Day: ខែ​ឧសភា 8, 2026

(AsiaGameHub) –   DraftKings aims to play a larger role in sports prediction markets, but CEO Jason Robins emphasizes that stronger customer trust is essential for the industry to develop into a sustainable and healthy business over the long term.

Key Points

DraftKings launched its prediction market platform in December.
The company plans to invest $200 million to $300 million in this sector.
Jason Robins noted that some users may be losing money at a faster rate than they would when betting on regulated online sportsbooks.

DraftKings Seeks Trust Before Pursuing Growth
DraftKings identifies a significant opportunity in prediction markets, but Robins highlighted potential issues during the company’s first-quarter earnings call. He suggested that early data indicates customers in prediction markets are losing money more quickly than they would through state-regulated online sportsbooks. This trend raises concerns from both a business and customer protection standpoint, particularly as DraftKings …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Wynn Resorts concluded the first quarter with increased revenue, improved profitability, and greater capital returned to shareholders, while its UAE casino resort project continued to require substantial investment.

Key Highlights

Wynn Resorts’ Q1 revenue rose to $1.86 billion from $1.70 billion.
Net income attributable to Wynn reached $120.5 million.
Wynn Al Marjan Island now faces a slight delay, though work continues toward a 2027 opening.

Strong Performance Driven by Macau and Las Vegas Operations
Wynn Resorts delivered a stronger first quarter, primarily supported by Wynn Palace in Macau and its Las Vegas operations. Operating revenue grew by $156.4 million year over year, reaching $1.86 billion. Adjusted Property EBITDAR also improved, increasing to $562.4 million from $532.9 million.
Profit growth outpaced revenue gains. Net income attributable to Wynn rose to $120.5 million, up from $72.7 million a year earlier. Diluted net income per share climbed to $1.04 from $0.69. On an…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Unrest continues at Entain after another board change, with Ricky Sandler, CEO of Eminence Capital, leaving as a non executive director while the fund he leads reportedly prepares to close. His exit follows a long run of disruption at the gambling group, including activist investor pressure, the resignation of Jette Nygaard-Andersen, the short tenure of Gavin Isaacs, and the return of Stella David as permanent CEO.

Good to Know

Ricky Sandler joined the Entain board in January 2024 after activist investor pressure.
Entain will end its relationship agreement with Eminence Capital immediately.
Eminence plans to sell any Entain shares held in its funds and accounts in an orderly way.

Sandler Exit Closes A Tense Entain Chapter
Ricky Sandler arrived at Entain after a rough period for the gambling group. Activist investors wanted changes, the board faced pressure, and the company had already drawn criticism over strategy, dealmaking, and capital use.
Now that board link is ending. Entain s…

(AsiaGameHub) –   DraftKings commenced 2026 with a first quarter that surpassed Wall Street’s projections, attributed to enhanced sportsbook margins, more disciplined customer acquisition, and initial success with its Super App strategy.

Good to Know

DraftKings reported a 17% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $1.65 billion.
The company achieved a net profit of $21.1 million, a turnaround from a $33.9 million loss in the previous year.
Customer acquisition costs for prediction markets in April saw a reduction of over 80%.

DraftKings Leverages Strong Q1 Performance to Intensify Focus on Prediction Markets
DraftKings presented investors with a dual narrative for the quarter. Its primary sportsbook and iGaming operations sustained growth, concurrently, prediction markets appeared to be less expensive to develop than initially anticipated.
For the period concluding March 31, DraftKings announced revenues of $1.65 billion, marking an approximate 17% increase year-over-year. A net profit of $21.1…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Colombia has continued to play a crucial role in Codere Online’s growth, as the country’s President was urged to suspend the 19% emergency VAT tax imposed on the industry.

Previously, the operator had maintained a firm position, stating it would pause all further investments in Colombia until the 19% tax introduced by President Gustavo Petro and his Humana government was fully revoked.

With Petro now ordered to remove the tax, the Colombian market holds significant potential for Codere Online, particularly as it remains one of the group’s key markets despite ongoing taxation challenges.

As net gaming revenue increased for the company, Mexico emerged as its primary growth engine, supported by broader positive trends across the region, especially in major markets including Panama, Colombia, and Buenos Aires.

Overall, the period marked a generally favorable performance for Codere Online, with revenue rising 16% compared to the prior period, reaching €60.3 million (&pou…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Flutter Entertainment’s strong start to the 2026 fiscal year has been tempered by the news that Amy Howe has stepped down as CEO of FanDuel.

The company announced a leadership transition in North America alongside plans for a “revitalisation programme” at FanDuel, aimed at addressing its “soft sportsbook” performance to bolster profitability.

This strategic shift is considered vital for FanDuel to maintain its leadership in the US iGaming sector and to enter the prediction markets space, where it aims to compete effectively against emerging rivals like Kalshi and Polymarket.

The focus on US operations dominated the analyst call for the NYSE/LSE-listed gambling firm, overshadowing the strong performance of Flutter International, which reported a 27% revenue increase to $2.54bn and an EBITDA contribution of $587m.

As it navigates changes in the US, Flutter highlighted its “global engine,” which is expected to be further strengthened in 2026 by growth in Italy and Brazil….

(AsiaGameHub) –   Renewed speculation about a potential revival of MGM Resorts’ bid for Entain sparked skepticism on Friday morning, but a deal may not be as implausible as some assume.

M&A activity across the UK gambling sector remains robust as the new taxation framework takes shape and a transformed market landscape begins to emerge.

In an interview with iGaming Expert, Ivor Jones, Equity Analyst at Peel Hunt, noted that while rumours of such a deal have surfaced repeatedly over the past five years, this time there may actually be substance behind them.

There has been a surge in M&A speculation within the industry, most notably Bally’s apparent attempt to expand its presence through a reported offer for troubled operator evoke.

As Bally’s pursuit of evoke becomes increasingly probable—despite seeming irrational—it underscores why it wouldn’t be surprising if MGM Resorts defied conventional logic and pursued its long-rumoured acquisition of Entain in this new r…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Wynn Resorts has reassured investors that construction of its Al Marjan Island casino in the UAE will proceed despite the impact of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

As the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues, the UAE has experienced increased missile attacks, disrupting various aspects of the country’s economy. 

Reports earlier this week from Bloomberg suggested that Wynn would be forced to extend construction beyond the expected opening date of spring 2027.

Craig Billings, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that there will be a ‘modest delay in our opening timeline’ as Wynn is forced to address ‘logistical and shipping challenges in the region’.

Despite this, he remained bullish on the prospects of the multi-billion-dollar project, in which Wynn holds a 40% stake, and the wider ability of the UAE to bounce back as a leading tourist destination.

Speaking on Wynn’s first-quarter earnings call, he said: &…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed penalties on Relax Gaming and Pragmatic Play. This follows an investigation that found their games on unregulated gambling sites available to players in Ontario.

The AGCO has issued monetary penalty orders of CAD$40,000 (around €25,000) to both Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions, which operates under the name Pragmatic Play.

Ontario’s iGaming regulator has reiterated its position against suppliers who make their games available to illicit operators.

Dr Karin Schnarr, AGCO CEO and Registrar, stated: “Ontario’s regulated iGaming market is founded on explicit rules that safeguard players and ensure corporate accountability.

“Unregulated gaming sites function outside this system, leaving players without guarantees of fair play, prompt payouts, or effective conflict resolution. The presence of regulated games on these unregulated sites can foster an environment that puts players at significant risk.”

According to the AG…