Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) –   Alberta has established significant deadlines for operators seeking to participate in a regulated market for online sports betting and casino games. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) has issued new guidance that clarifies the timeline for applications, the exit from the grey market, and the rules for transitioning player accounts.

Key Takeaways

Operators are required to submit applications and fees by July 13, 2026.
In specific instances, the AGLC may grant extensions until October 13, 2026.
While over 55 operator sites have indicated interest, only nine had paid fees as of March 17.

Alberta Establishes Deadlines as iGaming Launch Approaches
The AGLC has outlined crucial dates for private operators in anticipation of a potential spring launch for regulated iGaming in Alberta. This guidance applies to sports betting websites, online casino platforms, and grey market operators currently accepting wagers in the province without official authorization.
According …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The dismissal of the adviser responsible for an administrative mistake that will cost Estonia €4 million was described as ‘unavoidable and necessary’ by Chancellery Director Antero Habicht.

An error in Estonia’s Gambling Tax Act mistakenly exempted online casinos from taxation in 2026 before it was found in January. Despite this, the country is still poised to forfeit significant tax income due to the oversight.

This week, the Estonian broadcaster Eesti Rahvusringhääling (ERR) stated the adviser behind the error was fired after disciplinary action. New reports now indicate that Piia Schults, previously unnamed, intends to appeal the decision legally.

Responding in writing to the intended appeal, Habicht commented: “Considering all factors, this action was unavoidable and necessary; maintaining a trust-based working relationship was no longer feasible.

“Current information suggests the official will seek judicial protection of her rights, and as a result, we deem furth…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Digitain is strengthening its position in the Bulgarian iGaming market after obtaining both manufacturer and importer licences from the nation’s gambling regulator.

The manufacturer licence enables the provider to distribute its internally developed products to Bulgarian-licensed operators, with solutions that are fully certified and customized for the local market.

Concurrently, the importer licence authorizes Digitain to offer certified third-party products within the Bulgarian market.

Digitain stated that the licences underscore “its dedication to regulatory excellence and partner-focused expansion, guaranteeing that operators targeting Bulgaria can access a full range of compliant, premium solutions”.

Arshak Muradyan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Digitain, remarked: “Obtaining both licences in Bulgaria represents a significant milestone in reinforcing our footprint across regulated markets.

“This enables us to provide both our proprietary solutions and an extensive array …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Sportradar is transforming its iGaming services with the introduction of Playradar, a new brand created to unify sportsbook and casino offerings for global operators.

Playradar will provide operators with a ‘fully-integrated ecosystem of cross-vertical gaming experiences’, under the leadership of former Playtech CEO Edo Haitin, who will serve as Executive Vice President of iGaming.

The brand will function solely in regulated markets, beginning with an initial launch in the UK, North America, and Latin America. A schedule of game releases is planned for the year, covering classic table games, arcades, slots, and virtual reality, with responsible gaming and integrity built into every product.

Carsten Koerl, Founder and CEO of Sportradar, stated: “iGaming is a logical and scalable expansion of our operations, representing a strategic boost to our long-term growth plan. 

“Playradar’s content is engineered to optimize cross-selling between sports and casinos, assis…

(AsiaGameHub) –   IGT has verified a global workforce reduction of 700 employees, representing roughly 10% of its staff, as a component of business restructuring initiatives aimed at future expansion.

An IGT spokesperson informed iGaming Expert that the job cuts are intended to facilitate the company’s pursuit of sustained growth and to ‘advance with increased focus, agility, and competitiveness’.

The IGT spokesperson stated: “While we progress the merger of the former IGT and Everi operations, we are restructuring our organization to hasten innovation, enhance execution, and prepare the company for long-term growth.

“To facilitate this upcoming stage, we are reallocating resources and refining our operational framework to concentrate on our most promising growth areas and strategic goals, which will affect around 700 employees worldwide, or 10% of our workforce.

“We are grateful for these employees’ contributions and dedication to our company, and we pledge to assist those impacted…

(AsiaGameHub) –   A social media content creator based in Thailand has been handed a prison sentence after being convicted of unlawfully promoting gambling services to her followers.

According to reports from Thaiger News, 24-year-old Narumon “Mind”, who has more than 740,000 followers on Facebook, advertised a gambling platform via her social media story posts, while her account also hosted dance videos posted alongside links to gambling sites.

The Don Mueang District Court initially issued a six-month prison term to the influencer, which was reduced to three months after she admitted to the offenses, with the remaining part of the sentence converted to a two-month detention order.

Thailand’s Police Cyber Taskforce launched investigations into her activities, and authorities have confirmed they are continuing to probe the online gambling network that Narumon promoted.

Police Major General Siriwat Deephor also issued a warning to influencers against sharing gambling-related content,…

(AsiaGameHub) –   NagaCorp saw a significant increase in its 2025 earnings, driven by improved revenue and EBITDA across various sectors at its NagaWorld complex in Phnom Penh. The growth was fueled by robust mass-market results, increased VIP engagement, and the introduction of gaming products with better margins.

Good to Know

NagaCorp’s net earnings for 2025 totaled $309.9 million.
Total revenue for the group increased by 26.2% to approximately $709.7 million.
The introduction of side bets and an improved win rate contributed roughly $39 million in additional income.

NagaWorld Boosts NagaCorp’s Financial Performance
The company reported that its annual net profit climbed to $309.9 million, a substantial rise from the $109.6 million recorded the previous year. The 2024 figures had been impacted by a $89.1 million non-cash impairment charge related to a resort development in Vladivostok, Russia.
For 2025, revenue reached nearly $709.7 million, representing a 26.2% increase, while EBITDA surged …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Taiwanese law enforcement officials announced they dismantled a cross-border money laundering operation connected to illicit online gambling. The authorities estimate that the criminal organization transferred approximately TWD33 billion, equivalent to roughly US$1.03 billion, via transactions at Macau casinos.

Good to Know
Taiwanese officials stated the case encompassed approximately TWD33 billion in alleged illegal funds.
Law enforcement reported that the scheme utilized 85 credit cards and culminated in 20 apprehensions.
Investigators characterized the case as unprecedented for Taiwanese police.

Taiwan Connects Macau Casino Chip Acquisitions to Online Gambling Proceeds
The investigation commenced in the latter half of 2025, when Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau tracked questionable money movements from numerous bank accounts associated with online gambling and fraudulent activities. The bureau indicated that funds were transferred into accounts controlled by certain individ…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Pagcor has designated Gaming Laboratories International LLC as the first independent testing laboratory for iGaming in the Philippines. This approval comes as the regulator intensifies oversight of the rapidly growing online gaming market.

Good to Know

GLI is the first company to gain accreditation under Pagcor’s new system.
B2B iGaming suppliers in the Philippines are now required to hold accreditation.
GLI will employ its GLI-19 standard to test platform fairness, security, and integrity.

GLI Earns First Accreditation Under Pagcor’s New Rules
GLI stated that this accreditation allows it to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines. Under the new framework, all B2B suppliers must meet stricter regulatory and technical standards.
The company noted it will apply “GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems” when evaluating submissions. According to GLI, this standard is already utilized in multiple jurisdictions.
Pagcor Chairman and Chief Exec…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Alumni of the prediction market platform Kalshi are securing as much as $35 million for a new venture fund dedicated to startups in the prediction market space. This initiative serves as a further indicator that investor attention is shifting from trading platforms themselves to the underlying infrastructure that powers event-driven markets.

Good to Know

5c(c) Capital intends to back approximately 20 startups within the coming two years.
The fund’s focus is on firms involved in market making, index creation, and tools for prediction markets.
Initial supporters already feature prominent figures connected to Kalshi, Polymarket, and leading crypto and fintech investment networks.

New Fund Targets the Plumbing Behind Prediction Markets
A new investment vehicle named 5c(c) Capital is forming to target one of online trading’s most rapidly expanding areas. According to regulatory documents and sources close to the fundraising, the effort is spearheaded by two early Kalshi employees and aim…

(AsiaGameHub) –   IGT is eliminating approximately 700 positions across its global operations, as per an internal memo distributed Monday by chief executive Hector Fernandez. This reduction comes after a review of operations following the merger of IGT’s gaming and digital business with Everi Holdings Inc.
Good to Know
IGT is downsizing its global workforce by around 700 employees.
A report indicated the layoffs impact roughly 10% of the total staff.
Hector Fernandez stated the company aims to streamline its structure and reduce redundancy.
IGT Implements Job Cuts as Post-Merger Review Restructures Business
A new phase of restructuring is taking place at International Game Technology Plc. In a staff memo, Hector Fernandez announced that IGT will reduce its global workforce by approximately 700 employees as management seeks to align resources with current business priorities.
The layoffs were first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which noted the job cuts would impact roughly 10% of the total sta…

(AsiaGameHub) –   According to fresh data from StreamHatchet, Stake was significantly ahead of all other operators in gambling-focused stream titles at the beginning of 2026. The report highlights a substantial divide between Stake and the competition, while also indicating that prediction market brands are gaining notable momentum across Twitch and Kick.

Good to Know

In January 2026, Stake was mentioned in 6,600 stream titles on Twitch and Kick, accounting for 60% of all iGaming brand references.
Kick hosted the top ten iGaming livestreamers, who collectively amassed 88.4 million hours watched in January.
Polymarket and Kalshi led the prediction market category, with 12,000 and 11,700 mentions respectively.

Stake Builds A Clear Lead In Gambling Stream Titles
The standout figure is impossible to overlook. StreamHatchet identified Stake being mentioned in 6,600 stream titles across Twitch and Kick in January 2026. This accounted for 60% of all tracked iGaming mentions in the report, placing the brand …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Polymarket has revised its rulebook amid growing pressure regarding the integrity of prediction markets. On Monday, the company announced it had implemented Enhanced Market Integrity Rules across both its DeFi platform and its CFTC-regulated U.S. exchange, introducing new restrictions targeting insider trading and market misconduct.

Good to Know

Polymarket now prohibits trading that relies on stolen confidential data, unlawful tips, or the ability to influence specific events.
New Market Integrity sections outline the operation of these rules and guide users on how to report suspicious behavior.
This update follows closely on the heels of Polymarket’s announcement of a sports integrity collaboration with Palantir Technologies and TWG AI.

Polymarket Clarifies Who Is Restricted From Trading Specific Markets
A key component of the update is straightforward: Polymarket is working to clarify which individuals should avoid specific trades. Under the new guidelines, users are forbidd…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Planet Hollywood Resorts International is preparing to make its debut in Georgia through a new integrated resort located in Tbilisi. Developed under a licensing deal with Orbi Group and Block Group, in partnership with Iconic Entertainment, the project is set to become a significant addition to the city’s tourism, gaming, and hospitality landscape.

Good to Know

The project will feature a 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino in Tbilisi.
The plans also include a 600-room Radisson Blu hotel, a casino spanning 50,000 square feet, and a 4,000-seat venue for entertainment.
The developers anticipate that the project will generate over 2,000 permanent jobs within Georgia.

Planet Hollywood Selects Tbilisi for Major Georgian Resort
Moving beyond a traditional hotel debut, Planet Hollywood is lending its brand to an expansive mixed-use development already being built in the capital. The total site will feature two towers housing 1,200 rooms, combining a 500-room Planet Hollywood Hotel …

(AsiaGameHub) –   David Sklansky, a pivotal figure in the development of modern poker strategy, passed away at 78 due to heart failure. The three-time World Series of Poker bracelet champion made a profound mark on poker theory, gambling tactics, and the broader narrative of Las Vegas.

Good to Know

David Sklansky captured three WSOP bracelets and authored close to twenty poker books.
The Theory Of Poker introduced concepts such as implied odds and expected value into common poker terminology.
His contributions influenced how dedicated players approach poker in cash games, tournaments, and various formats.

David Sklansky Changed Poker From Instinct To Theory
Many poker players achieve victories, but few transform the game’s fundamental understanding. Sklansky accomplished exactly that. Beyond his tournament achievements, he will be remembered for transforming poker into a discipline grounded in mathematics, logic, and strategic long-term planning. His writings formed a cornerstone for countless player…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Efforts to legalize online casinos in Maryland have lost momentum during the 2026 legislative session. A referendum bill from Senator Ron Watson was withdrawn, and the companion measure that would have set rules for Maryland’s online casinos failed to advance out of committee before Crossover Day. This leaves the state’s push to legalize online casino gaming in a vulnerable position as the session enters its final phase.

Good to Know

SB 761—the referendum bill tied to Maryland’s online casino legalization effort—was pulled by Senator Watson.
SB 885, which would have established the framework for internet gaming and online bingo, remained in committee.
The broader Maryland iGaming plan cannot proceed in its current form without voter approval via a referendum.

The two-bill strategy was designed to work together, but that structure now appears to be the main reason the effort has stalled. SB 761 would have put a Maryland online casino referendum on the ba…