Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Lawmakers in Kazakhstan are looking to attract foreign visitors by launching four new casino zones. Per the new regulation, these zones will be situated in well-known tourist destinations. They include the Mangistau region along the Caspian Sea coast, Paniflov District and the shores of Lake Alakol in Almaty region’s Talgar District, as well as the Marakol Area and Zaisan District. Per reporting from Qazinform News Agency, the amendment to the ‘On Gambling Business’ law has been signed off by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This move will raise the total number of such gambling zones to six, adding to the existing gambling provisions in the city of Konaev within the Almaty region and the Shchuchinsk-Borovoye resort area in the Akmola region. In contrast to the already established zones, which welcome both Kazakh citizens and foreign visitors, these four new areas will only be accessible to overseas travelers. According to Kazakhstan’s government, over 15.7 million foreign nationals visited the country in the first nine months of 2025, including many visitors from both Russia and China. Baurzhan Rapikov, the country’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, stated that he expects each new casino will create 500 jobs and generate annual tax revenue ranging from 2bn to 4bn tenge (£3.1m to £6.2m). This decision to limit gambling to specific zones aligns with existing legislation in Russia, where casino and slot machine operations are restricted to four designated areas. Restricting access solely to foreign citizens also echoes policies implemented in numerous countries across the world. In South Korea, local citizens are limited to just one casino, with all remaining venues exclusively for foreign visitors. Meanwhile, in Malaysia and Singapore, local gamblers face strict entry requirements and are required to pay an admission fee. 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) - One of Europe’s biggest gaming hubs is set to see changes now that Gibraltar’s parliament has approved the first reading of the 2025 Gaming Bill. The new law aims to replace the 2005 Gambling Act and usher in a new chapter for the island, especially as it faces major challenges from the UK’s increase in remote gaming taxes. iGaming Expert explains all the key details about these changes. Years in the making Plans to update the jurisdiction’s laws have been ongoing for years, with consultations on a new bill starting as early as 2016. Nigel Feetham MP, Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, told parliament the proposed legislation is “one of the most thoughtfully and expertly crafted and widely consulted bills” in Gibraltar’s legislative history. Progress was held up multiple times: first by Brexit in 2016, which led EU gambling businesses to eventually leave the island, and then by Gibraltar’s effort to get off the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list – a goal it reached in February 2024. The bill also had to adapt to changes in the gaming industry brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Roy Clinton MP, Shadow Minister for Finance & Value for Money, noted that the bill was developed through a “thorough consultative process.” Shifting focus of regulation In his parliamentary speech, Feetham emphasized the need for a “more adaptable regulatory system” capable of meeting the needs of a rapidly changing landscape. Specifically, he stated the law will shift from focusing on where technology is based to where the management and control of a gambling operation actually take place. Feetham said: “We’ve witnessed the growth of cloud IT infrastructure providers, a trend of gambling firms using a multi-jurisdictional strategy, and many jurisdictions moving from a restricted or monopoly model to one where local licenses are offered to commercial gambling companies on an open, non-discriminatory market basis. “We need a law that covers any business with significant management or control of its operation in or from Gibraltar, instead of over-relying on where technology is located.” Bringing marketing under the microscope To gain better oversight of the peripheral services that support the gambling industry, the new act requires certain outsourced B2B services – like marketing and player fund management – to apply for a Gaming Operator Support Services (GOSS) Licence. Feetham pointed out the growing number of companies in the B2B supply chain that compete across multiple jurisdictions. He also expressed worry that some marketing activities by island-based companies fall outside “the regulatory scope.” “Gambling services marketing has evolved, especially in social media promotion,” he said. “Player acquisition and retention are the industry’s lifeblood, but marketing gambling products and managing customer relationships is controversial. If unregulated and unchecked, it could harm the industry’s reputation and the broader regulatory system.” More power to the commission The bill also boosts the regulatory authority of the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, giving it new powers to use risk-based enforcement tactics, conduct investigations, and impose financial penalties on non-compliant businesses. “A key practical flaw in the current act is that it only offers the ‘nuclear option’ of suspending or revoking licenses for violations,” Feetham explained. “In contrast, the new bill outlines a range of proportional penalties and lets the gambling commissioner use a more structured, statutory approach to regulatory investigations and inquiries.” To account for these enhanced enforcement powers, the bill also creates a gambling appeals tribunal. Flexibility in legislation Feetham frequently noted the industry’s rapidly changing nature and the need for the new regulatory framework to reflect this while maintaining clear regulatory goals. He stated the bill “enables future-proofing” as technological innovation speeds up, and work has already started on a digitalization project to improve communication with the industry. Feetham concluded: “The new act won’t alter Gibraltar’s business-friendly culture. If you’re ready to be a responsible corporate citizen – paying taxes, protecting consumers, and preventing financial crime – you’re welcome here. We’re open for business and will keep innovating.” 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) - Kazakhstan has authorized the creation of four new casino zones, designed specifically for international visitors. This state-led project seeks to boost tourism expenditure from abroad and broaden the nation's regional leisure attractions outside of its primary cities. As per local news, the zones are situated in strategic locales recognized for their natural appeal. These encompass the Caspian Sea coast's Mangistau region, Zhetysu's Panfilov district and Lake Alakol shore, the Talgar district in Almaty region, along with the Markakol area and Zaisan district in East Kazakhstan. These sites were chosen to foster development in less mature resort areas. The goal is to promote a wider distribution of tourist activity across the country. In contrast to the two current casino zones in Konayev (Almaty region) and Shchuchinsk-Borovoye (Akmola), which are open to both residents and foreigners, the new venues are legally limited to overseas guests. This strategy differs from moves in other markets like Vietnam, where officials have tested allowing domestic patrons to gamble. Officials stated that gambling venues will be prohibited in protected nature reserves, cultural heritage locations, or on land deemed vital for national security. ‘Around 500 jobs per casino’ Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Baurzhan Rapikov, underscored the projected economic advantages of these new zones. “The anticipated benefits are roughly 500 positions per casino, yearly tax income of 2-4 billion tenge, and a rise in gambling tourists from 100,000 to 200,000,” he said. The tourism industry in Kazakhstan has seen significant expansion lately, with reported revenue near 1.25 trillion tenge and investments surpassing $2.6 billion. Current law restricts local gambling to two regulated zones. Authorities plan to adapt and apply this framework to the new foreign-only locations, aiming to draw an international audience while keeping the practice contained domestically. 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 Research and Innovation (UKRI) has advanced plans to create its Gambling Research Programme and is searching for a department head to develop the initiative, which will be funded by the gambling statutory levy. The role will involve overseeing the establishment of UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling, which aims to address gambling harms through collaborative, evidence-led research. Applications for the position are open until 13 April, consistent with the government’s earlier announcement that the department would launch in early 2026. By the end of the first year, the head of the Gambling Research Programme is expected to have established the department as a “credible, trusted programme across the government and research community”, according to the job description. Posted online last Sunday, the role is a 24-month fixed-term position and will be part of UKRI’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The selected candidate will report to the AHRC’s associate director of the Research Programme on Gambling. Wider aims of the statutory levy The new head of the Research Programme on Gambling will provide “leadership, direction and momentum” for the initiative and decide how statutory levy funding should be allocated. The Research Programme on Gambling is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) via the sector’s statutory levy, which took effect on 6 April last year. Twenty percent of the levy is directed to UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling. Of the remaining funds, 30% goes toward strengthening gambling harm prevention efforts, while 50% is reserved for treatment and support services. The statutory levy generated £120 million ($159.5 million) in the nine months since its implementation. The levy applies to all UK-licensed operators, with rates varying based on the type of licence held. These range from 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) for online operators and software licensees to 0.1% for family entertainment centres, pool betting licensees and machine technical licensees. The Gambling Commission warned operators their licences could be revoked if they failed to pay the levy on time. Statutory levy funding must be fair and unbiased In May last year, Better Change founder Victoria Reed warned the statutory levy needed a robust governance framework to ensure its funding was well spent. There has been industry discussion about how and where the levy will be used, particularly for research and supporting the gambling harms sector. Gambling RET funding (research, education and treatment) was brought under government oversight as part of the gambling white paper and the broader statutory levy rollout. Under the previous voluntary system, funds were distributed through GambleAware, which will cease operations by the end of this month due to the change. Prominent researchers in the gambling harms sector had previously raised concerns that the industry held too much influence over research conducted under the prior funding model. 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) - Spain's Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has this week unveiled a broad new Safe Gambling Programme designed to implement fresh safeguards protecting young people from gambling-related harm. This includes evaluating how social media marketing affects youth. Named the Safe Gambling Programme 2026–2030, the strategy was presented during a recent gathering of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling at the DGOJ's headquarters in Madrid. The programme is built on three core priorities, underpinned by six broad objectives and 24 concrete actions to be finalized in consultation with the DGOJ's advisory body, the Consejo Asesor. To establish the required foundational research for the plan, the DGOJ launched a €1 million research grant initiative in May 2025. What prompted the DGOJ to reassess consumer protections in Spain? In its programme documentation, the DGOJ pointed to several key market changes since 2019 that prompted its review of consumer safeguards. These encompass the ongoing revenue consolidation among a handful of large operators and significant demographic changes, notably a rise in online gambling activity among younger people, especially those aged 18 to 25. Concurrently, it cautioned that swift digital advancement has intensified the role of social media, video games, and artificial intelligence in the sector's marketing and product development. The authority is examining social media's effect on gambling habits and will create a standardized system for identifying risky online gambling behavior, as required by the 2023 Real Decreto. A ramp up in data, prevention and player protection push As it formulates the plan, the DGOJ intends to assemble an extensive inventory of international and regional gambling regulations. It will also analyze game design elements that might foster addictive tendencies. Work will concentrate on generating user-friendly public resources, such as educational guides on hazardous behaviors and the risks of gambling. This will also involve a listing of treatment and support options. The current player self-assessment tool for adjusting deposits and limits will also be reviewed. Enhancing cooperation with treatment services and incorporating gambling oversight into national addiction frameworks like EDADES, ESTUDES, and the Plan Nacional sobre Drogas is another stated focus. The DGOJ is arranging wide-reaching communication drives and recurring thematic conferences on subjects including artificial intelligence and loot boxes in video games. Vulnerable groups, such as young players, heavy gamers, and people previously barred from gambling, are key audiences for these awareness efforts. The programme also encourages the use of protective instruments like the national self-exclusion registry (RGIAJ), the Phishing Alert service, and the Protocol for Victims of Identity Misuse (PACS). Programme will evaluate impact of Royal Decrees These developments have occurred in parallel with heightened regulatory scrutiny in Spain, characterized by Royal Decree 958/2020 and Royal Decree 176/2023. These decrees introduced tougher rules on advertising, session and spending limits, and account suspension procedures in recent years. Last year, Spain implemented a new rule forcing online gambling sites to show addiction warnings, comparable to those in tobacco controls. The industry trade association resisted this move, stating it was enacted without prior discussion with the sector. The Safe Gambling Programme pledges to assess the effects of the 2020 and 2023 royal decrees and their compliance with European Union directives and global regulatory standards. 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) - Spanish gambling is transitioning to a ‘new system of accountability’ for player protection, established on fresh directives for license holders to spot risks, address gambling threats, and prevent negative outcomes. This announcement was made by Mikel Arana, Director General of the DGOJ, during the presentation of the “Juego Seguro 2030” (Safe Play) programme for the Spanish gambling sector, which was developed in partnership with the Advisory Council of Responsible Gambling. The initiative is set to be executed from 2026 through 2030. It represents a key part of the DGOJ’s mission to ‘redefine a new regulatory philosophy’ and improve both player safeguards and gambling settings. Confronting problem gambling directly Beginning in 2026, the DGOJ will advance Safe Play initiatives based on a ‘core structure of comprehensive protection’, which the authority is confident will sustain ‘safe environments, and the analysis and diagnosis of harms and threats’. The programme will not be enacted as a legislative decree. Instead, the DGOJ will utilize the programme to bolster ongoing amendments to the Royal Decrees on Spanish Gambling, initially adopted in 2020 for advertising and subsequently in 2023 for gambling environments. The administration of the Safe Play programme will focus on six primary objectives: 1. To guarantee a measurable decline in gambling-related harms (currently affecting 1.5% of the adult population as of 2024) 2. To strengthen player protection mechanisms (through preventative tools and the application of algorithmic modules) 3. To refine harm intervention via the earliest possible detection 4. To emphasize the protection of minors and vulnerable players 5. To secure all gambling environments These principles will underpin the DGOJ’s mandate to obtain new evidence that supports scientific research and data-driven policy formation throughout the gambling industry. The philosophical and systemic shift pursued by the DGOJ intensifies the regulatory focus on operators, their data, and game design starting in 2026. Consequently, Spanish licenses will include a “new accountability on player protection” that will be viewed as a systemic responsibility integrated across the full gambling value chain – encompassing “operators, product design, data monitoring and customer interaction”. Arana stated to stakeholders: “The aim is to advance towards a model where protection is not dependent solely on player behaviour, but is integrated across the entire system, from product design to operator data usage.” Under this framework, safeguarding is not limited to player behaviour but becomes a function of how gambling services are structured, promoted, and delivered. As detailed by the DGOJ, the new framework intends to place “vulnerable participants at the centre of protective measures”, reinforcing a system where protection is incorporated into the fundamental design of gambling environments, rather than left to individual discretion. Evolution in system and philosophy To facilitate this shift, the DGOJ will implement a new layer of technical oversight across three fundamental pillars. The DGOJ will widen its examination of game design and product mechanics, analyzing how structural game features impact intensity, expenditure, and the potential for compulsive play. The authority maintains that “structural environments and systems can influence play”, stressing the necessity to assess how product design contributes to risk. Regarding licenses, the framework will centralize data processing and behavioural monitoring in its supervision. Operators will be obligated to implement standardized risk-detection systems to recognize harmful patterns in real time. As stated by the DGOJ, ‘all operators must apply the same parameters to determine which customers exhibit risky behaviours’, a requirement specified as a duty of care for license holders. Thirdly, the DGOJ will enhance the promotion and integration of safer gambling tools and controlled settings. Player protection mechanisms—such as deposit limits, self-exclusion systems, and behavioural alerts—will be woven more directly into the customer journey, supported by comprehensive oversight of digital environments. The DGOJ has highlighted the imperative ‘to reduce the risk of the emergence of risky gambling behaviours… or to minimise their negative effects’. Accordingly, the DGOJ has indicated that Spain’s forthcoming regulatory phase will be anchored in accountability for safe gambling, with operators required to prove how their technologies, data systems, and product designs proactively avert harm, rather than merely reacting to it. Finalizing the programme’s directives, Arana explained: “Player protection cannot depend solely on the individual, but on the active responsibility of operators, products and environments. “This new era necessitates measurable accountability, which operators must demonstrate through data regarding how they prevent harm.” 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 long-tenured advisor has been fired by the Riigikogu Chancellery just months after Estonia embarked on a new chapter for iGaming taxation. Estonian officials were forced into a scramble after an error in the country’s Gambling Tax Act led to millions in lost iGaming tax revenue. Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) has reported that the official—whose name the outlet has not revealed—was dismissed following a clerical mistake in the act. The legislation was approved in December of last year, leading to online casinos being tax-exempt in 2026. The mistake was identified in January and has since been rectified. Nonetheless, the harm is already done, with the state projected to lose around €4 million in anticipated gambling tax revenue for that year. Antero Habicht, Director of the Riigikogu Chancellery, told ERR: “In January, disciplinary actions were launched at the Riigikogu Chancellery, which led to the official being removed from their position as a disciplinary sanction for a severe violation of official responsibilities. “The catalyst for this was an error committed by the official while handling a law draft, though the end of the employment relationship was not solely due to the error itself, but also other case-related circumstances that came to light during the disciplinary actions.” No further details about the disciplinary actions were revealed, though Habicht stated that the contract termination was deemed “inevitable and justified” and not politically motivated. Yet, ERR has reported that a five-page directive from the Riigikogu Chancellery showed the official was cognizant of the error by 5 January. Even so, the Chancellery’s leadership remained uninformed and only became aware of the mistake a week later, through media coverage of an ERR report on 12 January. Estonia’s remote gambling tax is set to decrease from 6% to 4% by 2029, reducing by 0.5% each year, with all generated funds allocated to culture and sports. The aim of reforming its iGaming market was to establish Estonia as an iGaming hub in the Nordics and broader Europe, drawing in companies and investments that can compete with industry players like Malta, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar. 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) - Comparasino Co-founder and COO Araminta Hannah explains why seamless user experience and £5 minimum deposits have become essential requirements rather than optional features, analyzing Recommendation Engine data to identify critical factors for online casino success under new tax regulations. The 40% increase in Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) is no longer hypothetical – it becomes a harsh reality taking effect next month. Operators are already responding with severe cost-cutting measures, reducing bonuses, restricting loyalty programs, and decreasing RTPs to safeguard razor-thin profit margins. However, these defensive strategies risk triggering a downward spiral that could drive players to unregulated platforms. In this high-tax environment, victory won't go to those with the biggest marketing spend, but to those with the smoothest, most customer-focused approach. As acquisition costs rise, eliminating user friction becomes increasingly critical. To discover what truly drives results in 2026, I've conducted an in-depth analysis of Comparasino Recommendation Engine data. Below is the framework for the ideal online casino experience, as defined by player preferences. The Case for the £5 Deposit: UK operators have traditionally been wary of £5 deposits, concerned about potential bonus exploitation and rapid customer turnover. Yet in a climate where every fraction of profit is scrutinized, such restrictive policies prove self-defeating. Comparasino Recommendation Engine data reveals a much more profitable scenario – operators providing £5 deposit bonuses regularly attract over 200 first-time depositors monthly. Significantly, three-quarters of these customers subsequently make further deposits. A lower initial investment enables players to evaluate the site's interface, game selection, and payout efficiency without substantial financial exposure. Removing this barrier establishes trust. With an advanced CRM system capable of cultivating that trust, these small-scale depositors often develop into valuable, dedicated patrons. Under the 40% tax regime, operators must cease viewing £5 depositors as low-worth prospects and begin recognizing them as high-retention opportunities. The no wagering revolution: The UK Gambling Commission's emphasis on fair gaming has triggered a transformation in bonus structures, further propelled by the compulsory 10x wagering limit implemented on January 19. This regulatory change has essentially transformed all UK-licensed operators into low-wagering establishments instantaneously. Companies that once leveraged 10x or 20x playthrough requirements as a competitive advantage have lost that distinction. This explains the growing trend of players actively seeking bonuses without wagering requirements. Although these promotions present greater challenges in terms of risk management and financial exposure, the resulting boost in player satisfaction is unparalleled. In 2026, customers show significantly greater satisfaction with a smaller, "transparent" bonus that allows them to retain their winnings immediately, compared to a more substantial "restricted" bonus tied to any conditions – even a £100 promotion necessitates £1,000 in wagers to unlock. Operators should regard no-wagering promotions as the paramount trust-building tool – essentially a "relationship investment" rather than merely a transactional incentive. The seamless, positive experience these bonuses deliver fosters brand loyalty that standard CRM tactics cannot replicate. Under the 40% tax framework, trust becomes more powerful than any promotional offer. Frictionless tech: the 30-second mandate: Today's players demand instant performance comparable to major e-commerce platforms. In 2026, a prolonged registration procedure isn't merely inconvenient – it's a guaranteed source of user abandonment. Nevertheless, numerous operators persist with manual onboarding processes lasting several minutes and demanding extensive documentation. Pay N Play, utilizing Open Banking technology, provides the ultimate remedy for this friction. By enabling customers to complete registration and deposit simultaneously in one streamlined action, identity verification and preliminary financial risk assessments are processed automatically behind the scenes. This represents the ideal mutual benefit – users access games more quickly while operators dramatically cut the labor-intensive expenses linked to conventional registration methods. Under the 40% tax structure, each moment of delay carries a direct financial impact. The ideal casino is now measured not merely by its game collection or introductory promotions, but by the 30-second interval from site arrival to first gameplay. Failure to achieve this timeframe results in losing the customer before the game begins. Precision loyalty: CRM as a profit engine: Under the 40% tax regime, the sector's fixation on customer acquisition requires reevaluation. Retaining current players costs substantially less than attracting new ones, making CRM the central driver of profitability. This necessitates abandoning the indiscriminate mass-marketing tactics of standardized offers like 'Deposit £20, Get 100 Spins' that disregard individual user behavior patterns. Instead, emphasis should transfer to behavior-based incentives. Whether recognizing a user's preferred game genre or providing modest, no-wagering rewards for regular participation, the objective is to create a sense of individual recognition rather than mechanical processing. With such narrow profit margins, CRM approaches must function as precision instruments rather than blunt force tools. Customization is no longer an optional enhancement – it's the sole effective method for safeguarding and optimizing Lifetime Value. Approaching players as mere statistics leads them to view your brand as interchangeable. Recognizing them as distinct individuals, however, earns their allegiance. Adapt or Atrophy: The 40% tax period doesn't spell doom for UK online casinos; it functions as an evolutionary selection mechanism. Survivors won't be those attempting to offset taxes through enormous marketing expenditures or recouping profits by pressuring customers. Victory will favor brands that adopt the Comparasino Blueprint, reducing entry obstacles, eliminating wagering requirement friction, and employing targeted technology that respects a player's time equally with their monetary investment. In 2026, the 'Perfect Casino' framework transitions from aspirational objective to essential requirement for survival. This article is provided by a third-party. 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(AsiaGameHub) - The Wisconsin Senate has passed the AB601 bill, paving the way for the legalization of online sports betting after a 21-12 vote on Tuesday. This framework, which utilizes a "hub-and-spoke" model mandating that all online wagers be routed through servers on tribal sovereign land, is consistent with federal court rulings on tribal gaming rights. Online sports betting bill gains momentum after months of debate Legislators have pursued this goal for several months. The AB601 bill initially gained support late last year and was then carried over into the 2026 legislative session. It received bipartisan approval in the Assembly earlier this year, demonstrating a push to bring existing offshore betting into a regulated system. Nevertheless, disagreements over tribal exclusivity and how revenue is shared have been central points of debate. Tribal model raises barriers for commercial operators Proponents contend the legislation will reduce offshore betting and funnel significant revenue to regulated tribal operations. Opponents, however, warn that it could block major national sportsbook companies from entering the market and impact projected tax income. A cornerstone of the law is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's stipulation that tribes must keep a minimum of 60% of net gaming revenues under their compacts. As reported by the Associated Press, Damon Stewart of the Sports Betting Alliance testified that, “It is simply not economically feasible for a commercial operator to hand over 60% or more of its revenue to an in-state gaming entity, just for the right to operate in the state.” This condition could restrict the entry of well-known national betting brands, likely reshaping the competitive environment in Wisconsin. Political divisions and tribal consent issues remain unresolved Support for the proposed model is not unanimous among Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes. Governor Evers has raised concerns about the lack of full tribal consensus, pointing to possible divisions between the tribes. The bill has now cleared both legislative houses and awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers. Upon enactment, Wisconsin would become another state to allow online sports betting, though its unique regulatory structure may curb participation from national operators and change the state's expected revenue outcomes. 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 authorities have launched a criminal prosecution against Kalshi, alleging the firm is operating an unauthorized gambling business. The indictment features 20 criminal counts, asserting that Kalshi illegally permitted wagering on political elections, collegiate sports, and individual athlete performances in violation of state statutes. Arizona intensifies legal action with criminal counts Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes remarked: “Kalshi might characterize itself as a ‘prediction market,’ but it is effectively running an illicit gambling entity and accepting wagers on Arizona’s elections, both of which are prohibited under state law.” This case represents the first instance of a prediction market facing criminal charges at the state level. The legal filing permits Arizona prosecutors to pursue financial penalties, asset seizures, and judicial orders to halt Kalshi’s local operations. Additionally, it provides expanded authority to audit the company’s internal records and personnel. This escalation follows a federal lawsuit from Kalshi, which argues that the Commodity Exchange Act and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) regulatory oversight should override state-level gambling laws. Kalshi’s business model reviewed as regulators clash over authority Since its founding in 2021, Kalshi has risen to prominence by offering contracts on diverse topics, including economic trends, political outcomes, and sports. However, its operations have drawn scrutiny from regulators in multiple U.S. states. While several states have issued cease-and-desist orders, courts in Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio have reached varying conclusions on whether these contracts qualify as illegal bets or federally overseen financial instruments. The CFTC has traditionally supervised designated contract markets and maintains that it holds primary authority over event-based contracts. Nevertheless, the legal landscape for prediction markets remains unsettled. Federal judge considers withdrawal as Kalshi’s legal dispute grows According to CNBC, U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi rejected Kalshi’s request for a temporary restraining order to block Arizona’s criminal proceedings. The judge has directed Kalshi to explain why the federal court should not step aside. If the Younger abstention doctrine is applied, Kalshi’s case would be handled solely in state court, a move that could impact enforcement strategies across the country. Judicial rulings on the matter are inconsistent. In February, a federal judge in Tennessee supported Kalshi’s claims regarding CFTC preemption, while courts in Ohio and other regions have rejected similar arguments. 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 charity GamCare has disclosed that almost 2,000 individuals in the UK sought financial advice for gambling-related monetary problems in 2025. Figures published on Wednesday indicated that 1,954 UK residents used GamCare’s Money Guidance Service in 2025 following gambling losses—over twice the prior year’s count of 923. At the same time, the total debt reported via the Money Guidance Service hit £7.2 million (equivalent to $9.6 million). This marked an almost threefold rise from the year before, translating to an average of £21,269 per individual. January 2026 alone saw a record 233 referrals to the Money Guidance Service—nearly three times the number for January 2025. Kathy Wade, manager of the Money Guidance Service, expressed worry about UK residents turning to gambling to cope with increasing living expenses. “We’re worried that people are telling us they’re turning to gambling to help pay for essential bills because households are feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis—yet they end up in a more dire financial state as a consequence,” Wade stated. “We understand that many people gamble responsibly and do so to win cash, but we don’t advise anyone to gamble with the aim of earning extra money to cover necessary expenses.” The connection between debt and gambling-related harm GamCare also drew attention to data from UK debt service PayPlan, which showed that 21,000 people got in touch with the organisation in January this year—a 22% increase compared to the same month last year. GamCare and PayPlan noted the perspective of experts who have seen a growing connection between debt and gambling harm. In 2025, 243 individuals were directly referred from GamCare’s treatment services to PayPlan—34% more than the 181 referrals in 2024. Emma Gibbons, PayPlan’s Vulnerability Lead, described how the company has noticed an upward trend in gambling-related harm tied to debt. “The increase in referrals from GamCare mirrors the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to go after incurring losses,” Gibbons remarked. “We know that early, empathetic debt advice can have a significant impact—helping people stabilise their finances, understand their choices, and start to take back control. We’re proud to partner with GamCare to make sure anyone who needs it gets non-judgmental assistance.” Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, coming from the field of sports journalism, and later became a senior reporter focusing on Latin America for iGB. 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) - Fifty years following Indiana University’s historic 1976 NCAA championship win that capped an unforgettable season, Americans are projected to bet billions of dollars on this year’s March Madness tournament. The American Gaming Association estimates that when U.S. bettors finalize their brackets and place their last wagers on the 2026 NCAA tournament, roughly $3.3 billion will be staked on the event. One group strictly prohibited from betting on the tournament is the referees who officiate the games themselves. Ahead of the tournament, the NCAA is deploying advanced monitoring systems to detect if officials are breaking these rules. Last week, the NCAA announced a partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 to use the company’s ProhiBet solution for monitoring tournament officials. Over 200 officials—including alternates—will undergo screening via this technology. Beyond basketball, the NCAA will collaborate with IC360 to monitor officials during the Division I baseball and softball championships. “Implementing ProhiBet is a major step in increasing integrity protections for college sports,” Mark Hicks, the NCAA’s managing director of enforcement, said in a news release. “This platform adds another layer to the NCAA’s robust integrity monitoring programme as we work to keep competition integrity and student-athlete well-being paramount in a rapidly evolving sports betting environment.” Since the 2018 PASPA ruling, the NCAA has not publicly disclosed any cases of referees being caught wagering on sports. Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy was imprisoned in 2008 for betting on games he officiated, while MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg last year for sharing a betting account with an acquaintance. How it works Anonymity is perhaps the most appealing feature of ProhiBet. Founded by Matt Heap, former chief of investigations with the Colorado Department of Gaming, ProhiBet includes an encrypted cross-monitoring platform that assists regulators and sports governing bodies in a comprehensive investigative process. To find matches between a sportsbook operator’s database and a regulator’s database, ProhiBet uses several inputs: first name, last name, date of birth, telephone numbers, an individual’s address, and social security number. After an NCAA official passes a background check, their personally identifiable information (PII) will be crosschecked for verification purposes. Common names can make an investigator’s job challenging. In the NCAA tournament, Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic and Michigan’s Yaxel Lendenborg have unique names, but Joshua Jefferson—a teammate of Momcilovic—has a more common name. ProhiBet uses a tool called “cryptographic hashing” for additional privacy. Through hashing, a referee’s name (e.g., Roger Ayres) can be converted to a tag like FY87@%!hgdk95h. If there’s a match between Ayres’ hashed tag (FY87@%!hgdk95h) in a sportsbook database and the one used by a regulator, it may indicate improper betting. “This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark and reinforces the importance of proactive deterrence and detection in keeping collegiate athletics fair,” said IC360 co-CEO Scott Sadin in a statement. For Heap, this partnership may mark the first steps toward ProhiBet’s broader expansion across the U.S. with other sports bodies. “The closer you get to ubiquitous coverage across all leagues, the smaller the windows of opportunity are for people to sneak through,” he told iGB last December. “That’s the ultimate goal for ProhiBet.” First guilty plea in point shaving case Also last week, Jalen Smith pleaded guilty in a Pennsylvania court to federal match-fixing charges. Smith, a presumed ringleader in the college basketball point-shaving case, is the first defendant to enter a guilty plea in the matter. Two other defendants—Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley—are also facing charges in a Brooklyn sports betting case that has ensnared several NBA figures. Given his strict commitment to integrity, the late Bob Knight would likely find the scandal troubling. Under Knight in 1976, Indiana finished its season 32-0. The Hoosiers are the last Division I college basketball team to go undefeated for an entire season. Miami (Ohio) went 31-0 in the regular season, becoming only the eighth team in the last 50 years to finish the regular season undefeated. The Redhawks were upset by UMass in the Mid-American Conference tournament. Miami (1%) is a longshot at Kalshi to win the NCAA tournament. As of Wednesday afternoon, Duke is the favorite at Kalshi (20%) to capture the title. Three other teams—Michigan, Arizona, and Florida—have a probability over 10% to cut down the nets at the Final Four. Matt RybaltowskiMatt is primarily responsible for long-form feature coverage on complex sports betting scandals. He also provides coverage on finance, M&A and other technological developments. 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.