combined with their simplicity, resonates well with audiences who are newer to online casino experiences. Avetisyan noted: “Our strongest markets currently are Latin America, Asia, and Africa. These regions have responded positively to our mix of classic slots, innovative crash games, and localized content such as *Fortune Master Goat*, *Don Tiger, Jack and Cheeky Duck*, *Pascal News*, and *Super Blaise*.” “Throughout 2026, we plan to expand the markets where we are certified. We have a strong presence in the mentioned regions, yet we aim to further strengthen our partnerships there.” The studio is pursuing an aggressive expansion strategy, capitalizing on newer markets that have emerged with fresh local regulations, as well as markets proven to be high-growth opportunities. As a result, Pascal Gaming has been working closely with regulators across multiple jurisdictions to authenticate its games, ensuring compliant and safe expansion. As the studio’s head explained: “Expansion is not the only goal; we are supporting this growth with a rigorous certification roadmap, including Eastern Europe, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, the Philippines, and many other jurisdictions. “In 2026, we are also placing significant focus on new markets such as the Netherlands and Switzerland.” Expansion also extends beyond geography. As Avetisyan mentioned, operator partnerships are becoming increasingly vital, as these relationships now go beyond transactional deals. “On the operator side, we are deepening partnerships through improved integration support, joint marketing initiatives, and tools that deliver measurable outcomes,” he noted. What trends are shaping iGaming in 2026? 2026 has already proven to be a pivotal year for Pascal Gaming. With a refreshed image, a wave of new game launches, and an aggressive expansion strategy, the studio has experienced growth and secured long-term operator deals. However, there is still much work ahead. So what does Pascal Gaming have planned for the remainder of the year, and how does this align with broader trends? In addition to launching animal-driven character games, the studio is looking to expand further into Latin America and Brazil, and has hinted at sports-themed content ahead of the FIFA World Cup — a trend that casino suppliers have driven in 2026. Underlying this strategy is a strong focus on localization and robust partnerships. As Avetisyan concluded: “Stronger partnerships and deeper localization are central themes in 2026. At Pascal Gaming, we are placing significant emphasis on building meaningful, long-term relationships with our operators and investing heavily in localization — both in content and support.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   European Parliament members (MEPs) are set to commence discussions in Strasbourg concerning the implementation of a 'unified tax' on online gambling and betting operators holding licenses within the European Union. Scheduled to start on Wednesday, May 27, the debate will be chaired by EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin. This initiative aligns with Brussels' ongoing review of proposals aimed at bolstering the bloc's envisioned €2 trillion Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034. The proposal for a European gambling levy originates from Victor Negrescu, who serves as Vice President of the European Parliament and a member of the Budget Committee. Negrescu has reintroduced his suggested 1% levy in Strasbourg, a proposal that has garnered support from the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) Group. This levy is intended for significant online gambling and betting operators, with the goal of generating extra funds for education, youth, and health programs. Subsequent to its introduction, the S&D Group indicated that a modest levy of approximately 1% on the revenues or turnover of prominent online gambling operators is projected to yield between €2 billion and €4 billion each year, potentially accumulating €14 billion to €28 billion over the EU's seven-year budgetary period. The S&D Group has endorsed the gambling levy, viewing it as an EU funding tool capable of assisting the bloc in repaying Covid-era recovery loans and funding future European objectives, such as mental health services, addiction prevention programs, and youth initiatives. Speaking to iGaming Expert, Negrescu asserted that Europe's gambling industry has developed into one of the bloc's most substantial digital sectors, producing “tens of billions of euros annually” and increasingly conducting operations across national borders within the EU single market framework. Negrescu emphasized that this proposal should not be perceived as an extra burden on consumers, but instead as a specific contribution from major operators who benefit from access to the European market. “Daily in this Parliament, we advocate for increased investments, yet citizens also anticipate our explanation of how we intend to fund everything equitably and responsibly,” Negrescu informed iGaming Expert. The Vice President indicated that the levy could support investments in education, youth programs, mental health services, addiction prevention, and initiatives safeguarding minors. He further noted that Europe ought to create “topic-specific financial streams” akin to funding structures already utilized by national governments. Negrescu: Levy could combat black market  Victor Negrescu As the author of the proposal, Negrescu additionally connected it to broader issues concerning unregulated gambling, cautioning that illicit online gambling diminishes public revenues and subjects consumers to greater dangers. “We are advancing this initiative at a time when Europe’s online gambling and betting market is experiencing rapid growth, generating tens of billions of euros each year, and increasingly conducting cross-border operations while leveraging the single market,” Negrescu declared. “Industry projections suggest that illegal online gambling already accounts for approximately 71% of the European market, resulting in substantial public revenue losses, diminished consumer protection, and elevated risks associated with money laundering and organized crime.” The S&D Group has contended that the levy ought to be complemented by coordinated EU-wide actions against illegal gambling to bolster its long-term sustainability as a consistent EU funding mechanism. Negrescu further elaborated: “Factoring in a 1% flat tax on revenues or turnover, the expanding market share of the online industry, and fresh measures targeting illegal platforms, this proposal has the potential to generate between €2 billion and €4 billion annually during the upcoming long-term EU budget cycle, possibly accumulating €14 billion to €28 billion between 2028 and 2034 – a sum equivalent to the present budget for Erasmus+ student exchanges. “This proposition initiates a dialogue on prospective new resources and thematic financial flows, akin to national funding frameworks, which could garner broader endorsement among EU member states.” Gómez López: EU requires robust debt reduction strategies   Sandra Lopez Gomex Sandra Gómez López, a committee member and MEP, stated that the levy is an element of a broader S&D initiative designed to establish “sustainable, predictable, and resilient” revenue sources for the Union budget. “We commend the Commission’s endeavors to pinpoint new resources,” Gómez López remarked. “The provisional report on the forthcoming MFF also introduces novel concepts, such as an online gambling and betting levy, digital services taxation, and provisions related to crypto assets.” She additionally pressed member states to resolve the impasse concerning EU revenue reforms, advocating for new funding mechanisms that could generate a minimum of €60 billion annually to facilitate the repayment of NextGenerationEU debt. “We urge the member states within the Council to overcome the deadlock, persistent since 2020, regarding a collection of new genuine own resources, aiming to achieve an annual revenue level of at least €60 billion.” Conversely, the trade organization, the European Gaming & Betting Association (EGBA), has voiced criticism of the proposal, labeling the concept as “fundamentally impractical” and cautioning that further EU-wide taxation could jeopardize regulated operators while inadvertently aiding black-market providers. Separately, the European Commission has put forward five new EU-wide revenue streams, encompassing tobacco duties, e-waste fees, and corporate taxation measures, with the goal of generating roughly €58.5 billion annually through these novel funding avenues. Nevertheless, any EU-wide tax framework necessitates unanimous approval from member states – a political obstacle that has consistently impeded joint fiscal endeavors in Brussels concerning the standardization of gambling laws among member states.  For Europe’s gambling industry, these discussions signify the initial earnest effort to establish online betting as a direct contributor to the EU’s strategic funding objectives, potentially inaugurating a new phase in the discourse surrounding gambling taxation throughout the bloc. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) -   ICONIC21 has enhanced its player engagement capabilities with the introduction of Free Chips. ICONIC21 described the feature, intended for use in promotions targeting both new and existing customers, as a ‘flexible and fully customisable’ method for engaging players. It enables operators to offer adjustable bonus amounts across all their live games. Consequently, Free Chips can be tailored for different player segments, campaign objectives, or promotional periods associated with special events. Edvardas Sadovskis, Chief Product Officer at ICONIC21, stated: “Free Chips provides operators with a straightforward and effective promotional tool that functions across the entire live portfolio. It readily adapts to various campaign strategies and is particularly beneficial for player acquisition, allowing players to experience games without cost while still having the opportunity to win real prizes.” According to ICONIC21, players will be able to monitor their Free Chips balance and any winnings accumulated. Upon exhausting all chips, their winnings will be automatically transferred to their main balance. The feature can also be integrated into existing promotional frameworks, which ICONIC21 highlighted allows for rapid implementation. Sadovskis added: “We designed the infrastructure to be clean, automated, and user-friendly, enabling operators to concentrate on campaign strategy rather than operational complexities. This is what a robust promotional tool should deliver.” In addition to new features, ICONIC21 has also broadened the distribution of its content. Last month, the developer announced a new collaboration with the aggregation platform Lynon to incorporate its complete range of slots, live casino, and virtual games. Among the games now accessible to Lynon’s partners is Gravity Wheel, the most recent addition to ICONIC21’s Gravity series. Speaking at the time of the announcement, Alina Mihaela Popa, Chief Commercial Officer at ICONIC21, commented: “Partnering with Lynon is a natural progression, as both companies are dedicated to cultivating enduring, value-generating relationships. Lynon’s capacity to deliver our products to a diverse array of operators is a crucial element of our expansion strategy. 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.