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(AsiaGameHub) –   The Philippines government has introduced a fresh set of standardized guidelines aimed at supporting authorities in implementing the countrywide prohibition on offshore gaming operators (POGOs).

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for carrying out the POGO ban were signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto during a ceremony in Manila, with the goal of enhancing inter-agency collaboration and providing more robust legal resources.

These SOPs merge two existing POGO ban directives, plus 15 additional laws and departmental orders, into a single comprehensive action plan.

Recto said: “These SOPs will transform our approach—from simply shutting down hubs to preserving assets, seizing illicit resources, securing convictions, protecting victims, and severing these criminal enterprises from the financial and corporate networks that sustain them.”

In July 2024, the Philippines stopped issuing licenses for POGO operations following President Ferdinand Marcos’ anno…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Sports data integrity company Sportradar has strongly refuted allegations that it generates as much as 40% of its revenue from the black market, following claims that it targets regions including Russia and China.

These claims were independently leveled by investor research firms Muddy Waters and Callisto Research, both of which have disclosed short positions in Sportradar.

Callisto asserts it has discovered more than 270 unlicensed platforms utilizing Sportradar’s offerings, leading it to estimate that 30% to 40% of the firm’s turnover stems from these operators.

The firm further states it interviewed several former Sportradar staff members who admitted to the company’s involvement with grey or black markets.

With Sportradar reporting 2025 revenue of €1.29bn, Callisto’s top-end projection suggests approximately €516m comes from black market activities.

Separately, Muddy Waters reports that its investigators posed as sportsbook operators targeting …

(AsiaGameHub) –   As the long process of regulating online casinos in New Zealand nears completion, a completion date now appears to be set.

The Online Casino Gambling Bill has entered its final stages after passing its third and final parliamentary reading.

According to an email update from Trina Lowry, Programme Director for Online Gambling Implementation at the Department of Internal Affairs, the bill will be enacted into law on 1 May, after it receives Royal Assent following signing by the Governor-General.

As part of the three-stage licensing process, up to 15 online casino gambling licences will be put up for auction in New Zealand, and the regulated market is scheduled to launch on 1 December later this year.

The following year, on 1 June 2027, only licensed operators will be permitted to offer online casino services in New Zealand’s market.

Auckland, New Zealand – Image: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock

Brooke van Velden, Minister of Internal Affairs, noted: “The Department of I…

(AsiaGameHub) –   India will put into effect and enforce the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules (PROGA 2025) starting May 1, 2026.

This mandate—approved by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on August 22, 2025—will institute a complete federal prohibition on any apps, devices, or services that feature real-money gaming systems and transactions.

Drafted by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Act will facilitate the rollout of a federal framework allowing Indian authorities to oversee online gaming operations.

On May 1, MeitY will introduce the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as the sector’s new regulatory body, tasked with classifying games in line with PROGA’s provisions.

OGAI will be vested with powers to monitor compliance, probe illegal gaming practices, and resolve complaints about unlicensed real-money platforms aimed at Indian users.

Operating with “judicial authority,” OGAI will have power…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Aviator Studio Brazil has maintained its position in Brazil following a decision by the São Paulo Court of Appeals to deny the urgent relief requested by Spribe. While the ruling does not determine the ultimate ownership of the Aviator name, it allows the local company to continue its operations as the broader trademark dispute proceeds.

Good to Know

A São Paulo appeals panel rejected Spribe’s request for an urgent injunction.
The court stated the case requires more in-depth analysis, particularly concerning the licensing agreement between Aviator LLC and Aviator Studio Brazil.
The conflict has expanded beyond Brazil, with related legal actions already occurring in the UK and Georgia.

Brazil Court Keeps The Door Open In Aviator Fight
Spribe’s attempt to halt Aviator Studio Brazil’s activities during the litigation was unsuccessful, as the São Paulo Court of Appeals decided against intervening on an emergency basis. The judges cited insufficient evidence of immed…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Sam Bankman-Fried has retreated from one legal challenge following his conviction but continues to pursue the wider litigation concerning his FTX case. A recent court document indicates he has abandoned his current effort to secure a new trial before Judge Lewis Kaplan, while his appeal and petition for a new judge remain active.

Good to Know

Bankman-Fried has withdrawn his Rule 33 motion for a new trial without prejudice.
His direct appeal is still pending, and he continues to seek a different judge for the case.
The recent filing was prompted by Judge Kaplan’s inquiry into whether Bankman-Fried received assistance in preparing an earlier pro se submission.

Sam Bankman Fried Drops One Fight And Keeps Another
Sam Bankman-Fried has formally withdrawn his motion for a new trial in the Southern District of New York, though he maintains his broader legal challenge. In the new filing, he stated his intention to temporarily set aside the Rule 33 motion, with the option to reintroduce it a…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Lumbee Tribe’s status has been transformed by federal recognition, a development that could reshape North Carolina’s gaming landscape and exert new competitive pressure on South Carolina.

Key Points

After a 137-year effort, the Lumbee achieved full federal recognition last December.
The tribe has secured approximately 240 acres of land situated near Interstate 95 in Robeson County.
A tribal referendum regarding casino gaming is pending, though a specific date has yet to be determined.

Lumbee Casino Proposal Gains Momentum in Eastern North Carolina
Although a formal vote has not yet occurred, the Lumbee are moving forward as if gaming is a viable reality. Shortly before Congress passed the defense legislation granting the tribe full federal recognition, Lumbee Holdings acquired a significant tract of land along Interstate 95 in Robeson County. Additional property was purchased on the day of the Senate vote. In total, these acquisitions encompass roughly 240 acres near…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Somnia has shifted its strategic focus. The initiative is no longer prioritizing metaverse and consumer applications, instead establishing itself as an Agentic Layer 1 blockchain centered on AI agents.

Good to Know

Somnia now treats AI agents as the core of its blockchain model.
Peter Lipka took over as CEO in March 2026 as part of a broader leadership reset.
Mainnet launched in September 2025 and has already processed more than 2 billion transactions.

Somnia Drops The Old Pitch And Rebuilds Around AI Agents
Somnia has overhauled its blockchain approach to center on AI agents, moving its previous metaverse and consumer-centric strategies to a supporting position. In this new configuration, activity driven by agents is the primary focus, with areas like DeFi and NFTs assuming a less central role.
This strategic pivot coincides with leadership changes implemented in March 2026. Peter Lipka has assumed the role of CEO, with Harry Lang and Kevin Zia joining him in senior positions. Foun…