Day: ខែ​ឧសភា 13, 2026

(AsiaGameHub) –   Affordability has become a central theme in Western gambling markets, particularly as a highly debated requirement in the United Kingdom.

During an appearance on iGaming Daily, Ted Menmuir, Editor-at-Large for SBC Media, explained that financial risk assessments are being presented as a premier technical protection and a significant shift following the White Paper’s rollout.

Although Menmuir noted the appeal of this narrative as the UK industry undergoes major reforms, he pointed out that the pilot program has been running for several years. He observed that stakeholder feedback has been scarce, leaving the project’s effectiveness and feasibility uncertain.

He suggested that this uncertainty represents a pressing weakness in the implementation of a vital White Paper component. It has become clear that determining or forecasting an individual’s financial capacity is an ‘acute science’.

Menmuir warned of inconsistent messaging following the trial phase, though …

(AsiaGameHub) –   A recent decision by Curaçao’s Common Court of Justice is poised to significantly impact online gambling licensing within the jurisdiction.

According to reports from The Curaçao Chronicle, the court ruled that the responsibility for decisions and disclosure concerning online gambling licenses rests with the government and the relevant minister, who in this instance is the Minister of Justice Shalten Hato.

The court’s ruling came in a case initiated by journalist Nardy Cramm, who had sought documents related to the gambling sector through Curaçao’s National Ordinance on Public Access to Government Information (Lob).

Cramm had argued that Curaçao’s Governor, Mauritsz de Kort, was responsible for decision-making. However, the court rejected this argument, instead affirming that gambling laws and the powers they confer are the responsibility of the government and its respective ministers.

Judges also clarified that gambling licenses mu…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The recent reforms in taxation and governance have not dampened Super Group’s enthusiasm for the Nigerian market.

The group’s Chief Executive Officer, Neal Menashe, updated investors yesterday, highlighting that momentum is building in Africa as it continues to expand its footprint and maintain progress despite regulatory challenges.

After recently visiting Nigeria, Menashe stated, ‘currency flows are improving in the country,’ which represents a significant boost for the operator’s position in the market.

He stressed that the company aims to double or even triple its business size in Nigeria while ensuring its product strategy remains aligned with the market’s needs.

Menashe’s sustained confidence in the Nigerian market reflects his belief in the government’s efforts to bring stability to the sector.

Super Group’s resilience in the market may be enhanced by its broad presence across Africa, allowing it to absorb potential disru…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its cashback regulations as part of new promotional guidelines aimed at ensuring fair competition across the country’s gaming sector.

Effective immediately, operators are restricted from offering cashback on e-games exceeding 15% of a player’s net losses. For slots, e-bingo, numeric games, and sports betting, maximum cash rebates are capped at 1.5% of either the player’s turnover or deposit amount.

Going forward, all cash rebates and cashback payouts must be classified as “expenses incurred during gaming operations,” rather than being recorded as direct losses.

PAGCOR stated that these changes have been introduced to prevent what it describes as “destructive competition” and a potential “race to the bottom,” particularly as larger market players attempt to gain dominance by providing disproportionately generous promotional offers.

i…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Catena Media Plc states that it has returned its business profile back to growth and earnings, benefitting from the simplification of its media unit in 2025.

Publishing its Q1 accounts, Catena sees corporate revenues stand at €12.3m, up 26% on 2025 comparatives result of €9.8m.

A breakdown of income sees North American business generate 95% of revenue at €11.7m, as Catena optimise a smaller network of LegalSportsReport.com, PlayUSA, Bonus.com, LineUps.com and GamingToday.com.

As of FY2026 trading Catena asserts the “closure and liquidation of all non-core markets, with no impact on its business”. Focused uniquely on US growth opportunities, Catena sees its Q1 adjusted EBITDA triple to €2.7m.

Earnings are boosted by stream-line efficiencies that see Catena’s EBITDA margins return to a 22% basis.

Manu Stan: Catena Media

CEO Manuel Stan framed Q1 as evidence that Catena’s strategic reset in 2024 and 2025 had finally stabilised the media …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Aristocrat Leisure Ltd reported higher first-half profit for the period ended March 31, 2026, with growth supported by gaming revenue, cost control measures, and a litigation settlement that had already been communicated to investors.

Key Highlights

Net Profit After Tax and Before Amortisation (NPATA) increased 8.4% to AUD794.0 million, or 16.3% on a constant currency basis.
EBITDA from continuing operations reached AUD1.32 billion.
The board approved an interim unfranked dividend of AUD0.50 per share.

The Aristocrat board authorised an interim unfranked dividend of AUD0.50 per share, equivalent to AUD301 million based on shares issued as of the financial statements date. The dividend record date is May 26, with payment scheduled for July 1.
Net profit after tax and before amortisation of acquired intangibles amounted to AUD794.0 million, up from AUD732.6 million in the prior year. At the stated exchange rate, this equates to US$574.4 million.
Gaming Remained the Core Profit Driver
…

(AsiaGameHub) –   A federal judge has ruled that Amit Patel must pursue his gambling-related lawsuit against FanDuel through arbitration, according to Sportico.

Good to Know

Amit Patel sued FanDuel for $250 million in 2024.
The former Jacksonville Jaguars executive is serving more than six years in federal prison.
FanDuel argued that its user agreement sends legal disputes to arbitration.

A public trial no longer looks likely in the $250 million lawsuit Amit Patel filed against FanDuel. U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick granted a FanDuel request to send the dispute into private arbitration, Sportico reported.
The ruling puts the case before an arbitrator, not a jury. It also keeps many details out of public court filings, which matters in a case tied to VIP betting, daily fantasy sports contests, promotional credits, and the theft of more than $20 million from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
FanDuel Relied On Its User Agreement
FanDuel argued in a February 2025 filing that Patel accepted its terms and c…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Illinois casinos generated $181 million in April 2026, up 11.3% year over year, with newer properties doing much of the work behind the statewide increase.

Good to Know

Illinois has 17 licensed casinos, and 13 reported annual revenue growth in April.
Slots produced $138.7 million, while table games added $42.3 million.
Ballys plans to open its permanent Chicago casino resort in September 2026.

The April total looks strong on the surface, but the source of that growth matters. Illinois did not simply get more revenue from the same casino base. Newer and recently upgraded venues added much of the lift, while some older properties felt more pressure.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines still sits far ahead of the pack. The property generated $46.2 million in April, up 5.3%, and accounted for about 25% of statewide casino revenue on its own. Its location near O’Hare Airport and years of investment from Churchill Downs and Rush Street Gaming continue to give it a clear edge.
New Supply Is Ch…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Polymarket has begun offering U.S. iOS users access to its prediction market exchange following a waitlist period that exceeded six months.

Key Details

U.S. iOS users can now sign up without needing an access code.
Polymarket acquired the CFTC-licensed exchange QCEX in July of last year.
In 2022, the company settled with the CFTC by paying a $1.4 million fine related to offering unregistered derivatives.

The invitation code screen is no longer required. When U.S. users open the Polymarket iOS app, they are now directed straight to a trading homepage displaying sports markets with live prices. According to InGame, signup no longer requires an invitation code.
This rollout marks Polymarket’s anticipated return to the U.S. market following its acquisition of QCEX. The company purchased the Commodity Futures Trading Commission–licensed exchange in July, using this regulatory structure to operate as a regulated U.S. exchange after previous issues with federal regulators.
Poly…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The New York State Gaming Commission has launched its “Avoid Risky Bets” campaign to alert residents about illegal online gambling sites and unregulated betting platforms.

Good to Know

New York considers online casinos, offshore gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos, and prediction markets to be illegal.
Legal online options include licensed sports betting, horse racing ADW, fantasy sports, raffles, and approved lottery purchases.
Regulators highlighted risks such as unpaid winnings, inadequate age verification, identity theft, and lack of dispute resolution mechanisms.

New York aims to help residents distinguish between regulated betting and websites that appear legitimate but operate without oversight. The commission emphasized that many illegal gambling platforms function without consumer protections, responsible gaming tools, anti-money laundering safeguards, or proper identity verification processes.
Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer stated:
“Legitimate, l…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Kalshi has entered into a multi-year partnership with Madison Square Garden Entertainment, securing branding rights within the venue and media placements on MSG Networks.

Key Highlights

Kalshi is now the Official Prediction Market Partner of Madison Square Garden Entertainment.
The sixth-floor concourse at Madison Square Garden will be renamed the Kalshi Concourse.
The agreement includes arena signage, digital experiences, and advertising on MSG Networks.

Under this new arrangement, Kalshi’s brand will be prominently featured at one of New York City’s most active sports and entertainment destinations. The sixth-floor concourse—a bustling hub where guests shop for merchandise, dine at concessions, enjoy premium bars, and relax—will now carry the Kalshi name.
This space also features “Defining Moments” exhibits showcasing archival images and memorabilia from Madison Square Garden’s storied history.
Kalshi Branding Expands Across Arena and Tele…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The American Gaming Association stated in its annual State of the States report that commercial gaming revenue in the United States totaled $78.6 billion in 2025, an increase of 9.1% from 2024.

Good to Know

Sports betting revenue rose 22.6% to $16.89 billion.
Online casino revenue hit $10.73 billion across seven iGaming states.
Commercial operators contributed $17.86 billion in state and local taxes.

Tax collections offer a clear indicator of the year. Commercial gaming operators transferred $17.86 billion to state and local governments, up 12.3%, while the AGA estimated that total U.S. gaming revenue could reach $125 billion once tribal gaming figures are included.
Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, commented:
“These outcomes carry particular weight given the economic uncertainty present throughout much of 2025. They underscore the lasting appeal of legal, regulated gaming as entertainment and the resilience of the American gaming framework we have developed together …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Executives at Strategy have indicated a potential limited sale of Bitcoin, but solely as part of a plan linked to shareholder dividends.

Good to Know

Strategy held 818,334 BTC at quarter-end, around 3.9% of Bitcoin supply.
Michael Saylor still supports long-term Bitcoin holding.
Any sale would likely focus on dividend funding, not a broader exit from Bitcoin.

Michael Saylor has consistently advocated a straightforward approach to Bitcoin. In his 21 Rules of Bitcoin, he explicitly states, “Never Sell Your Bitcoin!”
Now, Strategy seems to be introducing a minor exception to that principle. The company may liquidate some Bitcoin if it needs to fund shareholder dividends and demonstrate to investors that its Bitcoin reserves can support cash requirements.
Saylor stated:“Probably sell some Bitcoin to fund a dividend just to inoculate the market – just to send the message that we did it.”
Strategy Still Centers Its Plan On Bitcoin
For newer Bitcoin investors,…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Ho-Chunk Nation confirms that Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit is on track, with the casino portion scheduled to open on September 26, 2026. The project represents one of eight major developments we are monitoring for 2026 at iGaming.org.

Key Facts

Construction commenced in October 2024 at Willowbrook and Colley roads in Beloit following the securing of $610 million in financing.
The casino floor will span over 240,000 square feet.
The facility is expected to generate more than 1,000 jobs in the Beloit region.

Beloit is poised to become an expanded gaming destination along the Wisconsin-Illinois border. After years of planning, the casino project will feature 1,500 slot machines, areas for live entertainment, and a selection of more than six food and beverage venues.
A hotel component is planned but not yet under construction. The Ho-Chunk Nation anticipates approximately 200 guest rooms, with the final number subject to demand assessments. That phase of the resort is targeted for completion …