日期: 2026年5月27日

(AsiaGameHub) -   Late last year, the UK Advertising Standards Authority sparked widespread surprise when the regulator claimed that an advert starring former professional footballer Gary Neville held strong appeal for younger audiences. Clearly frustrated by the ruling, Flutter pushed back hard against the decision, stating that it ran counter to all basic common sense. In many respects, the company’s statement captured the shared frustrations of an industry that has been walking a fine line while rolling out activations involving both current and retired footballers. A Flutter spokesperson got in touch with iGaming Expert at the time, saying: “We have now reached a point where a licensed operator is being reprimanded for a tweet promoting a football show to audiences aged 25 and over, while unregulated black market operators flood online platforms and social media facing zero checks or oversight.” Flutter also pointed out that the ASA opted to file a complaint about the post against itself, before ruling in favour of its own complaint, and suggested the advertising watchdog is facing “intense pressure” from anti-gambling campaign groups. “Not a single person submitted a complaint about this tweet, either to our company or to the ASA. This ruling goes against both established precedent and basic common sense,” the spokesperson added. What’s more, this type of activation will take on even greater importance as the World Cup gets underway, and as bookmakers face far tighter restrictions once the UK’s front-of-shirt sponsorship ban comes into force. Notably, the ASA was taking enforcement action again this week, as three strikers featured in the regulator’s latest batch of rulings, with only one avoiding sanctions from the body. An Instagram post from Oddschecker included images of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland alongside betting data, which were described as editorial content but also found to be promoting gambling services. Critically, the posts were judged to hold significant appeal for minors. The ASA ordered Oddschecker to remove both posts, and the price comparison site was warned against featuring players that hold strong appeal to underage audiences. Within the same set of rulings, a Betway advert featuring Arsenal icon Thierry Henry was cleared of wrongdoing, following a complaint submitted by a researcher at the University of Bristol. The ASA concluded that Henry does not hold substantial appeal to younger generations, given he has been retired from professional football since 2014. When it came to the ruling involving Neville last year, the ASA acknowledged that Neville’s role as a television pundit put him only in the “moderate risk category”. However, its decision to uphold the complaint rested on the former Manchester United right back’s social media following. The same social media follower dataset was used to determine that Henry did not have significant appeal to younger demographics. That said, Henry remains nearly as visible as Neville in the football punditry space, and while the preferences of younger generations can often be confusing, the notion that Neville is so much more enticing to young people than Henry to the point that a completely opposite ruling was justified is simply absurd, no matter what the Instagram follower numbers indicate. Much like the Premier League’s handball rule, a new regulatory framework can be navigated – but the industry needs clear guidance on what is and is not permitted. The boundaries around the use of players and public figures have become so blurred that ensuring brand deals are both successful and compliant is growing ever more difficult. 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) -   bet365 has officially introduced its online sports betting platform in France, following authorization from the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ). The UK-headquartered betting and gaming firm announced its availability to users via its website and mobile application, incorporating features like Bet Builder, Bet Tracker, and the recently introduced ‘Sub On Play On’. This expansion coincides with the commencement of a busy summer sports schedule, highlighted by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin on 11 June. In addition to football's premier event, the French Open tennis tournament commenced earlier this week at Roland-Garros, and the Tour de France is set to start in July. Concurrently, France's Paris Saint-Germain seeks to defend its UEFA Champions League title on 30 May against Arsenal, in a competition where bet365 serves as an official global partner. For an extended period, France remained one of the few major European markets where bet365 had not yet established a presence, having previously launched in countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands. Nevertheless, a licensing procedure reportedly initiated last year has now concluded, with this expansion complementing the company's growth in the US following its launch in Michigan earlier this year. Challenging environment in a competitive market While bet365 is among the most recognized names in sports betting, the company will face competition from brands that have already secured leading positions in the French market. These operators include FDJ United’s Unibet, Betclic – a brand integrated with Tipico under the Banijay Group – and Winamax. Additionally, other brands like PMU Sport, NetBet France, and Vbet France also possess market share. bet365 will also need to navigate the difficulties presented by Europe's most rigorous tax framework. In addition to a public levy of 44.3% on gross gaming revenue, online sports betting operators must also contribute 15% of GGR to a social security charge. Consequently, the company's effective tax rate will reach 59.3%, significantly higher than the rates it currently pays in numerous other territories. Despite these obstacles, the operator lauded the entry as a crucial achievement in its expansion strategy, as it enters a market that, according to ANJ data, generated €14.1 billion in GGR in 2025. Alex Sefton, bet365’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “bet365’s growth strategy has consistently focused on integrating the scale, technology, innovation, and expertise of a global brand with a deep understanding and appreciation of local customs and culture. “Our entry into France will follow the same principle. We are delighted to develop a product and experience specifically designed for French players, operating within a framework that fully adheres to the requirements of the French National Gaming Authority.” World Cup excitement at its peak bet365’s introduction in France is ideally timed ahead of next month’s World Cup, as the operator aims to capitalize on one of the most profitable global sporting events for sports betting firms. France is considered one of the tournament favorites, and the nation is looking to regain the trophy it last secured in 2018, having been defeated by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. The enlarged tournament, which will include 48 teams for the first time, is anticipated to break all prior betting records. Over $60 billion is projected to be wagered on the tournament, according to H2 Gambling Capital, representing a 71% increase compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Focusing specifically on France, the ANJ observed a 56% rise in online stakes between the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament, and there is no indication that this upward trend will reverse for this year’s World Cup. 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 Indian gaming industry has faced another significant regulatory setback, as the Supreme Court of India has affirmed that Goods and Services Taxes (GST) can be retrospectively applied to operators and app developers involved in real money gaming.  On Wednesday, the Supreme Court declared that retrospective GST claims against online gaming companies are constitutionally sound, marking a definitive win for tax authorities in a disagreement poised to alter the financial landscape of India's digital gaming sector. Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, sitting on a bench, determined that the legal difference between games of skill and gambling loses its significance when real money is involved. The court reinstated a GST demand of ₹21,000 crore (approximately €2 million) against the gaming platform Gameskraft, thereby reversing a previous Karnataka High Court ruling that had supported operators contesting tax obligations. The core of the disagreement revolved around India's taxation method for online gaming businesses. Companies contended that GST should only be levied on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR)—the portion platforms keep after distributing winnings. Conversely, tax authorities asserted that GST ought to be applied to the entire face value of deposits, wagers, and entries into contests. Tax Authorities Always Win Although Article 19 of India’s Constitution safeguards games of skill, the bench concluded that “when betting and gambling become involved, the nature of the game loses its significance”. This ruling strengthens the GST framework established by India’s GST Council in 2023, which mandated a 28% tax on the total face value of transactions in online gaming, casinos, and horse racing. Operators had argued that these regulations could not be applied retroactively prior to 1 October 2023, cautioning that such an approach would jeopardize their commercial viability. The court dismissed this argument, determining that the 2023 GST amendments were “clarificatory” instead of establishing a new tax obligation, thereby allowing for retrospective enforcement. This judgment now escalates the pressure on online gaming operators, fantasy sports enterprises, and casino companies that are currently facing outstanding tax notices and adjudication processes. India’s highest court further upheld the principle of res extra commercium, reiterating that betting and gambling activities are not covered by constitutionally protected commercial rights. “Given that betting and gambling are considered res extra commercium, no fundamental right can be asserted to engage in such activities,” the court declared. The PROGA Era Commences This ruling coincides with India’s most extensive regulatory overhaul of the gaming sector. On April 22, 2026, India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) informed stakeholders that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules (PROGA 2026) would be fully enforced starting May 1, 2026. This mandate concluded an almost 10-month hiatus following the approval of PROGA by the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in August 2025—legislation that instituted a federal prohibition on online platforms, services, and applications offering access to Real Money Games (RMGs). These reforms create the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), a central body tasked with game classification, enforcement coordination, financial supervision, and dispute resolution. For policymakers, centralizing authority seeks to address one of India’s persistent regulatory shortcomings—fragmented oversight split among various ministries and state jurisdictions. The establishment of a singular regulator provides enhanced institutional clarity and a more defined framework for compliance. Nevertheless, industry analysts remain concerned about implementation risks, cautioning that a lack of clear thresholds and safe harbour provisions might subject operators to inconsistent regulatory interpretations during PROGA’s initial phases. Coupled with Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision, India’s trajectory is becoming progressively evident. The nation is no longer deliberating on whether online gaming necessitates stricter supervision. Instead, it is building an entirely new regulatory structure—one intended to centralize control, bolster fiscal enforcement, and redefine the distinctions among gaming, gambling, and digital consumer protection. 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 Leaders Stage at SBC Summit Americas is set to host key figures from major betting operators Bet365 and DraftKings Predictions, alongside former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, to deliberate on the future direction of the sports betting and gaming sectors in the Americas. Scheduled for June 10-11 at the Broward County Convention Centre, this stage will bring together executives from operators, regulators, Tribal groups, and related sectors to explore strategies for maintaining a competitive advantage in 2026. As one of six stages in the SBC Summit Americas conference lineup, the Leaders track will run alongside sessions dedicated to sports betting, casino gaming, affiliation, leadership, player safety, and regulation, with presentations shifting focus between North and Latin American markets over the two-day event. “Customer expectations have shifted in unprecedented ways. Offering a solid product is merely the baseline now; companies must simultaneously function as entertainment hubs, media outlets, and financial services,” remarked Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “The diverse topics scheduled for the Leaders Stage reflect the expanding scope of our industry. This allows us to unite perspectives from both within and beyond the gaming sector, featuring a speaker roster that spans top-tier operator executives to a member of the Kennedy family,” Sojmark added. A panel titled ‘The Current State of Prediction Markets in the US’ will analyze the convergence of sports betting and financial trading, assessing how the growth of prediction markets impacts future American regulations. Industry specialists Jeanine Hightower Sellitto (Senior Vice President & General Manager of DraftKings Predictions), Alex Kane (CEO of Sporttrade), and Joshua B. Sterling (Partner at Milbank) will discuss whether these markets are a logical progression for the industry or a disruption to current regulatory structures. The broader impact of new gaming formats will be explored in the session ‘From Regulation to Representation: Giving Tribes a Voice in the Future of U.S. Gaming.’ Panelists Joe Nayquonabe (CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort), Jacob Coin (VP Advisor to the Tribal Council), and Sheila Morago (CEO of Trilogy Group) will address how Tribal Nations are safeguarding their sovereignty and shaping gaming policies amid the rise of sweepstakes and prediction platforms. Furthering the regulatory dialogue, the session ‘Regulator Rumble: The Future of LatAm’ will look at the challenges Latin American jurisdictions face in managing swift digital expansion alongside regulatory demands. Speakers Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán (Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission), Fabio Macorin (Deputy Secretary at Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, Secretariat of Prizes and Betting), and Jaime Rivera Emmanuelli (Member at Saiber LLC and former regulator) will discuss pathways toward regulatory alignment to foster sustainable regional growth. The focus will then turn to modern player engagement, featuring panels on how technological innovations and tailored marketing strategies can foster long-term customer retention. During an exclusive fireside chat titled ‘Winning Is Everything,’ bet365 CMO Stephanie De Flora will detail the brand's North American expansion and its use of localized marketing to cultivate lasting customer loyalty.  The keynote presentation ‘Unlocking AI to Drive Growth’ will delve deeper into personalization, with David Edelman (former CMO of Aetna) sharing insights on leveraging AI to scale personalized, automated, and responsible player experiences. In addition to business strategies and regulatory updates, the Leaders Stage will highlight player safety and public health in the keynote session ‘Building a Public Health Response to Gambling Harm’. Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, joined by medical and industry experts, will discuss integrating prevention, education, treatment, and healthcare frameworks to address gambling addiction amid the nationwide expansion of online gaming and sports betting. SBC Summit Americas aims to serve as a premier gathering for C-level executives, regulators, Tribal representatives, and policymakers to collaborate on shaping the future of the gaming industry in the region.  Other tracks across the event will feature prominent industry executives, including Andrew Cochrane (COO of Soft2Bet), Ian Botts (CTO of Fanatics Betting & Gaming), Kip Levin (CEO of GeoComply), Manuel Stan (CEO of Catena Media), Marco Emilio Hincapie (President of Coljuegos), Macario Gallegos (SVP & CIO of Seminole Hard Rock), Stuart Simms (Group CEO of FairPlay Sports Media), among others.  The SBC Summit Americas is scheduled for June 9-11, 2026, at the Broward County Convention Centre located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Register now to secure your tickets for SBC Summit Americas!  Expo Pass ($0) – Provides entry to the exhibition floor and basic SBC Connect features Conference Pass ($399) – Offers complete access to the conference sessions, exhibition floor, and SBC Connect Networking Pass ($399) – Grants full access to the exhibition floor, SBC Connect, SBC Connections, and official evening networking events Business Pass ($549) – Includes full access to the exhibition floor, conference tracks, SBC Connect, and SBC ConnectionsVIP Pass – Provides complete access to the exhibition floor, conference sessions, SBC Connect, SBC Connections, evening networking, plus 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) -   The overhaul of UK gambling regulations appears set for a delay, with new policies regarding deposit limits postponed by three months. As affordability remains a contentious issue within the gambling sector, the postponement of these deposit limit rules risks creating further ambiguity regarding the future regulatory framework of the UK market. Significant uncertainty persists concerning the future of Financial Risk Assessments and the specific checks that will be mandated for customers. Regarding deposit limit requirements, the implementation deadline has been moved from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026. Starting from this date, only gross deposit limits may be provided over fixed time intervals, whereas both rolling and fixed time frames remain permissible for other categories of limits. There are three primary components to the changes taking effect at the end of September. Provide gross deposit limits to customers and restore these as an available option for users. Ensure that only gross deposit limits are labeled as ‘deposit limits.’ Present gross deposit limits with “at least equal prominence as other types of financial limit.” Although the delay is relatively minor, the revised implementation timeline may offer insight into when broader reforms concerning safer gambling and affordability in the UK might be expected. A core objective of these changes is to enhance player visibility regarding the control of their gambling activity, a factor the Commission identified as a driver for the new affordability process. While the delay might fuel speculation and uncertainty, it should be regarded as a necessary measure for the UK gambling industry, especially at such a pivotal juncture. As the industry stands on the brink of what is described as a generational shift, prioritizing a measured approach to ensure the correct outcome remains paramount. During a recent appearance on iGaming Daily, SBC Media’s Editor-at-Large, Ted Menmuir, stressed that throughout the implementation process, it has become clear that determining, predicting, or projecting an individual’s affordability is an ‘acute science’ that must not be hurried. 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 Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released a directive affirming that jackpot prizes are subject to a 20% withholding tax. The BIR indicated that it provided this clarification after receiving multiple queries regarding the interpretation of ‘winnings’ under the national tax code, as covered by Philippine News Agency reports. According to the tax code, both fixed and progressive jackpots are classified as ‘winnings’, requiring operators to withhold 20% of the prize before deducting service charges and administrative fees. This rate increases to 25% for non-residents who are ‘not engaged in trade or business’ within the Philippines. The BIR stated that the performance of the Philippines’ gambling sector has resulted in a greater availability of high-value jackpot prizes for players. The approach taken by the Philippines diverges from that of the majority of other Asian markets.  Macau, Singapore and Japan all have no taxes on wagers, instead placing the responsibility on the operator.  India is one of the few other markets in the region where a tax is levied on player wagers, which includes jackpots. This initiative also introduces a risk of fraud concerning ‘advance tax scams’ that have been observed in the country. Nevertheless, the economic impact could be substantial for the country, as the sector continues to expand, with data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) indicating that revenue from the country’s gaming sector grew over 6% to P396.1bn (£4.87bn) in 2025, primarily driven by a 30% increase in the electronic gaming sector. “Given these developments, there is a critical need to clarify the tax treatment of jackpot prizes to ensure consistent application of existing laws, promote equity and uniformity in taxation, and protect government revenue, without altering the scope of the law,” stated the BIR. PAGCOR ramps up player protection In light of this growth, which was somewhat moderated in the first quarter of 2026 due to the impact of tensions in the Middle East, PAGCOR has moved to introduce new regulations for market protection. These changes include mandatory accreditation for B2B suppliers, restrictions on the locations and timing of advertising by gambling companies, and limits on cashback offers and cash rebates related to player losses and turnover, respectively. More recently, the regulator has also launched a new 24-hour problem gambling helpline in collaboration with the Seagull Flock Organisation. Users of this service will have access to trained counsellors who will provide support for problem gambling and referrals for further treatment. Alejandro Tengco, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of PAGCOR, noted that the helpline, which will initially be staffed by 12 counsellors, reflects the regulator’s commitment to responsible gambling. He stated: ‘PAGCOR recognizes that for many, gaming is simply a form of leisure and recreation. However, for some, what may begin as entertainment can gradually lead to financial strain and ruin, emotional distress, damaged relationships, and isolation.’ This move mirrors similar services available in markets such as the UK, through the National Gambling Helpline run by GamCare, and the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network in the US. 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 possibility of an EU-wide gambling tax across member states—an idea that has been floating around for months—has drawn predictable pushback from Malta’s government. David Casa, an MEP from Malta’s Partit Nazzjonalista (PN), has stated that if his nationalist party wins the upcoming election, it will veto Victor Negrescu’s proposals. Under EU rules, Malta alone has the power to block any tax changes. Negrescu emphasized that such a tax would significantly harm Malta’s economy, as the gambling sector contributes 10% of the country’s GDP. Malta’s general election is fast approaching on May 30, with many polls predicting the PN will secure victory at the ballot box. Negrescu—Vice President of the European Parliament and a member of the Budget Committee—has put forward plans widely seen as highly ambitious, yet they could deepen the debate on how the EU unites to tackle the black market. However, with Malta doubling down on its opposition to the proposals, this path seems effectively closed to EU regulators. This follows earlier efforts to introduce a harmonized tax, which also faced heavy criticism—exemplified by Milen Totev, Chair of Bulgaria’s Association of Organisers of Gambling Games and Activities (AOGGAB), who warned such measures go against the EU’s core logic. While some parts of the EU are pushing for aligned action against illicit operators, getting every member state on board with future steps is proving to be a major obstacle. A 1% levy has some backing within the EU, and discussions about its feasibility are set to continue today. EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin will spearhead calls for the levy as part of Brussels’ review of funding for the bloc’s proposed €2trn Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. In a previous update to iGaming Expert, Negrescu argued that Europe’s gambling sector has evolved into one of the bloc’s largest digital industries, generating “tens of billions of euros annually” while increasingly operating cross-border under the EU single market framework. Negrescu highlighted the proposal should not be viewed as an extra burden on consumers, but rather a targeted contribution from major operators that benefit from EU market access. “Every day in this House, we call for more investments, but citizens also expect us to answer how we finance everything fairly and responsibly,” Negrescu told iGaming Expert. Achieving harmonized tax rates or a bloc-wide levy will be a challenge for the EU to pass. Yet, when it comes to organized crime, the EU has taken a unified approach—and given the scale of unlicensed gambling, a coordinated strategy should be a serious consideration. Given gambling revenue’s importance to Malta’s economy, it’s unsurprising the country is reluctant to burden its operators with an additional tax, especially as it heads into an election. Still, for the industry’s long-term sustainability and success, EU efforts to cripple black market engagement shouldn’t be hindered by domestic priorities. While this is a distinct challenge, the EU has enforced aligned efforts in other sectors to tackle illicit activity—renewing optimism that a universal approach to unlicensed gambling can be found across the bloc. 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) -   Norsk Tipping has been directed by the Norwegian gambling authority to implement stricter oversight and individual monitoring for users of its online casino platform. Atle Hamar, Director General of Lotteritilsynet (Lottstift), issued the mandate, citing concerns over the rapid surge in casino player engagement and the potential for increased gambling-related harm. Lottstift detailed these concerns in its latest “sustainability and accountability” report, which was submitted to the Ministry of Culture. Hamar stated: “Over the past five years, the volume of online casino players at Norsk Tipping has doubled. Lottstift is particularly worried that younger players may be at risk of developing gambling problems.” The focus has centered on the popularity of Norsk Tipping’s KongKasino brand, which saw its user base grow from 200,000 in 2020 to 400,000 by 2025, with 50,000 new customers joining in 2025 alone. Balancing channelisation This warning is part of a broader review by Norwegian officials regarding the balance between maintaining channelisation goals and fulfilling player protection duties. “We are especially concerned about the appeal of casino games to young people and the potential for a rise in gambling problems in the coming years,” Hamar noted. “There is a danger that players may increase their gambling activity, even when restricted by Norsk Tipping’s loss limits, and subsequently turn to unregulated, foreign operators.” Lottstift maintains that Norway’s monopoly model, managed by Norsk Tipping and the horse racing operator Rikstoto, remains effective at directing consumers toward regulated platforms. The regulator estimates that foreign operators hold between 12% and 14% of the total Norwegian gambling market, representing roughly 13% of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). However, in sectors that compete directly with foreign firms—such as sports betting, casino games, and horse racing—regulators estimate that foreign operators capture 31% of the market, while Norsk Tipping holds 55% and Norsk Rikstoto holds 14%. Authorities believe these specific areas require closer monitoring as they seek to uphold channelisation rates while bolstering consumer protections. Lottstift also highlighted concerns regarding younger demographics entering the regulated market for the first time, noting that some may already possess gambling habits influenced by previous exposure to gaming and online gambling-related content. The authority further cautioned that heightened casino engagement could drive players toward illegal offshore sites once they hit regulated spending caps. In response, Lotteritilsynet has proposed more proactive interventions and increased friction for high-risk gambling products. One potential measure would require players to complete mandatory educational modules and risk-awareness prompts before accessing casino games. Lottstift believes such measures could assist consumers in making more informed choices regarding high-risk gambling. The inspectorate also noted improvements in Norsk Tipping’s responsibility framework, highlighting that self-exclusion registrations rose by 200% in 2025 following regulatory pressure to improve the visibility of these tools. For Norwegian authorities, the current challenge is to ensure Norsk Tipping remains appealing enough to meet channelisation targets without allowing casino expansion to compromise player safety. Hamar concluded: “Norsk Tipping continues to win over players from the foreign market year after year. Data from the Norwegian Gambling Authority shows a decline in players using foreign companies, falling from 3.8 percent in 2024 to 2.6 percent in 2025.” Norway remains exposed The accountability section of the report to the Ministry of Culture estimates that Norwegian players lost approximately NOK 1.9bn (€165m) to foreign operators in 2025. While this figure is roughly NOK 500m (€43m) higher than 2024 estimates, Lotteritilsynet noted that changes in calculation methodology make direct year-on-year comparisons challenging. The Ministry of Culture has consistently dismissed requests from European trade organizations to re-evaluate the regulatory framework that grants exclusive rights to state-owned entities. Although Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), it is not an EU member and is therefore exempt from certain EU competition requirements. The Storting maintains the authority to grant exclusive rights to state-owned enterprises like Norsk Tipping and Norsk Rikstoto on the grounds of public interest, as both organizations generate revenue for public sports and welfare initiatives overseen by the Ministry of Culture. 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) -   Acroud AB is confident that it is building the premier commercial engine to sustain its expansion within the iGaming media and affiliate sector. This assertion comes on the heels of strong Q1 financial results, which showed enhanced revenue and cash flow across both its B2C publishing network and B2B SaaS division. The Stockholm-listed software and affiliate group posted Q1 2026 revenues of €11.6 million, a year-on-year growth of 18%, driven by the positive operational impact of strategic investments made during 2025. Adjusted EBITDA surged by 178% year-on-year to reach €1.24 million, while operating cash flow rebounded to €1.66 million, recovering from the negative cash flow seen in the same period of the prior year. Robert Andersson, the Chief Executive Officer, noted that the quarter's performance confirmed the success of a "hard reset in 2025" restructuring plan for the publishing network, which aimed to diversify operations "beyond its historical reliance on SEO assets and algorithms." "The opening quarter of 2026 represents a robust beginning to the year, proving the value of multiple strategic choices and investments made over the course of 2025," stated Andersson. "After a fourth quarter marked by high investment in our Affiliation Segment, we started 2026 with an enhanced operational foundation, a better market standing, and a far more streamlined financial setup." Acroud highlights successful investment returns Acroud's SaaS business unit brought in €6.4 million in revenue, a 7% increase compared to the previous year, as leadership pointed to the ongoing scalability of its network and subscription frameworks, even amidst market fluctuations that affected partner SEO results. The firm achieved a record high of 22,276 New Depositing Customers (NDCs) in its SaaS segment, which executives pointed to as proof of sustained underlying demand. At the same time, Acroud's iGaming Affiliation division turned in one of its most impressive quarterly performances in recent history. Revenue for the segment rose 34% year-on-year to €5.1 million, and adjusted EBITDA soared 382% to €906,000, bolstered by improved sportsbook margins and operational refinements made in prior quarters. Leadership highlighted that capital directed toward traffic diversification, AI technology, and SEO optimization is starting to boost efficiency and lower operational expenses. Furthermore, Acroud bolstered its balance sheet during the period, lowering its leverage as the net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 2.1x. Net losses were also significantly reduced, dropping to €373,000 from the €3.3 million loss recorded in Q1 2025. Moving forward, executives believe the company is heading into the rest of 2026 with more robust fundamentals, prompting leadership to explore possibilities for rewarding shareholders with a premium dividend for 2026. Andersson concluded: "Backed by a healthier balance sheet, enhanced profitability, rising cash generation, and an expanding pipeline of projects in both business units, we are confident that Acroud is primed to deliver sustained value for our shareholders over the long term." 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.