月度归档： 2026 年 5 月

(AsiaGameHub) -   Manchester United are reportedly nearing a record-breaking training kit sponsorship deal, with sources indicating the club has finalized a £20 million agreement with Betway, a company owned by Super Group. This multi-year arrangement, as reported by Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, offers an alternative marketing avenue for gambling operators who will be prohibited from front-of-shirt sponsorships starting in the 2026/27 season. Betway has been a consistent presence in Premier League sponsorships, notably partnering with West Ham United from the 2015/16 season until their recent relegation, with the deal extending through the 2024/25 season. The operator has also recently engaged in smaller collaborations with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea. However, a deal of the reported scale could prove transformative, providing a significant avenue for operators seeking some form of association with clubs in the world's most-watched football league. While a voluntary ban on gambling companies appearing on the front of Premier League shirts is imminent, there are no restrictions on other forms of club sponsorship. This has opened up opportunities for sponsorships on sleeves, training kits, social media, and pitchside LED advertising. Could Man Utd’s Betway deal trigger a wider trend? A training kit sponsorship might even offer greater value than a front-of-shirt deal. Manchester United is recognized as one of the world's premier clubs, and players are frequently seen in training kits across extensive television coverage and social media exposure. Despite the reported £20 million valuation, this figure is significantly less than the front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement Manchester United has with Snapdragon, a company owned by Qualcomm. Snapdragon is reportedly paying Manchester United £60 million annually for a sponsorship deal that commenced in 2023 and is set to run until 2029. It is anticipated that other companies within the gambling industry will follow Betway's lead and establish similar agreements with other Premier League clubs. While sleeve sponsorships and "official betting partner" designations may become more common, Betway appears to believe that sponsoring the club's training kit will yield the greatest benefits. Many Premier League clubs will still be seeking front-of-shirt sponsors for the upcoming season. Clubs including Everton, Fulham, and Sunderland will need to find alternative sponsors for next season. In the meantime, Bournemouth has secured a deal with Vitality to replace Bj88, a partnership that has existed in some capacity for many years, and Crystal Palace has replaced NET88 with the US AI firm Temporal. The removal of gambling brands from the prominent front of Premier League club kits is, of course, a necessary step. A YouGov poll conducted in 2023, the year the ban was agreed upon, revealed that over three-quarters (77%) of respondents supported such a ban. However, it was always likely that gambling companies would find ways to continue their involvement with clubs, even if front-of-shirt placements were excluded, which is precisely what Betway appears to have achieved with Manchester United. It is widely reported that gambling companies often pay above market rates for visibility through Premier League teams, and this trend is expected to persist through alternative sponsorship channels beyond front-of-shirt deals. Many have pondered how clubs will compensate for the financial gap left by departing gambling sponsors in the Premier League, with some speculation suggesting that financial services firm CMC Markets is attempting to negotiate a deal with Everton. This void could also present a significant opportunity for prediction market platforms, which have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. However, this would likely raise similar concerns as gambling companies sponsoring clubs. Furthermore, there are questions surrounding the regulation of prediction markets in the UK. The Gambling Commission has indicated that it has no objections to prediction platforms operating, provided they hold a betting license. Nevertheless, it appears that Super Group has found a method to market its Betway sportsbook within the Premier League while circumventing the impending ban. This reported £20 million fee will enable Manchester United to cover the payout for former manager Ruben Amorim, which cost the club approximately £17 million. 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) -   Puerto Rico is set to join the National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (NVSEP), enhancing protections for individuals seeking assistance within the gambling industry. This initiative is a collaboration between the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission and idPair, a U.S. technology firm specializing in responsible gambling and the operator of the NVSEP. According to a statement released via Business Wire, the program is scheduled to launch in June of this year. Through this system, eligible individuals in Puerto Rico will have the option to voluntarily register for self-exclusion, thereby blocking their access to gambling operators and platforms across various jurisdictions. The Puerto Rico Gaming Commission's decision to participate in the NVSEP is a component of its broader strategy to modernize sector oversight, with a particular emphasis on consumer protection and the reinforcement of responsible gambling practices in areas such as casinos, sports betting, and other regulated gaming activities. Jonathan Aiwazian, CEO of idPair, commented: “Puerto Rico has cultivated one of the most dynamic and rapidly expanding gaming markets in the region, bolstered by strong leadership and a vibrant culture that makes it a truly unique location. We are honored to support the Gaming Commission in broadening access to responsible gambling protections, and we anticipate simplifying the self-exclusion process for users while simultaneously streamlining operations for gaming providers.” In parallel, Juan Carlos Santaella Marchán, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission, highlighted: “This partnership reinforces our public policy objectives to maintain a secure and highly regulated gaming industry grounded in responsible gambling principles. Our consistent aim has been to provide accessible tools and resources for anyone seeking support for gambling-related issues.” He further stated: “This initiative is in line with the efforts undertaken since I assumed office, as well as our ongoing educational campaign on responsible gambling. We reaffirm our commitment to Puerto Rico once again.” To participate in the self-exclusion program, individuals will need to complete an online registration process. Subsequently, operators will receive exclusion data via idPair’s platform, aiding them in meeting their regulatory compliance obligations. The National Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program was developed to simplify a process that has historically been fragmented. Rather than requiring separate registrations across multiple systems, the NVSEP offers a centralized and secure registry, thereby improving accessibility to responsible gambling protection tools. Puerto Rico advances with the review of Senate Bill 960 Earlier this week, the Puerto Rico Senate announced that its Treasury, Budget, and PROMESA Committee conducted an on-site inspection of Casino Metro's operations as part of its evaluation of Senate Bill 960, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding the types of gambling permitted on the island. The inspection visit was led by Senator Migdalia Padilla Alvelo and included participation from officials of the Gaming Commission, representatives from the tourism sector, and executives from the casino itself, all of whom toured the facilities. During the visit, legislators assessed the operational, technological, and security aspects of the casino. This review is occurring as the proposed legislation considers new gambling formats, such as poker in standalone gaming halls, digital sports betting, esports betting, and electronic lotteries, alongside enhanced regulatory controls. Both government officials and industry stakeholders expressed concerns regarding the bill's scope, cautioning about potential repercussions on the current market structure, existing regulations, and the possible reallocation of revenue within Puerto Rico’s gaming sector. 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 Summit Americas will explore how affiliates can adjust to Latin America’s fast-changing gaming environment via its specialized Latin America Marketing & Affiliates conference track, scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at the Broward County Convention Center. With operators throughout the region putting more focus on player retention, localization, and long-term value, the track will look into how affiliates are updating their user acquisition strategies, content types, and business partnerships to stay competitive in a market that’s growing more mature. This track is part of SBC Summit Americas’ six-track conference schedule, covering sports betting and casino, affiliate marketing, leadership, player safety, payments and tech, and regulatory topics—each track switching between North and Latin America over the two-day event. “Latin America still offers massive opportunities for affiliates, but succeeding in the region is getting much more complex,” stated Rasmus Sojmark, Founder and CEO of SBC. “Operators aren’t just seeking large-scale traffic anymore. They want partners who grasp local audiences, can produce reliable and engaging content, and ultimately drive long-term player value. This track will provide attendees with actionable insights into how these expectations are transforming affiliate marketing across the region.” A highlight session, Affiliate Leaders 2026: Strategies for the Next Growth Wave, will explore how affiliates are adjusting as Latin America’s gaming market transitions from explosive growth to a more strategically mature stage. Panelists Florencia Brancato (Chief Strategy Officer, Azar Latino) and Pablo Espuela (Head of Corporate Development, BETANDEAL) will talk about shifts in acquisition strategies, operator expectations, and market priorities across the region, as well as pinpoint which markets have the most robust long-term potential. Next, the session Emerging Channels and Formats: Diversifying Your Content Output will shift focus to how affiliates are leveraging more immersive, mobile-first content to connect with a new generation of players. Panelists Cristian Barbosa (COO & Co-Founder, InsightPlay.ai), Matheus Estrella (Head of Latam, Z2A Digital), Miguel Gonzalez (Director Comercial, Byads), Christopher Guzman (Head of Affiliates, Logrand), and Alex Junior (Head of Business & Brand, TREVO Influencia) will dive into formats like live streaming and short-form video, plus how niche content can help affiliates foster deeper trust with their target audiences. The track will then shift to the changing dynamic between operators and affiliates in Latin America. The Operator / Affiliate Partnership Imperative: From Acquisition Volume to Player Value panel will feature Christopher Guzman (Head of Affiliates, Logrand), André Machado (CCO, Clever Advertising), and Felipe Maturana (Media & Sponsorship, Jugabet) discussing how the industry is moving past CPA-driven acquisition strategies to partnerships focused on retention, localization, and long-term player value. In addition to the conference sessions, affiliates at SBC Summit Americas will have plenty of chances to connect directly with operators, affiliate managers, and marketing teams from across the region via networking events, one-on-one meetings, and exhibition floor conversations—all designed to foster new business partnerships and regional collaboration. For affiliates aiming to strengthen their operator relationships, SBC Connections initiatives like The Briefings will provide a more targeted way to meet relevant contacts. These topic-based breakfast and lunch discussions will cover areas such as affiliate marketing, AdTech, player acquisition, and CRM, helping attendees go beyond random meetings to connect with others who share their commercial goals. Interested in attending SBC Summit Americas? Operators and affiliates can apply for a free VIP Pass, which gives full access to the event—including conference sessions, the exhibition hall, and exclusive networking opportunities. All other attendees can select from a variety of ticket options customized to different objectives and budgets, ranging from expo-only access to full VIP packages. Lock in your pass and explore your options here. 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 reappearance of BloxFlip, an external website facilitating Robux gambling, is anticipated to provoke strong disapproval, reigniting scrutiny over the accessibility of unregulated operators. Last year, Roblox faced significant public criticism following allegations by Sky News that underage individuals could access unlicensed casinos through its platform. Players were able to log into these external sites using their Roblox credentials. The Sky News report led to the shutdown and closure of numerous websites, prompted by an urgent inquiry from the Gambling Commission. Among these was BloxFlip, which at one point was the most prominent gambling platform associated with the Roblox game. Bloxgame was subsequently established by the same group but did not achieve the same level of success as BloxFlip. At the time, a co-owner of Bloxflip stated in a chatroom: “The legal team representing Roblox has begun to apply pressure compelling us to close our platform.” Roblox has once again drawn criticism, however, as Sky News has reported that BloxFlip is reportedly making a comeback after being acquired by new owners, with plans to operate similarly to its previous iteration but with added gameplay features. The site is also promoting the same types of games as before, including Mines, Crash, Plinko, Cases, Blackjack, and Slots. Roblox communicated to Sky News that it ‘firmly prohibits all simulated and actual gambling activities on our platform, and players are prohibited from engaging in off-platform secondary-market transactions for Roblox items or Robux’. The company further stated: “Websites like these are in no way endorsed or authorised by Roblox and we take numerous steps to disrupt their activity, taking action against associated accounts as well as filtering out references to these sites across our platform. “The majority of the sites identified are not currently available in the UK, and in some cases their websites indicate they are in the process of ceasing operations,” a spokesperson for the company commented. “We will continue to pursue the owners and operators of unauthorised sites, and stand ready to support law enforcement or the UK Gambling Commission in their efforts to have web hosting providers shut sites like these down.” Roblox's ability to completely prevent these sites from accessing its user base is somewhat limited, necessitating collaboration with the Commission, social media platforms, and major tech companies to achieve success. The return of the Robux gambling platform is likely to intensify the ongoing debate regarding enhanced measures to combat the proliferation of unlicensed casinos targeting younger audiences. One such avenue involves streaming platforms like YouTube, Discord, and Kick, all of which host significant Roblox communities and could potentially be exploited to engage younger audiences. The UK is currently focusing on the digital engagement of younger generations. An iGaming Expert piece has cautioned that as Prime Minister Keir Starmer actively pursues a social media ban for individuals under 16, their vulnerability increases concerning other harmful sites that promote unlicensed betting platforms. This underscores the importance of a broader strategy for digital prohibition in the context of evolving platforms and streaming landscapes. Banning social media for under-16s will not lead to a resurgence of outdoor activities like playing tag, as seen in the 90s; their attention will remain highly susceptible within the online ecosystem. Governments and policymakers should remain vigilant of predatory sites that may capitalize on this newly available attention. When opportunities arise, regardless of their ethical implications, the black market will exploit them, and the resurgence of Bloxflip serves as another illustration of this. 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) -   Digitain has achieved a ‘significant milestone’ in its European expansion strategy following approval for the Danish market. This approval from the Danish regulator will now allow the company to provide its live games to operators throughout the market. Digitain highlighted the decision as a testament to its dedication to adhering to international regulatory standards, particularly given Denmark's standing as one of Europe's most strictly regulated gaming markets. Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, stated: “Obtaining the Denmark licence represents another important milestone in Digitain’s regulatory expansion journey and reflects our long-term commitment to operating within highly regulated markets.  “Denmark is recognised for its strong compliance standards and mature gaming ecosystem, making this achievement particularly significant for our continued European growth strategy. We are proud to begin building new partnerships in the market and bringing our live gaming solutions to Danish operators.” Digitain is entering a market that continues to experience growth, with data from the Danish Gambling Authority indicating a 14.9% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching DKK 731m (£84.8m) in March 2026. More than half of this revenue, DKK 384m (£44.5m), was generated by the online casino sector, while sports betting contributed an additional DKK 217m (£25.2m). Gaming machines and land-based bingo accounted for DKK 96m (£11.1m) and DKK 3m (£347,962), respectively. European expansion continues This year, the company has also secured similar approvals in Ontario, the Isle of Man, the UK, and Bulgaria. The Bulgarian approval, in particular, included a manufacturer and importer licence, enabling Digitain to supply both its in-house developed games and third-party products within the Balkan nation. Muradyan commented on the Bulgarian announcement: “Securing both licences in Bulgaria is an important step in strengthening our presence in regulated markets. This dual capability ensures that our partners can confidently operate and scale in the Bulgarian market with a reliable and fully compliant product offering.” 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) -   Fertitta Entertainment is moving closer to finalizing its significant acquisition of Caesars, as the two companies have reached a ‘definitive agreement’ for a transaction estimated to be worth $17.6 billion. Speculation began in February that Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of Fertitta Entertainment, had expressed interest in acquiring one of the most recognizable entities on the Las Vegas Strip. It has now been confirmed that Fertitta Entertainment will purchase each outstanding Caesars share for $31 in cash and will also assume approximately $11.9 billion of Caesars’ existing debt. The transaction will be funded through equity from Fertitta Entertainment and new debt financing secured from a consortium of 10 banks. According to a statement released by Fertitta Entertainment, the $31 per share offer represents a premium of nearly 50% compared to Caesars’ share price before any rumors of a potential takeover emerged. Caesars stated that Fertitta Entertainment possesses a ‘proven operating model with a track record of successfully integrating and growing leading hospitality and entertainment businesses.’ Fertitta, in turn, described the acquisition as uniting ‘two iconic and highly complementary platforms.’ Fertitta already owns Golden Nugget Casino and Landry’s. This acquisition will add Caesars’ extensive portfolio, which includes over 50 casinos, eight of which are located in Las Vegas, along with its online sports betting and iGaming operations. In recent years, Caesars’ financial performance has been impacted by a decline in tourism to Las Vegas. However, the company reported a ‘solid’ start to 2026 in April, with net revenue increasing by 2.7% year-on-year to $2.9 billion. Caesars’ Chief Executive Officer, Tom Reeg, Chief Financial Officer, Bret Yunker, and President and Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Carano, are expected to retain their positions within the newly combined company. Other members of the corporate and property-level management teams will also continue in their roles. The $31-a-share offer has received approval from Caesars’ Board of Directors, who are now recommending that shareholders vote in favor of the acquisition. However, a ‘go-shop’ period is in effect until July 11, during which Caesars and its advisors will have the opportunity to consider alternative acquisition proposals. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Entain, the parent company of Ladbrokes and Coral, has named Sheila Bangalore as a Non-Executive Director, filling the vacancy left by Ricky Sandler just over three weeks ago. Bangalore’s appointment restores Entain’s board to 11 members, following the departure of Sandler, who stepped down as a Non-Executive Director after his New York-based hedge fund, Eminence Capital, closed. With over 20 years of professional experience, Bangalore has held roles across the technology, hospitality, and gaming sectors. Her background also includes legal work from the earlier stages of her career, during which she served with the United States Senate and the United States Courts. Sheila Bangalore. Credit: LinkedIn More recently, she held positions at major international iGaming companies Aristocrat and Bally Technologies, before taking on the role of Chief Strategy Officer at MP Materials, a manufacturing firm based in Las Vegas. According to her LinkedIn profile, Bangalore currently serves as CEO of the advisory firm Artemis Endeavors. Her board experience includes tenures at Games Global, Alliance Entertainment, Principal Mineral, Nasdaq, StoneAge Waterblast Tools, Athena Alliance, and McLaren Technologies Acquisition Corporation. “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Sheila to Entain,” stated Pierre Bouchut, Chair of Entain. “Sheila possesses an extensive background in executive and non-executive roles across various industries, with a particular focus on the gaming sector. “I am confident that the board will benefit from her expertise, rigor, and judgment as Entain continues to implement its strategic objectives.” Entain’s recent challenges Entain’s investor base has experienced significant shifts recently, particularly following the dissolution of Eminence Capital. While the London-listed company’s share price dipped following the news, SBC News Editor Ted Orme-Claye noted on the iGaming Daily Podcast that the situation was “far from doomsday for Entain,” and the stock has since stabilized. Following the closure of Eminence, JPMorgan Chase acquired a 7% stake in Entain—replacing the approximately 6.5% held by Eminence—though it has since reduced its position to below 3%. Speculation regarding a potential sale persists given the company's current climate: its stock has declined by nearly one-third in 2026, the UK’s remote gaming duty tax has increased to 40%, Ladbrokes is closing its Irish retail locations, and the emergence of prediction markets has likely impacted its US market share. Despite these various obstacles, the firm has demonstrated resilience, with group-wide revenue increasing 3% to £5.25bn in 2025, and a 6% rise in UK and Irish revenue to £2.19bn. However, Entain reported another year of significant losses, with a statutory post-tax deficit of £681m. The long-term outlook for one of the UK’s primary operators remains uncertain, though the restoration of an 11-member board marks a step toward stability in its leadership structure. 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) -   Issue 40 of SBC Leaders magazine hits stands today, showcasing conversations with top executives from Fanatics, bet365, Hard Rock, FanDuel, DraftKings, Betsson, Apuesta Total, and Allwyn. Developing a standout product that resonates with sports fans is crucial for building a strong sportsbook brand, according to Selena Kalvaria, Chief Marketing Officer of Fanatics Betting & Gaming, in an interview with the latest issue of SBC Leaders magazine. In the cover story, Kalvaria explains why she left a successful high fashion career for the sports betting industry and shares what she discovered after making the switch. Fanatics is a household name among U.S. sports fans, thanks to its extensive replica sportswear and merchandise division—and that unmatched reputation was initially what drew Kalvaria to the role. Since joining the company, she has learned that the brand’s name would hold little value for bettors if the online gambling team hadn’t followed the clothing division’s lead and adopted a fan-first approach to product development. Its Fair Play injury refund feature was so popular with customers that rival sportsbooks copied it, while FanCash recreates the engagement of retail loyalty schemes for the betting audience. “You have to build an incredible product and proposition that people care about and the team that pre-existed me here was exceptional in the pursuit of having the best product in the market,” Kalvaria says. “With the integration of FanCash and what’s become core to our positioning in Fair Play and the connected ecosystem and loyalty program, we relentlessly enhance the customer and fan experience. That’s what Fanatics exists to do.” In the same cover feature, Fanatics Chief Trading Officer Mark Hughes notes that in a competitive market with well-established rivals, having the right product can help to “give customers zero reason to leave”. While he acknowledges those competitors have “some really good stuff”, Hughes is confident his team has got their product right. “We’re at a phase where the product is very high quality, the loyalty scheme runs throughout all channels, we have tenured customers who are really sticky,” says Hughes. “It’s all come together. We get a lot of feedback from customers now saying, ‘I joined because of FanCash but your product is as good as FanDuel or DraftKings’.” No One Predicts an Apocalypse for Sportsbooks A key part of Hughes’s job is to create “reasons for customers to switch and to stay”, and as a U.S. operator, that means working to attract prediction market players. However, even though Fanatics has launched its own Fanatics Markets offering, Hughes doesn’t expect platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket to compete with licensed sportsbooks long-term. “The product breadth will be hard to match. If it plays out in a way where there’s a parlay product and margins and generosity can be high, maybe it will compete,” he says. “But without that, I don’t really see them as the same product, even if they look and feel very similar to a customer. I struggle to see it cannibalising too significantly in states where sports betting is allowed.” This view is echoed elsewhere in the magazine by James Cooper, Senior Vice President of FanDuel’s Flywheel & New Ventures division—focused on identifying and launching new high-growth products. One such product is FanDuel Predicts, which has helped expand the operator’s total addressable market into states like California and Texas, where legal sports betting isn’t widely available. Despite being directly involved in launching one, Cooper doesn’t expect prediction markets to harm the legal sports betting industry significantly. “We don’t see the sportsbook ecosystem as outdated at all, and it continues to be our north star,” he says. “Sports betting remains the most direct and established way for fans to engage with sports outcomes, particularly in regulated markets with strong consumer protections and meaningful benefits to states.” The magazine also features IMGL President Marc Dunbar evaluating the dispute around the legal status of prediction markets. bet365 Sets Sights on U.S. Top Spot While prediction markets have dominated headlines, bet365’s growth in the U.S. over the past 12 months has been under-reported. The UK-based operator initially took a cautious approach to the U.S. but, unlike many European peers that spent heavily during the post-PASPA gold rush, it’s now starting to thrive. It has become a top-five operator in many of the 17 states it operates in—something Trip Stoddard, Head of Business Development for North America, attributes to its investment in localisation and technology. Stoddard is happy with recent progress, but no one should expect the company to be content with its current position chasing FanDuel and DraftKings. “If you look at bet365’s history, you look at everything we’ve done globally, we don’t go to markets where we’re happy with the top five. We don’t go to markets where we’re happy with the top three,” he says. Stoddard adds: “We’re here to be number one. There’s clearly a top two. We’re watching them, but we’re tailoring our product and our marketing to (a point) where we don’t just think we can compete with them. I’m comfortable saying we think we can beat them.” A Tour of the Global Betting Landscape SBC Leaders issue 40 also includes interviews with Steph Sherman, Chief Marketing Officer at DraftKings, about customer acquisition during the World Cup, and Betsson’s Chief Information Security Officer Donald Tabone about cybercriminal threats to operators. Meanwhile, Hard Rock Digital Chairman Rafi Ashkenazi reflects on his gambling career, Allwyn’s Group CFO Kenneth Morton shares insider insights on the OPAP merger, and Apuesta Total CEO Gonzalo Perez discusses the Peruvian market. Additionally, there’s a deep dive into Latin America’s emerging market opportunities and an examination of why industry lobbying efforts keep falling flat. You can pick up a copy of issue 40 of SBC Leaders magazine at SBC Summit Americas in Fort Lauderdale in June, or read the digital edition here. 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) -   Italian regulators are continuing to focus on the reforms required to reclassify gambling advertising, marketing, customer communications, and incentives. This week, AGCOM’s media division confirmed the launch of a new consultation centered on “responsible gambling communications.” The consultation follows a public comment period that received over 20 submissions from stakeholders, who emphasized the need for clarity in how gambling licensees communicate promotions and updates to consumers. Marketing communications and interactions have been a gray area since Italy’s near-total ban on gambling advertising took effect in 2019, under the highly contested Dignity Decree of the short-lived Lega-5Star coalition government. While AGCOM stresses the review does not modify the terms of the Dignity Decree itself, the regulator is working to establish clearer rules ahead of any broader reform of Italy’s advertising framework. Introduced in 2019, the Dignity Decree prohibits nearly all gambling advertising and sponsorship activities across television, radio, digital media, sports partnerships, and social platforms. The restrictions also extend to indirect promotions, affiliate marketing, and engagement-led campaigns. At the heart of AGCOM’s review is the question of customer engagement and what differentiates “informational” from “promotional” communication. Operators continue to seek clarity on whether bonuses, odds boosts, VIP programs, retention messaging, influencer campaigns, and affiliate activities violate the existing regulatory framework. Clearer boundaries for gambling marketing communications are needed, as AGCOM remains involved in high-profile multi-million-euro legal disputes with Meta, Google, and YouTube—cases that Italian courts are increasingly aiming to resolve decisively. AGCOM is expected to tighten its interpretation of any communication that could indirectly incentivize gambling participation. The review comes amid mounting political pressure to revisit the Dignity Decree as Italy advances broader gambling reforms, including new online concessions and discussions about restoring betting sponsorships in football. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has been tasked with negotiating these matters with Italian football authorities and the Olympic Committee. ADM Steps Up Enforcement Alongside AGCOM’s crackdown on gambling communications, Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) continues to intensify online enforcement against illegal operators. This week, ADM added 146 more domains to its blacklist of unauthorized gambling websites, pushing the number of blocked sites in 2026 to over 500. Since 2019, Italian authorities have blocked more than 12,000 illegal gambling portals. This dual enforcement strategy underscores Italy’s increasingly assertive stance on gambling oversight, as regulators strive to balance consumer protection, black-market suppression, and growing pressure to modernize one of Europe’s strictest advertising regimes. 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) -   Robeson Reeves, the Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Intralot, expresses continued confidence in the company's ability to withstand UK tax and regulatory challenges as it approaches the end of its first complete half-year as a merged organization. Established last year through the functional merger of Bally’s Corporation and Intralot, facilitated by the latter's purchase of Bally’s International Interactive (BII), Bally’s Intralot has recently been in the news after confirming it is in talks to buy LSE-listed evoke. After releasing its Q1 financials, Reeves and other executives provided minimal clarity on whether the company will submit a formal bid for evoke – stakeholders must wait until 8 June at the latest for an answer. The leadership did, however, underscore the UK's growing importance to its operations. Chief Financial Officer Andreas Chrysos disclosed that the UK is 'our largest region', contributing 64% of Bally’s Q1 revenue. Chrysos noted that the latest figures are "confirming the group’s significant shift towards the UK digital consumer market." Can Bally’s ride out UK exposures? Reiterating preliminary figures released on 18 May, Bally’s Intralot's announcement yesterday showed year-on-year revenue surged 180.5% from €95.6m to €268.1m (£232.3m). Adjusted EBITDA increased by 231.8%, from €30.2m to €100.2m. Divided into B2C and B2B segments, the B2C unit posted revenue of €204.6m (Q1 2025: €25m) and AEBITDA of €76.7m (€8.3m), while the B2B unit reported revenue of €63.5m (down from €70.6m) and AEBITDA of €23.5m (€21.9m). It is worth noting that part of this growth stems from the company's expansion via Bally’s M&A activity, with Bally’s Intralot's results—which include BII's earnings—being measured against Intralot's standalone Q1 2025 performance. Regardless, the numbers are striking. As mentioned, the UK was central to this performance, with Reeves stating the company's "UK online business continued its strong momentum, growing 10.5% on a constant currency basis in the quarter". The group's UK holdings are primarily iGaming brands – Jackpotjoy, Virgin Games, Monopoly Casino, Rainbow Riches Casino, Double Bubble Bingo, and Bally Casino. It also includes one sportsbook, Bally Bet, whose profile the group has sought to raise, for instance through a partnership with Nottingham Forest. It additionally runs a casino in Newcastle. Nevertheless, a major uncertainty overhanging Bally’s Intralot's UK activities, and this market's newfound importance, is taxation. The new Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) implemented in April 2026 has been widely debated for good reason – it is anticipated to significantly reduce operator EBITDA and profit margins. "The UK Remote Gaming Duty change is the most significant regulatory shift in our market in years," Reeves informed investors and analysts. "We have been telling you for several calls that we had a plan, that we had the margins to absorb it, and that a less competitive market would favor operators with our scale. "The Q1 data and early April trading confirms that thesis. UK online revenue in Q1 grew 10.5% on a constant currency basis. Preliminary April NGR was up 11.5% year-on-year. "Now for May, May is also showing double-digit year-on-year growth accelerating from Q1 and April in line with our expectations. The plan is working." The strategy Reeves mentions was to approach the new tax regime "from a position of strength, not retreat". Emphasizing the plan's success, the CEO told analysts: "Active players are up year-on-year, our brands are very robust, our product is competitive, and our player base is growing. "We are generating more efficient revenue from a larger player base. This is precisely the environment we said would benefit operators with our scale and margin profile, and that is exactly what is happening." Black market battle continues The tax hikes are naturally creating considerable difficulties for operator finance departments and others. It has been known for a while that major operators intend to reduce marketing expenditures, with Flutter Entertainment acting on this by cutting positions in its Paddy Power marketing team earlier this year. However, a potential positive for the UK betting industry could be the additional £26m the government has pledged to combat the black market. The government has also established a dedicated Illegal Gambling Taskforce, led by Baroness Tycross, to tackle illegal gambling, and the Gambling Commission is seeking to hire a Head of Illegal Markets – though the salary advertised for this demanding role has caused some surprise. "Often people look at the UK market in the same way as other territories such as, say, the Netherlands, which had a rapid rise in channelisation," Reeves commented, revisiting a common comparison between the UK and the Netherlands on how regulation and taxation affect black market operations. "There’s a big difference here though. The UK over the past five years has essentially created a much more affordable spending environment for the mass market. So in reality, the VIPs, the high-stakes players, have already been displaced. "So regarding the black market, and the efforts to police it, I simply would not anticipate as much change in market size from high-value customers because those customers have already moved to the black market." The UK is naturally not Bally’s Intralot's sole market. While it made up the majority of Q1 revenue, it was followed by the Americas at 18%, with the rest of Europe and the rest of the World each accounting for 9%. Still, the company will rely on the UK government to fulfill its commitment to fighting the black market and the competition it presents to regulated firms like itself, and will depend on its tax resilience to keep yielding results. 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) -   Bally’s Intralot CEO Robeson Reeves has cautioned that high-spending players have effectively exited the regulated UK sector, even as he outlined the operator’s strategy for future growth in the region. During the company’s first-quarter earnings call, executives also hinted at significant progress regarding their ongoing interest in acquiring evoke, with Reeves promising further updates in the near future. He told investors: “I will stick to what has already been disclosed publicly, but I encourage you to consider this alongside our upcoming commentary on our margins, platform capabilities, operational history, and cash flow. The strategic logic is clear.” The discussions between Bally’s Intralot and evoke are taking place against a backdrop of major shifts in the UK market, driven by a rise in remote gaming duty from 21% to 40% and the introduction of financial risk assessments, commonly referred to as affordability checks. While much of the sector has voiced strong opposition to these affordability checks, fearing they could damage the market, Reeves noted that they pose little threat to Bally’s Intralot. He stated: “Our platform was designed with this [affordability] in mind from the start, because if customers can afford to play, they can play sustainably over the long term. “When you examine our retention rates and stable growth, it’s clear that our expansion is driven by acquiring new customers on top of our existing base. Consequently, I don’t view affordability measures as a major risk, as our player base remains consistent and stable.” Bally’s Intralot reported a 10.5% increase in UK online revenue for Q1 2026, with preliminary data indicating similar growth trends for April and May. Although many critics of the tax hikes and affordability mandates argue that these measures will drive players toward the black market, Reeves holds a different perspective, asserting that the UK’s "big spenders" have already left the regulated space. He explained: “Over the last five years, the UK has fostered a more sustainable spending environment for the mass market. Therefore, I don’t anticipate a significant shift in market size due to the black market, as high-value players have already migrated there. “People often compare the UK market to regions like the Netherlands, which saw a rapid increase in channelisation. However, there is a fundamental difference here.” Market consolidation already underway Looking forward, Reeves noted that the company is entering this period of transition in the UK from a "position of strength," a point underscored by its pursuit of evoke. Last month, Bally’s Intralot announced it was considering an offer for the entire issued and to-be-issued share capital of evoke at 50p per share, valuing the company at approximately £225m. Reeves and CFO Andreas Chrysos declined to provide further details on the potential acquisition, other than confirming that more information would be shared shortly. At the time, the company stated that acquiring evoke could "deliver substantial strategic and operational synergies, including enhanced scale, an expanded geographic footprint, and opportunities for cost efficiencies." The initial deadline for Bally’s Intralot to confirm its intention to proceed with the acquisition was 18 May, but this has since been extended to 17:00 BST on 8 June. Reeves added that further changes are expected in the UK as the industry adjusts to the financial burden of the increased remote gaming duty. He explained: “For other iGaming operators, this represents a 19% change. Since most of these operators have profit margins below 19%, their behavior will inevitably shift. They will lack the budget for marketing, so I expect to see changes in how operators function. “Companies are also scaling back on incentives and promotions. We are clearly witnessing the beginning of industry consolidation.” Overall, Bally’s Intralot reported a major performance turnaround in Q1 compared to the previous year, with revenue rising 180.5% year-on-year to €268.1m, and EBITDA climbing to €100.1m from €30.2m in 2025. These results were largely fueled by the acquisition of Bally’s International Interactive in October 2025, which contributed €183.9m in revenue and €72.7m in EBITDA during the quarter. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In a piece for SBC News, John Cook—Commercial Director at SBC Media—delves into how data empowers iGaming suppliers to provide genuine value to their operator partners. In the fast-paced world of iGaming, we frequently fall into the trap of pursuing superficial progress instead of enhancing the products we offer. Technology is advancing so rapidly it’s almost too fast to keep up with.  AI advancements, new payment systems, and evolving regulatory landscapes are constant topics in our news cycles. We strive to keep up with these tech and regulatory shifts, but in our hurry to remain relevant, we often overlook a key truth: even as delivery methods change, the core reasons people make purchases stay the same. A common industry trend is that products are often marketed as ‘groundbreaking’ fixes for problems we think the market faces—without ever checking if those problems actually exist in real-world scenarios.  To stand out amid the clutter in 2026, authority and trustworthiness are your most valuable assets. And nothing builds these more effectively than independent, source-based data. The Pitfall of Assumptions Suppose you’re a gambling operator searching for a new Payment Service Provider. The underlying tech may have evolved from traditional bank transfers to more advanced options, but the core need stays the same: you need to move funds safely from one point to another. Yet as methods evolve, so do the pressures. Maybe you need faster fund transfers now because players expect quicker withdrawals, or perhaps internal demands push you to manage liquidity more efficiently. As suppliers, we often assume that adding a new ‘flashy feature’ to our offerings will be exactly what operators want. But this begs a critical question: Is this really what the operator needs to solve their specific challenge?  The easiest way to truly grasp what operators need from their suppliers is something we frequently overlook—just asking them. The Validity Chasm Naturally, getting honest feedback is harder than it sounds. In a budget-constrained setting, do suppliers have the time or resources to conduct a thorough survey of their clients? And even if they do, will respondents share the complete truth? If I approach a gaming studio I’ve collaborated with for years and present a new idea, they might be courteous due to our long-standing relationship—but that doesn’t mean they’ll invest in it. This polite feedback is meaningless; it lacks the concrete validity required to drive commercial success. This is a common mistake among suppliers. Trying to sell an apple to a brand that wants an orange will never succeed. Worse still, offering a single, standalone product (like that apple) will definitely miss the mark if the client is looking for a customized fruit salad— a well-balanced mix of solutions tailored to their brand’s unique needs. You can’t create that customized mix through guesswork; you need to know exactly what components the market truly desires. The Emergence of ‘Muddled’ Content As technology progresses, so does how we market this kind of information. Consequently, more and more businesses are turning to AI-generated insights to deliver information quickly. The problem here lies in bias and fragmentation. Every human-authored report has an inherent perspective— the writer typically aims to find a specific conclusion. While this bias exists, it’s at least a single, independent viewpoint. But when companies use AI to mass-produce marketing content and long-form reports, 10 or 15 distinct independent views get blended into one document— resulting in a muddled, patchwork view of the market. You might assume that including 10-15 views in a report is beneficial. But when those views are gathered via AI instead of independent research, the report doesn’t accurately reflect the broader market reality—it’s just a digital echo chamber.  For genuine value, you must collect data directly from the source. This involves moving past internal data and leveraging independent, external research.  Independence Equals Validity This core need for independent research is precisely why we launched SBC Insights. We identified a market gap for direct, unbiased research that isn’t influenced by sales agendas. When research is done by a specialist organization that truly understands the industry and is trusted by your clients, respondents feel free to share their unfiltered opinions. They can be honest about their challenges because they know they aren’t being pitched to. This independence, plus the option of anonymity, adds a level of credibility to your marketing that standard press releases or social media campaigns can’t replicate. It reduces risk for the operator and gives them more incentive to partner with you.  If you approach a prospect with a report stating, “We surveyed 100 of your peers, and 70% are facing exactly this problem” instead of a sales pitch, you’re no longer just a vendor. You become a trusted authority in your field, supported by solid data.  Building Authority via Insights As our industry grows more crowded, the most effective marketing isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being the most knowledgeable. High-quality, customized research lets you share insights into what your clients actually care about, not what you think they do. It helps you align product development with real market needs, instead of chasing fleeting tech trends that will fade when the next innovation arrives. To be viewed as a market leader, you need to prioritize information and demonstrate how your tools solve specific bottlenecks your operator partners are dealing with.  Data isn’t just a set of numbers on an Excel sheet—it’s the most powerful marketing tool any marketer has. It explains the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’, and in an industry marked by rapid change, that ‘why’ is the only thing that will make your brand stand out. For more information, contact john.cook@sbcgaming.com  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.