Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - The Lodge Card Club located in Round Rock, Texas, will resume operations on May 26 at 9 a.m., two months after a state raid shuttered the poker room. Good to Know Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents raided The Lodge Card Club in March. A Williamson County Grand Jury ultimately found insufficient evidence to file a criminal indictment. Poker operations will resume May 26, while Frank & Margie’s will open its doors May 16. The first poker event following the reopening will be a $50 no-limit hold’em tournament at 10:15 a.m. on May 26. Two additional low-buy-in events are planned for the same day, letting members quickly return to live poker as the World Series of Poker launches in Las Vegas. The club announced the news on Tuesday via Twitter/X, stating: “Welcome back home Lodge members.” Welcome back home Lodge members. The grand reopening is May 26th at 9am pic.twitter.com/YYLiMaPhgQ — Lodge Card Club (@LodgePokerClub) May 12, 2026 Round Rock Poker Room Set to Resume Operations The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shut down The Lodge in March, citing money laundering and illegal gambling allegations. State authorities also froze assets connected to the club. This case shifted in April when a Williamson County Grand Jury declined to indict the property owners. Without a criminal indictment, The Lodge now plans to bring back staff, players, and regular poker games. The reopening will also assist players who still had chips at the club during the raid. Those players are expected to receive their payouts once operations restart. Several familiar aspects of the business will return as well. The “Poker at the Lodge” livestream, which has nearly 240,000 YouTube subscribers, is anticipated to resume after poker operations restart in Round Rock. Food service will look updated. Odds Bar & Bistro is being replaced by Frank & Margie’s, an Italian-American restaurant opening May 16, ahead of the poker room’s reopening. The company also operates a Lodge card club in San Antonio. This location was not raided and stayed open during the Round Rock shutdown. 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) - Individuals affected by the AirBit Club crypto Ponzi scheme now have a potential avenue to recoup losses after the US Justice Department launched a compensation procedure linked to forfeited assets. Good to Know The DOJ indicates that over $400 million in forfeited assets may be used to reimburse qualifying victims. AirBit Club was promoted as a cryptocurrency mining and trading venture offering assured profits. RCB Fund Services will reach out to identified victims regarding petition submissions. The Justice Department stated that the United States has seized more than $400 million in assets tied to AirBit Club. These assets consist of real estate, US dollars, and cryptocurrency obtained from the scheme. AirBit Club operators presented the enterprise as a cryptocurrency mining and trading platform. Participants were assured of guaranteed returns, although prosecutors later characterized the operation as a Ponzi scheme. DOJ Opens AirBit Club Recovery Process The compensation initiative followed sentencing in 2023 of several individuals linked to AirBit Club. Among them were co-founders Pablo Renato Rodriguez and Gutemberg Dos Santos, promoters Cecilia Millan and Karina Chairez, and attorney Scott Hughes.“To date, the United States has forfeited over $400 million in assets that are now available to compensate eligible victims for their qualifying losses. Victims who have already shared their details with the FBI or U.S. Attorney’s Office will be contacted by the remission administrator, RCB Fund Services, LLC, (RCB) to submit a petition,” the DOJ stated. Those who previously supplied information to the FBI or the US Attorney’s Office are expected to be contacted by RCB Fund Services, which will manage petition processing through the remission procedure. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department Criminal Division remarked: “The defendants exploited the rising interest in virtual currency to advance the scheme and attract additional victims. The criminal convictions and substantial asset recoveries achieved by prosecutors and law enforcement partners have allowed the Department to initiate this meaningful victim compensation effort.” 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 United Kingdom has launched a new independent research centre dedicated to gambling-related harm, with levy funding allocated for evidence-building, prevention efforts, and policy-focused work. Key Details to Know The Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre will receive £22.1 million in funding for the 2025-2026 period. UKRI will finance the centre using 20% of the statutory national Gambling Levy. The Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London will lead the centre’s work. The new Gambling Harms Research UK Evidence Centre launches after years of widespread concern over weak evidence, industry influence, and limited research capacity in gambling harm policy. A consortium from the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, Swansea, and King’s College London will operate the centre. DCMS announced the launch on Thursday, while UK Research and Innovation will deliver funding via a portion of the government-run statutory levy. Independent Evidence Is the Top Priority Funding from the levy gives the project full scale and capacity from day one. UKRI will use its 20% share of the Gambling Levy to support the centre, which equals £22.1 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Earlier in 2025, the levy also allocated £25.4 million to gambling harm prevention organizations.The centre will research gambling harm across a range of areas: public health, policy, sport, online gambling, video-game gambling, financial data, algorithms, and structural risk factors. It will also coordinate 19 Innovation Partnerships under the GHR-UK framework. Professor Heather Wardle, director of the centre and professor of gambling research and policy at the University of Glasgow, stated: “For far too long, gambling research has been under-resourced and overlooked. “New funding through the levy and UKRI marks a vital reset for the field, strengthening the quality and scale of gambling harms research and ensuring policy is driven by rigorous, independent evidence.”UKRI reports that harmful gambling costs the UK economy around £1.4 billion every year. It has also linked gambling harm to increased public health pressure, higher criminal justice costs, depression, and suicide. Independence stands as the core of the project. In April 2025, gambling harm researchers warned Parliament about past industry influence over research funding and priority-setting. Wardle also told the health and social care committee that earlier research often reflected research questions and viewpoints shaped by the gambling sector itself. Lived experience of harm will also guide the centre’s work. Martin Jones, a campaigner and charity worker who has experienced a gambling-related suicide in his family, will serve as the centre’s lived-experience lead. He said: “Research is not just an abstract intellectual exercise that exists in isolation. “It is, and should be, closely connected to the real gambling harms that affect real people. “We need to do far more to prevent these harms, and coordinating top-tier research will support this goal, especially as we explore more complex areas like suicide, algorithms, and financial data.”The centre is part of a broader UKRI Research Programme focused on gambling. That programme already includes 32 rapid evidence reviews, 19 Innovation Partnerships, and four UKRI policy fellows. UKRI also plans to allocate additional funding for topics such as the overlap between gambling and video gaming. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Online gambling in Belgium has surged since 2018, despite the implementation of strict advertising restrictions by licensed private operators. Key Facts According to Sciensano, 14.8% of Belgians now gamble online, compared to 7.9% in 2018. 52.6% of Belgians continue to encounter gambling advertisements at least once a week. BAGO notes that both lottery advertising and illegal gambling sites are still able to reach players. The Sciensano Health Interview Survey 2023-2024 reveals a discrepancy between government policy and actual player behavior. Although Belgium imposed significant ad restrictions on licensed private operators in 2023, online gambling participation has nearly doubled over the past five years. The Belgian Association of Gaming Operators (BAGO) is calling for more robust measures against unlicensed gambling platforms. The industry body argues that weekly exposure to gambling advertisements stems not only from regulated private companies but also from other sources beyond their control. Lottery Ads And Illegal Sites Continue To Reach Players Sciensano data shows that 31.9% of Belgians have engaged in gambling within the past year, while 8.0% do so on a weekly basis. Online gambling participation stands at 14.8% of the population, with the highest rate among individuals aged 25–34 at 20.2%. The survey also indicates that 2.6% of the overall population may be at risk of problem gambling using the short-form PGSI assessment; this figure rises to 7.7% among those who gambled within the last year. Gambling advertisements remain highly visible across various media channels. Weekly ad exposure was reported by 51.1% of respondents via television, 47.3% through websites and apps, and 46.4% via social media. Additional exposure occurred through street ads, retail displays, newspapers, and magazines. Licensed private gambling operators in Belgium are prohibited from placing ads on television, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media, email, postal mail, and SMS. Limited advertising opportunities persist through venue-based communications, operator websites, and certain search engine platforms. A ban on sports sponsorships took effect at the beginning of 2025. The National Lottery operates largely outside the scope of the Gambling Act. Sciensano reports indicate it remains the most popular form of gambling, used by 29.5% of Belgians—representing approximately 92% of all gamblers in the country. Crucially, lottery advertisements are still permitted across television, radio, and social media channels. BAGO emphasized that the 52.6% figure for weekly ad exposure “does not originate exclusively from licensed private operators.” The association explained that exposure is “also influenced by entities operating outside the regulatory framework, under transitional arrangements, or in violation of current rules.” Belgium also faces challenges from offshore gambling operators. These unlicensed sites frequently target users through social media, affiliate networks, and influencers, circumventing essential consumer protections such as EPIS self-exclusion tools, weekly deposit limits, age verification processes, and broader player safeguards applicable in the licensed market. This trend extends beyond Belgium’s borders. An analysis by the Italian Football Federation linked the 2018 Dignity Decree advertising ban to an estimated €25 billion annually in unregulated wagers. Similarly, a Dutch study published in 2024 found the size of the illegal gambling market grew from roughly 20% in 2021 to over 35% by late 2023 following stricter deposit and advertising regulations. In contrast, the United Kingdom has adopted a different approach. The UK Gambling Commission recently created a senior position focused on combating illegal markets, while the government allocated £26 million to enforcement efforts after research by the Betting and Gaming Council projected the UK’s black market would reach £16.6 billion in 2025. 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) - A former federal prosecutor in West Virginia has pleaded guilty to identity theft after prosecutors said she used stolen identities to open and profit from online gambling accounts. Good to Know Monica Dillon pleaded guilty to five counts of identity theft. Prosecutors said the conduct ran from January 2021 to January 2023. No online gambling or sports betting company was named in the case. US District Judge Kenneth E. Bell approved the guilty plea and pretrial diversion agreement on Tuesday. Bell, a judge from North Carolina, handled the case because Dillon spent nearly 20 years as an assistant US attorney in the Southern District of West Virginia. Under the agreement, Dillon avoids prison and must serve two years of probation through the US Probation Office. Without the deal, the charges carried a possible 20-year prison sentence and a $500,000 fine. Gambling Accounts At Center Of Fraud Case Prosecutors said Dillon used five stolen identities to gamble online between January 2021 and January 2023. She made at least $1,000 from three victim accounts, according to a fact sheet filed on April 22.Her restitution requirement is narrower. The plea agreement requires Dillon to pay $30,000 to one person, listed as “Victim 1.” Both online casino gambling and mobile sports betting are legal in West Virginia. Still, no licensed operator was named in the case, and a spokesman for the US Attorney office in the Southern District declined comment to iGB. The case carries an unusual angle because Dillon worked in law enforcement and government service for much of her career. Her LinkedIn profile says she advised the Federal Bureau of Prisons for three years before serving as an attorney in the Southern District from 2005 to 2025. Dillon also worked as deputy chief for the district white collar fraud team from 2021 to 2024. In that role, she said she led eight attorneys handling white collar fraud, health care fraud, environmental, tax, and civil rights prosecutions.Her West Virginia law licence was annulled by voluntary consent in January 2025 after the Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel filed a petition in December 2024. Legal Newsline reported that the rule used for that petition works much like a plea deal, with Dillon acknowledging an investigation and potential charges she could not defend against. The case file does not explain how Dillon obtained the identities or why she used them for gambling accounts. She filed for bankruptcy in 2022, and Legal Newsline reported that case remains pending in federal court. In the plea agreement, Dillon also gave up her right to withdraw the plea if her sentence came in higher than expected. She conceded there was a “substantial likelihood” that incarceration could follow. 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) - Michael Selig has drawn a clear line between licensed prediction markets and traditional sports betting, saying platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket operate under a different model. Good to Know Michael Selig chairs the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He said prediction markets and sportsbooks serve different purposes. His comments come as state gaming officials challenge federally licensed platforms. Selig now sits in a powerful position. He is the only current member of the CFTC board, which usually has five commissioners. That gives him added influence at a time when state gaming regulators and prediction market operators are clashing over sports event contracts. At the center of the fight sits a legal divide. Prediction platforms licensed by the CFTC operate under federal oversight, while sportsbooks answer to state gaming regulators. Federal law can override state law, leaving state officials with limited power unless federal intervention arrives. Selig Points To Markets Instead Of House Odds Selig told Axios that sports betting and prediction markets are “two separate things.” His argument starts with how each product treats users. He said:“They’re different models. The conventional sportsbooks and casinos are entertainment and they have a lot of authority to be able to kick people out when they keep winning. “When you go to the derivatives markets, that’s now allowed. You keep winning? Great. You take your earnings.” He also used Nate Silver as an example. Silver wrote in “On the Edge” that his betting account had been limited after he beat sportsbooks too often. Account limits can cap how much a bettor can wager, which also caps potential profit. Prediction platforms do not use the same approach for winning customers, according to Selig. He also argued that market pricing comes from real-time customer sentiment and supply and demand, rather than house-set sportsbook odds, noting:“What you’re seeing is markets versus entertainment. For those that want the discipline and integrity of a market, it’s a better model. For those that want entertainment, the casinos might be the model for them.” Kalshi and Polymarket remain central names in the wider prediction market debate. Some state officials have tried to block sports event contracts, while prediction operators have resisted those efforts and, in some cases, taken legal action. 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) - New York's move toward legalizing online casinos is likely to be delayed for another year, as Senator Joseph Addabbo stated that the proposal does not have enough backing to pass before the June 4 legislative deadline. Key Points New York lawmakers are not expected to vote on online casino gaming before June 4. Sen. Joseph Addabbo said Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the main obstacle. Addabbo also wants New York to regulate prediction markets instead of banning them. Senator Joseph Addabbo, who leads the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, noted that an online gaming bill is unlikely to undergo a committee hearing or receive a floor vote in either the Senate or Assembly before lawmakers adjourn in Albany. The Senate and Assembly could potentially approve the measure, but Addabbo emphasized that this would be meaningless without support from Governor Hochul: “We could pass it in the Senate, we could pass it in the Assembly and then the governor would probably not sign it. So I’m not going to waste anyone’s time here.”A spokesperson for Hochul provided a more restrained response in an email to Gambling.com on Monday, May 11. Gordon Tepper stated that the governor “will review any legislation that passes” both chambers. Addabbo Maintains Focus on iGaming For New York to legalize any form of casino gaming, sports betting, or related gambling, full approval from both the Senate and Assembly is required before the bill can reach the governor. Currently, Addabbo sees no clear pathway for online casino gaming in 2026. However, he does not view the issue as whether New York will eventually legalize iGaming. Instead, he sees it as a matter of timing. Addabbo plans to continue advocating for online casino gaming each year until the state takes action. During a video interview with Gambling.com program “The Edge,” Addabbo also discussed prediction markets, sports betting taxes, and prop bets.Prediction markets played a significant role in his argument. Addabbo argued that New York should establish regulations for these markets rather than attempting to prohibit them. In his opinion, regulation would allow the state to collaborate with legitimate operators, generate revenue, and provide residents with a safer alternative. “Every year that goes by that we don’t regulate prediction markets gives me more ammunition and more data and more justification to regulate it in New York,” Addabbo remarked. Additionally, Addabbo opposed a ban on prop bets, pointing out that neighboring states already permit such wagers. He warned that a prohibition would encourage New Yorkers to bet outside the state or travel across state lines. For supporters of online casino gaming in New York, the primary challenge remains securing political support. While Addabbo can keep the iGaming bill active, its passage will likely depend on clearer endorsement from Hochul and broader consensus within the Legislature. 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) - Rush Street Interactive is monitoring prediction markets, but the parent company of BetRivers prefers to keep discussions centered on other areas. CEO Richard Schwartz explained that competitors' focus on sports event contracts provides Rush Street with greater flexibility to expand its online casino offerings. Key Points Rush Street has not yet entered the prediction market sector. The company views the legalization of online casino as its most promising near-term opportunity. Alberta, Virginia, Maine, New York, and Illinois are among its top expansion priorities. Following closely behind is Alberta, where Rush Street anticipates joining over 30 operators when both sports betting and iGaming launch on July 13. The company revised its revenue guidance upward by $115 million and adjusted the midpoint by $20 million, while also forecasting a $10 million cost impact related to the launch and marketing efforts. Kyle Sauers, president of Rush Street, noted that lessons learned from Ontario will prove valuable, even amid a highly competitive market on day one. He stated: “We’ll remain flexible and consider additional investments if conditions in Alberta perform well. Thanks to our experience in Ontario, we believe we’re better prepared for this launch compared to our entry into Ontario—though it will certainly be competitive, as numerous operators are launching simultaneously.“We’re very enthusiastic about the Alberta opportunity.” Online Casino Takes Center Stage Rush Street perceives a strategic opening within U.S. politics. The emergence of prediction markets through Kalshi and Polymarket, along with similar products from FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, has introduced increased uncertainty regarding future sports betting revenues. Schwartz believes this environment strengthens the case for regulated online casino. “While others are preoccupied with their sports betting operations and must allocate significant financial resources and leadership attention to them, we’re concentrating on executing and innovating further in the casino-first space,” Schwartz remarked. “This actually gives us a strong advantage to help pass online casino legislation in certain states that fear losing perceived sports betting revenues and face uncertainty about that revenue stream’s future.” Virginia nearly approved iGaming in 2026 after legislative chambers passed bills, but disagreements between the House and Senate delayed final approval, pushing it to 2027. Nonetheless, Sauers still described Virginia as a “significant market” and likened its potential to Michigan, where Rush Street is “approaching a $300 million GGR run rate.”Maine already enacted online casino legalization in 2026, though litigation has temporarily stalled implementation. Rush Street intends to remain “actively involved” in the state once the legal challenge concludes. New York and Illinois continue to represent major objectives. Schwartz highlighted that federal Medicaid changes could prompt states to seek alternative tax sources, with online casino offering a proven solution. He added: “States such as New York and Illinois may see even larger surpluses in this sector, and they recognize that online casinos provide a reliable, substantial means of generating significant tax revenue. Consider Michigan—over the past five years, they’ve generated billions in revenue, representing a transformative contribution to all these states’ finances.” Rush Street continues to hold plans for entering prediction markets. Schwartz emphasized that while the company closely monitors the federally regulated landscape, it will only act when the opportunity aligns with its strategy: “For now, Rush Street remains on the sidelines regarding prediction market ventures, but we’ll never be unprepared. We continuously monitor developments and maintain readiness strategies. Should a suitable opportunity arise, we’ll move forward.” Player retention remains central to the casino strategy. Schwartz stressed that customers remain loyal when operators treat them respectfully, deliver enjoyable and unique experiences, and demonstrate genuine care in product development. 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) - Ontario online gamblers now have one tool to block themselves from every provincially regulated betting, casino, and poker site in the province. Good to Know BetGuard is live in Ontario in English and French. Self exclusion takes about five minutes to complete. More than 75 regulated iGaming sites fall under the system. BetGuard went live Thursday morning through iGaming Ontario. The new self exclusion site lets Ontarians create an account, verify their identity, and remove access to all regulated online gambling platforms for longer periods. Once enrolled, a person cannot log in to existing accounts or open new ones with Ontario regulated operators. Those operators must also stop sending marketing to anyone on the BetGuard list. Ontario Tourism, Culture, and Gaming Minister Stan Cho said:“The Ontario government is committed to responsible gambling. As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, the launch of BetGuard is an important step forward in helping people play safely and responsibly across more than 75 regulated sites.” One Ban Across The Regulated Market Make the safer choice and play on sites offered by legal and regulated Operators in Ontario. Look for the iGaming Ontario logo, so you can #PlayWithConfidence. pic.twitter.com/o3UqL27P6i — iGaming Ontario (@iGamingOntario) April 12, 2023 Ontario already required each operator to offer self exclusion. However, a player blocked from one site could still use another. BetGuard closes that gap across more than 40 authorized operators and more than 70 sports betting, casino, and poker sites. iGaming Ontario CEO Joseph Hillier said: “BetGuard is designed with one simple principle in mind: If you need to take a break from the entire regulated iGaming market, you can. Player choice is key to the sustainability of our market, and that includes the choice to opt out.” The system uses real time API checks. Operators do not send their own self exclusion lists to BetGuard, and BetGuard does not share its full list back. Instead, operators can check whether a user appears in the system, then block logins, new registrations, and marketing. iGaming Ontario built BetGuard over more than a year with DataWorks Group, formerly IXUP, Integrity Compliance 360, and Ontario regulated operators. The design follows Australia BetStop program. The tool arrives in a large regulated market. Ontario operators have handled billions in wagers, while the province received about $262 million in tax revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31. Since 2018, Ontario has also spent more than $420 million on gambling education, awareness, and responsible gambling programs.Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, said the industry supports a central system. “It has been something the industry has been long looking and waiting for, and we are grateful, because this really delivers on the promise of regulated gaming. This is a real demonstration of what that means in terms of consumer protection.” BetGuard is the first tool of its kind in Canada. Alberta plans to open a competitive sports betting and iGaming market on July 13 and wants centralized self exclusion ready from day one. Hillier also wants BetGuard to cover all regulated gambling in Ontario later, including land based casinos, charitable gaming, and horse racing. Horse racing creates extra complexity because wagering falls under federal regulation. He added: “It’s really a matter of time and technical complexity.” 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) - Polymarket has entered into a partnership with Serie A in the United States, expanding its prediction market offerings to include another top-tier soccer league. Good to Know Polymarket will serve as the exclusive U.S. platform for Serie A prediction markets. The agreement includes access to official Serie A data. Major League Soccer and La Liga are already partnered with Polymarket. Serie A has appointed Polymarket as its Regional Partner in the United States, granting the prediction market platform access to official league data and branding opportunities across U.S. media and digital outlets. This collaboration follows previous agreements between Polymarket and Major League Soccer and La Liga, which were established earlier this year. Rather than diversifying into other sports, Polymarket continues to focus on soccer, real-time fan engagement, and live match-based prediction markets. Serie A Expands Reach to U.S. Fans via Polymarket Lega Serie A views the United States as a key growth market, and Polymarket provides the league with a way to connect with younger audiences who seek more than just scores and highlights.Michele Ciccarese, marketing and commercial director of Lega Serie A, commented: “Our exclusive partnership with Polymarket as Regional Partner in the USA allows us to engage a new generation of fans through a platform that reflects evolving trends. It offers an interactive, real-time experience built on insights and participation, fully aligned with their expectations.” Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket, stated: “Prediction markets empower fans to actively interpret the game in real time, and our partnership with Serie A brings this innovative model to one of the world’s most popular leagues—especially at a time when interest in soccer is surging across America.” 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) - Wisconsin has introduced new ethics guidelines for employees in the state's executive branch, as prediction markets expand across the United States. Key Points Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #294 on Thursday. The order restricts the use of nonpublic government information in prediction markets. No insider trading cases involving state workers have been reported in Wisconsin. Gov. Tony Evers issued the order to safeguard public trust and prevent government staff from leveraging their positions for personal financial benefit. The rule does not prohibit all prediction market activities by state employees, but it prevents them from using confidential information to gain financially. Executive Order Addresses Use of Insider Information The order applies to all employees within Wisconsin’s executive branch of government. It also extends to individuals who assist spouses, family members, or others in benefiting from prediction market trades. The order states:“All Wisconsin state executive branch employees are strictly prohibited from disclosing or using any nonpublic information obtained due to their public service to personally profit from, avoid loss from, or assist another person or entity, including spouses and family members, in profiting or avoiding loss from participation in prediction markets. Any violation of this order may result in dismissal, referral to the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, or other appropriate sanctions and may be referred to law enforcement.” Wisconsin already required public officials to adhere to standards promoting transparency and integrity. Prediction markets have introduced a new concern because contracts can involve politics, policy, sports, economics, and other events where government workers may access information before it becomes publicly available. Evers stated: “Preserving public trust and confidence in our state government depends on transparency, accountability, integrity, and upholding the core principle of public service—that decisions must serve the public good and not the personal interests of any individual worker.”Prediction markets operate in every U.S. state. One survey found that 15% of Americans have purchased sports-related prediction contracts, indicating potential broader use in other areas as well. The Wisconsin order takes preventive action ahead of any confirmed issues. State officials have not identified any instances of insider trading or suspicious activity by government employees connected to prediction markets. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Penambahan semula kepada permainan runtuhan terkemuka Stake dengan visual lebih tajam dan bermain lebih mulus Stake, kasino dan sportsbook bersandarkan dalam talian terbesar di dunia, telah hari ini mengumumkan peningkatan besar ke atas permainan kasino runtuhan terkemuka mereka, menandakan langkah penting ke hadapan dalam evolusi portfolio Stake Originals. Peningkatan ini menyediakan pengalaman visual yang disegarkan serta rangkaian peningkatan prestasi bagi para pemain. Runtuhan telah membina pengikut global melalui format yang mudah tetapi berintensiti tinggi – pemain mengawasi peningkatan pengganda dan membuat keputusan apabila hendak menarik tunai sebelum ia secara tiba-tiba jatuh. Sebagai salah satu tajuk terkenal dalam portfolio Stake Originals, ia berada di pusat identiti permainan berkelas dalam platform, dan keluaran terbaru ini mengukir kedua-dua penampilan dan perasaan setiap babak. Peningkatan ini memperkenalkan penampilan yang disegarkan dengan animasi retak graf baru yang memberikan babak setiap babak momen visual yang lebih jelas apabila pengganda tamat. Kurva pengganda telah ditingkatkan dengan gradien warna dinamik yang berubah-ubah secara masa nyata – bergerak dari biru pada peringkat awal, lalu hijau dan ungu, dan ke arah kuning apabila nilai yang lebih tinggi dicapai. Paparan bilangan pemain baru juga menunjukkan berapa banyak peserta yang masih aktif dalam setiap babak, menambahkan rasa bermain bersama yang lebih kuat secara masa nyata. Sensitiviti penarikan tunai telah ditingkatkan untuk interaksi yang lebih pantas dan selaras semasa peringkat pengganda utama, membolehkan prestasi yang lebih mulus. Peningkatan ini juga membolehkan bermain tanpa gangguan semasa pelaksanaan, bermakna Runtuhan terus beroperasi secara mulus manakala peningkatan sedang dilancarkan di latar belakang. Optimum beban permainan dan sistem pemprosesan permainan berkualiti tinggi selanjutnya mengurangkan masa memuat dan meningkatkan kestabilan, terutamanya semasa tempoh aktiviti yang tinggi, untuk pengalaman yang lebih selamat merentas semua peranti. Akhil Sarin, Ketua Pegawai Pemasaran Stake berkata: Runtuhan adalah salah satu permainan yang mendefinisikan cara permainan Stake Original kelihatan dan berasa – cepat, sosial, dan penuh ketegangan dengan cara terbaik. Peningkatan ini adalah tentang memberi pemain versi yang lebih tajam dan responsif dari permainan yang sudah mereka sukai, tanpa pernah kehilangan apa yang menjadikannya begitu menarik pada permulaan. Runtuhan merupakan salah satu permainan yang paling banyak dimainkan di Stake Casino, dan matlamat peningkatan ini adalah mudah: simpan apa yang pemain sukai daripadanya, dan buatkan setiap perkara di sekelilingnya kelihatan lebih tajam. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - DATA.BET, pembekal penyelesaian lotere dan perjudian yang dipercayai, mengumumkan percepatan signifikan dalam perjudian esports. Dengan membanggakan tren yang dibincangkan dalam Laporan Sportsbook, yang menyoroti tahap minat bertambah daripada para pemain terhadap acara-acara niche, Q1 2026 mengesahkan lanjutan ke atas dari sektor ini. Keputusan terbaru menunjukkan: Peningkatan permintaan pasaran Operasi perdagangan yang disiplin Peningkatan keterlibatan pemain di seluruh platform rakan kongsi Pertumbuhan pendapatan yang besar dan impak komersial Esports telah menghasilkan prestasi luar biasa di semua punca pengukuran utama. Berbanding dengan Q1 2025, GGR hampir menggandakan diri, dan jumlah pertaruhan meningkat pesat sebanyak 70,6%, didukung oleh peningkatan yang signifikan dalam kecekapan margin. Aktiviti pemain meningkat secara menyeluruh, dengan pertaruhan yang diletakkan naik 33,2% dan pertaruhan kombo mencatatkan kenaikan lebih jelas lagi sebanyak 72,1% — tanda jelas bahawa pengguna sedang beralih ke tingkat perilaku permainan yang lebih maju. Pangkalan pemain aktif meluas secara substansial, dan saiz pertaruhan tunggal purata juga meningkat, yang menunjukkan keyakinan dan keterlibatan yang lebih dalam daripada pengguna. Pertumbuhan pertaruhan kombo disokong oleh peningkatan UX terkini kepada Aplikasi Satu Laman (iFrame) kami, yang kini memudahkan pembinaan pertaruhan ganda dan membaiki paparan serta penyajian acara yang tersedia, manakala pertaruhan bernilai tinggi daripada platform rakan kongsi premium berkontribusi secara signifikan kepada kenaikan saiz pertaruhan purata. Dalam beberapa genre esports utama, dinamika prestasi menunjukkan bagaimana kegemaran pemain dan jadual acara membentuk setiap suku tahun. Empat genre teratas – CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, dan Valorant – semuanya mencatatkan pertumbuhan kuat dalam pulangan, jumlah pertaruhan, bilangan pertaruhan, dan pengguna aktif. Genre niche secara kolektif telah mencatatkan kenaikan pulangan sebanyak 245% berbanding Q1 2025, menunjukkan kedalaman portfolio esports syarikat ini. Ini adalah tren yang kami awalnya ketahui semasa menyiapkan Laporan Sportsbook dan satu tren yang masih terus mengejutkan pasaran yang lebih luas, yang masih cenderung meremehkan potensi komersial genre-genre di luar peringkat utama yang telah ditetapkan. Rainbow Six menonjol sebagai kisah kemenangan khusus, didorong oleh penambahan pasaran baru, termasuk Total Over + Menang Gabungan dan Win First Half + Win Map, selaras dengan ekspansi mendadak dalam liputan pertandingan. Genre ini telah menemukan audiens di Amerika Latin, di mana DATA.BET telah memperkuat kedudukannya sebagai pembekal penyelesaian lotere premium. Rocket League terus mengesahkan statusnya sebagai salah satu genre esports paling menjanjikan untuk perjudian, dengan potensi yang lebih besar untuk dibenarkan jika liputan data rasmi diperluaskan pada masa hadapan. Malah walaupun Q4 2025 menyaksikan FIFAe World Cup, acara utama tahun itu, Rocket League masih menghasilkan pertumbuhan QoQ dengan jumlah pertaruhan naik 85,3%, bilangan pertaruhan meningkat 18,7%, dan pemain aktif melonjak 50,1%. Ini didorong terutamanya oleh pasaran terbesar dan hampir unik di industri ini, selaras dengan kadar konversi lipusan hidup sebanyak 94%. Antara VCT Kickoff regional dan Masters Santiago, Riot Games mencuba format baru – Valorant EMEA Clash 2026, yang mengundang pasukan yang tidak dapat lulus ke Santiago, selaras dengan pasukan kedua dari liga Challenger regional. Dengan mengisi jurang singkat dalam jadual, turnamen ini mencatatkan pertumbuhan kuat YoY di semua metrik inti dan muncul sebagai pendorong utama penyerapan pemain baru, dengan pemain baru menyumbang 68,6% dari semua pemain baru dan 55,4% daripada jumlah pertaruhan keseluruhan. Mengikut Bohdan Holovnov, Kepala Esports di DATA.BET, prestasi ini mencerminkan penambahbaikan produk dan perdagangan yang disengaja selaras dengan tindakan pemain: Kecekapan margin yang tinggi telah menjadi pendorong utama pada suku tahun ini. Rakan kongsi kini semakin menyatakan bahawa esports boleh menjana pulangan komersial yang meyakinkan, mendorong mereka untuk meluaskan langkah kampanye promosi dan menggerakkan lebih banyak trafik ke sektor ini. Ini secara langsung menggerakkan lebih banyak pengguna baru, pertaruhan yang lebih tinggi, dan margin yang lebih kukuh. Sementara itu, kami terus menawarkan liputan pertandingan dan genre terluas di pasaran, dan impaknya juga tersirat dalam pertumbuhan pantas pertaruhan kombo di seluruh platform rakan kongsi kami. Acara data rasmi yang sah naik 5,2% YoY, dengan jadual acara keseluruhan meningkat lebih tinggi lagi kepada 10,8%, yang menguatkan keluasan liputan DATA.BET. Acara peringkat atas berprestasi jauh lebih baik berbanding acara peringkat rendah dalam jumlah pertaruhan, pulangan, dan bilangan pertaruhan, walaupun jumlah acara peringkat rendah juga bertambah, terutamanya dalam CS2, kerana sistem kelayakan Major yang direkonstruksi oleh Valve telah mendorong penganjur turnamen untuk melengkapkan jadual dengan acara layak baru. Bohdan Holovnov, Kepala Esports di DATA.BET, tambah: Q1 2026 telah menetapkan rekod baru untuk apa yang boleh dicapai oleh perjudian esports. GGR hampir menggandakan diri berbanding tahun sebelumnya, disokong dengan pangkalan pemain yang bertambah lebih 56% dan corak permainan yang semakin maju, menunjukkan sektor ini sedang berkembang dengan arah yang betul. Kami memasuki separuh kedua 2026 dengan momentum yang kuat, portfolio pasaran yang berkembang, dan rakan kongsi yang melihat impak komersial yang nyata suku tahun demi suku tahun. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - BlackRock telah meningkatkan pegangannya dalam Flutter Entertainment kepada 5.12%, memperkukuh asas pelabur AS syarikat yang semakin berkembang ketika Flutter terus mengalihkan fokusnya ke arah pasaran Amerika. Pengesahan baru-baru ini oleh Flutter bahawa ia sedang meneroka sama ada ia akan mengekalkan penyenaraian di London Stock Exchange untuk saham biasanya telah menimbulkan kebimbangan dalam kalangan pelabur UK dalam syarikat tersebut. Memandangkan AS kini telah menjadi pasaran utama Flutter, syarikat itu menjana $1.76 bilion pada S1 2026 daripada operasi ASnya, iaitu 41% daripada jumlah hasil Flutter daripada semua anak syarikatnya. Hasil daripada FanDuel terus berkembang dan merupakan faktor penyumbang kepada pertumbuhan tersebut dengan peningkatan 19% dalam hasil iGaming berbanding tahun sebelumnya. Dengan Flutter memindahkan penyenaraian utamanya dari London ke New York pada tahun 2024, Flutter telah membuat komitmen yang signifikan terhadap perniagaan pertaruhan sukan dalam talian yang berkembang pesat di Amerika Syarikat. Pada masa ini, FanDuel mewakili kira-kira 44% daripada pasaran pertaruhan sukan AS, menjadikan FanDuel penting kepada rancangan jangka panjang untuk Flutter. Struktur organisasi dalaman FanDuel juga telah diselaraskan dengan pelantikan Dan Taylor ke jawatan Presiden, Flutter Entertainment, untuk menguruskan semua aktiviti berkaitan FanDuel bagi Flutter; Christian Genetski akan menguruskan hampir semua bidang lain dalam operasi AS syarikat itu selepas pemergian Amy Howe. Peningkatan pelaburan oleh BlackRock merupakan satu lagi pelabur institusi yang berpangkalan di AS dalam kumpulan besar pemegang saham awam yang sedia ada melabur dalam Flutter. Spekulasi menyelubungi hubungan Flutter yang semakin berkembang dengan pasaran modal AS berbanding London Stock Exchange pastinya akan dipercepatkan. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - Instagram has introduced Instants globally, offering users a fresh way to share brief, private photos with close friends or mutual followers. Good to Know Instants can be viewed once and remain accessible for 24 hours. Users must capture photos using the Instagram camera and cannot upload images from their camera roll. Recipients are unable to take screenshots or record shared Instants, as confirmed by Meta. Instagram Develops a More Private Photo Sharing Tool Instagram aims to bring back more casual photo sharing within its platform. Instants emphasizes fast, unedited pictures rather than curated posts, influencer content, or advertisements. The feature activates through the Instagram inbox. Users tap the small stack of photos in the bottom right corner, take a photo using the in-app camera, add text if desired, and send it. There are no filters, edits, or options to upload from the phone’s gallery. Meta stated that this format allows people to share moments as they occur. Once an Instant is sent to friends, they can respond with emojis, reply, or send an Instant back. Control options are also integrated into the feature. Users can use "undo" after sending, and deleting an Instant from the private archive will unsend it before recipients open it. Instagram retains shared Instants in that archive for up to one year, and users can convert saved Instants into a Stories recap. Those who do not wish to receive Instants can press and hold the pile in the inbox and swipe right to pause them. They can also mute or block specific users. Say hi to Instants A new way to share in-the-moment pics with friends. Tap the mini pile of photos at the bottom right corner of your DMs to try it yourself Rolling out today. pic.twitter.com/zbhsOA9O9m — Instagram (@instagram) May 13, 2026 As evident, Instants draws inspiration from Snapchat, Locket, and BeReal, featuring one-time viewing, 24-hour availability, and a focus on real-life updates. Meta is also testing Instants as a standalone app in Spain and Italy. However, timing may present challenges. BeReal has seen declining interest since its peak, and Instagram Stories already provides a quick method for informal updates. Still, Instagram Instants offers another private photo-sharing option for close friends, mutual followers, disappearing photos, authentic moments, inbox sharing, and social media updates. 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) - Kerajaan Chile mempercepatkan proses perundangan jenis hiburan secara dalam talian. Perundangan permainan secara dalam talian telah diberi status "urgensi tertinggi" oleh kerajaan, yang bermakna Senat mesti membuat undian ke atasnya dalam masa 15 hari. Perundangan permainan secara dalam talian pertama kali diperkenalkan ke dalam Kongres Chile pada Mac 2022 dan menetapkan sistem lesen untuk operator permainan secara dalam talian. Ini bermakna operator permainan secara dalam talian mesti mendapat lesen daripada kerajaan Chile dan juga wujudkan syarikat tempatan di Chile. Selain itu, perundangan ini akan meningkatkan bilangan undang-undang yang mengawal operasi permainan secara dalam talian, memperkuat undang-undang anti-mencucuk wang dan memberlakukan peraturan tambahan tentang permainan bertanggungjawab. Dalam rangka perundangan tersebut, operator permainan secara dalam talian akan diwajibkan membayar 20% dari hasil semasa permainan secara dalam talian sebagai VAT kepada kerajaan Chile, selain 1% tambahan dari hasil semasa permainan secara dalam talian bagi program permainan bertanggungjawab. Pemain akan membayar 15% daripada kemenangan pada taruhan yang menang kepada kerajaan Chile. Perundangan ini akan memberikan kuasa kepada kerajaan Chile untuk menyekat laman permainan secara dalam talian yang tidak dilesen dan melumpuhkan pembayaran kepada laman permainan secara dalam talian yang tidak dilesen. Jika dikenakan denda dan/atau penjara, operator permainan secara dalam talian boleh dikenakan denda dan/atau penjara. Perundangan ini juga akan menambah sekatan terhadap permainan oleh remaja, pemain yang membatalkan diri (mereka yang mengecualikan diri daripada bermain) dan individu dengan obligasi alim yang belum dibayar. Rekod pengecualian nasional bagi setiap orang yang telah mengeluarkan diri dan didaftarkan dalam program pengecualian diri juga akan dicipta. Artikel ini disediakan oleh penyedia kandungan pihak ketiga. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) tidak memberikan sebarang jaminan atau representasi berkaitan kandungannya. Kategori: Berita Terkini, Kemas Kini Umum AsiaGameHub menyediakan perkhidmatan pengedaran iGaming yang disasarkan untuk syarikat dan organisasi, dengan menghubungkan lebih daripada 3,000 media premium di Asia serta lebih 80,000 influencer khusus. Ia berfungsi sebagai jambatan utama untuk pengedaran kandungan iGaming, kasino, dan eSports di seluruh rantau ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - X has updated its iOS app to help users easily locate content they want to revisit, introducing a private History section that collects videos watched, articles read, posts liked, and items saved in one centralized location. Good to Know The Bookmarks menu button has been renamed to History. The new page now includes tabs for Bookmarks, Likes, Videos, and Articles. Videos and Articles are automatically added based on user activity, not just manual saves. X Transforms Saved Content Into a More Comprehensive Discovery Tool The new History tab offers X users a browser-like browsing trail. Instead of only bookmarking posts by hand, users can now access videos and articles they’ve already viewed or read while scrolling through their feed. Nikita Bier, head of product at X, described the iOS update as a more effective way for users to keep track of favorite content and return to unfinished posts, videos, or articles later. X emphasizes that this feature remains private and is only visible to the user. The redesign also reduces friction by consolidating previously separated features. Previously, Likes were tucked inside the user profile, while Bookmarks were located in the main mobile menu. Now, both Likes and Bookmarks appear alongside automatically tracked Videos and Articles in the History tab. For X, the Articles section may hold greater significance. The platform has promoted longer-form content as a valuable tool for businesses, creators, and publishers who need more space than the standard 280-character post allows. This development comes amid declining referral traffic from major platforms like Facebook and Google, where algorithm updates and AI-driven answers have reduced external website clicks. By integrating reading, video viewing, content discovery, creator posts, social media bookmarks, and X Articles into a single interface, X aims to keep users engaged within its ecosystem. 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) - Okada Manila has expanded into the digital gaming sector with the launch of Okada Play, a new online platform developed in collaboration with PhilWeb Corp., a publicly traded gaming technology company based in the Philippines. Key Facts Okada Play operates on PhilWeb's dedicated online gaming platform. Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. manages operations at Okada Manila. The launch follows an earlier partnership announcement made in March. Okada Play offers casino-style games, advanced platform technology, and reliable customer support within the regulated online gaming market in the Philippines. According to PhilWeb, this system empowers Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. to engage digital players nationwide. Okada Manila Expands Its Online Presence This launch supports Okada Manila’s strategy to integrate its land-based casino services with online gaming. The resort aims to strengthen its omnichannel approach by allowing customers to interact with the brand through both physical venues and digital platforms. Brian Ng, President of PhilWeb, stated: “We are pleased to offer a robust and scalable platform that enables Tiger Resort to extend the premium experience of Okada Manila to a broader audience of digital players across the country.” Ng added that the launch demonstrates PhilWeb’s capability to deliver comprehensive digital infrastructure tailored for established gaming brands. Nobuki Sato, President and Chief Operating Officer of Okada Manila, commented: “This launch represents a significant milestone in Okada Manila’s digital transformation as we broaden access to our gaming experience throughout the Philippines via Okada Play. PhilWeb’s technological expertise and operational excellence allow us to provide a trusted online gaming environment that upholds the reputation of the Okada Manila brand.” The online platform debut occurs during a pivotal period for Okada Manila, which also recently unveiled Ariake—an exclusive gaming club designed specifically for Japanese VIP guests. The resort emphasized that Ariake is part of its initiative to attract more international high-roller clients. 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) - France has introduced a new tool for detecting problem gambling, and initial results indicate a much broader group at risk than what operators currently report. Key Points The ANJ identified approximately 600,000 players with a high likelihood of excessive gambling. About 300,000 were classified as manifestly excessive gamblers. These flagged players generated around €1.2 billion in online gambling GGR. The French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) has developed an algorithm designed to detect risky online and in-play betting behavior at the account level. The model was built using real-time data from operators and incorporates 23 indicators derived from gambling harm research, such as payment patterns, gambling intensity, player history, and the use of self-exclusion tools. France Regulator Sets A Higher Bar For Player Risk Detection ANJ categorizes players into four groups: recreational, moderate risk, excessive, and manifestly excessive. The tool’s performance was evaluated against the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, and its methodology was reviewed by an independent scientific committee. Early findings are based on data from the second half of 2025. The algorithm identified roughly 600,000 high-probability excessive gamblers—equivalent to 8.7% of the total population engaged in regulated online and in-play wagering under ANJ oversight. This includes all licensed online operators, as well as the two major account-based operators: La Française des Jeux (FDJ) and Pari Mutuel Urbain (PMU). Half of this flagged group—about 300,000 individuals—were placed in the manifestly excessive category. ANJ expects operators to prioritize intervention for these accounts. The financial impact is significant: players identified by the algorithm are estimated to have generated €1.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), accounting for roughly 60% of total online gambling GGR. ANJ notes that this share has increased since 2023. In contrast, operator reporting remains far below these figures. Licensed companies reported identifying only 31,000 excessive gamblers in 2024 and 89,000 in 2025. While ANJ acknowledges progress, it emphasizes that the gap between algorithmic estimates and both operator reports and population surveys remains substantial. According to the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, about 1.17 million people exhibited problematic gambling behaviors in 2024, of whom around 360,000 were classified as excessive players. ANJ will make the algorithm available to operators on an optional basis. The regulator intends it to serve as a compliance benchmark, allowing companies to compare their internal detection systems against an independent standard. ANJ also plans to continue cross-checking operator reports with its own data. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, president of ANJ, described the tool as “a decisive step for the regulator.” She stated that ANJ expects operators to begin targeting the 300,000 manifestly excessive players first, followed by expanded efforts across the broader at-risk group. The initiative forms part of ANJ’s strategy from 2024 to 2026, which aims to reduce excessive gambling by 2027. ANJ also seeks to strengthen detection capabilities in retail gambling, particularly within FDJ and PMU operations. ANJ clarified that the algorithm does not replace epidemiological studies or provide an exact national prevalence rate. Instead, it offers a practical benchmark for regulatory oversight, trend monitoring, and accountability in improving player protection measures. 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) - TIME has introduced a prediction-style game to its digital gaming section, integrating data from Polymarket and Kalshi alongside traditional offerings like jigsaws and word puzzles. Good to Know Market Movers utilizes live data feeds from Polymarket and Kalshi. The gameplay centers on casual subjects like consumer trends, entertainment, and sports. A real-money prediction platform is slated for a early 2026 launch via a partnership with Galactic. The newly debuted games hub features standard favorites such as Sudoku, history quizzes, and cover-themed jigsaws. However, Market Movers stands out for its potential impact on the industry. Defined as a “first-of-its-kind fantasy prediction market game,” the product uses live data to let players test their awareness of markets and current events. While it doesn't involve purchasing contracts, it introduces the concept in a risk-free environment. Prediction Markets Become a Daily Media RoutineTIME COO Mark Howard emphasized that Market Movers steers clear of serious categories, focusing instead on sports and lifestyle topics to avoid sensitive or tragic subject matter. Howard noted: “You don’t want to get too heavy with a game.” This approach highlights the product's strategy. Because prediction markets can face scrutiny when linked to conflict or disasters, TIME is positioning the format as a daily engagement tool rather than a gambling product. This framing provides a gateway for the general public. Players can observe how news influences outcomes and how markets forecast events without financial risk, establishing a familiar routine.This mirrors the strategy used by sports betting firms prior to the 2018 repeal of PASPA, where free games served as educational tools for odds and interfaces before real-money betting became legal. TIME has broader ambitions in this space. In November 2025, the publisher revealed a collaboration with Galactic for a real-money prediction platform set for early 2026. Market Movers serves as a precursor to help familiarize the audience with the mechanics. The broader media landscape is also embracing this data, with organizations like CNBC, The Associated Press, and The New York Times increasingly referencing Kalshi and Polymarket figures in their economic and political reporting. Howard noted that the primary goal of the hub is boosting reader engagement: “Time spent is the greatest indicator that what we built is successful. “Hopefully this becomes much more of that daily behavior that every media company so covets.”While this aligns with typical gaming goals, Market Movers also provides a bridge for prediction platforms to reach a wider audience through a casual, repeatable interface. For the publication, it drives daily traffic; for the prediction market sector, it helps transition a specialized trading style into a mainstream pastime. 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.