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(AsiaGameHub) -   Codere, Spain’s second-largest gambling company after Cirsa, is being offered for sale with a valuation of approximately €2 billion ($2.3 billion).  According to a report from Spanish news outlet Expansión, the company has engaged US firm Jefferies and Australia-based Macquarie Capital as financial advisors to oversee the sale process.  Sale To Complete In Summer The process remains in its early stages, with a provisional mid-May deadline for interested parties to submit non-binding offers. Binding offers are expected to be submitted around July, with a purchase agreement finalized by August.  Established by the Martínez Sampedro family in 1980, the company has undergone multiple restructurings in recent years. Its current shareholding is now distributed among roughly 84 investment funds, with Davidson Kempner holding a 13.3% stake, followed by Palmerston Capital (5.6%), Deltroit (5.47%), System 2 Capital (5.15%), and Invesco (5.14%). Company in Good Financial Health A 2024 agreement with creditors converted approximately €1.2 billion of debt into equity. Gonzaga Higuero, the company’s CEO, described the deal as “a decisive success for Codere, a guarantee for the future that secures our financial position and reactivates the company’s ability to achieve its set growth objectives.” In 2024, the group recorded revenues of €1.346 billion ($1.56 billion) and an adjusted EBITDA of €179 million ($207 million).  The company operates in seven countries: Spain, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Uruguay, through both physical gambling venues and online platforms. Its business includes slot machines, bingo halls, sports betting terminals, arcades, gaming rooms, bars, and racetracks.  Its online division is listed separately on the Nasdaq but will also be included in the sale. This segment accounted for 12% of total revenue in 2024.  Spain No Longer Highest Revenue Stream Though founded in Spain, the country’s strict stance on gambling has led to reduced revenue there. Codere was among several companies fined by Spain’s regulator last year during a gambling crackdown. The company was fined €17,500 for using unapproved technical systems. In 2024, Italy and Mexico contributed 21% and 17% of the company’s revenue, respectively, while Spain generated around 16%.  Gambling companies in Spain must comply with stricter regulations, including displaying strongly worded warning messages similar to those on tobacco products. These measures were introduced by the country last year.   The new messages include: Gambling addiction is a risk of gambling The probability of being a losing gambler is 75% Losses for all gamblers are four times greater than their winnings  Minister for Social Rights Pablo Bustinduy has led the reforms, stating that “the responsibility should not fall on users but on the authorities, who have the democratic duty to ensure that the environments they access are safe.” It remains unclear whether Spain’s stricter gambling regulations will impact the potential sale of Codere. 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) -   Lottery operator Allwyn has announced the successful completion of its merger with Greek company OPAP. The company stated that this combination establishes it as "the second-largest listed lottery and gaming operator globally." Following this transaction, Allwyn is now officially listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. Allwyn Becomes the Second-Largest Listed Lottery Operator in the World In its official announcement, Allwyn confirmed that the planned business combination between Allwyn International and OPAP has been successfully finalized. The company highlighted that this merger unites two highly successful businesses, thereby expanding their already established long-standing partnership. Allwyn initially invested in OPAP back in 2013. Allwyn further elaborated that the combined entity, which will operate under the Allwyn name, is now a more robust business. It holds leading market positions across several key markets and is characterized by a highly diversified product portfolio, positioning it for future success. The company emphasized that it is now supported by advanced technology and possesses a strong financial foundation, enabling it to pursue further growth opportunities. Additionally, Allwyn reiterated its ongoing dedication to responsible gambling practices and the generation of shareholder value. Regarding value generation, Allwyn confirmed its intention to distribute EUR 0.80 per share to its shareholders. This distribution will occur after the completion of share transactions involving shareholders who opted for the cash exit. The cash exit is anticipated to take place in April. Upon completion of these transactions, Allwyn will have 770,799,070 shares outstanding, excluding any treasury shares. Allwyn also stated that it remains on schedule to redomicile from Luxembourg to Switzerland before the end of the first half of 2026. Furthermore, the company indicated its intention to pursue an additional listing, with the London and New York stock exchanges identified as potential targets. Allwyn’s Leaders Praised the Milestone Representatives from Allwyn expressed their enthusiasm for this significant milestone. Karel Komarek, the company's founder and chair, described the deal's completion as the commencement of a "new chapter," building upon the existing momentum of both businesses. Komarek added that this transaction represents the culmination of 13 years of trust and commitment to creating value for players, shareholders, and society. He believes the combined entity is now well-positioned to achieve even greater success and redefine the entertainment landscape. Allwyn has exceptional potential in the rapidly evolving world of consumer entertainment, and we have the strategic clarity, scale, capabilities and ambition to define the future of the industry. Karel Komarek, founder & chair, Allwyn Robert Chvatal, Allwyn's chief executive officer, conveyed his strong confidence that the post-merger Allwyn will be capable of driving sustainable growth and value creation. He extended his gratitude to all those who supported Allwyn throughout the transaction, which has solidified the company's position as a leading force in lottery gaming. I would like to thank our shareholders, employees and regulators for their support as we bring together two best-in-class organisations to create the second largest listed lottery and gaming operator globally. Robert Chvatal, CEO, Allwyn In related news, Allwyn recently had to discontinue its planned merger with Novibet due to competition concerns. 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) -   Gambling firm Codere is reportedly exploring the sale of its operations for an estimated $2.3 billion or more. This information was initially reported by the economy and finance publication Expansión. Codere Could Sell Its Business by August According to Expansión’s report, the Spanish gaming group is considering a potential sale of its business to another entity. Consequently, the company has engaged Macquarie Group, a prominent financial advisory firm, for its services. Expansión stated it was contacted by anonymous sources familiar with the situation. These individuals indicated that the sale remains in its preliminary stages. The sources mentioned that bids are anticipated by mid-May, with a potential binding offer expected in June. If this schedule holds, a final agreement could be reached by the end of August, the sources familiar with the matter suggested.   Expansión asserted that any prospective deal would also encompass Codere Online, which is the group’s publicly traded online gambling division. A Buyer Would Gain a Strong Foothold in Spain & LATAM Regardless, with Codere firmly established as a leader in Spanish gaming entertainment, such an acquisition would provide a potential buyer with a significant presence in the country. Furthermore, acquiring Codere would grant the hypothetical buyer access to other markets where Codere’s products are available, including Argentina, Colombia, Italy, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay. Expansión suggested that potential buyers could include both gaming companies and financial investors. The news outlet added that certain restrictions on private equity firms might narrow the range of potential buyers. 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) -   Since 2019, Colorado has permitted online sports wagering, enabling residents to place bets from their homes or on the move. Furthermore, the Colorado Lottery recently transitioned to a digital platform to compete with the rising popularity of lottery courier services. However, state legislators are now moving to regulate the rapidly expanding gaming sector due to various responsible gambling concerns. Colorado Considers Prohibiting Player Prop Wagers The Colorado Senate recently approved two pieces of legislation that, if enacted, would place new restrictions on the state's lottery and gambling sectors. One bill aims to cap sports betting advertisements and outlaw controversial prop bets, while the other seeks to dismantle the state's digital lottery system. The first measure, Senate Bill 131, intends to regulate the sports wagering market by limiting television commercials, banning prop betting, and establishing mandatory deposit caps. Prop bets have faced significant criticism due to their connection to the harassment of athletes by bettors. The NCAA has long advocated for a ban on prop bets involving student-athletes, maintaining that such wagers cause undue stress for young players. Additionally, the proposed deposit limits are designed to prevent addiction by stopping players from chasing their losses. Senator Matt Ball pointed out that gambling is a unique addiction where those struggling often believe that continuing the behavior is the remedy. While he noted that many people gamble responsibly, he argued that safeguards are necessary to protect the most at-risk players. The bill was criticized by the major betting operator DraftKings, which warned that over-regulation could frustrate players and drive them toward the unregulated and more hazardous offshore market. Nevertheless, SB 131 managed to pass the Senate Finance Committee with a slim majority. SB 117 Aims to End Colorado’s Digital Lottery Shortly before SB 131 advanced, the Senate Finance Committee approved a separate bill that would terminate Colorado’s online lottery if signed into law. Supporters of the measure raised concerns that lottery games are becoming too similar to traditional gambling and expressed disapproval of players being allowed to fund their accounts with credit cards. SB 117 was introduced by Senator Jeff Bridges, who characterized the expansion of online lottery gaming as alarming and compared its impact to that of fentanyl. He noted that the most frequent players are often from lower-income demographics, which makes these digital gaming products particularly dangerous. 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) -   Jennifer Orbock typically played the lottery only occasionally, but her luck changed dramatically. She purchased a $1 digital instant ticket on a whim and gave it little thought until she received the astonishing news – she had hit the jackpot, winning $707,600! The odds of winning the Alakazam level progressive jackpot for Magic Winnings are 1 in 64.5 million, which makes Orbock's victory even more remarkable. She promptly chose to collect her winnings immediately, selecting the lump-sum, after-tax amount of $509,543. In a lighthearted comment about her good fortune, Orbock informed the lottery that she always believed she possessed “jackpot DNA.” As an added bonus for her family, the Charlotte mother plans to take them to Disney World. “We are taking the kids to Disney,” she stated. In other lottery news, a couple from Melbourne, Australia, recently won headlines by securing a prize of approximately $840,000. 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) -   Concerns that preventing smokers from gambling while they smoke have long maintained a strange loophole in America's ban on indoor public smoking. Casinos have continued to permit players to smoke cigarettes while gambling, harming the health of employees and other customers. Kansas Legislation Offers Hope to Health Advocates Seeking to End Indoor Smoking Exemption Discussion about ending this practice has been intense. Many casinos have been hesitant to take proactive action, worried that patrons would cease visiting. Some have implemented smoking bans without seeing their revenues drop. Kansas may now be considering following suit broadly, with new legislation – House Bill 2252 – poised to modify the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act and ban smoking in casinos. Additionally, the amendment aims to prohibit electronic cigarettes and marijuana as well. Secondhand smoke has emerged as a significant problem nationwide, and advocacy groups argue there is no economic or health rationale for permitting smoking inside casinos, even though smoking sections have been substantially reduced. Comparable initiatives are underway not just in Kansas, but also in New Jersey, which has emerged as the leading example in the fight against the indoor smoking loophole that permits smoking on casino floors. Initiatives Continue in New Jersey, Iowa and Other Locations New Jersey casino employees are once again pushing to eliminate indoor smoking in Atlantic City's gambling venues, now requesting that the New Jersey Supreme Court determine if the state constitution ensures their right to a safe work environment. Nevertheless, some attempts have not achieved their intended outcomes. A distinct measure in Iowa failed to pass. Discussion of the matter has been loud and contentious, engaging prominent lawmakers from numerous states, yet none have demonstrated readiness to address it. Senator Tony Bisignano was one of those who opposed the measure, though he claimed smoking would be eliminated "soon." 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) -   A senior citizen dedicated approximately half a century to playing lottery games, and luck has finally smiled upon her as the anonymous winner claimed the life-changing prize, winning an AUD 1,260,098.55 jackpot valued at roughly $843,700. This marks the second comparable jackpot win across Australia in recent days, with the victor hailing from Melbourne and being one of five entries sharing the grand prize from TattsLotto draw 4661, held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. More Million-Dollar Winners from the March 21 Draw in Australia Similar to fellow winners, the senior woman was utterly astonished by her stroke of fortune, expressing her thrill to lottery officials. She informed TattsLotto that the winnings would significantly assist with completing various household projects and providing for her family. The winning ticket was purchased at Ormond News and Lotto, located at Shop 1, 491 North Road in Ormond, joining a series of substantial prizes claimed by Australians in that momentous weekend drawing.  "What! Are you serious?! One point two million dollars! Darling, you'd better not be teasing me," the woman exclaimed to lottery representatives, sharing her elation with officials, and adding: "You've made an elderly woman extremely happy! I'm in my eighties and have been playing for more than 50 years."  The winner also plans to set aside a portion of the funds to address her health needs, and humorously mentioned sharing the exciting news with her physician. The other verified winners who have come forward to collect the identical prize are a married couple from Melbourne. The husband discovered the wonderful news upon waking and had to hurry to reach his wife, who was on the verge of boarding a flight. 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.