Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) –   GGPoker has announced the return of its Bounty Hunters Series, scheduled to run from April 5 to April 28, 2026. This event promises at least $80,000,000 in guaranteed prizes and will focus on knockout poker formats, which continue to be highly popular in the online tournament market.

Key Details

Bounty Hunters Series Dates: April 5 – April 28, 2026.
Total Guaranteed Prizes: Starting at $80,000,000.
Daily Leaderboard Prizes: A boosted leaderboard will offer a total of $1,000,000 in prizes.

GGPoker Features Bounty Action Throughout April
Instead of concentrating on a single main event, GGPoker is distributing the focus across the entire series. The schedule is designed around bounty poker, where eliminating opponents directly results in cash rewards, significantly influencing tournament strategy. This is particularly relevant as progressive bounty and mystery bounty events tend to maintain player engagement, even with modest buy-ins. GGPoker is clearly leveraging this appeal for a com…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to return to ESPN for its Main Event in 2026, following the finalization of a new multi-year agreement. Coverage is scheduled to commence on July 2 and will be broadcast across ESPN’s platforms, culminating in a live three-night finale in early August.

Key Details

ESPN will broadcast approximately 100 hours of original WSOP programming annually.
Coverage of the Main Event will begin with Day 1A on July 2.
The final table play will pause on July 13 and then resume live from August 3 to August 5.

ESPN Secures WSOP Return with Enhanced Main Event Television Strategy
Rather than reserving significant changes for the conclusion, WSOP is structuring its entire broadcast around the Main Event from the outset. Under the terms of the new agreement, each day of the tournament will receive a minimum of six hours of programming. This approach offers poker enthusiasts more than just highlight reels and provides ESPN with a consistent summer sports offering…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Codere is once again back in the spotlight following reports that the group has hired Jefferies and Macquarie Capital to lead a sale process that could value the business at over €2 billion. While the process remains in its early stages, the existing timeline already points to a busy spring and summer for one of the biggest players in Spain’s gambling industry.

Good to Know

Indicative bids are reportedly due by mid-May, with formal binding offers expected to be submitted by early July.
The full transaction is expected to include Codere Online, the group’s digital business unit that is listed on Nasdaq.
Codere is Spain’s second largest gambling and leisure operator, placing it just behind Cirsa in market size.

Codere Moves Into a New Sale Window
Rather than just a basic asset review, the reported process is structured as a full sale of the entire company with a relatively tight deadline. Expansion notes that indicative offers are due by mid-May, binding bids ar…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Philippine National Police has intensified enforcement related to online gaming platforms following fresh alerts regarding child safety, cybercrime, and gambling-like features. Roblox has come under scrutiny in this initiative, though police noted that the broader investigation extends to other gaming and social media applications as well.

Good to Know

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to increase efforts against illegal activities associated with online gaming apps.
Philippine officials are collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center.
Roblox reports having over 111 million daily active users worldwide, with approximately 40% of users aged under 13.

Philippines Widens Focus on Roblox and Online Gaming Risks
While Roblox may be the most prominent name in focus, the recent actions by Philippine authorities extend beyond a single platform. Police stated t…

(AsiaGameHub) –   PG Soft has introduced Mayan Destiny to its slot game collection, launching a Mayan-themed title centered around a Prize Wheel feature and an expanded Wheel of Fate bonus. The game uses a straightforward 3×3 layout and prioritizes mobile-first design, which remains a core component of the studio’s product strategy.

Good to Know

Mayan Destiny features a 3-reel, 3-row layout.
The game boasts a reported maximum win of 10,000 times the player’s bet.
The key highlight is a Prize Wheel Symbol that can appear in the base game.

PG Soft Sticks to Simplicity With a Wheel-Powered Slot
Rather than opting for a cluttered reel setup, PG Soft chose a streamlined format for Mayan Destiny. The game operates on three reels and three rows, with core gameplay focused on a Prize Wheel Symbol that can land during the base game and grant instant prizes of 1x, 2x, or 5x the player’s wager.
The more prominent feature is the Wheel of Fate bonus. This wheel can award 2x, 4x, and 10x mu…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has indicated it will now be evaluating the imposition of civil penalties on those who breach anti-money laundering regulations.

Proposed draft regulations outlining how civil penalties may be applied have been put forward following amendments to section 22 of the Gambling (Anti‑Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Act 2018, introduced by the Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Currently, civil penalties can only be levied against operators, but the GSC appears to be exploring a change to this and is seeking input from industry stakeholders through a consultation process.

The GSC stated: “The Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 broadens this authority so that a civil penalty may also be imposed on specific individuals (specifically ‘controllers’, ‘key persons’, and ‘senior managers’) when an AML/CFT violation by the operator is attributable…

(AsiaGameHub) –   EveryMatrix has enhanced its aggregation platform via a new collaboration with Eeze.

As a result of the agreement, Eeze’s collection of live dealer games will be accessible to EveryMatrix’s global partners.

Bjorn Sjoberg, Chief Commercial Officer at EveryMatrix, commented: “We are delighted to incorporate Eeze’s complete product range into our aggregation portfolio. Featuring top-tier live products and a promising lineup of RNG games in development, we are certain our clients will appreciate the unique value these titles add to the market.”

Games now accessible through EveryMatrix’s platform comprise the recently launched Fusion Roulette and Eeze’s first slot titles.

Mikko Hoglund, Partnership Manager at Eeze, stated: “Collaborating with EveryMatrix represents a significant milestone for us as we aim to expand our games to a broader player audience than previously possible.

“We have numerous exciting product launches scheduled for the coming months, and we are confident that these …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Esports Foundation has appointed National Team Partners across over 100 countries and territories for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup. The tournament will make its debut in Riyadh between November 2 and November 29, 2026, with a format centered on national teams instead of club competitions.

Good to Know

Over 630 applications were submitted from 150 countries and territories.
This event will take place every two years and run concurrently with the annual Esports World Cup.
Nations without a designated partner will receive support through regional frameworks.

Esports Nations Cup Establishes a National Team Framework
A core pillar of this initiative is local autonomy. Rather than imposing a single standardized structure across all markets, the Esports Foundation noted that partners will oversee team formation, mobilize local communities, and establish the necessary systems for participation and sustained growth.
This sets the project apart from traditional club-focused esports circui…

(AsiaGameHub) –   DigiPlus Interactive Corp has expressed its support for a comprehensive regulatory revamp of the Philippine online gaming industry as government legislators and Pagcor increase their supervision of the sector.

Good to Know

DigiPlus stated it is participating in a technical working group that is crafting new laws.
The firm anticipates more stringent regulations, rather than a complete prohibition of online gaming.
DigiPlus also mentioned that prediction markets are in preliminary discussions with Pagcor.

DigiPlus Backs Tighter Rules as Philippines Gaming Debate Builds
Although some market speculation has centered on the possibility of the Philippines shutting down certain online gaming activities, DigiPlus anticipates an alternative result. President Andy Tsui confirmed that enhanced regulation is a primary focus, but he also stated the company is confident that an outright ban is not probable.
“We are involved in the working group and are actively contributing to those convers…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Tether announced it has engaged a Big Four accounting firm to conduct an independent financial audit related to USDT. The assessment is scheduled to encompass reserve support, financial management, reporting, and broader operations associated with the stablecoin business.

Good to Know

Tether stated that USDT holds a market value exceeding $184 billion.
The firm noted that over 550 million users globally depend on the stablecoin.
The audit will evaluate digital assets, conventional reserves, and tokenized liabilities.

Instead of restricting the review to cash support alone, Tether indicated the audit will assess a wide range of reserves and systems connected to USDT. This includes digital assets, traditional reserve holdings, tokenized liabilities, internal processes, financial reporting, and general operations.
The company characterized the process as among the largest inaugural audits in financial markets. Given USDT’s size, the scope is significant. Tether reported that the stable…

(AsiaGameHub) –   New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants Atlantic City casino smoking regulations resolved by the Legislature, rather than being left to the courts. Her remarks draw fresh focus to two bills that would either eliminate indoor smoking or allow it to continue with stricter restrictions.

Good to Know

One bill would prohibit smoking throughout Atlantic City casino floors.
Another would permit smoking solely in enclosed, individually ventilated spaces.
Casino workers continue to be divided over jobs, health, and the long-term impact on revenue.

Casino Smoking Fight Returns to New Jersey Legislature
Legal proceedings are ongoing, but Sherrill stated that lawmakers still must take action. In an interview with The Press of Atlantic City, she noted the issue belongs in the legislative process and that hearings are necessary to balance worker health against economic risk.
Per current regulations, casinos may permit smoking on up to 25% of the gaming floor. However, smoke doesn’t remain conf…

(AsiaGameHub) –   India has blocked around 300 additional illegal betting and gambling websites and apps as officials continue to tighten enforcement of online gaming regulations.

Good to Know

Authorities stated that the total number of blocked sites and apps has now reached approximately 8,400.
Targeted platforms included sports betting sites, offshore casinos, betting exchanges, satta, matka, and real-money gaming apps.
Current legislation prohibits online money games while still making room for esports and online social gaming.

A new round of enforcement in India has taken down roughly 300 illegal betting and gambling platforms, expanding on a far larger national blocking campaign already in operation. Officials noted that many operators were reaching users through mobile apps and mirror sites while operating without authorization.
Rather than focusing on a single market segment, authorities adopted a broad approach. The latest crackdown covered offshore casino sites offering games like slots and …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The NBA has initiated the official process for potential teams in Las Vegas and Seattle, following owners’ approval of a market review on Wednesday.

Key Details

All 30 owners cast affirmative votes, despite only 23 being required.
Individual franchises are estimated to fetch between $7 billion and $10 billion.
This vote marks the commencement of the process; however, no team has been granted at this stage.

NBA Starts Formal Expansion Review
Discussions spanning several years have now transitioned into an official procedure. The league announced that PJT Partners will provide counsel on market viability, potential ownership consortia, proposed arena facilities, and the broader economic impact of expansion.
“Today’s vote reflects our Board’s interest in exploring potential expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle – two markets with a long history of support for NBA basketball,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to taking this next step…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission has launched a consultation on proposed legislation that would enable regulators to impose fines on senior gambling industry personnel for anti-money laundering shortcomings. The measure increases scrutiny on individuals rather than solely on licensed operators.

Good to Know

The consultation period ends on May 25.
Potential sanctions may apply to directors, compliance officers, and other senior staff members.
A recent enforcement action against Shelgeyr Limited has brought compliance deficiencies back into the spotlight.

Isle of Man Considers Individual AML Penalties
Proposed legislation in the Isle of Man would significantly expand gambling enforcement reach. Rather than restricting penalties to operators, regulators are seeking authority to levy civil penalties on individuals who contribute to compliance failures through “consent, connivance, or negligence.”
The draft Gambling Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 would expose directors,…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Wealthsimple is poised to enter Canada’s prediction market sector, having secured regulatory clearance to provide specific event-based contracts. While the proposed platform will enable users to trade on real-world results, significant restrictions remain in place.

Good to Know

Wealthsimple obtained CIRO approval for contracts linked to economic indicators, financial markets, and climate patterns.
Under the terms of the approval, contracts related to sports and elections are excluded.
The company must still secure authorization from every province and territory prior to any localized launch.

Wealthsimple Secures Entry into Canadian Prediction Markets
Sports and elections will not be included. Nevertheless, Wealthsimple has advanced significantly towards introducing a prediction market trading platform in Canada, having already obtained regulatory approval for a more restricted range of event contracts.
Rather than venturing into the most popular categories, the Ontario-based investm…