臺北新聞熱綫

(AsiaGameHub) -   A recent report indicates that New York’s three full casino licensees have the potential to achieve annual gaming revenues as high as $5.6 billion.  Final approval for the three new licenses was granted by the New York State Gaming Commission in December. Following a competitive selection process, the sought-after licenses were awarded to Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Resorts World New York City at Aqueduct Racetrack.  An analysis by CBRE Institutional Research suggests all three locations are poised to be highly profitable. The completion of all projects is anticipated by 2031.  For their first full year of operation, the base-case estimate for Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is $4.7 billion. This would position the region as the second-largest gaming market in the United States, trailing only Las Vegas.  CBRE stated, “The Downstate New York market is significantly under-penetrated, and there is a strong case for each of the three projects to be among the highest revenue-generating casinos across regional gaming.” Huge Gaming Floors to Attract New York Gamblers New York is already a leader in sports betting, with its handle hitting $26.3 billion in 2025. The state exhibits a substantial appetite for wagering, and the new casinos will offer numerous gambling opportunities for residents.  CBRE explained, “The proposed gaming floors are massive, featuring some of the largest table game areas, if not the largest, seen in regional gaming, with over 200, 400, and 500 tables planned for Bally’s Bronx, [Hard Rock] and RWNYC, respectively.” Upon full completion, Resorts World NYC is projected to be the largest casino in the US, equipped with 6,000 slot machines and 800 gaming tables.  The company plans to launch the initial phase of the full-scale casino later this year, offering up to 4,000 slot machines and 250 table games. “RWNYC should also benefit from having existing casino infrastructure in place and an already established customer base, as the proposed project is an expansion of the existing facility rather than a ground-up development,” CBRA stated in its report. Other New Venues Set for 2030 Openings The two other venues will be constructed from the ground up. Hard Rock Metropolitan Park is planned to include roughly 5,000 slot machines and 375 table games, which will incorporate 30 poker tables. Developers expect to break ground this year, aiming for an opening around 2030. Bally’s Bronx is also scheduled for a full opening in 2030, with plans for approximately 3,500 slot machines, 210–250 table games, and 40 poker tables.  All three casinos are situated in prime locations to draw visitors. CBRE observed, “Each location benefits from a high volume of passerby traffic, non-gaming-specific reasons to visit, and a large population base within a reasonable drive-to and/or train-to radius.” Gaming Expected to Dominate Revenue According to analysts, a bullish scenario projects total annual revenue reaching $7.8 billion, with gaming expected to contribute over 70% of that total.  “This contrasts with Las Vegas, where gaming accounts for less than one-third of Strip property revenue. We do not expect Downstate New York to resemble the Vegas model – these will remain gaming-dominated properties, especially given the higher margins associated with gaming versus hotel or ancillary spending,” said CBRE.  New York is not anticipated to experience the same declining visitor figures as Vegas. Over 65 million people visited the Big Apple last year. Resorts World will have the largest hotel capacity with about 2,000 rooms, followed by Metropolitan Park with 1,000, and Bally’s Bronx with slightly more than 500.  As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, analysts Colin Mansfield and Connor Parks said the hotels are unlikely to compete with New York City’s already substantial cash-paying customer base and will instead be largely reserved to drive gaming demand.  This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Authorities in South Korea report that illicit money exchange operations are focusing on Chinese gamblers within the island province of Jeju. The region, a major destination for Chinese travelers, features eight casinos restricted to foreign nationals. Law enforcement officials note a spike in local crime, attributing the trend to an increase in gambling-related pursuits. According to the South Korean newspaper Dong-A Ilbo, the Jeju Metropolitan Police Agency recently announced a series of security measures aimed at curbing these offenses. The agency highlighted a growing number of illegal currency transactions involving foreign passport holders. A police representative explained that these unauthorized brokers serve undocumented individuals and casino visitors looking to move large sums of money abroad while bypassing legal remittance caps. Chinese Gamblers: Authorities Launch Crackdown on Exchanges Beyond currency, these operators offer illicit loans, which often escalate into serious offenses like kidnapping, extortion, assault, and fraud, according to the spokesperson. Police also warned that fraudsters have begun preying on undocumented immigrants and Chinese gamblers in the Jeju area. In one instance from February, a Chinese national in his 50s lost 30 million won (approximately $20,000) to a scammer posing as a broker. The two individuals connected via the WeChat social media platform. Officers stated the victim handed over the funds under the impression that the operator would securely transfer the money to China. However, the suspect reportedly vanished after receiving the cash and failed to complete the international transfer. Officials emphasized that these illegal activities frequently result in violent encounters. Last November, three individuals were detained for the two-hour abduction of a Chinese woman in her 30s inside a hotel room. The victim was located in a luxury Jeju City hotel that houses a casino. She informed authorities that she had intended to exchange $87,000 worth of Chinese yuan for local currency. Additionally, a year ago, three Chinese citizens, including a woman in her 40s, were apprehended for the fatal stabbing of an illegal broker to settle gambling debts. The group was accused of stealing roughly $57,000 in valuables, including casino chips and cash. Law Enforcement Issues Public Warning Jeju police told the press they anticipate a further rise in such crimes as the number of tourists continues to grow. Between 2022 and 2024, visitor arrivals surged to 662,976, nearly a fourfold increase. During that same timeframe, casino earnings reached $324 million. The casino located at the Jeju Shinhwa World resort in Seogwipo, Jeju Province, South Korea. (Image: jejushinhwaworld/Facebook) To combat this, a specialized WeChat channel has been established for reporting suspicious activity to Jeju’s Foreign Affairs Police Force. Authorities are also intensifying social media outreach targeting international visitors. The Jeju police plan to display promotional materials in casinos and high-traffic areas to encourage the use of legitimate financial institutions. A sub-tropical beach scene on South Korea's Jeju Island. (Image: Jungjin Moon) A spokesperson warned that utilizing black-market exchanges puts individuals at risk of violent crimes against their person and property. Local government officials are supporting the initiative through casino inspections to ensure entry protocols are followed. A similar effort last year uncovered 15 procedural violations. In September, Jeju police detained several Chinese nationals following what was described as a “riot” at a casino. The incident involved approximately 50 Chinese citizens and casino staff after a player accused a dealer of cheating during a card game. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Slot machine developer International Game Technology (IGT) is conducting global layoffs of 700 employees, which constitutes roughly 10% of the company's workforce.  CEO Hector Fernandez notified employees of the job reductions via a letter sent on Monday. Since taking on his position in December of last year, Fernandez has been assessing the company's workforce.  “We looked into our areas of focus, our operational methods, and how our structure aligns with our strategy. As part of this evaluation, we were compelled to make tough choices regarding our organizational setup, and this process has resulted in a challenging yet essential step,” he wrote. The layoffs are not tied to employee performance; instead, they aim to streamline operations following last year's merger with Everi. The merger was part of a takeover by New York-based firm Apollo, which agreed to acquire both companies for $6.3 billion in 2024.  Fernandez was appointed to lead the newly formed company and added, “The changes we are announcing today are part of our endeavor to simplify our structure, eliminate redundancies, and allow us to operate with increased clarity and speed.” Plan Devised During Year of Waiting Fernandez noted that severance packages are being offered to affected employees. He added, “For those departing IGT as a result of this action, we are dedicated to providing severance pay, outplacement assistance, and transition resources.” Prior to assuming his CEO role, he was required to wait a year due to a non-compete agreement from his former position as CEO of Aristocrat.  During his year away, he stated that he developed a business plan centered on the 5 C’s: culture, capabilities, content, commercialization, and cash-flow generation. “I crafted the plan, strategy, and execution approach for this role. I couldn’t engage in competition, but I could apply my intellect. That’s exactly what I did,” said Fernandez.  Company Moves to Next Chapter Fernandez encouraged remaining employees to unite and push the company forward.  “What is crucial now is how we progress collectively: supporting one another, concentrating on our priorities, and continuing the work that will shape the next chapter of our company. We joined forces to build an enterprise capable of leading in a fast-evolving industry, and I remain confident in that opportunity and in the strength of our team,” he told staff.  The layoffs were first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, though the outlet did not specify how many of the job losses are in Nevada.  IGT operates two facilities in the state, including a Las Vegas location near Buffalo Drive and Sunset Road. The company moved its headquarters to Vegas last year following the merger.  The company also has employees in Texas, California, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. Internationally, it maintains a presence in Europe, Australia, India, and Latin America.  In his letter, Fernandez did not specify the locations of the job cuts. When announcing the deal to acquire IGT and Everi, Dave Cohen, a partner at Apollo, stated, “We are eager to collaborate with all individuals at IGT Gaming and Everi to advance the combined enterprise.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Yesterday’s Mega Millions drawing did not produce a new jackpot winner. However, it did create two new millionaires, as players in California and New Jersey won seven-figure sums. California Player Took $2M, New Jersey Player Grabbed $3M During Tuesday’s Mega Millions drawing, lottery enthusiasts competed for a chance at the $60 million jackpot (cash option of $27 million). While no one managed to win the game’s top prize, this outcome is to be expected, given that two Mega Millions jackpots have already been won this month. Nonetheless, Mega Millions continued to distribute prizes, with multiple players securing smaller winnings—including two prizes exceeding one million dollars. For context, the winning numbers in the March 24 drawing were 4, 13, 52, 53, and 69, along with the gold Mega Ball 10. Two separate players narrowly missed the jackpot by matching all regular numbers but not the Mega Ball. As a result, one of these players—a ticket holder in California—won $2 million using a 2X multiplier. The other player, a lottery participant in New Jersey, won $3 million thanks to their ticket’s 3X multiplier.    Meanwhile, three distinct players won the game’s third-tier prize. One of them claimed $30,000 due to a 3X multiplier. The remaining two took home $40,000 and $50,000 with multipliers of 4X and 5X, respectively. Additionally, the Mega Millions jackpot has now reached $70 million for Friday’s drawing, with a cash option of $31.5 million. Two Mega Millions Jackpots Were Won in March The first Mega Millions jackpot of 2026 was claimed on March 10 by a lucky player in Illinois, dubbed “Lucky Lady,” who won $536 million. The player later visited the lottery headquarters to claim her prize, though the lottery’s official release did not specify whether she chose the lump sum or annuity option. However, the winner indicated plans to use the funds to buy a house with a pool. She also mentioned that a family trip to Las Vegas is being considered. The next jackpot was won just days after Lucky Lady’s windfall, with a $60 million prize going to a player in Ohio. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In a recent interview with the Press of Atlantic City, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill remained neutral on the Atlantic City casino smoking dispute, but called on legislators to resolve the issue promptly and bring the long-standing debate to a close. Governor Sherrill Calls on Legislature to Resolve the Issue Sherrill noted that while legal proceedings continue, lawmaking is the real solution. She added that she has received input from employees with differing views on the matter – those who support a smoking ban and those who oppose it due to business concerns. The governor emphasized that the focus must be on safeguarding employee wellbeing while maintaining employment and fostering ongoing economic development. A worker-led organization of casino employees known as Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) has long campaigned for all nine Atlantic City casinos to go smoke-free. Last year, the coalition even called on candidates for governor, Sherrill being one of them, to support the group's initiative to ban smoking inside casinos. Under the 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, however, casinos received a waiver permitting smoking on up to 25% of their gaming areas. However, this law did not mandate that smoking sections be enclosed by walls or other physical partitions. Consequently, smoke frequently infiltrates supposedly smoke-free zones. Perspectives from Both Sides of the Smoking Ban Debate CEASE members claim their constitutional rights under state law are being infringed. They cite a clause in the New Jersey Constitution stating that all individuals are inherently free and independent, with certain fundamental rights, including the right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness. This constitutional reasoning has been incorporated into several bills put forward earlier this year, which aim to tackle the issue. However, CEASE faces opposition from Atlantic City casinos, represented in Trenton by the Casino Association of New Jersey, which are seeking to maintain their indoor smoking allowances. The group argues that a prohibition would push gamblers toward Philadelphia, where most casinos permit cigarettes and cigars at slot machines and table games. Furthermore, with three potential downstate New York casinos in the works, the Atlantic City casino lobby argues that now is an inopportune moment for new restrictions. The lobby contends that a complete indoor smoking prohibition might harm the city's gambling sector by deterring patrons from Atlantic City establishments. Some, though, dispute this claim, and a ban might actually draw more non-smoking patrons. The American Lung Association reports that adult smoking rates declined by 73% between 1965 and 2022, with tobacco use decreasing among younger generations. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Mississippi is intensifying its initiatives to tackle gambling-related harm through new academic studies and legislative measures, designed to reshape the state's current betting practices and their social impacts. These developments are particularly crucial, since conventional harm prevention methods may now be insufficient. Young People Are Especially Vulnerable The University of Mississippi is launching a new research facility dedicated to studying gambling behaviors among university students. Sanctioned by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, the Center on Collegiate Gambling is scheduled to commence operations later this year with an approximate budget of $700,000. Project researchers emphasize that fresh data is urgently required. Legal sports betting has grown swiftly throughout the United States, potentially putting young adults at heightened risk. With gambling platforms more accessible than ever, preliminary survey results from university personnel indicate the problem has already become pervasive. Almost 40% of students acknowledged engaging in some type of gambling activity during the previous year, with a portion exhibiting behaviors consistent with problem gambling. In addition to gathering data, the center will create preventive initiatives, provide support services, and counsel legislators on possible policy reforms. The objective extends beyond merely comprehending the issue to actively influencing its resolution. Harm Prevention Must Keep Up with Market Realities Wider policy changes are already in progress across Mississippi. A newly proposed bill would mandate casinos to verify major winnings and subtract any outstanding child support obligations from the winner's payout. The legislation targets large-scale prizes like jackpots. Proponents contend this measure would guarantee that financial obligations are fulfilled when considerable amounts are at stake. Mississippi is also stepping up its crackdown on illicit operators. State regulators routinely issue cease-and-desist notices to unauthorized platforms that provide games of chance and sports wagering services without proper authorization. These operators are frequently located offshore and do not provide basic consumer safeguards or harm prevention measures. These academic and legislative initiatives show the state is slowly adjusting to contemporary trends. This transformation is particularly notable within higher education. With students now having betting platforms readily available on their mobile devices, the distinction between occasional participation and harmful use is becoming unclear. Establishing a specialized research center reflects growing recognition that current approaches will be inadequate for tomorrow's challenges. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Medical professionals in Indonesia report a sharp increase in inpatients suffering from gambling addictions, with several hospitals struggling to manage the rising patient count. The Indonesian media outlet Jatim Times reports that the surge in patient numbers is driving a steep rise in hospital bed occupancy rates. Officials note that during certain times of the year, these rates have exceeded 90%. Doctors attribute much of this trend to severe gambling addiction. Staff at Surabaya’s Menur Mental Hospital stated that between January and April 2025, the facility treated 51 patients with serious gambling disorders—16 of whom were inpatients. By May, that number had reached 85. These statistics point to a significant upward trend. For the entire year of 2024, the same hospital treated a total of 68 gambling addicts. Trend Extends to Other Parts of Indonesia The Surabaya figures are not isolated. Physicians in the capital, Jakarta, have reported similar patterns. In November 2024, Indonesian media outlet Radar Bangkalan reported that staff at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) said around 100 people had received inpatient treatment for gambling-related issues in recent months. The Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Image: Edogang1) Kristiana Siste Kurniasanti, head of the hospital’s Psychiatry Division, noted there has been a “significant rise” in the number of patients with similar conditions. She said approximately 200 outpatients are also receiving treatment for gambling addiction, adding that some patients are as young as 14. Siste stated the figures doubled in 2023 and tripled the following year. “These figures have continued to balloon,” she added. “Addicts don’t know when it’s morning, afternoon, or evening anymore,” she told Indonesian media outlets last week. “They don’t even know when their money is gone. Addicts will go to any lengths to find money to gamble. They even commit crimes, such as stealing other people’s money and belongings.” Experts told Radar Bangkalan that similar cases “have been found in many areas,” with the number of patients likely much higher in other parts of the country. Medics said online gambling began to gain traction in Indonesia during the coronavirus pandemic. They blamed easily accessible online loan providers for enabling people to bet on credit. Earlier this month, police in Kupang city arrested a taxi driver they said had become addicted to gambling. The 30-year-old man allegedly pawned his employer’s car to fund his online betting sprees. Police Make Arrests Meanwhile, police continue their crackdown on online casinos, which has so far seen regulators freeze tens of thousands of dollars in hundreds of citizens’ bank accounts. Officials say all the accounts were used to make deposits or withdrawals on online casino platforms. In East Java’s Ngawi Regency, regional police officers report they have arrested six people on suspicion of using their mobile phones to gamble online. The media outlet Surya Indonesia reported that police confiscated all six suspects’ mobile phones and bank cards. At a press conference, they showed media representatives screenshots of banking applications they said the suspects used to place online bets. “We will crack down on all social ills, including […] online gambling,” a police official told the press. “We ask for the community’s help in this matter. Together, we can work to create a safe and comfortable environment in the Ngawi Regency.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   DraftKings, FanDuel, Genius Sports, and the National Football League are facing a product liability lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), which claims the firms collaborated to develop and profit from an “unreasonably dangerous” online gambling product built to fuel addiction. The 81-page legal filing was submitted on March 24 at the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on behalf of two Pennsylvania residents: Christopher Sage and Terry Thompson. Live microbetting, which lets users place quick, consecutive bets during a sporting event, is the core focus of this lawsuit.  The plaintiffs claim that the design elements of online sports betting platforms — such as tailored promotions, real-time statistics, and VIP outreach — are crafted to amplify addictive betting habits.  Combined, the plaintiffs state they placed millions in bets and lost over $2 million while using the FanDuel and DraftKings Sportsbook applications.  In the press release announcing the lawsuit, Mark Gottlieb, executive director at PHAI, said:  “These defendants, including the NFL, are working in tandem to turn regular sports fans into constant gamblers. By leveraging coordinated immersive marketing, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and customer-specific algorithms, they manipulate users’ cognitive processes and inflict lasting, severe harm on long-time fans like Mr. Sage and Mr. Thompson.” The lawsuit alleges that the tactics used by these firms transform “casual sports fans and recreational bettors into compulsive gambling addicts.”  By naming parties across the entire sports betting ecosystem — including sportsbook operators, data suppliers, and the NFL directly — the filing argues the system is set up so every participant helps boost betting volume, with all parties walking away with profits.  The plaintiffs are requesting both compensatory and punitive damages, plus an injunction to halt the defendants’ supposedly wrongful conduct. Lawsuit Targets Microbetting, Personalization & ‘Always-On’ Gambling The “flawed design” of the named sports betting platforms lies at the heart of this lawsuit. The filing draws a comparison between modern apps and traditional sports betting, where fans had to travel to place wagers before a game began and then wait for the final outcome, claiming DraftKings and FanDuel eliminated those natural restrictions and replaced them with a quicker, constantly accessible system centered on in-game live microbetting. The filing claims these apps “remove the limitations that once constrained in-person sports betting locations,” crafting a “tailored and ultra-fast sports gambling interface.” The lawsuit explains how these quick bets placed on individual pitches, plays, shots, or other in-game moments impact bettors, stating they trigger a “trancelike state known as ‘dark flow,’ where users become fully immersed in the game.”  Unlike standard sports bets, which are settled only once a game concludes, microbets can be resolved in just a few seconds. All these elements create a fast feedback cycle that keeps users engaged and pushes them to place repeat bets.  To support its case, the lawsuit draws a parallel between microbets and slot machines, noting that the practice “fully immerses users in the constant cycle of ‘pulling the lever’ or clicking to place the next microbet while waiting for the next potential win.” As a result, the plaintiffs allege:  Christopher Sage developed a serious gambling addiction after using the apps, losing more than $40,000 on DraftKings and $130,300 on FanDuel. Terry Thompson faced even more devastating losses, with a total of approximately $1.52 million on FanDuel and $336,000 on DraftKings. The filing also points out the role that tailored marketing plays in fueling addictive betting on these platforms, such as push notifications and VIP hosts assigned to high-spending users. The lawsuit claims that in some instances, these outreach efforts continued even after users tried to cut back or stop their gambling entirely. These elements, the lawsuit contends, lead to a product design that prioritizes user engagement and corporate profits over the safety of bettors, drawing comparisons to highly addictive substances such as heroin, cocaine, and tobacco. Commenting on the lawsuit, PHAI Litigation Director Andrew Rainer said:  “Following the example set by the tobacco industry, the online sports gambling sector has crafted a highly addictive, nearly impossible-to-resist product that blasts consumers with dozens of betting chances each and every minute, leaving a wake of shattered lives, including our clients Chris Sage and Terry Thompson. “Instead of continuing to line their pockets with billions in annual profits, those responsible for this destruction — DraftKings, FanDuel, Genius Sports, and tragically, the NFL — must be held accountable. This is the process we are launching today.” Lawsuit Puts NFL, Genius Sports Relationship Under Scrutiny A notable aspect of this lawsuit is the inclusion of the NFL and Genius Sports, whom the filing identifies as critical enablers of the modern sports betting ecosystem.  Genius Sports holds exclusive rights to distribute NFL data to sportsbooks, supplying the real-time statistics required to run microbetting markets. The lawsuit claims the NFL has a direct financial stake in this system, as it holds an equity share in Genius Sports and its licensing agreements. “The NFL Defendants engaged in unfair or misleading practices by providing DraftKings and FanDuel, via Genius Sports, with officially licensed live NFL game and player data and statistics — data they knew was essential for DraftKings and FanDuel to build microbetting options into the design of their Sportsbook apps,” the lawsuit alleges.  Per the filing, this partnership benefits both organizations when betting volume rises, particularly high-frequency bets like microbets, which bring in significant commission revenue. PHAI, the group that filed this lawsuit, has a long track record of legal actions against the tobacco industry, including public liability cases that resulted in multibillion-dollar settlements in the 1990s. Whether the group will achieve similar success in its fight against the sports betting industry will now be determined by the courts.  This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) unveiled bipartisan legislation on March 23 that would prohibit prediction markets overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from offering contracts tied to sports events and casino-style activities. This proposed bill joins a growing roster of legislative efforts aimed at curbing prediction markets as these platforms face heightened oversight from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.  The Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act would revise the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to prevent registered entities from providing contracts related to sporting events, athletic contests, or casino-type games. Should the bill become law, it would explicitly affirm that states hold complete jurisdiction over sports betting and casino-style gambling. Prediction markets are offering sports bets — just with a different name. They are being offered in states where sports betting is illegal, like California, while federal regulators are greenlighting them rather than enforcing the law.My bipartisan legislation with… pic.twitter.com/oNvI2vw9IP— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) March 23, 2026 This legislation emerges at a time when sports-related contracts are a major point of contention in discussions about the legality of prediction markets. State regulators, tribal representatives, industry associations, and certain legislators have contended that sports event contracts are no different from sports betting, serving as a loophole that lets CFTC-regulated platforms bypass state laws and operate in regions where conventional sports wagering is limited or prohibited. Redefining the Rules of the Game In its current form, the bill would resolve the ongoing debate about whether event contracts are legitimate hedging instruments or merely digital bets. The legislation would modify the CEA to clearly define and prohibit contracts linked to “sporting events or athletic competitions” and “casino-style games”—a category that covers everything from slot machine activities to professional and college sports. Speaking about the proposed legislation, Curtis put it in terms of state authority and consumer protection: “Too many young people in Utah are getting exposed to addictive sports betting and casino-style gaming contracts that belong under state control, not under federal regulators. Our bipartisan legislation clarifies regulatory jurisdiction, ensuring that states can maintain their authority over sports betting and casino gaming.” Schiff was more straightforward in criticizing the current setup of prediction markets, asserting that “sports prediction contracts are sports bets—just under a different label.” He noted these products are available across the country “in blatant violation of state and federal laws” and framed the bill as a means to shut a regulatory “backdoor” that undermines state consumer safeguards and tribal self-governance. Capitol Hill Continues to Ramp Up Pressure on Prediction Markets The Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act is the newest addition to a recent surge of legislative measures aimed at prediction markets—an industry Schiff referred to as the “Wild West” when he introduced the DEATH BETS Act on March 11.  Beyond sports and casino-style activities, Congress is targeting prediction markets from several angles as it seeks to impose stricter regulations on these platforms:  Political Integrity: Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) put forward the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act, which would prohibit federal officials from trading in government-related contracts when they have access to nonpublic information. The “Death Bets” Ban: Senator Schiff also recently unveiled the DEATH BETS Act, which explicitly forbids contracts linked to war, assassinations, or the death of an individual. Consumer Protections: The Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act, backed by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), suggests a more comprehensive regulatory structure that includes age verification requirements and a prohibition on using credit cards for betting. As prediction markets grow in popularity, Capitol Hill lawmakers are signaling their intent to influence the future direction of the industry. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The PGA Tour schedule rolls on this week with the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and Scottie Scheffler enters the event as the primary betting favorite. Matt Fitzpatrick is coming off his third career PGA Tour title at last week’s Valspar Championship, while Min Woo Lee returns as the defending champion of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Texas Children’s Houston Open Betting Odds at DraftKings Below are the odds for the top contenders to win the Texas Children’s Houston Open according to DraftKings: Scottie Scheffler +320 Min Woo Lee +1800 Chris Gotterup +2500 Jake Knapp +2600 Sam Burns +2800 Brooks Koepka +2900 Kurt Kitayama +3000 Rickie Fowler +3300 Nicolai Hojgaard +3300 Marco Penge +3800 Michael Thorbjornsen +3900 Ben Griffin +4000 Adam Scott +4300 Harris English +4300 Ryan Gerard +4500 Harry Hall +4600 Keith Mitchell +4700 Taylor Pendrith +5200 Rasmus Hojgaard +5200 Wyndham Clark +5400 Shane Lowry +5500 Pierceson Coody +5500 Sam Stevens +5600 Sahith Theegala +5900 Alex Smalley +6200 Davis Thompson +6400 Jason Day +6500 Tony Finau +6600 Stephan Jaeger +6600 Ricky Castillo +6800 Sungjae Im +7000 Top Favorite Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open Chris Gotterup (+2500) Memorial Park is a course that rewards long hitters, making Chris Gotterup a prime candidate for success this week. Gotterup currently sits at sixth on the tour in driving distance, averaging 319.1 yards. His personal best this year was a 367-yard drive at the WM Phoenix Open, a tournament he won back in February. Additionally, Gotterup secured a victory at the Sony Open to begin his 2026 season. He has shown he can handle the pressure of contention and could find himself in the winner's circle again on Sunday. Top Sleeper Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open Michael Thorbjornsen +3900 Michael Thorbjornsen appears to be on the verge of his first victory on the PGA Tour. He recently went head-to-head with Gotterup at the WM Phoenix Open, finishing just one stroke behind the lead. Thorbjornsen also played in the final pairing at The Players Championship alongside Ludvig Aberg, though a difficult 5-over round resulted in a T-22 finish. As a powerful driver who also performs well on the greens, he has a strong chance to secure his first tour win in Houston. Top Longshot Bet for the Texas Children’s Houston Open Tony Finau +6600 Tony Finau is a past champion at this event, winning the 2023 Houston Open before returning to claim a runner-up finish the following year. Finau arrives in Houston following a solid T-18 performance at last week's Valspar Championship. While his overall form is strong, he can occasionally struggle with his accuracy off the tee. That should not be a major concern at Memorial Park, a venue that is forgiving off the tee and features the fewest bunkers of any course on the tour. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.