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(AsiaGameHub) -   A recent report on Belgium’s gambling industry indicates that the period of consistent growth observed since the pandemic may be ending. In 2024, the regulated sector saw its first downturn in three years, with total gross gaming revenue (GGR) dropping by 4.9% to EUR 1.61 billion ($1.86 billion). The Data Reveals Interesting Trends Although the decline is relatively small, it offers significant insights into how the Belgian market is adapting to stricter regulatory requirements. Online gambling continues to be the primary revenue driver, accounting for over 50% of total earnings, though it still saw a 2.7% decrease in 2024. Meanwhile, land-based GGR experienced a steeper decline of more than 7%. Casino gaming stood out as one of the few areas to see growth, with revenues from both land-based and online operations increasing by 3.7% and 8.7%, respectively. Conversely, retail betting, arcade games, and low-stakes machines suffered more significant losses. This downturn is linked in part to a sharp reduction in the number of betting shops, which fell to 408 by the end of 2024, down from 535 two years prior. These shifts are largely driven by regulation. Over the last two years, Belgium has implemented various measures to increase market oversight. New rules prohibiting operators from combining different license types on one platform have compelled companies to reorganize their product offerings, sometimes resulting in a redistribution of revenue between categories. Player Safety Remains a Priority Certain regulatory adjustments have had a more substantial impact than others. Increasing the minimum gambling age to 21 excluded a demographic of younger players, while restrictions on bonuses, reduced advertising, and stricter identity verification have collectively made the regulated market less appealing, despite their benefits for player safety. The regulator noted that it is premature to reach definitive conclusions regarding player protection, as a drop in revenue does not necessarily equate to a reduction in gambling-related harm. There is a concern that players might move to unregulated platforms, which would increase risks. To address this, Belgium is strengthening its enforcement capabilities with new strategies to detect and block illegal gambling sites. At a minimum, a more in-depth analysis and a comparison with the data obtained for 2025 will be necessary to observe trends over time. Belgian regulator statement The government is currently drafting plans for a major industry overhaul. Its long-term objective is to transform the sector by emphasizing compliance and oversight while ensuring players remain within the regulated environment. However, future regulations must carefully balance the need for consumer protection with the maintenance of a competitive and healthy market. 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) -   Bulgaria is enacting tougher measures to address gambling-related harm, with the nation's Ministry of Health set to roll out a standardized framework for tackling gambling addiction. A draft regulation currently open for public feedback proposes creating a special fund to finance prevention and treatment efforts. The initiative seeks to combat addiction, safeguard younger individuals, and improve support access for those already impacted. The New Measures Envision Strict Controls Financing this new initiative is expected to be straightforward. Following amendments to Bulgaria's Gambling Act in 2024, all licensed operators are required to make annual contributions dedicated to responsible gambling. The National Revenue Agency gathers these funds and splits them equally between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Proponents of the draft law contend it will introduce much-needed clarity into how the health share of operator fees is distributed. The legislation outlines a formal process for submitting, assessing, and greenlighting projects, prioritizing transparency and sustainable impact. Municipalities, hospitals, schools, non-profits, and public bodies would all qualify to apply. To curb possible misuse, the bill establishes clear limits. Political parties, religious groups, and organizations with outstanding state debts would be barred from taking part. Initiatives that constitute commercial ventures or single events, like concerts or trips, will also not qualify. The Ministry of Health will focus on treatment programs, awareness drives, and educational projects with measurable, long-term results. Operators Will Not Face Additional Burdens The negative impact of gambling is an escalating concern in Bulgaria. Nearly 50,000 individuals have already enrolled in the national self-exclusion registry, which lets people ban themselves from licensed gambling platforms. Health authorities view this figure as evidence of the rising need for assistance. The proposed law does not impose fresh constraints or obligations on gambling businesses, concentrating instead on prevention, education, and treatment. According to data from the National Revenue Agency, nearly 50,000 people have voluntarily registered in the national self-exclusion register, highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for consistent policies. Bulgarian Ministry of Health statement Alongside the funding changes, the Ministry of Health is launching new public resources. The national eHealth mobile app now includes details on the warning signs of gambling addiction and directs users to support services. The ministry's goal is to facilitate earlier intervention, particularly for younger people who might not initially identify the issue. The proposal remains at an early stage and is likely to see multiple changes before adoption. Nevertheless, it represents a significant step in reshaping Bulgaria's strategy against gambling harm, framing it not as a standalone problem but as a component of a wider public health campaign needing reliable funding and collaborative 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) -   Polymarket has been staying firmly in the public eye recently, and this time the prediction market platform is making headlines over a multi-year collaboration with LALIGA North America. This agreement marks the first ever official partnership between a European football league and a prediction markets operator, though the deal is targeted exclusively at football fans based in North America. Per the terms of the agreement, Polymarket becomes the Official and Exclusive Prediction Market Partner of Spain’s LALIGA in the U.S. and Canada, as both parties work to deepen fan engagement among a fast-growing, increasingly digital-first audience. According to LALIGA, the partnership reflects a wider strategic push to build connections with younger, multicultural fan bases in North America, where content consumption habits are shifting toward multi-screen and interactive experiences. “Soccer’s growth, particularly in North America, is led by young, diverse and multicultural audiences that consume the sport across multiple screens, so our goal is to keep engaging these demographics through fresh, unique approaches,” said Boris Gartner, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Relevent, which launched a 15-year, 50/50 joint venture with the Spanish league in 2018 to set up LALIGA North America. “It is critical that we move past traditional engagement efforts to bring these audiences closer to the beautiful game than ever before, and we could not think of a better partner than Polymarket to reach that goal.” The agreement covers a range of commercial and fan-focused activations, including premium broadcast exposure, integration into digital and social content, and access to exclusive perks such as VIP match hospitality and virtual meet-and-greet sessions with LALIGA legends. A core element of the deal is Polymarket’s right to use official league and club intellectual property, which will enable more in-depth integration of prediction-based engagement around live matches and season outcomes. Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, commented: “Our aim is to give fans a more expressive way to follow the sport, where their opinions on players, matches, and season outcomes can be reflected in real time. “Partnering with LALIGA brings this level of interaction to one of the most passionate global fan bases and introduces a new, more dynamic way for North American audiences to engage with the league.” Is there hope for Polymarket in Europe? For Polymarket, the agreement adds to its growing roster of major sports partnerships, which already includes deals with leagues such as MLB, NHL, UFC and MLS. The announcement came on the same day that the New York-headquartered firm lost its bid to operate in Romania, as the ONJN gambling authority rejected Polymarket’s appeal to be removed from the country’s service blacklist. The business has faced significant hurdles in its efforts to enter the European market. Along with Romania, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France and Portugal have all banned prediction markets from operating in their respective jurisdictions. Prediction markets, which have surged in popularity largely driven by the rise of Polymarket and fellow U.S. operator Kalshi, maintain that they do not offer gambling products, but rather ‘event contracts’ that let users wager against each other on the outcome of a given event. In the U.S., these platforms are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The previously mentioned European markets do not agree with this classification, however. Despite the challenges it faces in Europe, the LALIGA deal proves that prediction market platforms can still secure partnerships with European entities, even if those agreements are focused on North America, where the sector has seen the most favorable regulations to date. In a related note, Gibraltar, which shares a border with Spain, licensed a prediction markets platform as a B2C betting intermediary earlier this week, a move that may also add to Polymarket’s faint hopes of seeing prediction markets become operational on the European side of the Atlantic. Want to read more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, the new multimedia home for all SBC content, where our team deep dives into the biggest stories from across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate and payments industries. 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 tender process for Paraguay's quiniela lottery has reached its concluding stage, with two domestic entities, Technologies Development of Paraguay (TDP) SA and the Daruma Sam Alliance, now confirmed as the final bidders for the franchise. Initiated in November 2025, this tender is a component of President Santiago Peña's wider plan to privatize businesses formerly controlled by the state, starting with gambling concessions historically run by state and municipal bodies. In late March, the Forte Capital Consortium—comprising Gambling SA, Talismán SA, and B-Gaming Vimérica SA—withdrew from the process, leaving TDP and Daruma Sam as the two remaining competitors. The National Gambling Commission, Conajzar, is supervising the proceedings. Its Interdisciplinary Review Committee (CRI) is responsible for evaluating the submissions within a 10-day period before the final decision. This tender represents a major regulatory change for Paraguay's gambling industry. The government has ended the long-standing monopoly, implementing a new system that permits up to three operators to receive quiniela licenses, indicating a shift to a more competitive market. Both bidders presented financial offers meeting the minimum criteria outlined in the tender specifications (PBC), proposing a 19% fee on monthly gross revenues. Conajzar has also set a minimum guaranteed payment of PYG 9.5 billion for the winning applicants. Daruma Sam already operates in Paraguay, running Aposta.LA betting shops in the Gran Asunción area. Review phase begins After the bids were opened, the CRI began a quantitative and technical review of all submitted documents, as mandated by Resolution No. 28/2026 from 5 February. The committee is anticipated to provide its assessment report within 10 days. A subsequent five working days will then be needed to officially confirm the chosen operators. The successful bidders will secure the right to operate the quiniela for a five-year period. Carlos Liseras, President of Conajzar, noted the process is now in a crucial verification phase: "A detailed control process has begun to ensure all technical and regulatory requirements are fully met." The potential rewards are substantial, with the Paraguayan quiniela market estimated by the industry to generate over $120 million in annual turnover. This tender holds considerable political importance as the initial trial of President Santiago Peña's pledge to reform state-supported monopolies. The accompanying legislative proposal involves re-examining gambling privileges given to municipal authorities, pointing to a more extensive restructuring of traditional market frameworks. Once the quiniela tender concludes in 2026, Peña is anticipated to undertake a comprehensive revision of Paraguay's gambling legislation, establishing this reform as a key element of his broader economic strategy. 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) -   Finland is nearing the 2027 launch of its regulated market, yet its choice to prohibit affiliate marketing prompts the question of what comes next. While affiliates typically enjoy a strong symbiotic relationship with licensed operators in open European markets, Finnish authorities have opted to exclude them entirely from the new framework. According to Antti Koivula, an iGaming Lawyer at Hippos ATG, the primary cause for this is a fundamental government misunderstanding about the nature of affiliates. He expressed this view during an SBC Affiliates Leaders Digital Day expert panel. “The misunderstanding was quite broad. Essentially, the view was that affiliates were influencers aggressively marketing gambling to people, including vulnerable groups, as if they were all identical,” he stated. “That image is naturally very inaccurate. “Numerous affiliates conduct their business with high responsibility and carry out significant responsible gambling work independently. “Nevertheless, that false perception was evident. The chief reason for it, which is somewhat understandable, is that affiliate marketing in Finland was and remains illegal.” Given that affiliates will remain excluded upon the market's launch, it is crucial to have unambiguous rules to prevent confusion and to empower the regulator adequately to address possible violations. Simon Vinzce, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, noted: “Under the new law, the regulator can be aided by being extremely explicit about what is permitted and what is prohibited. “If you allow room for interpretation, then such websites could, for instance, argue they are not promoting but merely providing information.” Although Koivula concurred with the need for a clear and transparent strategy, he remarked that Finland's regulatory structure still has “a lot of room to be more precise.” “The legislation is missing several key definitions, and further guidance is anticipated,” he continued. “Ultimately, it all hinges on enforcement. Regrettably, I am not at all confident that Finnish enforcement will be at the required standard from the market's opening; in fact, I believe the opposite. “I am somewhat concerned the regulator has very limited tools to combat black market operations. Conversely, I have no doubt licensed operators will comply with the law.” However, matters typically fall into place eventually, and Pablo Espuela, Head of Corporate Development at BeandDeal, is confident this will also occur in Finland. “Over time, the regulator understands that channelisation is the priority, which leads it to focus on regulating other aspects initially overlooked. “I am certain the regulator will begin to relax its stance once it recognises it is losing market share to these illegal affiliates,” Espuela concluded. To view the complete panel discussion and learn who truly benefits from the affiliate ban, click here. Interested in more stories like this? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, SBC's central hub for multimedia content, where our team explores the major headlines from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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) -   Gambling operator Flutter Entertainment, listed on the London Stock Exchange, has announced the exit of Alfred F Hurley Jr. This follows his choice to step down as a corporate advisor for the LSE/NYSE-listed group in June 2026. Alfred F Hurley Jr An experienced US corporate director, Hurley Jr became a board member in 2016, a time of significant change for the company. He contributed to Flutter's development during its key merger and acquisition deals. This included the mergers with The Stars Group and Paddy Power Betfair, a landmark $10bn (£7.5bn) transaction that reshaped the iGaming industry. Previously a Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, Hurley Jr was acknowledged as a pivotal director focusing on the US market, aiding Flutter's corporate strategy and growth across North America. The 2018 purchase of FanDuel by Flutter was a fundamental acquisition that secured its leading status in the US betting market. While in his role, Hurley Jr held the positions of Lead Independent Director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee. He also participated in the Audit, Nominating, and Transaction Committees. Flutter anticipates its full-year 2026 group revenue will be between $17.75bn and $19.05bn, with adjusted EBITDA projected from $2.65bn to $3.30bn. This points to sustained expansion in the face of regulatory and taxation challenges. For its US operations, FanDuel is predicted to produce revenue of $7.4bn to $8.2bn and adjusted EBITDA of $0.85bn to $1.25bn. Its results are influenced by expenses in new states and continued funding for FanDuel Predicts. Flutter Chairman John Bryant stated: “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Al for his ten years of dedicated service, including his significant contributions during our U.S. listing transition, and exceptional stewardship of our Compensation and Human Resources Committee. We wish him every success ahead.” Effective after the Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2026, Nancy Dubuc will succeed Mr. Hurley as the Chair of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee. _______________ Interested in more stories like this one? Visit the new SBC Media YouTube Channel, SBC's central hub for multimedia content, where our experts provide in-depth analysis on major news from the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments sectors. 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 Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is seeking an injunction against prediction market platform Kalshi, claiming the firm is conducting unauthorized sports betting operations via its platform. NGCB Seeks Injunction Against Kalshi State authorities concluded that Kalshi’s operations constitute sports wagering and have moved to halt them. Kalshi, however, has challenged these regulatory moves at every turn. In its most recent maneuver, the NGCB has moved its legal challenge to state court, anticipating that local judges will be more strictly aligned with state gaming statutes than their federal counterparts. A Nevada court recently issued a temporary order requiring Kalshi to cease operations while the litigation proceeds. It is unclear how the company will react should it face a defeat in court this Friday, particularly as other states have begun mirroring Nevada’s strategy by filing lawsuits in state courts. Some industry observers suggest that Kalshi could eventually escalate its appeals to the US Supreme Court if judicial rulings continue to favor the regulators. Industry groups, including the American Gaming Association, contend that prediction markets fail to provide adequate safeguards against underage participation and lack sufficient resources for managing problem gambling. Conversely, Kalshi and similar entities argue that because they are overseen by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission, they are authorized to operate nationwide and are exempt from individual state gaming regulations. Kalshi Founder Defends the Company Kalshi users, including founder Richard Lee, are awaiting the hearing's results to determine the future of their trading activities should the platform be forced to close. Lee, who also utilizes traditional sportsbooks for NFL betting, maintains that Kalshi’s prediction market model offers a superior and healthier environment. He argues that traditional sportsbooks "essentially find a way to ban the winners," whereas Kalshi’s model is more equitable because the company simply collects a transaction fee. Lee claims that since transitioning to Kalshi, he has earned six figures in income. Lee expresses confidence in the existing federal oversight of the market. He further characterizes companies like Kalshi as market disruptors, drawing a parallel to how Uber challenged and captured market share from the traditional taxi industry during the late 2000s. Nevertheless, Lee acknowledges the source of state frustration regarding these platforms. Unlike conventional sportsbooks, Kalshi and similar prediction markets do not contribute state gaming taxes on their generated revenue. Nevada is not the only state engaged in legal conflict with Kalshi. The company faces litigation in numerous other jurisdictions, with Washington being the most recent state to initiate legal proceedings against Kalshi, alleging that its operations constitute illegal gambling. 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 Powerball grand prize went unclaimed in yesterday's drawing, leading the jackpot to swell past the $200 million threshold. No April Fool’s Windfall, Unfortunately The Powerball drawing on Wednesday proved uneventful, as no one secured the jackpot. Furthermore, there were no Match 5 winners, meaning the game's second-tier prize of $1 million (or $2 million with Power Play) also went unclaimed. The jackpot for yesterday's drawing was valued at $195 million, with a cash option of $87.5 million. To claim this prize, participants needed to match all six numbers: five white balls and the red Powerball. The winning numbers drawn on April 1 were 4, 10, 11, 52, 64, with the red Powerball being 24. The Power Play multiplier was 3x, significantly boosting the payouts for several participants. Although no one matched all five white balls for the second-tier prize, thirteen players successfully matched four white numbers plus the Powerball, each winning $50,000. Six of these winners, however, utilized the Power Play feature, increasing their prize to $150,000 each. With the jackpot remaining unclaimed, it has now escalated to $217 million, with a cash value of $97.4 million. While Wednesday's outcome might have felt like a disappointing April Fool's joke for hopeful grand prize winners, the next drawing is scheduled for this Saturday, offering another opportunity to win. Players in Arkansas Won Two Powerball Jackpots The most recent Powerball jackpot was claimed in early March by an Arkansas player, who secured a $251 million prize. Another Powerball jackpot was also won by an Arkansas player last December, transforming a single ticket into a remarkable Christmas windfall. This win awarded an astonishing $1.8 billion, marking it as the second-largest Powerball prize ever recorded. 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 Star Entertainment Group has confirmed in an ASX filing the finalization of its previously announced divestment from the Destination Brisbane Consortium (DBC). While the transaction, involving the sale of its Queen’s Wharf Brisbane stake, presents certain drawbacks, it is ultimately expected to lower The Star's debt load during a challenging time. The Star Exits the DBC According to the announcement, The Star has finalized the sale of its DBC interest, including its 50% share in Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, to its joint venture partners Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) and Far East Consortium International (FEC). This move concludes The Star's departure from the consortium, though on terms that are somewhat unfavorable. Consequently, CTFE and FEC will become equal co-owners of the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane property, each holding a 50% share. Meanwhile, The Star will cease to collect the operator fee outlined in the DBC Casino Management Agreement. It will now be entitled to a fixed annual fee of AUD 18 million, paid monthly, alongside a variable incentive fee linked to EBITDA performance. The Deal Will Reduce The Star’s Debt Strain As noted, the sale conditions are not ideal for The Star. Nevertheless, they will allow the company to cut its debt substantially by removing the financial obligations tied to the Brisbane asset. Simultaneously, the AUD 18 million fee, disbursed monthly, offers a steady revenue stream amid ongoing instability. However, earlier discussions indicated that under different conditions, The Star might have secured an annual fee of AUD 60 million rather than the present AUD 18 million. Negotiations with its joint venture partners were periodically tough, rendering the path to exiting the DBC a rocky one. The Star's operations have faced jeopardy for a number of years, primarily due to weak anti-money laundering controls that attracted intense regulatory examination in several jurisdictions. The seriousness of these failings led to rulings that the company was unfit to retain its licenses in New South Wales and Queensland. Compounding its difficulties, The Star's initial corrective actions were largely inadequate, leading to more problems and eroded investor confidence. The company came perilously close to bankruptcy at its nadir. A potential turnaround emerged when Bally’s Corporation acquired a controlling interest in the Australian operator. Bally’s acknowledged the previous management's performance was dismal but stated its intention to steer the company toward recovery. 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 remarkably fortunate ticket holder in Massachusetts has become the recipient of a life-altering $4 million prize from the Massachusetts Lottery’s $4,000,000 Gold 50X scratch-off game. This win occurred shortly after a separate player secured $2 million from a different game. $4,000,000 Gold 50X Enriches a Player by $4M On Tuesday, a lottery participant in Massachusetts purchased a lottery ticket, unaware it would forever change their life. While the winner has yet to come forward to claim their winnings, the lottery reported that the $4 million $4,000,000 Gold 50X ticket was sold at the Richdale convenience store in Tewksbury. Beyond its substantial value, the $4 million prize is also notable because it was the final top prize in its respective game. For context, $4,000,000 Gold 50X launched in January 2025, with tickets priced at $10 each. At its introduction, the game featured three top prizes, all of which have now been claimed. The game also included seven second-tier prizes of $1 million, all of which were claimed as well. The odds of winning the top prize were reported to be 1 in 5,376,000. The overall odds of winning any prize, including break-even prizes, were 1 in 4.79. $2,000,000 50X CASHWORD Grants $2M Prize A day earlier, another player achieved a significant win from the Massachusetts Lottery, claiming a $2 million prize from the lottery’s $2,000,000 50X CASHWORD 2025 scratch-off game. Official lottery data indicates that the winning ticket was sold at Savin Hill Wine & Spirits in Dorchester. This marks the second top prize of $2 million to be won in the 2025 edition of the $2,000,000 50X CASHWORD game, according to the Massachusetts Lottery’s official website. Three more such prizes are still available to players. At launch, the game also featured ten prizes of $1 million, seven of which still remain. The odds of winning the game’s top prize are 1 in 5,040,000, while the odds of winning any prize are 1 in 3.26. A single $2,000,000 50X CASHWORD ticket costs $10. 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 will remain on Romania’s blacklist after a court ruled in favor of the country’s gambling regulator in a legal dispute initiated by the prediction markets platform. Vlad-Cristian Soare, President of the ONJN gambling authority, announced on LinkedIn that Polymarket’s court appeal against its ban as an unlicensed gambling provider has been rejected. Last October, the ONJN reported it had been closely monitoring Polymarket’s domestic operations. Romania’s May Presidential elections drew over $600 million (£455 million) in trades on the platform, with an additional $15 million in activity related to Bucharest’s Mayor elections. Your word against mine Top prediction market platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi—the two largest players in the space—have long argued they do not offer gambling products, but rather “event contracts” where users wager against each other on the outcome of an event. These events can range from political election results to winners of award shows like the Grammys. The claim that these contracts are financial instruments instead of gambling products is supported by the fact that prediction markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the U.S.—the home country of Polymarket and Kalshi. However, this view is not shared globally; gambling regulators elsewhere have stood firm in their belief that these platforms are considered gambling. For example, New Zealand has directly banned Kalshi and Polymarket for lacking gambling licenses in the country. Similar stances are widespread across Europe. Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Portugal, and now Romania have all taken action to ban prediction markets from operating locally. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has stated that any prediction market platform launching domestically would fall under its regulatory scope. Still, a recent decision in Gibraltar to license a prediction market platform as a B2C betting intermediary could signal that Europe remains a more accessible entry point for these platforms than many think. Soare, however, has maintained that Romania’s appeal rejection adds another layer to the defensive wall European regulators are building against prediction markets. He concluded: “There has been a lot of speculation around this decision. In reality, the stake was not and is not only Polymarket. The real stake is to protect the legal framework that regulates gambling and prevent a dangerous loophole: redefining betting under the seemingly harmless name of ‘prediction platform’. “Today’s decision is, therefore, more than a solution in a specific dispute. It is a signal at European level that the law cannot be circumvented by artifices to reclassify activities that, after all, fall within the sphere of gambling.” Want more stories like this? Check out the new SBC Media YouTube Channel—the new home for all multimedia content at SBC—where our team deep-dives into the biggest stories across the sports betting, iGaming, affiliate, and payments industries. 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) -   Spribe, a prominent gaming content provider, is now able to restart offering its popular Aviator game in the UK. This follows the local regulator's decision to lift the temporary suspension of the company's license. The suspension was initially imposed due to Spribe's breaches related to hosting requirements. License Suspension Attributed to Hosting Problems Spribe, widely recognized for its Aviator crash game, experienced the suspension of its UK remote operating license on October 30, 2025. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) officially stated that this suspension resulted from Spribe's failure to comply with the hosting stipulations within the UK's licensing regulations. Hosting involves the indirect delivery of content to operators. This typically covers situations where a provider stores its games on its own servers, allowing customers of its clients to access these offerings. The UKGC indicated that Spribe did not possess the required license for hosting activities, yet proceeded with them. This non-compliance ultimately led to the suspension of the operator's current remote operating license. Reinstatement of Spribe’s License Spribe had previously addressed the suspension, asserting its serious commitment to resolving the issue. The company admitted its error, attributing it to its technical configuration, and pledged to acquire the essential hosting license to comply with the UK's regulatory guidelines. The situation appears to be resolved, with a recent UKGC update confirming the reinstatement of Spribe's license. As of 30 March 2026, the suspension on Spribe OÜ’s license has been removed. The licensee is now authorized to offer gambling services under its gambling software license. Statement from the UKGC Spribe Received a Fine in Sweden Concurrently, Spribe, which also holds a license in Sweden, recently encountered regulatory issues in that jurisdiction. This occurred after the Swedish regulator discovered that Spribe's games were accessible on unauthorized gaming platforms. According to Swedish regulations, licensed providers are obligated to supply content exclusively to legally operating companies. Providing services to illicit operators targeting the local market constitutes a breach of the Swedish Gambling Act and may lead to substantial sanctions. Nevertheless, Spribe was issued a relatively minor penalty of $544 due to its cooperative stance with the regulator. 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.