Missouri Sports Betting Volume Drops 27% During February

(AsiaGameHub) - Sports betting activity in Missouri slowed significantly in February, as betting volume, revenue, and promotional expenditures all decreased compared to January. Despite this drop, the market still surpassed $1 billion in total wagers over its initial three months. Good to Know Missouri recorded a sports betting handle of $277 million in February, a 27.2% decrease from January. Gross revenue declined to $31.3 million, marking a 42% drop month-over-month. State tax revenue reached a new high of $1.2 million due to a reduction in promotional deductions. February Pullback Impacts Handle, Revenue, and Promotions Missouri bettors placed fewer wagers in February, and the decline was substantial. The Missouri Gaming Commission reported a combined retail and online handle of $277 million, down from January’s $380.4 million. Online platforms accounted for $273 million of that total. Gross revenue for the eight mobile and eight retail operators stood at $31.3 million. This was the lowest handle since the market launched in December 2025 and the first time the monthly hold rate fell below 14%, ending at 11.3%. Still, operators have now taken more than $1 billion in bets during the first three months of legal sports wagering, while Missouri’s total revenue has exceeded $180 million. The tax landscape shifted in the opposite direction. Missouri collected $1.2 million in February, its best month to date. December and January both saw tax collections below $600,000 because taxable revenue turned negative after heavy promotional deductions. This changed in February as free-play spending dropped to $11.4 million, down from $33 million in January and $125 million in December.FanDuel distributed $4.6 million in promotional wagers, down from $14.6 million the previous month. DraftKings cut its free-play spending by $6 million to $3.6 million. Fanatics offered over $815,000, less than half its January amount. bet365 was the only other operator with free-play spending above $1 million. DraftKings Leads as Football Betting Wanes DraftKings topped Missouri’s online sportsbooks in February with a handle of $104.9 million and gross revenue of $12.6 million. FanDuel followed with $92.5 million in handle and $11.9 million in revenue, boosted by a 12.9% hold rate nearly a full point higher than DraftKings’. bet365 was the only other operator with a handle over $20 million, taking in $20.4 million and holding 10.8%. BetMGM handled $19.2 million but had a hold rate of just 6.8%. Fanatics maintained a hold rate under 8.5% on nearly $18 million in wagers. Caesars came close to $12 million in handle, but a 6% hold rate kept profits modest. theScore Bet posted a 10.8% hold rate on more than $5 million in wagers, while Circa Sports earned less than $70,000 on a $1.4 million handle. Football betting fell sharply once the postseason schedule thinned out. Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots generated $11.7 million in wagers. In January, football handle excluding parlays hit $72 million during the NFL playoffs and College Football Playoff.Basketball led Missouri’s betting market for the second straight month with nearly $110 million in handle. Parlays also played a major role, attracting more than $91 million in wagers. 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.
More

Most Americans Believe Sports Prediction Markets Are Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) - A recent national survey indicates that prediction markets continue to face challenges with public trust, particularly when sports contracts begin to resemble traditional betting. The poll revealed widespread apprehension regarding consumer protection measures, age restrictions, and whether these platforms should be subject to the same regulations as established sportsbooks. Key Findings Over 80% of Americans believe that sports betting on prediction markets is indistinguishable from gambling. More than 75% expressed concern that younger individuals could be exposed to gambling-related harm. Approximately 81% of respondents stated that prediction market platforms should adhere to state gaming regulations. Public Opinion Clearly Favors Gambling Classification The survey, commissioned by Gambling is Not Investing and conducted by Morning Consult, surveyed over 15,000 U.S. adults. It revealed a decisive public stance on this category, with the majority of participants not accepting the notion that sports event prediction markets are separate from gambling. Mick Mulvaney, executive director of the coalition, commented: “This polling confirms that the unchecked sports gambling occurring on prediction markets is a growing concern throughout America.” He further asserted that prediction markets are attempting to "disguise their sports betting products as a financial investment" while evading consumer protections like age limits. The age issue is particularly noteworthy. In most states, sportsbooks require users to be at least 21 years old to place sports bets. Prediction markets, however, fall under CFTC oversight, allowing access from the age of 18. Mulvaney summarized this point by stating: “Let’s face it, if it quacks like a duck, it’s sports betting.”The survey results also suggest a broader public reaction against the increasing visibility of prediction markets on social media and in public discourse. Despite gaining attention from significant political and business entities, the poll indicates that many Americans still prefer the sector to be regulated more like gaming than finance. 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.
More

Alberta Confirms July 13 Start Date for Legal Online Gambling

(AsiaGameHub) - Alberta has officially designated July 13 as the commencement date for its regulated online gambling sector, providing private casino and sportsbook firms with a definitive timeline to begin operations under the province's new licensing structure. Dale Nally, the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, communicated this date to stakeholders, formalizing expectations previously established by the regulator. Key Takeaways Alberta's regulated iGaming market is scheduled to debut on July 13. Prospective operators must finalize necessary agreements and satisfy compliance standards prior to the launch. Approximately 70% of current online wagering in Alberta is estimated to occur via unregulated or grey market platforms. Alberta Confirms July 13 Launch as Operators Finalize Preparations Minister Nally informed stakeholders that several tasks remain before the market goes live, particularly regarding contractual obligations and operational readiness. According to his correspondence, the Alberta iGaming Corp. is currently collaborating with operators on draft operating agreements, with the final versions anticipated by the middle of April. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has notified interested parties that they must cease all unregulated operations and settle licensing fees by July 13. While extensions may be granted until October 13, these are reserved exclusively for operators who can demonstrate a clear, achievable plan for compliance that could not be completed by the initial launch date. The regulator further cautioned that failure to adhere to these directives could result in an operator being deemed ineligible for iGaming registration within the province.The significance of the July 13 date extends beyond Alberta's borders. Since 2022, Ontario has stood as the only Canadian province to implement a multi-operator regulated online gambling framework. Alberta is set to become the second, moving away from the lottery-monopoly model that remains the standard throughout most of the nation. The primary objective for the province is channelization. Essentially, Alberta aims to transition betting activity currently occurring on offshore or non-provincial websites into a regulated and taxable environment. Ontario has pursued a similar strategy, reporting that over 80% of its online gambling activity is now conducted through provincially regulated platforms. Currently, Play Alberta remains the sole provincially regulated site. This will shift significantly upon the market's opening, with major industry players such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365 expected to participate. The AGLC has indicated that more than 50 operator sites have expressed interest in the market. Certain brands are already taking proactive steps. Companies including Caesars and theScore Bet have received authorization to begin pre-registering users, though the acceptance of deposits and wagers remains prohibited until the July 13 launch. FAQ When is the Alberta online gambling market scheduled to open? The regulated market is slated to launch on July 13. What changes will occur on the launch date? Private online casino and sportsbook operators will be permitted to launch under provincial regulation, ending the period where Play Alberta was the only authorized option. What is the motivation behind Alberta opening this market? The province intends to shift gambling activity away from black and grey market operators, bringing it under official provincial oversight and taxation. Are operators permitted to continue serving Alberta residents before July 13? The AGLC has instructed operators to discontinue unregulated activities by July 13, though some may be eligible for extensions until October 13 if they can provide a viable path to compliance. Which companies are expected to enter the market? The AGLC reports that over 50 operators have shown interest, with prominent names like FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Caesars, and theScore Bet already involved in discussions. 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.
More
Louisiana Pushes Bill Tying Illegal Gambling to Racketeering iGame

Louisiana Pushes Bill Tying Illegal Gambling to Racketeering

(AsiaGameHub) - Louisiana legislators are taking steps to provide prosecutors with more robust tools to pursue illegal gambling cases. A measure that cleared the House would add multiple gambling-related offenses to the state’s racketeering legislation, making it simpler to classify large-scale operations as organized criminal activity, rather than addressing each infraction individually. Good to Know Louisiana House legislators approved HB 53 with overwhelming backing before advancing it to the Senate. The proposed legislation would incorporate multiple gambling-related offenses into the state’s racketeering statute. Prosecutors would have greater flexibility to pursue illegal gambling operations as coordinated criminal enterprises. House Bill 53, introduced by Representative Bryan Fontenot, cleared the Louisiana House on Monday with an 87-11 vote margin. The Senate subsequently held its first reading of the measure that same day, following an additional 86-11 vote, with a number of legislators choosing to abstain. The bill is currently listed on the Senate’s calendar for upcoming deliberation. To date, the measure has progressed with widespread backing, as Louisiana seeks more effective enforcement mechanisms for gambling-related cases. Additional Gambling Offenses Would Qualify for Racketeering Classification The legislation modifies the state’s racketeering structure by adding gambling-related offenses to the roster of crimes that can lead to racketeering charges. Under existing regulations, this list already includes specific behaviors linked to broader criminal patterns.HB 53 would expand this list to cover public gambling, computer-facilitated wagering, cockfighting-related betting, operation of electronic sweepstakes equipment, illegal betting by ineligible participants, and bribery of sports competitors. The core impact of the bill is clear. Rather than handling each gambling-related offense as an isolated incident, prosecutors would be able to construct cases based on the premise of a coordinated illegal operation. This provides the state with greater legal leverage in cases where gambling activity seems to be structured, ongoing, or connected across multiple separate acts. Louisiana is not the only jurisdiction taking this step. Legislators across multiple states have been working to address loopholes in gambling regulations and expand the application of existing criminal statutes in instances where illegal betting appears organized instead of being a one-off event.In Louisiana, the official legislative digest summed up HB 53 in plain language: current regulations will remain unchanged, but additional gambling-related offenses will be added to the state’s racketeering statute. 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.
More
Evoplay bergabung sebagai Sponsor Panel di Konferens AffPapa Madrid iGame

Evoplay bergabung sebagai Sponsor Panel di Konferens AffPapa Madrid

(AsiaGameHub) - AffPapa dengan sukacitanya mengumumkan bahawa Evoplay akan menaja panel “Women Redefining Leadership and Innovation in iGaming” di AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026. Berlangsung pada 30 Mei (13:50–14:30) dan dikendalikan oleh Liga Tarasova, perbincangan ini akan menampilkan Marharyta Yerina, Valentina Baginya, Ayelet Shay, Diana Larina, dan Roberta Nicholls, yang akan menonjolkan bagaimana wanita membentuk kepimpinan dan memacu inovasi dalam iGaming. Diana Larina, Ketua Pemasaran di Evoplay, berkongsi kenyataan mengulas mengenai penajaan tersebut: Kami teruja untuk menyokong AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026 sebagai penaja panel dan menyumbang kepada perbincangan industri yang bermakna. Acara seperti ini memberikan peluang berharga untuk berkongsi pengalaman, memperkukuh perkongsian, dan meneroka laluan baharu untuk pertumbuhan dalam ekosistem ahli gabungan dan pengendali. Sebagai penceramah panel, saya akan berkongsi pandangan saya tentang kepimpinan, kepelbagaian, dan peranan wanita dalam evolusi industri ini. Saya amat berharap dapat bertukar-tukar idea dengan rakan penceramah lain dan membina rangkaian dengan profesional industri yang sedang membentuk masa depan iGaming. AffPapa Conference Madrid, yang berlangsung pada 18-20 Mei di Novotel Hotel Madrid, akan menghimpunkan lebih 1,500 peserta untuk rangkaian diterajui ahli gabungan yang intensif. Persidangan ini akan menawarkan pelbagai aktiviti kepada peserta yang membantu menghubungkan ahli gabungan dengan pengendali dan B2B. Agenda penuh termasuk kejohanan padel, sesi suai kenal (speed-dating), panel, minuman rangkaian petang, majlis AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026, parti penutup bersama DJ Kryoman, dan banyak lagi. Yeva Avagyan, Ketua Komersial di AffPapa, mengulas: Kami gembira kerana Evoplay menaja panel ini. Ia merupakan perbincangan yang penting, dan menjadi satu penghormatan besar bagi kami untuk membawakan perbualan ini ke AffPapa Conference Madrid. Jadilah sebahagian daripada persidangan diterajui ahli gabungan terbesar AffPapa setakat ini dan teroka peluang penajaan di laman web rasmi AffPapa Conference Madrid. 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.
More

Americans Grow Familiar with AI But Remain Skeptical of Its Impact

(AsiaGameHub) - A recent Quinnipiac University survey reveals a significant divide in American attitudes toward artificial intelligence. While adoption of AI tools for tasks like research, writing, professional duties, and data analysis is rising, a majority remain distrustful of the technology and anticipate its negative impacts will outweigh the positive. Good to Know 76% say they trust AI rarely or only sometimes 70% think AI will reduce job opportunities 65% oppose AI data centers in their communities Americans Use AI While Doubting It Usage is increasing, but trust is not keeping pace. Just 27% of those polled now report never having used AI tools, a decline from 33% in April 2025. Despite this growth, a mere 21% state they trust information produced by AI most or nearly all the time, compared to 76% who trust it infrequently or only occasionally. “The contradiction between use and trust of AI is striking,” noted Chetan Jaiswal, a Quinnipiac computer science professor. “Fifty-one percent say they use AI for research, and many also use it for writing, work, and data analysis. But only 21 percent trust AI-generated information most or almost all of the time. Americans are clearly adopting AI, but they are doing so with deep hesitation, not deep trust.” Apprehension about AI is also widespread. Only 6% expressed high excitement about the technology, whereas 62% said they were not very or not at all excited. Concurrently, 80% indicated they were very or somewhat concerned. Millennials and baby boomers emerged as the most anxious demographics, followed closely by Gen Z.This sentiment extends to expectations for daily life. Approximately 55% believe AI will cause more harm than good in everyday situations, with only about one-third saying it will bring more benefit than harm. Jobs and Data Centers Add to the Pressure Anxieties over employment seem to be intensifying. Roughly 70% believe progress in AI will decrease job opportunities, with just 7% saying it will generate more jobs. Last year, the figures were 56% expecting fewer jobs and 13% expecting more. Gen Z showed the greatest pessimism, with 81% anticipating a decline in employment. “Younger Americans report the highest familiarity with AI tools, but they are also the least optimistic about the labor market,” stated Tamilla Triantoro, a Quinnipiac professor of business analytics and information systems. “AI fluency and optimism here are moving in opposite directions.” Nevertheless, individuals perceive a greater threat to the overall job market than to their personal positions. Among working Americans, 30% worry AI could render their own job obsolete, an increase from 21% the previous year.“Americans are more worried about what AI may do to the labor market than about what it may do to their own jobs,” Triantoro observed. “People seem more willing to predict a tougher market than to picture themselves on the losing end of that disruption — a pattern worth watching as the technology moves deeper into the workplace,” Perspectives on related infrastructure are similarly unfavorable. About 65% would oppose the construction of an AI data center in their local area, citing significant electricity consumption and water needs as primary worries. Confidence in institutions also remains low. Two-thirds of respondents feel companies are not adequately transparent about their AI use. A separate two-thirds believe the government is not doing enough to oversee the technology. “Americans are not rejecting AI outright, but they are sending a warning,” Triantoro concluded. “Too much uncertainty, too little trust, too little regulation, and too much fear about jobs.” 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.
More
Meta Trials Instagram Plus in Select Countries iGame

Meta Trials Instagram Plus in Select Countries

(AsiaGameHub) - Meta has begun a trial of a paid subscription service for Instagram, named Instagram Plus, in a limited number of countries, as reported by TechCrunch. This test introduces enhanced Story capabilities and represents a new avenue for Meta as it investigates subscription models for its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Good to Know Instagram Plus offers Story functionalities not available in the standard version of the app. It is reported that users can view a Story without the creator being notified. Posts on social media suggest the test is active in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, with pricing specific to each country. Meta Adds Paid Story Features to Instagram Test Stories are the primary focus of this new test. Subscribers to Instagram Plus gain the ability to watch Stories anonymously and also access data on how many times their own Stories have been rewatched. According to TechCrunch, subscribers can also search through their viewer lists, eliminating the manual process of scrolling through every name. The service also provides subscribers with greater control over their Story's audience. Beyond the standard Close Friends list, users can create an unlimited number of custom audience lists, selecting different groups for different posts. Additionally, users can extend a Story's lifespan by an extra 24 hours and highlight one Story each week to feature it at the beginning of their Stories tray for their followers. Meta is also evaluating a set of more expressive features within the same subscription. Subscribers can send an animated Superlike on Stories posted by others, introducing a new paid method of interaction within the app. Collectively, these features indicate Meta is gauging user willingness to pay for enhanced privacy settings, greater visibility, and more sophisticated tools for managing Story sharing.While Meta has not officially confirmed the test markets, TechCrunch states that social media posts point to Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines. User-shared screenshots reveal a monthly cost of MX$39 in Mexico, ¥319 in Japan, and PHP 65 in the Philippines. 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.
More

US Labor Proposal Unlocks 401k Access to Bitcoin

(AsiaGameHub) - A new proposition from the U.S. Department of Labor could simplify the process for retirement schemes to incorporate Bitcoin and other digital assets. If adopted, this regulation would offer plan administrators a more defined route to evaluate cryptocurrencies within 401(k) accounts, which represent a significant portion of long-term investment capital in the United States. Key Information This proposition has the potential to introduce cryptocurrencies to a 401(k) market valued at approximately $10.1 trillion Administrators of these plans would still be required to assess expenses, ease of conversion to cash, intricacy, and returns A 60-day period for public feedback precedes the potential adoption of any definitive regulation Cryptocurrency Nears the U.S. Retirement Sector Instead of causing immediate market transformation, the proposition outlines the methodology fiduciaries should employ when evaluating investment choices for retirement programs. Digital assets are characterized in the preliminary document as an innovative investment class encompassing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and other digitally storable and transferable tokens. Historically, 401(k) offerings predominantly focused on equities and fixed-income securities. Within this updated structure, plan administrators would have greater latitude to consider cryptocurrencies and other non-traditional assets when constructing investment portfolios for employees. U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer stated that the proposal “illustrates how retirement schemes can evaluate offerings that more accurately mirror the contemporary investment environment.” She further commented that an expanded selection would represent “a significant triumph for American employees, retirees, and their households.”The financial implications are substantial. Americans possessed approximately $10.1 trillion in 401(k) plans by the close of 2025, as reported by the Investment Company Institute. A year prior, this sum was $9 trillion. Even a minor allocation towards Bitcoin could channel considerable capital into the cryptocurrency market. A retirement fund serving tens of thousands of employees would only require a 1% Bitcoin allocation to funnel millions of dollars into digital assets. The financial industry has already been gradually moving in this direction. Last October, Morgan Stanley informed its 16,000 financial advisors, who manage $6.2 trillion, that they were permitted to suggest crypto investments to their clientele. The institution has suggested an allocation range of 2% to 4%. BlackRock has adopted a more conservative stance, recommending a 1% to 2% range. Trump's Directive Underpins the Proposition This preliminary regulation stems from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in August. That directive instructed the Department of Labor and the SEC to broaden opportunities for retirement investments linked to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies. SEC Chair Paul Atkins declared on Monday that it was “a vital objective” to provide U.S. investors with access to varied investments capable of leveraging innovation and economic expansion.The Labor Department further indicated that while retirement plan administrators already possessed the authority to consider alternative investments, very few had actually done so. According to the proposed regulation, they would be required to scrutinize elements such as returns, charges, ease of conversion to cash, and intricacy prior to incorporating crypto offerings. Immediate objections emerged. Senator Elizabeth Warren cautioned that the initiative might expose employees to volatile assets. “With vulnerabilities emerging in the private credit sector and cryptocurrency values continuing to decline, Trump has chosen this moment to inject these hazardous assets into Americans’ 401(k)s,” Warren commented. 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.
More

BGaming Launches Sugar Merge Up Slot

(AsiaGameHub) - BGaming has launched Sugar Merge Up, a new slot game that expands on the gameplay foundation of Merge Up 2 while adding an extra layer of bonus content. This new release brings back the iconic Merge Up mechanic, set in a candy-themed experience built around cluster pays, cascading symbols, and feature-driven play. Good to Know Sugar Merge Up uses a 6×6 cluster-pay grid that is filled with candy-themed symbols The Bubblegum symbol can eliminate up to 8 adjacent symbols before transforming into a Scatter Players can unlock up to 30 free spins and choose from six different Buy Bonus options BGaming Grows Its Merge Up Series With a New Candy Theme Sugar Merge Up transports players into a bright, candy-colored world fronted by a jelly bear mascot, but the core focus of the game remains its unique mechanics. BGaming brings back its beloved Merge Up feature, where winning symbols merge into the next highest-paying symbol after a cascade. This opens up opportunities for more winning combinations and larger follow-up wins. One of the biggest new additions to the game is the Bubblegum symbol. When it lands on the grid, it can explode and remove up to 8 surrounding symbols, then boosts multipliers for those cells before converting into a Scatter. Scatters unlock the Free Spins bonus round, with up to 30 free spins available for players to trigger. During the bonus round, players can extend the feature by landing three or more additional Scatters.BGaming also includes six separate Buy Bonus options for players. Chance ×2 is priced at 1.2 times the player's stake. Random Booster costs 10 times the bet and adds random multipliers of up to ×128 on every spin. Booster ×16 costs 40 times the stake and places ×16 multipliers across the full grid on every spin. The three dedicated Free Spins Buy Bonus options range in price from ×100 to ×500. Julia Alekseeva, CPO at BGaming, said: “Sugar Merge Up takes everything players loved about Merge Up 2 and makes it even sweeter. The extra bonus features boost player engagement, while the multiple Booster and Buy Bonus options ensure there is plenty of flexibility for different play styles. “The candy theme is always a hit with players, and given the explosive and colourful nature of the Merge Up mechanic, it was only a matter of time before the two were combined.” 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.
More

METABORA GAMES Debuts BORA DEEPS v2.0

(AsiaGameHub) - METABORA GAMES has unveiled BORA DEEPS v2.0, an enhanced iteration of its worldwide gamer interaction platform, designed to integrate gameplay with incentives throughout an expanded blockchain gaming environment. This latest update introduces additional game-connected quests, readily playable minigames, and a Scratch functionality intended to sustain player involvement within the platform. Good to Know BORA DEEPS v2.0 extends its capabilities beyond simple task fulfillment and prize accumulation The new version incorporates the DEEPS Minigame, allowing players immediate access without requiring any downloads METABORA GAMES has also rolled out a Scratch feature, linked to points acquired through platform engagement BORA DEEPS v2.0 Enhances Player Interaction with Deeper Features A more robust Quest system forms the core of this update. Moving beyond a straightforward structure where users finish tasks and gather BORA-denominated rewards, BORA DEEPS v2.0 now integrates missions more intimately with actual gameplay. METABORA GAMES stated its objective is to provide players with quests that align more effectively with their playing styles, simultaneously connecting these activities to wider ecosystem participation. The introduction of DEEPS Minigame is also a component of this launch. Users are able to launch and engage with these mini-games directly within the platform, eliminating the need for any downloads. This offers players a quicker access point and establishes an additional avenue for interacting with BORA DEEPS while accumulating rewards. METABORA GAMES has additionally incorporated a Scratch feature. Participants can utilize points accumulated from platform activities, including those gained from mini-games, in a raffle-like mechanism. This provides the platform with an extra element for recurring use and introduces yet another reward cycle, complementing quests and gameplay.The company indicated that BORA DEEPS v2.0 is designed to foster enhanced user retention via a continuous loop of involvement, incentives, and subsequent returns. This strategy is underpinned by user-generated content, as METABORA GAMES seeks to transform player actions into sustained ecosystem participation. Concurrently, the company intends to broaden the real-world applications for the BORA token and augment its utility throughout the wider network. 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.
More
Success Universe mencatatkan kerugian $52 juta selepas penurunan nilai Ponte 16 iGame

Success Universe mencatatkan kerugian $52 juta selepas penurunan nilai Ponte 16

(AsiaGameHub) - Bagi tahun kewangan 2025, Success Universe Group melaporkan kerugian bersih berjumlah HKD 410.4 juta (USD 52.4 juta), berbanding keuntungan sebanyak HKD 93.4 juta (USD 11.9 juta) pada tahun 2024 dan terutamanya berkaitan dengan caj kemerosotan nilai yang dikaitkan dengan Ponte 16, bekas kasino satelitnya di Macau. Punca utama kemerosotan syarikat bagi tahun tersebut adalah caj kemerosotan nilai sebanyak HKD 340.7 juta (USD 43.5 juta) untuk kepentingan pemilikannya dalam Ponte 16, yang mewakili kira-kira 83 peratus daripada jumlah kerugian Kumpulan bagi tahun kewangan tersebut. Kumpulan itu juga mencatatkan kerugian pro-rata sebanyak HKD 3.8 juta (USD 485,000) daripada syarikat bersekutunya yang berkaitan dengan Ponte 16, berbanding sumbangan ekuiti sebanyak HKD 112 juta daripada syarikat bersekutu yang sama pada tahun kewangan berakhir 30 Disember 2024. Penutupan sebenar kasino Ponte 16 telah diumumkan pada 29 November 2025 kerana pihak-pihak yang terlibat (SJM Resorts Limited) tidak dapat melaksanakan perjanjian pengambilalihan penuh. SJM Resorts sebelum ini telah menyatakan minat untuk mengambil alih beberapa kasino satelit sebelum tarikh akhir 31 Disember 2025, namun, akhirnya hanya meneruskan pengambilalihan L’Arc Casino. Mengenai pelaburan Ponte 16, Success Universe berkata: Walaupun Kumpulan menjangkakan kesan buruk yang ketara dalam bahagian keputusannya daripada syarikat bersekutu berikutan penghentian operasi Casino Ponte 16, Kumpulan tetap komited terhadap pelaburannya dalam projek Ponte 16. Fokus strategik Ponte 16 akan beralih ke arah memaksimumkan nilai aset bukan perjudian sambil terus meneroka peluang hospitaliti dan hiburan-riadah baharu untuk memacu nilai jangka panjang yang mampan. Di sebalik kerugian ini, syarikat mencatatkan peningkatan dalam jumlah hasil sebanyak kira-kira 16% tahun ke tahun, kepada HKD 59.7 juta (USD 7.6 juta) daripada segmen perniagaan syarikat yang lain, termasuk perkhidmatan pelancongan, pelaburan hartanah dan aset kewangan. 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.
More
Star tandatangani perjanjian pembiayaan semula $390 juta dengan WhiteHawk untuk mengukuhkan kecairan iGame

Star tandatangani perjanjian pembiayaan semula $390 juta dengan WhiteHawk untuk mengukuhkan kecairan

(AsiaGameHub) - The Star Entertainment Group mengumumkan pada Khamis bahawa ia telah mencapai persetujuan mengenai perjanjian pembiayaan semula $390 juta dengan WhiteHawk Capital. Syarikat itu akan mempunyai akses kepada peruntukan kecairan tambahan, bernilai $50 juta, melalui pembiayaan semula hutang sedia ada, ditambah dengan peluang untuk membiayai semula hutang barunya. Fasiliti ini mempunyai tempoh tiga tahun dan termasuk keperluan kecairan minimum berperingkat sebanyak AU $50 juta dalam tempoh 12 bulan pertama, meningkat kepada AU $75 juta selepas itu, dan dalam 18 bulan meningkat kepada AU $100 juta. Di samping itu, pembiayaan semula ini mengandungi jadual kerangka masa yang dijangkakan untuk keperluan pelaporan kewangan, termasuk: Disember 2026 – Keperluan liputan aset, Mac 2027 – Perjanjian EBITDA, Mac 2028 – Permulaan pelunasan suku tahunan. Star menjangkakan untuk menyelesaikan pembiayaan semulanya sebelum 15 Mei 2026, bagi memenuhi syarat yang berkaitan dengan pengecualian yang diberikan lebih awal oleh pemberi pinjaman kanannya. Pembiayaan semula ini adalah sebahagian daripada penyusunan semula korporat yang lebih luas. Pada Ogos 2025, Bally’s Corporation dan sekutunya membuat pelaburan AU $300 juta ke dalam perniagaan Star, yang mengubah struktur pemilikannya. Di samping itu, Star telah membuat beberapa perubahan pengurusan dan melaksanakan langkah penjimatan kos, termasuk penutupan pejabatnya dan pengurangan tenaga kerjanya. Tambahan pula, syarikat itu sedang berusaha untuk menarik diri daripada minatnya dalam usaha sama Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, tertakluk kepada pembebasan jaminan hutang AU $700 juta daripada pemiutangnya. 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.
More
MAC’26 – Persidangan iGaming & Affiliate Terbesar di Eropah iGame

MAC’26 – Persidangan iGaming & Affiliate Terbesar di Eropah

(AsiaGameHub) - Pada tahun 2026, MAC sekali lagi akan menghimpunkan para profesional iGaming dan gabungan terkemuka di Yerevan. Para hadirin boleh menjangkakan zon yang dinaik taraf, program yang dipertingkatkan, lebih banyak peluang rangkaian, dan sudah tentu, pertemuan semula yang hangat dengan rakan-rakan lama dan rakan sekerja. MAC telah menjadi acara utama dalam industri ini selama hampir 10 tahun, menyatukan mereka yang benar-benar mendapat keuntungan daripada trafik. Setiap tahun, persidangan ini menjadi tempat pertemuan untuk pembeli media, pasukan arbitraj trafik, pengiklan, program gabungan, syarikat adtech, projek fintech, dan usahawan kripto. Persidangan ini menghimpunkan kedua-dua pasukan berbahasa Rusia dengan jumlah trafik yang besar dan jenama antarabangsa yang ingin berkembang dan memasuki pasaran baharu. Selama tiga hari, Yerevan bertukar menjadi bandar MAC – ruang di mana pertemuan berlaku bukan sahaja di kawasan pameran, tetapi juga di hotel, restoran, acara persendirian, dan parti. Mengapa Hadir MAC’26 Jika anda berpendapat bahawa pusat industri gabungan hanya terletak di AS dan Eropah Barat, ini adalah ramalan: beberapa jumlah tertinggi, ujian terpantas, dan ROI yang paling mengagumkan selalunya berasal dari jauh dari London atau Las Vegas — di rantau CIS. Mengapa pasukan CIS sangat berharga untuk jenama antarabangsa: Memasuki GEO baharu dalam beberapa hari, bukan bulan Melancarkan kempen dalam sumber tanpa manual Bekerja dengan yakin dengan menegak berisiko tinggi Berkembang dengan kelajuan kilat Pasukan ini membesar di bawah sekatan, peraturan yang tidak stabil, dan larangan berterusan. Ia bukan sekadar cara bekerja — ia adalah satu cara berfikir. Jika anda ingin bertemu pasukan ini secara peribadi, anda tidak perlu mencari melalui saluran Telegram atau sembang persendirian — mereka semua berkumpul di satu tempat di MAC’26. 5,000+ peserta dari seluruh dunia – peluang unik untuk bertemu separuh industri di satu lokasi dan membina hubungan baharu 20+ pakar antarabangsa – pandangan praktikal, kajian kes sebenar, dan hasil yang boleh dilaksanakan 200+ gerai dan ruang rehat – pesaing, rakan kongsi, rakan lama, dan bakal rakan sekerja Parti legenda dan parti selepas acara – artis utama, bar, dan shisha dalam suasana di mana hubungan perniagaan mudah menjadi persahabatan Tiket VIP termasuk akses ke parti selepas acara – sangat disyorkan. Jadual Acara 25 Mei – Parti pra-acara dan acara sampingan 26 Mei – Hari persidangan utama dan acara sampingan 27 Mei – Persidangan dan parti selepas acara legenda Siapa yang Harus Hadir Persidangan ini berharga untuk para profesional dalam: iGaming Pemasaran gabungan Arbitraj trafik AdTech dan pemasaran prestasi Pengiklanan Facebook Projek Fintech dan kripto Keusahawanan digital Jika anda bekerja dalam iGaming atau pemasaran gabungan dan mencari tempat di mana Timur bertemu Barat, iGaming & Affiliate Conference MAC’26 adalah untuk anda. Ia adalah peluang jarang untuk jenama antarabangsa bertemu pasukan pembelian media berbahasa Rusia terkemuka dan membentuk perkongsian yang membuka pasaran baharu. Penceramah MAC’26 Setiap tahun, pasukan berusaha untuk menghimpunkan barisan penceramah yang benar-benar berharga dari seluruh dunia — pakar yang tahu cara menjana pendapatan sebenar dalam iGaming & pemasaran gabungan. Penceramah yang disahkan termasuk: Stefan Muehlbauer – Pengarah Pengiklan Dating “Masters in Cash”, CEO Affpal. Van Oakes – pakar pemasaran prestasi antarabangsa, CEO Tuff Ring dan GOAT Media. Anca Andreica – CEO MaxWeb, pengarang Affiliate Insider, penceramah TEDx, ahli strategi di sebalik kempen tahunan bernilai $300M+. Anton Khomenok – usahawan, pemasar, pengasas X6 GROUP, dan pencipta saluran YouTube pakar yang popular. Filipp Levin – pakar Telegram Ads, ketua eProfit.me (masterclass!). Mengapa Yerevan? Bandar yang selamat, mesra, dan meriah Penerbangan terus dari banyak bandar utama Barat — tiada logistik rumit atau masalah visa Hab neutral yang ideal untuk rangkaian antarabangsa Untuk Pempamer 70% gerai telah ditempah Jika anda bercadang untuk mempamerkan, sekarang adalah masa terbaik untuk mendapatkan lokasi anda dan menarik perhatian audiens 25-27 Mei, Yerevan, Meridian Expo MAC’26 – berada di nadi industri. 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.
More
Altenar di NEXT Summit New York: Apa yang Diharapkan oleh Generasi Peminat Judi Berikutnya iGame

Altenar di NEXT Summit New York: Apa yang Diharapkan oleh Generasi Peminat Judi Berikutnya

(AsiaGameHub) - Pada 11 Mac, Matthew Ferrara, Pengurus Jualan Altenar untuk Amerika Utara, menyertai Fireside Chat: The Next Generation of Sports Bettors di NEXT Summit New York, bersama wakil dari Fanatics dan Stokastic. Sesi tersebut menumpukan kepada perubahan utama dalam industri: generasi baharu petaruh yang membesar dengan pengalaman yang mengutamakan mudah alih, segera, dan asli digital – dan menjangkakan pertaruhan sukan akan menepati standard tersebut. Pertaruhan kini sebahagian daripada ekosistem hiburan Bagi generasi baharu ini, pertaruhan tidak pernah luar talian atau perlahan. Ia sentiasa mudah alih, atas permintaan, dan bersepadu dalam tingkah laku digital harian mereka. Seperti yang dibincangkan semasa panel, pertaruhan bukan lagi sekadar meletakkan taruhan. Ia adalah sebahagian daripada pengalaman hiburan yang lebih luas – dibentuk oleh interaksi sosial, penglibatan masa nyata, dan komuniti. Pengguna bukan sahaja bertaruh. Mereka adalah: membincangkan pilihan dalam sembang kumpulan bertindak balas terhadap acara langsung bersama-sama berinteraksi dengan kandungan di samping aktiviti pertaruhan Bagi pengendali, ini mengubah peranan produk. Ia bukan lagi sekadar alat – ia menjadi sebahagian daripada pengalaman pengguna secara keseluruhan. Jangkaan ditetapkan di luar industri pertaruhan Salah satu tema utama daripada perbincangan itu ialah bahawa sportsbook tidak lagi bersaing sesama sendiri sahaja. Jangkaan pengguna dibentuk oleh produk digital berprestasi terbaik merentasi semua industri. Kelajuan, kesederhanaan, dan UX yang lancar bukan lagi kelebihan daya saing – ia dijangka secara lalai. Sebarang geseran – terutamanya semasa saat permintaan tinggi – secara langsung mempengaruhi pengekalan. Pemperibadian menjadi kritikal Matthew Ferrara menonjolkan jurang yang masih wujud merentasi banyak produk sportsbook: cara kandungan dan pasaran dipersembahkan. Matthew Ferrara, Pengurus Jualan Altenar untuk Amerika Utara, berkata: Jika anda pergi ke sportsbook dan terdapat 3,000 pilihan, bagi pengguna rekreasi ia boleh menjadi agak menakutkan. Semuanya disesuaikan untuk kita berdasarkan interaksi kita. Pertaruhan sukan sepatutnya tidak berbeza. Cabaran bukan pada bilangan pasaran, tetapi kekurangan struktur dan kerelevanan. Bagi generasi baharu petaruh, yang terbiasa dengan suapan peribadi merentasi platform, antara muka sportsbook perlu berkembang ke arah yang sama. Bagi Altenar, ini bermakna menumpukan kepada: menyampaikan pasaran yang relevan dengan lebih pantas mengurangkan keperluan untuk carian manual mencipta pengalaman yang lebih intuitif, dipimpin pengguna Membangun berdasarkan keperluan pengendali Satu perkara penting sepanjang perbincangan ialah kepentingan fleksibiliti. Dalam pasaran yang terus berubah, pembangunan produk tidak boleh statik. Pelan hala tuju Altenar dibentuk oleh: keperluan pengendali dinamik pasaran pandangan kompetitif evolusi produk berterusan berdasarkan permintaan pasaran Ferrara menambah: Kami melihat landskap digital yang lebih luas dan bertanya: apa yang pengguna harapkan hari ini, bagaimana produk berkembang merentasi media sosial, e-dagang, AI dan aplikasi digital harian – dan bagaimana kami membawa standard tersebut ke dalam pengalaman sportsbook. Arah pasaran adalah jelas. Generasi petaruh seterusnya tidak menyesuaikan diri dengan sportsbook. Sportsbook perlu menyesuaikan diri dengan mereka. Ini bermakna: kurang geseran lebih kerelevanan pengalaman yang lebih intuitif dan integrasi yang lebih kukuh dengan cara pengguna sudah menggunakan kandungan digital Pengendali yang bergerak ke arah ini akan berada pada kedudukan yang lebih baik untuk menarik dan mengekalkan pengguna dalam landskap yang semakin kompetitif. 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.
More

REEVO Kembangkan Pasaran di Itali melalui Perkongsian dengan StarVegas

(AsiaGameHub) - Berkat perjanjian itu, pemain StarVegas akan berpeluang menikmati permainan daripada barisan terbaru REEVO termasuk Leprechaun Hold & Win, Mackereels Catch Them All, dan Hot Chilli Party. Penambahan permainan baharu ini bukan sahaja akan memperkayakan perpustakaan kandungan pengendali, malah dijangka menyumbang kepada pemerolehan dan pengekalan pemain. Perikatan ini terjalin selepas siri perjanjian lain yang baru-baru ini ditandatangani oleh REEVO, seperti perkongsian dengan pemain industri yang mantap seperti Betsson Group dan Comtrade Gaming. Tindakan ini menyerlahkan keinginan dan keazaman vendor untuk meningkatkan kehadirannya dalam sektor terkawal. Karl Grech, Ketua Pembangunan Perniagaan di REEVO, berkata: Itali adalah pasaran yang sangat kompetitif dan dinamik, dan kami berbangga untuk membawa permainan kami kepada pemain StarVegas. Kerjasama ini mencerminkan fokus kami dalam menyampaikan kandungan berkualiti tinggi yang memacu penglibatan, menyokong kejayaan pengendali dan mencipta nilai jangka panjang. Paolo Marchi, Pengurus Jenama di StarVegas, menambah: Integrasi REEVO dalam StarVegas menandakan satu pencapaian penting dalam strategi pertumbuhan kami di Itali. Dengan menggabungkan portfolio kandungan yang kukuh dengan rakan kongsi yang dipercayai, kami berhasrat untuk mengukuhkan lagi kedudukan kami dan menawarkan pemain pengalaman permainan yang lebih lengkap dan pelbagai. Kami teruja untuk memulakan kerjasama ini dan meneroka peluang baharu bersama. 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.
More

Highlight Games berkerjasama dengan Bulletproof untuk membangunkan slot Serie A untuk Itali

(AsiaGameHub) - Highlight Games, pencipta terkemuka perisian video maya dan permainan menang segera, sedang bergabung tenaga dengan Bulletproof Games untuk memperkenalkan permainan slot Serie A yang dibuat khas untuk pasaran Itali. Menurut perjanjian itu, Highlight Games dari London akan memberikan Bulletproof Games hak ke atas arkib rakaman Serie A miliknya, manakala Bulletproof Games akan menjadi pihak yang membangunkan permainan slot tersebut. Selepas itu, ia akan dilancarkan di Itali melalui platform Yggdrasil Gaming. Langkah ini adalah yang pertama untuk Highlight Games kerana syarikat itu setakat ini hanya menggunakan kandungan video sukannya untuk sukan maya. Produk SoccerBetnya telah menunjukkan prestasi yang sangat baik di Itali, yang membuatkan kami percaya bahawa kandungan serupa dalam permainan slot boleh mencapai kejayaan yang sama. Steven Holmes, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Highlight Games, berkata: Saya gembira untuk mengumumkan perkembangan menarik ini dalam hala tuju kami, yang membolehkan kami meluaskan jangkauan kandungan premium kami melampaui bidang sukan maya. SoccerBet adalah produk sukan maya dengan prestasi nombor satu di Itali, dan kami yakin bahawa populariti penampilan rakaman arkib Serie A dalam permainan akan berjaya sama baik dalam persekitaran slot dan kasino, seperti yang telah terbukti dalam buku sukan. Craig Ball, Pengarah Urusan di Bulletproof Games, menambah: Perkongsian ini membolehkan kami menggabungkan arkib kandungan Serie A yang kaya milik Highlight Games dengan kepakaran Bulletproof dalam membina pengalaman slot yang menarik. Kami yakin bahawa bersama-sama kami akan mencipta produk yang sangat menarik minat pemain slot Itali dan kami tidak sabar untuk melancarkannya pada akhir tahun ini. 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.
More

Sports Betting Legalization Linked to Increasing Household Financial Strain According to a New Federal Reserve Study

(AsiaGameHub) - A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York presents challenging figures for legislators and industry operators. The report associates the legalization of sports betting with declining household credit health, with particularly pronounced effects among younger adults and in states permitting mobile wagering. Good to Know The New York Fed observed that overall delinquency rates increased by approximately 0.3 percentage points from a baseline of 10.7% following legalization. For borrowers under the age of 40, credit card delinquencies increased by roughly 1 percentage point, while auto loan delinquencies rose by about 0.5 percentage points. Spillover effects were also detected near state borders, where neighboring counties in non-legal jurisdictions experienced betting activity equivalent to roughly 14% to 15% of the direct impact. New York Fed Quantifies the Negative Impacts The study looks beyond the conventional argument that regulation is preferable to prohibition and that tax revenue validates the model. Instead, researchers analyzed the changes in credit health following the introduction of legal sports betting. Their conclusion was unequivocal: delinquency rates rose in states where betting is legal and also increased, though to a lesser degree, in adjacent areas where it remained illegal. Mobile accessibility appears to be a primary pressure point. Federal Reserve researchers found that legalization caused a sharp spike in sportsbook deposits, with the broader impact being more severe in regions allowing betting via phone compared to those limited to physical venues. This is crucial because major US operators have built their market around app-based customer acquisition and recurring deposits. The demographic divide is equally evident. Borrowers under 40 were the main drivers behind the rise in credit stress, and the implied effect on new bettors was significantly higher than the population average. The paper notes that only about 3% of individuals begin betting after legalization, but for this group, the implied increase in delinquency is around 10 percentage points, roughly double the baseline rate. Another finding holds significant weight for state politics. Residents living near legal states continued to cross borders to place bets, leading to increased betting activity and financial strain in nearby non-legal counties. This creates a familiar cycle of pressure: a state may experience some of the negative impacts even before legalizing, without the benefit of collecting any tax revenue.The paper does not call for a ban. Instead, it offers regulators a clearer map of where the harm appears to be concentrated: younger adults, mobile access, and newly acquired bettors. For operators, this is likely to intensify the debate regarding deposit limits, cooling-off mechanisms, and the true effectiveness of responsible gambling controls. 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.
More

Neymar Utilizes Santos Day Off for Online Poker Session

(AsiaGameHub) - Neymar has returned to the headlines, though not for his on-field performance. The Santos striker allegedly devoted his rest day to an extended online poker marathon following his omission from the Cruzeiro fixture due to workload concerns. Good to Know Neymar's absence from the Cruzeiro clash stemmed from Santos' assessment that the workload-related risk was excessive. According to Portal LeoDias, the forward subsequently dedicated much of his weekend to online poker. On social media, Neymar later made light of the situation, commenting that there was "also a little bit of poker on the cell phone." Neymar Day Off Turns Into Poker Story The sporting aspect of this narrative is fairly straightforward. Santos opted not to field Neymar against Cruzeiro, with the club's justification focusing on physical load management over a new injury. Match-related reports indicated the coaching team aimed to prevent additional risk following a demanding schedule of fixtures. The subsequent developments attracted considerably more interest. Portal LeoDias claimed Neymar engaged in online poker for approximately 24 hours between Friday and Sunday. The same publication stated he entered a $5,000 tournament and rebought on at least three occasions, pushing his total buy-in to a minimum of $20,000. During this period, Santos contested a goalless draw with Cruzeiro. That article swiftly fueled broader discussions surrounding Neymar's relationship with Santos. Portal LeoDias suggested the incident prompted doubts regarding his dedication to the team, particularly since some had anticipated he would stay in closer proximity to his teammates despite being rested. Neymar didn't precisely refute the poker claims. In a social media post cited by Brazilian outlets, he mentioned that his day commenced with training and a family cinema outing, before noting there was "also a little bit of poker on the cell phone," concluding with a laughing emoji. For poker enthusiasts, this revelation comes as no surprise. Neymar has maintained a longstanding connection to the game, having formerly served as a PokerStars ambassador. Nevertheless, the timing transformed an ordinary rest day into yet another discussion point concerning one of Brazilian football's most prominent figures. His passion for poker has previously generated controversy. In 2023, rather than joining his Paris SG teammates in celebrating their Ligue 1 triumph, Neymar chose to devote the entire evening to poker in Monaco. 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.
More

Macau Clears Three New Baccarat Side Bets

(AsiaGameHub) - Macau has given its approval for three new baccarat side bets, providing casinos with an expanded array of supplementary wagering choices as these additional wagers continue to proliferate across the market. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau incorporated regulations for ‘Monkey no Monkey’, ‘Pairs+’, and ‘4/5/6 Cards’ into a guideline that became effective on March 23. Key Information The recently sanctioned side bets include ‘Monkey no Monkey’, ‘Pairs+’, and ‘4/5/6 Cards’. The revised regulatory directive came into force on March 23. Since 2024, Macau has progressively introduced more baccarat side bets, a development aided by advancements in smart table technology. Macau Continues to Expand Baccarat Side Bet Offerings Among the newly approved options, Pairs+ offers the largest potential payout, reaching 300 to 1 if both the banker's and player's initial hands consist of pairs with identical point values. 'Monkey no Monkey' yields a 50 to 1 return if the first four cards dealt across both hands are all face cards. Meanwhile, '4/5/6 Cards' provides varying payouts based on whether the banker or player wins and the total number of cards utilized. The broader trend in Macau is more significant. Side bets have emerged as a preferred mechanism for increasing the house edge, leading operators to progressively introduce more of them. For instance, 'Small 6/Big 6' was rolled out across the market around the May 2024 Labour Day holiday, with 'Lucky 7' and 'Super Lucky 7' subsequently introduced later that year, coinciding with China National Day. With the recent approval of these three additional options, Macau's casinos now possess another collection of baccarat enhancements to integrate into both general gaming floors and high-stakes play, as the regulatory body proceeds with formalizing the offering protocols for each product. 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.
More

Animoca Brands Rolls Out AliBAE Platform in Early Access Phase

(AsiaGameHub) - Animoca Brands has launched early access for AliBAE, a new build-and-earn platform that leverages Alibaba Qwen models to help creators produce content and apps before competing for token rewards. The rollout includes 100,000 CHECK tokens distributed across two initial campaigns. Good to Know AliBAE is now live in early access at alibae.build, with two launch campaigns. The initial reward pool totals 100,000 CHECK tokens. As of January 2026, Alibaba Qwen had surpassed 700 million downloads and over 180,000 derivative models. Animoca Centers Creator Rewards at the Core AliBAE is built around bounty campaigns: Brands share a project brief, set aside a CHECK token pool, and creators use the platform’s integrated studio to make videos, apps, and other content. Winners are selected based on a mix of community feedback and internal judging, per Animoca’s launch details. The first two campaigns come from Animoca Minds and King’s Gambit, each offering 50,000 CHECK. Animoca Minds is requesting a 20-second AI video about how personal AI agents can reshape daily life, while King’s Gambit is rewarding short-form video content tied to its game. Both campaigns end on April 8, 2026. CHECK is the foundation of the model. The token powers parts of the Checkmate ecosystem and is linked to Anichess—Animoca Brands’ blockchain chess game developed with Chess.com, which has over one million players, according to launch coverage. Separately, Coinbase notes its listings roadmap highlights assets under review, and recent market reports say CHECK was added to that roadmap.The larger focus is on accessibility. Animoca is working to lower barriers for first-time creators by embedding prompts into the platform and using Qwen, one of the most widely adopted open-source AI model families. Chevan Tin, head of Anichess and senior manager of operations and projects at Animoca Brands, said: “Many digital reward systems prioritize participation volume over the quality of contributions. AliBAE is designed to take a different approach by linking rewards more directly to the work created and how well it is received. By combining Qwen Studio’s accessibility with CHECK as an on-chain reward mechanism, we aim to give creators and builders a more practical way to participate and earn.” 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.
More