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(AsiaGameHub) -   In the wake of BetMGM’s continued growth, Stella David, the CEO of Entain — the firm that co-owns the gaming brand — has publicly stated that Entain is targeting to capture as much as 50% of New Zealand’s upcoming iGaming market. Entain Makes Major Wager on New Zealand’s Emerging iGaming Sector Per David, Entain is the only online operator with the ability to cross-sell sports betting and iGaming products, a capability powered by its New Zealand betting arm TAB, a state-backed, exclusive system for sports and racing wagering. As TAB is the country’s only legal provider of both in-person and online sports betting, Entain’s entry into the online casino space would give the firm access to a large existing customer base. Notably, David’s announcement comes just a few months after Entain rolled out large-scale job cuts for its New Zealand branch as part of its efforts to reduce operating costs. Despite that move, the company remains fully committed to achieving its newly announced goal. Entain continues to build momentum across its online gambling division, with Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) forecast to rise by 5–7% on a constant currency basis. During the latest earnings call, David shared that total group NGR climbed by 8% to $6.6 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. Entain Is Already Making Headway Toward Its Target At present, online gambling is prohibited in New Zealand, and the country only has six physical casinos operating across its territory. However, in June 2025, New Zealand began advancing legislation to legalize iGaming, clearing the path for online casinos to launch operations in the country. The regulatory framework allows for up to 15 licensed platforms, and Entain is aiming to secure three of these available permits. Earlier this year, Entain publicly shared its plan to expand into New Zealand’s forthcoming online casino sector, with intentions to bid for three licenses once the government opens the application window in late 2026. Securing these licenses would let the company grow its user base and expand its product portfolio, further strengthening its position in the local market. Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, pointed out that Entain’s existing footprint and operational experience in New Zealand already provide a solid foundation for success. Per Vouris, the company will be the only operator in the market capable of offering sports betting, racing wagering, and potential casino services. Currently, Entain holds the exclusive license for online sports and racing betting in New Zealand, where it has posted a 28% year-on-year increase in operational performance. During a recent earnings call covering its full 2025 financial results, Entain reported consistent growth across all of its product lines. 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) -   Several operators have submitted license applications in Finland as the nation moves to terminate its iGaming monopoly and welcome a new age of commercial gaming. Finland Gets Ready to Roll Out Its Commercial iGaming Market Finland has been making consistent progress toward launching its deregulated online gaming market. Last year, the country enacted legislation to terminate Veikkaus’ monopoly. This step was the result of months of discussions and preparations, firmly confirming the imminent launch of a competitive iGaming market. Per the current timeline, the new online casino gaming market will officially launch on July 1, 2027. Given Finns’ deep enthusiasm for gaming, numerous operators have queued up to enter the market. 24 Operators Are Gearing Up for July 1, 2027 Official statistics indicate that a total of 24 online operators have applied for licenses to date. This points to significant interest in the market, which is understandable given Finns’ passion for gaming. Although Finland’s iGaming sector has operated as a monopoly until now—with Veikkaus as the sole permitted provider of such products—this has not dampened local players’ interest in gaming at all. Studies suggest that an impressive 70% of Finnish adults participate in at least some form of gaming, a figure that could rise sharply once commercial gaming goes live. In an interview with iGB, Nordic Legal’s head of office, Pekka Ilmivalta, described Finns as “heavy gamblers” and the launch of a reformed gaming market as a “long-awaited change.” A large number of players are interested in online lotteries, which may be one of the verticals with the highest potential to appeal to locals. More Operators Are Taking a “Wait and See” Stance Meanwhile, additional operators are closely monitoring the situation without submitting license applications yet, as details around iGaming advertising and responsible gambling requirements have not been fully clarified. Experts note that the market could have up to 50 licensees at launch. Still, Veikkaus—set to continue operating, though no longer exclusively—will likely remain a leading player. Veikkaus has been largely optimistic about the launch of licensed iGaming, even though it had to undergo reforms and make cuts in preparation for the changes. 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) -   Friday saw a significant development in Nevada's efforts to regulate prediction markets, as a judge ruled in favor of blocking Kalshi. This decision comes on the heels of the CFTC initiating legal action against several states that have sought to oversee the rapidly expanding event contracts industry. Nevada Judge Upholds the Restrictions on Kalshi Last Friday, Nevada judge Jason Woodbury upheld the restrictions placed on Kalshi, which prohibit the company from offering its products to Nevada residents without a license. This ruling follows an initial restraining order issued against the prediction market operator on March 20. Woodbury extended this suspension until April 17, allowing sufficient time for the finalization of a more permanent injunction. According to the latest ruling, Kalshi is mandated to implement geolocation technology to prevent users in Nevada from accessing its services. The company must achieve compliance with this requirement by May 4. When Kalshi asserted its classification as a trading platform, Woodbury countered that sports betting and prediction markets are essentially the same, despite any technical distinctions. This recent ruling in Nevada represents a victory for those who have voiced concerns about the prediction markets sector, including gaming regulators, tribal organizations, traditional gaming industry participants, and the general public. Prediction Markets Face Pushback Prediction markets have emerged as a controversial topic due to their innovative trading model. Platforms such as Kalshi enable users to trade "yes-no" shares on the outcomes of various events, referred to as event contracts. Unlike sportsbooks that focus on athletic competitions, prediction markets also permit participants to forecast the results of political events, legal developments, and cultural occurrences, positioning them as an alternative to traditional polling methods. However, the resemblance of prediction markets to sports betting has drawn criticism and led to widespread opposition to this industry. This has resulted in numerous lawsuits and friction between the CFTC, which oversees trading markets, and state gambling regulators. Some state regulators contend that prediction markets, given their similarities to gaming, should be subject to the same regulations as gaming companies. The CFTC, conversely, has strongly rejected this stance and has filed lawsuits against states attempting to regulate the sector. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The UK’s attempts to control unregulated gambling providers face a core challenge: the black market consistently stays one step ahead of enforcement actions. A recent report by fraud expert Alex Wood, commissioned by Flutter UK & Ireland, reveals that illegal betting sites remain easily accessible and are often openly advertised. Numerous Sites Failed to Implement Even Basic Safeguards Several of Wood’s findings highlight a startling lack of due diligence. In tests conducted ahead of the Cheltenham Festival, he created accounts on offshore gambling platforms using clearly fake identities. These included names of well-known racing figures like Harry Skelton, Jack Kennedy, and trainer Willie Mullins. Addresses such as “Cheltenham racecourse” were accepted without any challenge. In a case that’s both amusing and concerning, Wood registered under the name Red Rum, listing his occupation as “racehorse” and his address as “horse heaven.” Another platform allowed him to sign up as a six-year-old residing at Buckingham Palace. These identity verification failures underscore why offshore betting sites may be particularly appealing to users looking to bypass safeguards like self-exclusion schemes. The report prominently features brands such as MyStake, Velobet, and Cosmobet. MyStake, in particular, recently faced controversy after announcing a high-profile partnership with soccer star Ronaldinho. These claims have since been debunked, as evidence suggests the photo of the famed athlete shaking hands with MyStake’s CEO may have been fabricated. Enforcement Efforts Are Still Inadequate For regulators, the problem isn’t just the existence of these platforms—it’s how they reach customers. According to Wood, social media is a key driver in acquiring new users. His Instagram feed quickly filled with posts directing people to offshore bookmakers, often via tipsters and influencer accounts. Some links led to private groups on messaging apps, where betting advice and referral codes were shared freely. I’ve been stunned by the sheer volume of illegal, unlicensed gambling content being pushed and promoted online, and social media companies have serious questions to answer. Alex Wood In one instance, Wood asked Meta AI about offshore gambling options and received links to some especially problematic black market websites that aggressively targeted UK users. Payments are another vulnerability: most sites operating outside UK regulations still allow customers to use common payment methods, including bank cards and digital wallets. This makes the switch from a regulated to an unregulated environment nearly frictionless for the average user. The issue is only worsening. Illegal operators now account for roughly 9% of the UK gambling market, a significant increase from previous years. This shift could weaken the Treasury’s recent efforts to secure additional revenue by raising gambling taxes. Regulated operators are increasingly calling for improved collaboration between the government, regulators, and technology companies—especially regarding advertising and payment systems. 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 new contender is poised to assess whether UK bettors will embrace a distinct type of offering. **The Game Tribe**, a **London**-based startup established by former BDO personnel, is developing an **innovative system** that prioritizes shared gameplay over traditional odds. According to a recent report from news outlet *EGR*, the company has submitted its application for a gambling software and pool betting license to the **UK Gambling Commission**. An Innovative Vision by a Skilled Team The Game Tribe characterizes its products as an **alternative** to conventional sports betting. With an official launch scheduled to coincide with the summer’s major soccer calendar, the team is prepared to **disrupt the market**. The company’s founders possess **extensive experience** in finance and technology, and they believe their concept can redefine how players engage with sports wagering. At The Game Tribe, we are redefining the sports betting landscape by creating a new market based on social interaction and gamification. The Game Tribe statement The executive team includes chief executive **Maximilian Macdonald** and co-founders **Tom Maynell** and **Jordan Twiss**, all of whom previously worked at BDO. **Jessica Lea**, the fourth co-founder, serves as chief technology officer, bringing experience from companies such as **The Walt Disney Company**, **John Lewis & Partners**, and **SiriusXM**. The Game Tribe suggests that modern betting has become **excessively transactional**. Instead, the company is concentrating on pool-based betting systems, where participants **wager against each other** rather than the house. The Game Tribe integrates elements from **fantasy sports** and **lottery-style pools**, presented within a more visual, game-like interface. The Company Is Looking to Expand Its Footprint Initial product descriptions indicate titles that **resemble casino games** in their appearance and feel, emphasizing quick rounds, social functionalities, and shareable outcomes. The company currently has two games **completed and ready for launch**, with additional concepts under development. The Game Tribe aims to provide operators with a **plug-in product** that can integrate alongside existing sportsbook and casino content. The Game Tribe firmly states that responsible play is fundamental to its approach. By eliminating fixed odds and fostering **peer-to-peer competition**, it argues that its games can offer a more transparent and controlled experience. This new format will likely encounter **considerable scrutiny** in the UK, where regulators enforce **strict standards** for product development, advertising strategies, and customer safety. Behind the scenes, the business continues to gain momentum. It employs **nine staff** across the UK and **South Africa** and has successfully completed an **initial funding round** supported by industry investors. The company intends to raise a **larger amount of capital** after its initial products launch, potentially expanding its operations beyond the United Kingdom. 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) -   Amnesty International, a global human rights advocacy organization, has criticized Cambodia’s decision to reissue licenses to multiple casinos that are believed to have connections to serious crime and scam hubs. Documented Instances of Human Rights Abuse Point to Links Between Certain Casinos and Criminal Activity This announcement comes several months after Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Commission’s (CGMC) approved license renewals for a number of casinos. The venues include the Crown casinos in Bavet, Chrey Thum, and Poipet, as well as Majestic Two and Majestic Hotel & Casino in Sihanoukville. In its official statement, Amnesty International alleges that multiple casinos in Cambodia may have ties to scam centers that have carried out grave human rights violations, including human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, and torture. For example, the owner of one Sihanoukville casino was recently hit with multiple criminal charges. Survivors of the aforementioned scam centers tipped Amnesty International off to these abuses, and the organization was able to confirm the locations of several of these hubs. Investigations found that the relevant survivors were held captive at the Crown Resorts complex in Poipet and forced to participate in illegal operations. Testimonies from other survivors also implicate additional casinos in involvement with similar illegal activities. Amnesty Calls on the Government to Investigate This Issue Amnesty International emphasized that these suspicious properties had their licenses renewed at a time when the country was supposedly conducting a crackdown on scam centers. The organization noted that the decision to renew these licenses could legitimize businesses connected to organized crime. Amnesty International is now calling on authorities to explain why they chose to renew licenses for casinos with documented links to human trafficking, and stated that every day these casinos remain licensed is another day that visitors to these venues face the risk of enslavement. Montse Ferrer, Amnesty International’s interim co-regional director for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said that the large amount of documentation linking many Cambodian casinos to human rights violations is alarming, and that it requires immediate investigation at every level of the corporate chain. Ferrer added that Cambodia should immediately suspend the licenses of the implicated casinos and probe the venues in question. A previous report from Amnesty International identified dozens of scamming compounds across the country, which prompted large-scale crackdowns. The organization hopes its latest report will produce a similar impact. 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) -   According to the Florida Lottery, three players secured $1 million prizes, marking the top wins for December. The announcement confirmed that all winning tickets were from the lottery's scratch-off games. Winter Park Resident Claims $1M Prize On April 3, the Florida Lottery disclosed that three individuals had won seven-figure amounts through scratch-off games. Jatin Kaushik, a 26-year-old from Winter Park, claimed the first of these awards on December 8. Playing the $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier scratch-off game, Kaushik secured a $1 million prize. He purchased the ticket at Charge Up 69 on 7235 University Boulevard in Winter Park. He collected his winnings at the Florida Lottery’s Orlando District Office, choosing a one-time lump sum payment totaling $638,100. The Florida Lottery noted that upon its debut, the $25,000,000 Gold Rush Multiplier game offered two $25 million jackpots and 60 $1 million prizes. Currently, one top prize and 30 second-tier prizes are still available. The odds of winning any prize in this game are 1 in 4.09. Thonotosassa Player Wins $1M with 500X The Cash Wendell Jackson, 53, from Thonotosassa, was the second winner. He also won $1 million, but his winning ticket was from the 500X The Cash scratch-off game. On December 19, Jackson went to the Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee to claim his prize, accepting a one-time lump sum of $640,000. Further details provided by the lottery indicated that 301 Petrol Mart, situated at 11511 U.S. Highway 301 N. in Thonotosassa, sold the winning ticket. When the $50 500X The Cash scratch-off game launched, it included two $25 million top prizes and 28 $1 million second-tier prizes. As of now, both top prizes are still unclaimed, and only three of the $1 million prizes have been won. The overall odds of securing a prize in this game stand at 1 in 4.23. LaBelle Resident Scores $1M via Bonus Letter Crossword Antonio Garcia Avila, a 60-year-old LaBelle resident, claimed the last $1 million prize for December. He won using the Bonus Letter Crossword scratch-off game. Similar to the previous winners, he visited the lottery headquarters on December 29 and opted for the lump sum payment, walking away with approximately $640,000. The Florida Lottery confirmed that Garcia Avila purchased his ticket at Patson Discount Tobacco and Smoke Shop on 216 S. Main Street in LaBelle. Initially, the Bonus Letter Crossword game offered 10 $1 million prizes. The Florida Lottery reports that only one of these prizes is currently left unclaimed. For this game, the overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 4. 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) -   MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino in New York observed Women’s History Month by showcasing its major accomplishments in building a culture of equality and respect. The Casino Has Been a Leader in Providing Equal Opportunities Bronx Times, which reported on the development, noted that the MGM Resorts establishment has consistently been a pioneer in advocating for equal opportunities for men and women alike. It referenced a 2021 report revealing that women in the gaming sector held about 25% of senior management positions. In contrast, Empire City Casino’s leadership team is significantly more diverse, with women making up nearly half of its leaders. The team includes the following individuals: Danette Jordon-Woods (human resources executive director) Theresa Tirado (slot operations shift manager) Althea Esty (income control supervisor) Karen Delago (director of surveillance) To mark March as Women’s History Month, MGM shone a spotlight on the inspiring stories of these remarkable women. Empire City Offered Growth Opportunities for These Women Jordon-Woods began her career at Empire City Casino in 2006 as an employment and training manager. Following the property’s purchase by MGM Resorts in 2019, she was instrumental in managing the transition. Reflecting on her tenure, Jordon-Woods expressed her belief that Empire City Casino is an establishment that “creates meaningful pathways for women” and for all employees. Tirado has been a member of the Empire City workforce since 2007, starting in the food and beverage division before making significant progress and moving to the slot department. She supported Jordon-Woods’ comments, underscoring the extensive growth opportunities MGM Resorts offers its staff. Esty immigrated to the US during her teenage years. She launched her gaming career in 2004 as a horseman’s bookkeeper at Yonkers Raceway. After rising through the ranks, she transitioned to the accounting department and now holds a key role supervising Empire City Casino’s income. Regarding her professional journey, Esty mentioned that her growth was aided by various corporate programs, including mentorship and career development initiatives. Finally, Delago has been part of the Empire City Casino staff for nearly 15 years, beginning her tenure as a surveillance operator. Although she remained in the same department, her exceptional performance led to her promotion to director of surveillance, entrusting her with the security of the venue. She observed that Empire City has cultivated an environment where “people feel empowered to succeed.” 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 experience of professional gambler Dave McNeill perfectly illustrates the differing treatment of significant losers and winners by bookmakers. McNeill's position is unique as he has personally experienced both sides of the equation. McNeill Tells His Story: From a Loser to a Major Winner at the Bookies Initially, in 2019, McNeill began gambling with William Hill and accumulated losses exceeding GBP 40,000 (approximately $52,880) within a six-month period. During this time, the bookmaker courted him with additional incentives like tickets to premier sporting events, before his fortunes changed. McNeill then reversed his net loss, achieving a GBP 20,000 profit (around $26,400) in only three weeks, primarily through cricket betting. This success resulted in the bookmaker becoming noticeably less generous with perks. For instance, previously granted Tottenham Hotspur tickets were revoked 48 hours prior to the match, an event that aligned with McNeill's unexpected winning streak. After mastering a consistent betting strategy, the gambler continued placing wagers using friends' accounts, which ultimately led to his ban from the bookmaker. With over ten years of gambling experience, McNeill has utilized 50 different Bet365 accounts since 2012, offering a 10% commission from his profits to individuals who permit him to use their accounts. McNeill is categorized as a "sharp," a rare type of bettor who proves that sports wagering involves skill. Bookmakers have themselves recognized the presence of such players, stating they can identify a "sharp" gambler from an individual's very first bet. UK bookmakers have been progressively enhancing their protective measures against sharp bettors. They maintain that their platforms are intended for entertainment purposes only and not for earning money consistently as a profession. Their terms and conditions legally permit them to restrict accounts solely for winning excessively. Bookies in the UK Are Beefing Up Their Defenses Nevertheless, professional gamblers like McNeill persist in operating under other people's identities. UK bookies have the legal authority to restrict, and most frequently ban, individuals who open accounts on behalf of sharp bettors unable to wager under their own names. An overabundance of sharps also influences odds, as sportsbooks continuously tighten winning margins to counter these risks. Regarding the sharp gamblers, they are not particularly worried about the restrictions, viewing them as an inherent aspect of the activity. By upholding their entertainment-only facade, bookmakers provide favorable margins that bettors like McNeill can exploit to their advantage. 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.