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(AsiaGameHub) -   Finland’s gambling authority has resumed its inquiry into White Hat Gaming, sparking new inquiries regarding how offshore entities interact with Finnish players prior to the nation's upcoming market restructuring. The National Police Board initiated this latest investigation after noting persistent gambling offerings and advertisements directed at Finnish users, contradicting previous promises that such operations had been reduced. White Hat Denies All Allegations Citing a recent article by Next.io, Finnish authorities suspect that fresh evidence connects White Hat to several operators focusing on local residents. Finland enforces one of the continent's toughest gambling regimes, where the state-run Veikkaus possesses the sole license to provide and market betting services within the country. Overseas operators that specifically market to Finnish citizens risk incurring harsh punishments. The regulator has discovered a web of casino sites in Finnish that function within White Hat’s wider network. These sites allegedly feature logos of Finnish banks and are marketed via domestic affiliate networks. Authorities argue that these features demonstrate a calculated strategy to attract Finnish gamblers. White Hat strongly disputes this view. The company claims that the problematic sites are not operated by them but are instead owned by external parties trying to mimic their brands. The firm further noted that it has acted against these "rogue" operators and is engaging with regulators to safeguard its standing. Finland's Gambling Industry Prepares for Major Changes The potential consequences for White Hat are substantial. Finland intends to dismantle its monopoly model and welcome licensed competition to the online gambling sector by July 2027. Firms subject to enforcement actions could be barred under the upcoming system, making the investigation's outcome vital for White Hat. We continue to closely follow follow regulatory developments in Finland and look forward to participating in the regulated Finnish market in due course. White Hat Gaming statement White Hat is not the sole firm under examination. Regulators have also looked at other operators providing Finnish-language options, including brands linked to businesses incorporated in other European nations. This intensifying regulatory oversight suggests Finland is increasing its attempts to suppress what it views as continuing grey-market activities.  Regulators are aiming to curb unlicensed operators, paving the path for a new structure intended to steer players toward legal sites when the market launches. Official figures show that 24 online operators have submitted license applications, indicating significant demand. A smooth transition has emerged as a primary policy objective. 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) -   Fanatics Markets has unveiled Combos, a novel feature for its prediction markets platform that allows users to combine multiple individual predictions into a single contract for trading. Fanatics Markets Announces the New Combos Feature The new feature is currently available for baseball, boxing, football, hockey, MMA, basketball, soccer, and tennis, with plans to incorporate additional sports in the future, according to Fanatics Markets. Combos enable bettors to group various types of outcomes, such as player props, moneylines, point spreads, and game totals, and these combinations can extend across different sports or include multiple games within the same sport. This functionality mirrors the parlays or accumulators found in traditional sportsbooks. Users create a contract comprising several individual selections, and it only results in a payout if all chosen outcomes prove correct. The addition of more selections increases the difficulty of success, typically leading to a lower initial cost but a potentially higher payout. The introduction of Combos aligns with the increasing interest in prediction markets from both individual and institutional participants. Unlike conventional sportsbooks, prediction markets operate as exchanges where users trade shares tied to event outcomes. Share prices fluctuate based on market sentiment and implied probabilities, fostering a trading environment more akin to financial markets than traditional fixed-odds betting. Combos Are a Big Addition to Fanatics Markets Fanatics launched Fanatics Markets last December, following its acquisition of the independent brokerage firm Paragon Global Markets in July of the same year. The platform was positioned as the first prediction market at the nexus of sports, finance, and culture. At the time of the initial announcement, Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, remarked that Fanatics had long provided fans with innovative ways to engage with their passions, offering merchandise, collectibles, tickets, and events. He highlighted that Fanatics Markets now offers fans a secure and user-friendly platform to participate in the moments that define sports and culture, empowering them to take a stance. Fanatics Markets has confirmed that all trades on its platform are processed using Crypto.com’s federally regulated prediction market infrastructure. Users will benefit from features such as deposit limits, session limits, a timeout option, voluntary self-exclusion, and the ability to close their accounts. These protective measures reflect a broader industry trend of combining product enhancements with strengthened consumer safeguards. Kalshi, another prediction market provider, has also been prioritizing user protection, recently implementing new measures to prevent underage access through various age verification steps and a dedicated parent portal. 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) -   Arizona Charlie’s has solidified its reputation for rewarding players, as guests at its two Clark County casinos secured nearly $2.3 million in winnings during March. Although the majority of the payouts came from slot machines, bingo also proved to be very lucrative for players. Multiple Players Scored Big Wins According to official figures, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder in Paradise, Nevada, and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur in Las Vegas collectively distributed almost $2.3 million in prizes to players throughout March. The statistics indicate that slot machine winners at the two venues took home $1,846,129 during the month. Meanwhile, bingo enthusiasts collected a total of $452,289 in winnings. March kicked off with a major win on the 4th, marking the largest payout of the month. Carmelita P. claimed the impressive $96,463 Double Progressive bingo jackpot. The start of the month was robust, featuring one of the next major wins for March 2026: a $21,006 prize from a Dancing Drums slot. This award was claimed by a guest at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur on March 10. Eleven days later, another patron at the same location won $18,186 while playing the same game. Towards the month's close, a fortunate visitor secured the four-card keno jackpot, walking away with $17,500. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder also saw substantial wins, including a $20,000 video poker jackpot claimed by a guest on March 21. Later, on March 30, another player won $18,927 on a Dragon Link slot machine. Other Gamblers Across the US Scored Significant Wins Elsewhere in jackpot news, Hard Rock Bet Casino recently paid out a $224,944 Mega Jackpot, just weeks after a similar $225,216 Mega Jackpot was won. The latest victory occurred on April 8 when Kimberley D. from Au Gres, Michigan, transformed a $3.20 bet into a six-figure sum. Meanwhile, Flamingo Las Vegas recently spotlighted two jackpots that were hit within hours of each other. Tuesdee F. secured $149,944 with a straight flush in Three Card Poker. Shortly after, Tim H. won $475,669 playing the same game. 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) -   Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has put forward a new 10% tax on online gambling and prediction markets to help fund research in fields where the United States is competing with China. Ex-Chicago Mayor Lays Out Tax Proposal for Online Gambling The former Illinois representative, White House chief of staff, and US ambassador to Japan’s plan would put a 10% federal transaction fee on all wagers placed through licensed online sportsbooks and casino apps, as well as on contracts bought on prediction platforms. He projects the measure could generate between $30 billion and $50 billion in revenue. These funds would be allocated to research in areas including artificial intelligence, national security technology, cancer, life sciences, fusion energy, and quantum computing. This tax proposal comes after Emanuel previously called for a ban on all federal employees at every level from joining prediction markets. Putting his plan into practice requires federal legislation, and core details still remain undecided — such as whether the tax will apply to operators’ gross or net revenue, total betting volume, or each individual transaction. Does This Proposal Have a Political Angle? While figures like Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris are widely regarded as leading contenders for the Democratic nomination ahead of the 2028 election, Emanuel could also join the race. Even so, he pushed back against questions about whether the policy launch was designed to gain an early edge over other Democratic contenders, instead saying his focus remains on “the American people getting ahead and America staying ahead.” However, he still took the opportunity to criticize President Trump’s current governance of the country, arguing the nation has fallen into stagnation. Speaking of Trump, the sitting US president has recently been caught up in a strange controversy, after he apparently promoted the unlicensed gambling site Stake in a post on Truth Social. Back to Emanuel, he explained that by proposing the new 10% fee to fund an “Innovation Fund”, he wants to move away from rewarding gambling and instead support entrepreneurs and investment in America’s future. He also argued the proposal will help the United States catch up with China, which he says has gained a competitive edge after President Donald Trump cut research support and university funding. According to the Associated Press, between January and May 2025, the current administration cut $11 billion in funding from universities across the country, including major cuts to institutions such as Harvard, Penn, Columbia, Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and UCLA. 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) -   Richard Desmond has pledged to persist with his legal challenge following a significant court loss. The UK High Court rejected his demand for GBP 1.3 billion ($1.77 billion) in damages regarding the selection of Allwyn as the operator of the UK’s National Lottery. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith threw out the lawsuit entirely, determining that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) managed the tender process appropriately. Plaintiffs Demanded Significant Compensation This decision represents a major hurdle for Desmond, whose business interests have spent years contesting the awarding of one of Britain’s most valuable government contracts. The media entrepreneur had fiercely challenged the 10-year license granted to Allwyn in 2022. The Czech firm officially assumed operations in 2024, succeeding Camelot. Desmond’s bid for the lottery license was submitted via his Northern & Shell firm and a specialized entity called The New Lottery Company. His bid was unsuccessful. His legal representatives contended that the procedure was compromised, asserting that the UKGC provided biased feedback to competitors and failed to adhere to its own regulations. They argued these shortcomings warranted a new bidding round and significant financial restitution. Desmond’s side maintained that these alleged procedural failures forced them to incur millions in wasted bidding expenses. At its peak, the lawsuit requested damages based on anticipated profits throughout the license's duration. A victory for the plaintiffs could have significantly impacted the resources reserved for lottery-funded charitable causes and resulted in major operational instability. The Case May Be Heading for an Appeal The UK High Court flatly rejected Desmond’s claims. In her judgment, Mrs Justice Smith found no proof of any “manifest error” in the competition’s management and saw no grounds to invalidate the selection of the winner. She ruled that the process resulted in a legally sound and justifiable outcome. The claimants have failed to make out any case of manifest error on the part of the commission in their process claim. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith Beyond dismissing the suit, the judge criticized the conduct of the case. She characterized the legal strategy as “unfocused,” noting that the core arguments evolved throughout the trial. The abandonment of certain claims late in the process created unnecessary burdens for the defense and complicated the court's deliberations. The ruling is a clear victory for both Allwyn and the UKGC. Counsel for the regulator had maintained that the tender was conducted with rigor and fairness, a stance the court ultimately upheld. Following the verdict, a representative for Northern & Shell indicated that the firm intends to appeal, signaling that the legal dispute remains ongoing. 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) -   Leonardo Biazzi – SBC Noticias Brazil After a week of intense political wrangling over the future of the Bets Law, reports confirm that Lula is drafting his own Presidential Decree governing gambling.  Leonardo Biazzi, Editor of SBC Noticias Brasil, believes the President will choose to bypass standard legislative pathways to restructure Brazil’s gambling sector. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will reveal his plans for the future of the Bets Law and online gambling in Brazil by mid-May. This update did not come from officials within the Workers Party (PT) government, but from an exclusive report by journalist Lauro Jardim published in his weekly column for O Globo. Jardim notes that Lula aims to resolve rifts in the divisive online gambling regulatory system via a presidential decree introducing new reforms and safeguards. The measure will be coordinated by the Civil House, with contributions from the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Justice. Lula has been described as “no friend of the Bets Regime”, and this week industry stakeholders closely watched the President to see if he would back a bill submitted to Congress by the PT government’s Legal Caucus to repeal the Bets Law. The Bill (PL-1808/2026,) was signed by PT Deputy Pedro Uczai and 68 fellow party members, and would authorize a full ban on all forms of gambling (excluding lotteries), as well as implement broad rule changes and penalties to crack down on third parties including financial institutions and media outlets that coerce people into gambling. Media outlets have pressed the PT for clarity on whether the President supports the gambling ban, which would return Brazil to a state of prohibition after just 15 months of legal betting under the existing Bets framework. Yet, in an unexpected turn, Lula appears ready to introduce his own proposals as a countermeasure: rejecting a full ban, but significantly tightening controls on online gambling, as well as eligibility rules for users and market participants. As outlined in Jardim’s exclusive report, Lula aims to build a regulatory system that will bar people enrolled in government financial assistance programs from accessing betting services.  With this decree, Lula is again working to protect Bolsa Família recipients from participating in online gambling – an issue that was a core priority during the drafting of the original Bets framework. Lula seeks to eliminate gambling-related household debt The PT government continues to frame betting as a key driver of household debt, citing Serasa data showing more than 80 million Brazilians are currently indebted. However, this narrative is contradicted by official figures from the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets (SPA/MF), which show gambling makes up just 0.46% of total household consumption. In addition to participation limits, Lula is expected to roll out wide-ranging protections for gambling advertising, targeting what the government calls “manipulative” marketing practices, especially content that encourages compulsive behavior or addiction among consumers. Addressing household debt remains a core part of Lula’s political calculus, serving as a key pillar of his approval ratings and re-election strategy ahead of Brazil’s October election cycle. In summary, Lula has effectively positioned the Bets regime as a political adversary, framing online gambling as a central point of debate in the PT government’s campaign messaging ahead of a potential fourth presidential term. However, this approach carries the risk of sparking new tensions. If the President moves forward with a decree that overrides or sidelines the existing framework, it is likely to draw criticism from both industry stakeholders and legislative observers, many of whom question why the government has not worked with Congress to resolve outstanding issues such as targeted advertising rules and the finalization of consumer protection measures. A presidential decree may ultimately turn out to be an unnecessary escalation. There are already existing mechanisms within the legislative process to address concerns related to indebted consumers and market safeguards. As seen with the controversial tax changes to the Bets regime at the end of 2025, there is a growing risk that executive overreach could weaken policy coherence, turning what is presented as reform into another misstep in the PT government’s management of 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) -   With the industry facing increasing pressure from cyber threats, fraud, and regulatory uncertainties, SBC Summit Malta will feature a dedicated ‘Operations and Compliance’ stage. This stage aims to assist businesses in enhancing security and developing more resilient operations. Scheduled for April 29 and 30, the programme will convene C-level executives, security and fraud specialists, regulators, and market leaders. They will explore strategies for businesses to safeguard themselves across financial, operational, and reputational fronts. On Wednesday, April 29, the Risk, Regulation and Resilience track will address fraud, cybersecurity, and black market activities through expert panels, fireside chats, and C-level discussions. On Thursday, April 30, the focus shifts to Policy in Practice, offering hands-on workshops that tackle operational and regulatory challenges in SEO and AI. The fireside chat ‘Tax Hikes 2026: Market Shocks, Regulatory Risks & Margin Impact’ will examine how increasing tax pressures are influencing operators across key European markets. Featuring Stephen Hodgson (VP of Tax, Midnite), Sara Haddow (Group Tax Director, Entain), and Russell Mifsud (Director, Head of Gaming Europe, KPMG), the session will delve into how businesses can adapt to rising tax burdens and the implications for competitiveness, consolidation, and potential market exits. The session “The COO Horizon: Challenges and Opportunities in 2026/27” will explore how operational leadership is being tested by escalating costs and compliance demands. With speakers Ramon Glieneke (COO, Alea), Tom McGovern (Chief Operations Officer, Flutter UKI), Tim De Borle (COO, Casumo), and Chris McGowan (COO, Scatters), and moderated by Joe Streeter (Editor, iGaming Expert), the discussion will centre on investment priorities and how technologies like AI can support more efficient, scalable operations. Day two will then concentrate on the operational and regulatory considerations surrounding SEO and AI.  The workshop ‘SEO Terrorism in iGaming: Surviving Negative Attacks on Your Website’ will address the growing threat of negative SEO. Hosted by Ivana Flynn (Head of SEO and Strategy, Consultant), it will investigate how these attacks are executed, what attackers aim to achieve, and how to identify them early, providing participants with practical strategies to detect, track, and defend against malicious activity. The workshop ‘AI in Gaming: Shaping the Industry’s First AI Charter’ will examine the impact of forthcoming EU AI regulation and its practical implications for operators. Led by Kinga Warda (Chief of Policy and Insight, Malta Gaming Authority) and Francois Piccione (Chief Technology Officer, Malta Gaming Authority), it will offer early clarity on the standards shaping compliance and how businesses can align their processes accordingly. ‘From AI Tools to AI Embedded in Business Workflows’ will explore how to integrate AI from a standalone tool into a core component of business operations. Featuring Philippe Guillod (VP, Analytics) and Fraser Dunk (CEO, Jurnii), the session will highlight how organisations are embedding AI into everyday processes to drive efficiency and improve decision-making, offering practical strategies to move beyond experimentation and deliver tangible value. SBC Summit Malta will take place at the InterContinental Hotel from 28-30 April. Alongside the conference programme, the event will offer 6,000 attendees the opportunity to explore a curated exhibition floor and connect through a range of networking opportunities. ____________________________________________________________________________ Secure Your Tickets for SBC Summit Malta Ensure your attendance at SBC Summit Malta by purchasing our VIP Event Pass. Priced at €600, this pass grants you full access to all aspects of SBC Summit Malta, encompassing three days of networking, conference sessions, and the exhibition. An Expo+ Pass is also available for €150. Operators and affiliates are eligible to apply for a complimentary pass. Operators can request a free pass here. Affiliates can request their free passes here.  This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   While many view poker as a game dominated by professionals, offering little opportunity for casual players to succeed, a California businessman has just demonstrated otherwise. California Businessman Dominated Event #5 of the USPO A recreational player etched his name in poker history by outlasting all competitors to secure the championship. The winner was identified as Peter Placey, a California businessman who has played poker as a hobby for approximately four decades. Following a remarkable performance in Event #5 at the PokerGO Studio, Placey has now captured a title worthy of his dedication. For clinching first place, Placey earned $224,000 . His opponent in the final heads-up match, Qinghai Pan, finished as the runner-up, collecting $144,000 . Anil Jivani completed the top three, taking home $104,000 . This tournament was a stop on the 2026 US Poker Open (USPO) schedule. A PokerNews report indicated that Placey has also competed in previous years of the event. In 2022, for instance, he achieved a tenth-place finish, earning $19,800. Placey informed the poker news source that he enjoys competing at the PokerGO Studio, as it appears to be a lucky venue for him. He added that he appreciates observing other players and values the chance to compete against genuine poker stars. How the Event Went The tournament featured a $10,000 buy-in and generated a total prize pool of $800,000. Placey started strongly, establishing a chip lead on the opening day. Despite a field that included notable poker professionals like Nick Schulman, Jesse Lonis, Cherish Andrews, and Brock Wilson, Placey maintained his position. Andrews was eliminated on the second day, even after a solid showing. Her exit was followed by those of Justin Zaki and Wilson. Jivani then secured third place, setting the stage for a showdown between Placey and Pan for the championship. In a fitting turn of events, both finalists have careers outside of poker, with Pan working as a doctor. Although Pan held a substantial chip advantage, PokerNews reported that Placey secured victory when his flopped three-of-a-kind improved to four-of-a-kind against Pan's top pair. 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) -   Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the body representing 37 British racecourse shareholders, has announced that its chairman Conor Grant is set to step down from his post. The departing chair named growing work responsibilities and required travel to the United States as the drivers behind his decision. Grant to Exit When His Term Concludes On April 17, RMG confirmed that Grant, who has been with the organization for three years, will leave the team later this year. Per the official announcement, Grant will formally step down from the chair position at the end of 2026 , coinciding with the expiration of his first term in the role. RMG, the umbrella group for 37 UK racecourse shareholders and parent company of Racing TV, further shared that Grant first joined the organization in April 2023, starting out as a non-executive director. By the close of that same year, he was promoted to the chair role on the strength of his outstanding professional capabilities. During his tenure as group chair, Grant guided RMG to maintain strong performance despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and persistent challenges across the UK media, gambling and racing industries. Per the official statement, Grant determined that the conclusion of his first term was the ideal point to bring his time as RMG chair to a close. He identified growing work obligations and travel to the US as the primary reasons for his choice. Grant Valued His Time Working at RMG In an official statement, Grant noted that serving as RMG chair over the past three years has been a true privilege. He expressed satisfaction with the organization’s current standing, praising the exceptional work of CEO Nick Mills and the wider management team. Grant went on to say that RMG has successfully refined its strategy, established solid leadership, and kept building upon its robust existing foundations. The departing chair also highlighted that the organization’s shareholders and board of directors offered him exceptional support throughout his tenure, and expressed his gratitude for the trust they placed in him. RMG is in a strong position with real momentum, and I am confident the business will continue to go from strength to strength in its next phase. Conor Grant, outgoing chair, Racecourse Media Group Nick Mills, RMG’s chief executive officer, expressed gratitude to Grant for his outstanding service, noting that he had played a “pivotal role” in fortifying the racing organization and securing its long-term success. Mills added that Grant departs with the team’s “sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.” 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) -   UK-based bet365 is aggressively pursuing its expansion strategy in the US market with its launch in Michigan, marking its 17th state of operation, and an 18th launch appears imminent. The multinational firm, founded and headquartered in Staffordshire, announced its Michigan debut today (April 17) at 9am Eastern Time. This launch coincides with new partnerships established with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). New Jersey was bet365's initial entry point into the US market in 2019, a year after the Supreme Court's 2018 decision to overturn the federal PASPA legislation that had prohibited sports betting. This repeal enabled individual states to establish their own multi-licence betting markets, with 41 currently operational. The British company stands out as a significant European success in the US, a market that, despite its high profitability, has proven challenging for other European operators such as Betfred, Betsson, Unibet, Betway, and Tipico, all of whom experienced limited success in their attempts to penetrate the US. bet365 is notable as one of the few European-rooted companies to have successfully established a strong presence in the US. Other prominent examples include Flutter Entertainment, which owns FanDuel, and Entain, a co-owner of BetMGM in partnership with MGM Resorts. A robust marketing strategy has been crucial to bet365's US expansion. This strategy encompasses sports sponsorships, evident in today's Michigan launch and previous entries into states like Missouri, where the company partnered with MLB's St Louis Cardinals. Furthermore, a broader US and Canada-wide agreement was recently secured with the UFC. Promotional offers are also a key component. To kickstart its Michigan operations, bet365 has introduced a 'Bet $10, Get £365' promotion for sports bettors and a 'get 1,000 free spins and up to $1,000 deposit match for casino players'. The company is also highlighting its Early Payout and Prize Matcher features. Trip Stoddard, Head of Business Development at bet365, stated, “We are enthusiastic about launching bet365 in Michigan and presenting an enhanced betting experience. This is a well-established market with informed enthusiasts, and we are confident that our product distinguishes itself.” He added, “Our features, such as the Early Payout offer, alongside our in-play betting experience and integrated casino, provide players with diverse engagement options and compelling reasons to select bet365.” Is bet365 Fully Committing to the US Market? The expansion of bet365 across the US occurs as the dynamics of the American betting and gaming industry evolve. This sector has seen a significant surge in customer engagement, revenue, and, to some degree, controversy since the 2018 repeal of PASPA. Recent data from the American Gaming Association (AGA) indicates that the US generated $71.9 billion in iGaming revenue in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year the industry has surpassed its previous annual record. Understandably, this growth has sparked concerns nationwide regarding player protection and social responsibility. bet365 may soon need to directly address these issues, particularly as the company seems poised for a launch in Massachusetts, a northeastern state. On Thursday, April 9, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) unanimously approved the reopening of sports betting licence applications, following a request from bet365. Justin Stempeck, Deputy General Counsel for the MGC, disclosed that the company was seeking a Category 3 untethered licence. He informed commissioners, “bet365 has been in discussions with staff for a considerable period regarding the proper procedure for submitting a request to the commission to restart this specific process. We recommended they submit a formal letter, which they proceeded to do.” The MGC is recognized as a particularly stringent regulator concerning licensing applications and overall compliance. Furthermore, Massachusetts hosts several legislators who hold a notably critical perspective on the sector, including the proponents of SB 302, a bill aimed at 'addressing economic, health, and social harms caused by sports betting'. bet365 might face inquiries concerning responsible gambling, player safety, and its general business practices. Additionally, its past operations in significant Asian markets, such as China, could be subject to examination. Source: bet365 / BOXXER Finally, a significant emerging topic in the US is prediction markets. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have seen a surge in popularity over recent years, especially thriving in Texas and California, states where sports betting remains prohibited. Several operators have capitalized on this trend, specifically Fanatics, DraftKings, and FanDuel (the latter being a subsidiary of the Irish-American conglomerate Flutter Entertainment). All three companies resigned from the American Gaming Association (AGA), an organization known for its stance against prediction markets, late last year. In March 2026, bet365 became the fourth company to withdraw from the AGA, prompting speculation that it might also be contemplating an entry into prediction markets. However, this remains purely speculative, as the company continues its membership with the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) alongside the three other former AGA members. bet365 attributed its departure to the AGA's traditional emphasis on retail casino operations, contrasting with bet365's identity as a predominantly online sportsbook brand. A statement from bet365 at the time explained, “As an operator primarily focused on digital platforms, bet365 has withdrawn from the AGA because of the organization’s concentration on the retail casino sector.” “We highly value our industry collaborations and are dedicated to engaging constructively with regulators and partners throughout all markets where we operate,” the statement concluded. 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) -   Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has confirmed that Conor Grant will resign from his role as Chair at the close of 2026. RMG now counts 37 British racecourses as its shareholders, and serves as the parent company of Racing TV, which airs live racing fixtures from 61 racecourses across the UK and Ireland. Grant first joined RMG as a Non-Executive Director in April 2023, before being named Chair that October, and has been instrumental in bolstering the organization’s commercial standing. One of the final major deals negotiated during Grant’s tenure was the agreement between RMG and ITV in late 2025, which secured four years of racing coverage across ITV1, ITV4, and STV. Grant’s time leading RMG also fell during one of the most turbulent periods for horse racing in recent British history, sparked by last year’s Autumn Budget and months of campaigning from the racing sector to soften the blow of increased tax burdens as racing’s audience numbers declined. To recap, the Budget announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in November was preceded by widespread industry panic amid fears of sweeping across-the-board tax hikes. This turmoil hit horse racing particularly hard, prompting numerous racecourse staff to walk out on 10 September, leading to the cancellation of scheduled racing fixtures. For a time, the UK Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) — the trade body representing the betting and gaming industry — found itself at odds with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), as the strike was not coordinated between the two organizations, raising the risk that relations between betting operators and racecourses would deteriorate further. Ultimately, while the Budget increased the Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) to 40% starting in April 2026 and the General Betting Duty (GBD) to 25% — with the GBD change taking effect in March of next year — horse racing betting duty remained at 15%. RMG was squarely at the center of this unrest during Grant’s tenure as Chair. Speaking about his decision to step down, he commented: “After careful consideration, I believe the end of my first term is the right moment to conclude my tenure as Chair of RMG due to increasing work commitments and travel to the US. “It has been a genuine privilege to lead this business over the last three years. CEO Nick Mills and his management team are making great progress delivering for our shareholders. “We have sharpened our strategy, invested in our leadership team, and continued to build on strong foundations. I am particularly grateful to all our shareholders for their trust and support throughout my time as Chair. And finally, I would like to thank an outstanding Board of Directors whose support and insight have been critical to our progress. “RMG is in a strong position with real momentum, and I am confident the business will continue to go from strength to strength in its next phase.” Nick Mills, who was promoted to CEO in October 2024, added: “Conor’s leadership has played a pivotal role in strengthening RMG and setting the business up for long-term success. He leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future.” 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.