Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) –   mkodo has appointed David da Silva as its new Managing Director, succeeding Co-Founder Stuart Godfree in a change of leadership.

As the Pollard Banknote-owned firm celebrates 25 years in business and continues its growth, da Silva contributes his expertise in product, commercial strategy, and regulated iGaming markets.

As mkodo moves into a new era, Godfree was commended for his role in the company’s development, steering it from a pioneer in early mobile innovation to an internationally recognised technology provider for operators.

Godfree commented: “Achieving 25 years is a significant milestone for mkodo. The company is well-positioned, with established technology, enduring partnerships, and a superb team. 

“Under David’s guidance, mkodo will maintain its innovative edge while concentrating on reliability, compliance, and user experience in the globe’s most heavily regulated markets.”

David da Silva, Managing Director at mkodo. Image: mkodo…

(AsiaGameHub) –   GR8 Tech is preparing to capitalize on this summer’s Fifa World Cup with a series of enhancements.

The platform provider announced that it has improved bonuses, tournaments, content delivery, and provider integrations within its casino segment to drive monetization and player retention.

Lusine Khudaverdyan, Head of Casino at GR8 Tech, stated: “A World Cup can attract significant new traffic, but that traffic is only valuable if players are given a reason to remain. For casinos, this translates to more adaptable bonuses, captivating tournaments, robust content offerings, and provider features that assist operators in converting interest into repeat engagement.”

GR8 Tech elaborated that product-level wagering will now enable operators to direct promotions towards specific casino verticals, such as live casino and instant games, instead of implementing site-wide promotions.

Furthermore, operators will have the ability to utilize the same game across multiple tournam…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Gustavo Petro has suffered a major political blow as Colombia’s Humana government has been mandated to refund “emergency taxes” that were found to be unconstitutionally implemented.

The latest ruling from the Constitutional Court of Colombia shows that judges have unanimously decided that taxes imposed by the administration, including a 19% VAT, must be returned to those who paid them.

This decision comes after the annulment last week of “emergency taxes” authorized by President Petro for 2025, which were struck down because the executive branch failed to satisfy constitutional requirements for emergency powers.

It is estimated that the Humana administration faces a COP 25bn (€5.5m–€6m) liability, mostly related to the 19% VAT on alcohol and online gambling purchases during the decree’s enforcement.

The 19% VAT, which began in March 2025, was widely criticized by the online betting industry as an overreach by Petro to fund healthcare and welfare projects in t…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Tombola has brought back its “arcade experience” to set its offerings apart from competitors in the UK iGaming sector and unlock new revenue streams.

The transition to an “Arcade 2.0 environment” aligns with the company’s 20th anniversary, as the Sunderland-based bingo and casual games operator seeks to build on two decades of growth and innovation that have expanded the appeal of its games among the UK public.

Tombola frames the Arcade relaunch as more than a superficial update; instead, it positions this as a strategic move to boost player engagement in the most competitive segment of the UK iGaming market. Marion Ryan, managing director of Tombola, stated that the group is leveraging its long-standing expertise in responsible gaming and customer insights to craft a product tailored to its users.

“This isn’t just a product refresh,” Ryan told iGaming Expert. “It’s a strategic entry into a market where standing out ma…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Aggregation stands as a foundational pillar of the iGaming sector, enabling game developers to distribute their content across broad global markets and giving operators access to a vast library of titles to attract new players.

Yet the role of aggregators now extends far beyond simply supplying thousands of games. Operators are seeking additional tools and services to help build a more immersive, unique player experience that lifts the lifetime value of their user base.

Infingame is one such aggregator that is rising to meet this demand, delivering extra value to its full portfolio of operator partners and further strengthening its growing positive reputation across the industry.

Confident in its ability to deliver on its promises, Infingame positions itself as the ‘number one aggregator in the space’ and is fully committed to retaining that leading position.

But what is it about the company’s offering that fuels this high level of confidence?

Dmytro Kryvorch…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Kalshi has launched a new battle in the ongoing fight over prediction markets. In Montana, the firm is seeking a federal judge’s order to prevent state authorities from classifying its event contracts as illegal gambling as the broader regulatory control dispute unfolds.

Good to Know

Montana issued a cease-and-desist order after determining there was probable cause that Kalshi’s operations meet the state’s definition of gambling.
Kalshi maintains that the CFTC alone is empowered to regulate its exchange pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act.
Similar disputes are already underway in other states, such as Tennessee, where Kalshi recently secured temporary federal protection against state action.

Federal Regulatory Authority Is At The Core
Montana claims Kalshi’s contracts constitute illegal gambling. Kalshi argues Montana has no jurisdiction in this matter whatsoever. That sums up the entire case in a nutshell.
Following a state probe, the Montana Gambling Con…

(AsiaGameHub) –   A federal judge has concluded the fraud case against poker player George Janssen with a prison sentence. The ruling primarily addresses fraudulent loan activities, while a peculiar kidnapping narrative remains in the background.

Key Details

George Janssen received a sentence of 36 months in federal prison and will be subject to 3 years of supervised release.
He is also ordered to pay $908,235 in restitution.
Prosecutors stated that he utilized fabricated documentation and non-existent vehicles to obtain approximately $4 million in fraudulent loans.

Fraud Conviction Issued Amidst Lingering Kidnapping Questions
George Janssen is set to serve time in federal prison following his guilty plea in a fraud case connected to his car dealership, Bay Auto Brokers. According to court documents and recent reports, the sentence is three years, to be followed by three years of supervised release, along with a restitution payment of $908,235.
The government’s prosecution focused on loan fraud, not …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Philippine gaming industry concluded 2025 with a definitive shift in leadership. Revenue from online and electronic gaming surpassed that of licensed casinos, establishing it as the primary growth driver for the sector.

Good to Know

Full-year 2025 gross gaming revenue reached PHP396.14 billion, or about US$6.61 billion, up 6.39% from 2024.
Electronic and online gaming brought in PHP201.12 billion, up 30.04%, and made up 50.77% of total GGR.
Licensed casino revenue fell 9.6% to PHP182.50 billion, while Casino Filipino revenue dropped nearly 21% to PHP12.52 billion.

Online Overtakes Casinos In Philippines Gaming Market
Data from Pagcor revealed the true source of growth in 2025. Electronic and online gaming yielded PHP201.12 billion, a 30.04% increase from the PHP154.66 billion recorded the previous year. According to Pagcor’s classification, this category encompasses e-bingo, e-games, bingo grantees, and onsite and offsite poker. By the end of the year, it had overtaken licensed …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Rank Group has announced a further quarter of growth and has maintained its full-year profit forecast. Its physical venues performed robustly, while its digital operations provided additional momentum, with management confirming that existing strategies are expected to lead to improved annual earnings.

Good to Know

Third-quarter like-for-like net gaming revenue increased by 5% to £205.4 million.
The Group anticipates an operating profit of £68 million for FY2025-2026, exceeding the previous year’s £63.7 million.
Revenue growth was reported across the Grosvenor, Mecca, digital, and Spain divisions.

Land Based Growth Keeps Rank On Track
The most significant improvement originated from the company’s brick-and-mortar locations. Grosvenor Casinos generated £95.0 million in Q3 revenue, a 5% increase, with gaming machines driving the advance by growing 10% following the addition of approximately 850 new units after UK regulatory amendments. The company is also e…

(AsiaGameHub) –   GameStop has launched public sales of Power Packs, a new card offering centered on immediate reveals, PSA-certified graded cards, and fast resale possibilities. The product’s design is straightforward, but its legal risks are not.

Good to Know

Power Packs became available to the public on April 15 and feature Pokémon, football, baseball, and basketball cards.
Pricing ranges from $25 up to $2,500.
Purchasers can unveil a card, have it shipped, store it in a PSA Vault, or resell it via the platform.

GameStop Introduces a Chance-Based Card Product
GameStop and PSA have rolled out Power Packs as a digital card product where buyers pay upfront before learning what they’ve received. Pack tiers span from the $25 Starter level to the $2,500 Lunar tier, and GameStop states higher tiers give buyers a shot at more valuable cards—with no guarantees. Card values shown on the site refresh every five minutes.
This model is what sets the product apart. After a card is revea…

(AsiaGameHub) –   DraftKings is positioning itself for the Alberta market ahead of the official opening. The company has initiated pre-registration and targets a July 13 debut, subject to authorization from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission.

Key Highlights

DraftKings intends to go live in Alberta on July 13.
The pre-registration process has already commenced.
Users can register accounts now, though deposit and wagering capabilities will remain disabled for another three months.

DraftKings Secures Early Foothold in Alberta
Although Alberta’s market hasn’t officially opened, DraftKings is already securing its spot. The Boston-headquartered sports betting and digital casino provider announced on Thursday its intention to launch in the province on July 13, coinciding with the start of regulated gambling.
Currently, the operator is accepting pre-registrations while awaiting licensing and regulatory clearance from the AGLC. Consequently, while Alberta residents can set up accounts, they a…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Construction on the North Fork Rancheria’s project continues. The tribe states the Madera casino development will proceed despite a recent California court decision, asserting that gaming on the trust land associated with the site is regulated by federal law, not state law.

Good to Know

The California Supreme Court opted not to hear an appeal of the lower court’s decision, allowing that ruling to stand.
According to North Fork, federal authorizations granted in 2012 and 2016 continue to validate the project.
Work began in 2024, and the tribe maintains a target opening date of 2026 for the casino.

Federal Approval Still Sits At The Center
The fundamental stance of the North Fork Rancheria remains unchanged by state legal challenges. The tribe reiterates that its authority to operate a gaming facility near Madera is based on federal trust land status and federal permits, a position it reaffirmed following the latest upheld California ruling.
In a statement, the tribe said:
“The …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Tennessee legislators have advanced HB 1885, further defining a legislative effort targeting online sweepstakes casinos. A unanimous committee decision moved the bill forward for additional scrutiny, maintaining regulatory pressure on the state’s unlicensed gambling sites.

Key Details

HB 1885 received a unanimous endorsement from the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.
The legislation is scheduled for review by the Calendar and Rules Committee this Thursday.
The proposal seeks to categorize sweepstakes casino infractions under the provisions of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977.

Tennessee Advances Legislation Targeting Sweepstakes Casinos
HB 1885 continues to progress in Tennessee following its approval by the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. The bill is now slated for consideration by the Calendar and Rules Committee. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky and co-sponsored by Rep. Clay Doggett.
The primary focus of the bill is to address onli…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Australia’s communications regulator has blocked a number of websites operating outside the nation’s licensed gambling market, which includes the creatively titled Mafia Casino.

A total of 19 online gambling and affiliate websites have been blocked by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), as authorities maintain a firm stance against unlicensed operators.

The newly blocked sites are: Bass Bet, BetWhale, CasinOK, Cleobetra, Diva Spin, FatPirate, Free Spinz, Gransino, JackBit, Legiano, Mafia Casino, Magius, Monster Win, NewLucky, Nonbetstop.com, Slotexo, Talismania, Tiki Casino and Vegas Hero.

The authority commented: “The ACMA is reminding consumers that even if a service appears legitimate, it probably lacks essential customer protections. Australians who use illegal gambling services are therefore at risk of losing their money.”

Preventing access to a vast number of websites presents a significant challenge for regulators, creating a ‘whack-a-mole’ situation whe…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Concerns that a flood of players might seek to recover losses from Maltese operators have grown stronger following the latest ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).

The CJEU has sided with the view that contracts between players residing in Germany and operators without a license in the country are fundamentally void.

Prolonged legal disputes between Malta and the EU member states of Germany and Austria over numerous compensation claims have escalated over the past decade, requiring a determination from the Attorney General of the CJEU.

In a preliminary ruling requested by Malta’s First Hall of the Civic Court, the EU court outlined that players may be entitled to claim back losses from operators not licensed in the country. The European Court held that Article 56 TFEU – an EU law governing restrictions on the provision of unrestricted services – does not take precedence over national laws related to online gambling disputes.

The latest ru…

(AsiaGameHub) –   The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has criticized a proposed EU online gambling levy that would be imposed alongside existing national gambling taxes, labeling the initiative as ‘fundamentally unworkable’.

According to the EGBA, an EU online gambling levy would solely favor unlicensed operators, coming at the ‘cost of consumer protection’ and cutting into member states’ tax incomes.

The European Parliament’s Budget Committee approved the EU’s upcoming long-term budget—the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034—by a vote of 26 to 9 (with five abstentions). This framework references possible new direct revenue sources, such as an EU online gambling levy.

While the framework moves forward to the next phase, EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer is urging lawmakers to rethink the levy due to its possible effects on the sector.

Haijer stated: “Today’s vote is a provisional, conditional …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Entain has highlighted its strong interest in the UK gambling sector, as Chief Executive Officer Stella David noted that the operator is expanding its market presence as the 40% remote gaming duty (RGD) period commences.

Mike Snape, Chief Financial Officer, pointed out that the UK gambling industry has been compelled to evolve due to tax reforms, which David described as ‘draconian’, thereby creating openings for Entain to secure market share. 

During this accelerated market transformation, Snape revealed that the operator has refused to slow down, whereas many other market participants have seen their enthusiasm dampened by such harsh tax adjustments.

“We are capitalizing on the current market landscape, and this represents just the beginning of what we believe we can accomplish with our UK operations.”

David also offered a positive outlook on Entain’s performance in the UK. She informed investors that the company aims for further market s…

(AsiaGameHub) –   Media companies operating in Turkey have received a warning that more stringent checks of content and platforms will be carried out to prevent the promotion of illegal gambling services.

This direct warning comes from Ticaret Bakanlığı, Turkey’s Ministry of Trade, following the department’s completion of its latest advertising sweep of digital platforms.

Drawing mainstream media attention in Turkey, the Ministry announced that it had “blocked 15 high-follower social media accounts,” though it has yet to disclose the identities of the individuals involved and which platforms they were misusing.

Turkish media outlets were informed that the “individuals will be charged for promoting illegal gambling platforms with access to all their online inventory blocked.”

This enforcement action forms part of a broader crackdown led by the Ministry’s Advertising Board, which has concluded an ‘investigation of 132 cases, finding 117 in …

(AsiaGameHub) –   Looking ahead at how BetBuilders will evolve ahead of the World Cup, Tamazi Gambashidze, Head of the Sports Brand Experience Department at Adjarabet, shared two key factors that can help bring the product to new audiences.

Gambashidze also noted his view that slightly raising margins for BetBuilders makes sense, during his conversation with iGaming Expert about sportsbook products during this summer’s major sporting event.

iGaming Expert: Could you elaborate on how you think bet builders will change over the coming years?

Tamazi Gambashidze: Artificial intelligence and personalization will further advance BetBuilders. The more data we incorporate, the more efficient the tool will become, as every user will receive tailored suggestions based on their past betting activity.

A wider range of sports and betting markets will be added. In my part of the world, BetBuilders are still a relatively new feature, so not many users have tried them yet, but by the end of the 2020s, roughly …

(AsiaGameHub) –   The United Arab Emirates lottery has expanded into the physical realm with the launch of its inaugural land-based location, where customers can now buy tickets for lottery draws.

Initially launched in December 2024, the UAE Lottery was accessible solely via digital platforms. The debut of a brick-and-mortar store in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, now enables players aged 18 and above to buy tickets directly for games like Lucky Day Draw and Pick 3.

As reported by Gulf News, the UAE Lottery stated: “Every aspect, from striking visuals to user-friendly layouts, has been designed to create a seamless and captivating customer experience. Prominent signage and an inviting, open interior encourage steady visitor traffic, and interactive displays alongside attentive staff guarantee that every visit is both educational and pleasurable.”

The organization also reaffirmed its dedication to responsible gambling, noting that customer service personnel will be on hand to support …