臺北新聞熱綫

(AsiaGameHub) -   Top digital sports media group Better Collective has announced the appointment of Thomas Plenborg as chair of its board of directors during its latest annual general meeting. Plenborg will take up the high-profile role after his predecessor chose not to run for re-election. Plenborg Succeeds Departing Jens Bager Plenborg is already well acquainted with Better Collective’s operations, having become a member of the company’s board in 2025. In his new role as board chair, he takes over from Jens Bager, who opted not to seek re-election, wrapping up almost 10 years of service with the firm. Per statements from Better Collective, this appointment comes as the company aims to enter a new stage of strategic growth. Plenborg will be expected to draw on his extensive experience to guide the company forward and deliver greater value for its shareholders. Better Collective noted that Plenborg is a highly seasoned professional who currently works as a professor at the Department of Accounting of Copenhagen Business School. He also serves as board chair at DSV, a firm he helped grow from a regional operator into a dominant global leader in the transport and logistics space. Plenborg’s core expertise includes driving considerable shareholder value through sound strategic planning and M&A campaigns. Along with approving Plenborg’s appointment as board chair, shareholders also voted to re-elect vice chair Therese Hillman, as well as returning René Efraim Rechtman, Leif Nørgaard, Britt Ingrid Boeskov and Todd Dunlap to their seats on the board. Plenborg Eager to Support Better Collective’s Next Stage of Growth Speaking on his appointment, Plenborg thanked Better Collective’s leadership and shareholders for their trust, as well as his predecessor for his hard work building the company’s governance structure, setting its strategic direction and paving its growth path. Plenborg added that he is excited to begin working with the company’s management team and fellow board members to scale the business even further. I now look forward to working closely with the management team and my fellow Board members to continue developing Better Collective for the benefit of all our stakeholders, including our customers, partners, employees and shareholders. Thomas Plenborg, chair, Better Collective Jesper Søgaard, co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Better Collective, also expressed his delight at Plenborg taking on the board chair role. He stated that the company’s team has long trusted Plenborg’s deep financial and strategic expertise, and is counting on him to help Better Collective solidify its status as a leading sports media provider. His [Plenborg’s] experience with globally-leading companies will be invaluable as we continue our work towards becoming the leading digital sports media group. Jesper Søgaard, co-founder & co-CEO, Better Collective A couple of months ago, Better Collective announced that its ownership of its own share capital had hit the 5% mark. At the time of that announcement, the company stated that it was evaluating a possible share capital reduction. 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) -   According to a new report from Citizens Equity Research analyst Jordan Bender, which utilizes anonymized wallet data from the tracking platform Juice Reel, retail participants on prediction market platforms are experiencing poorer outcomes than those using legal US sportsbooks. Study Shows Prediction Markets Users Lose More The research indicated that the median return on investment for prediction market users stood at -8% from July 2025 onward. This contrasts with a median ROI of -5% for bettors on legal US sportsbooks during the same timeframe and a figure of -7% in an earlier iteration of the report. The analysis also looked at users active on both types of platforms. This group showed a median ROI of +1% on sportsbooks compared to -6% on prediction markets, suggesting to Bender that these individuals might represent less profitable customers for conventional betting firms. Additionally, during Q4 2025 earnings calls, gaming executives projected that prediction markets represented between 0% and 5% of diverted sports betting activity, a range that corresponds with Citizens' own estimate of 5%. Earlier this month, Bender published a separate report arguing that betting data providers stand to gain significantly from the growth of prediction markets. Who Is Using Prediction Market Platforms? Bender’s report cited a discussion hosted by Citizens featuring two professional bettors, who noted that prediction markets present a promising avenue for profits since retail users typically take the opposite position. One participant stated that being positioned against the general public is optimal, characterizing market-making as very appealing and comparing the situation to running platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Using Sensor Tower data, the report also noted that 24% of Kalshi users are under 25, and the company has a median user age of 31. By comparison, the median age is 35 for both DraftKings and FanDuel. It was also emphasized that approximately 90% of DraftKings’ revenue comes from users aged 30 and above. The report also suggested a possible slowdown in acquiring new customers, observing that app downloads for FanDuel and DraftKings fell by 18% and 13%, respectively, from September 2025 to February 2026. In that same period, Kalshi achieved 6.3 million downloads, and its user base, which skews younger, may be a factor in that expansion. It is important to mention that while Bender’s report provides valuable details on the spending behaviors and demographics of prediction market users, it is not the initial study to assert that these users incur greater losses than traditional sports bettors. Similar findings have been reported before, and Kalshi has contested the notion that its regular users lose money more quickly than those on standard sports betting platforms. 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) -   Tensions are rising following a security incident at the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), as a German cybersecurity expert now asserts possession of confidential data from one of Europe’s primary gambling regulators. Earlier this month, the authority confirmed it had identified unauthorized system access, implemented containment protocols, and initiated an internal probe. The MGA Manages Comprehensive Data on Licensees For several days, the event appeared to be a routine cyberattack typical of the online gaming industry. That changed when Lilith Wittmann claimed responsibility via social media posts on LinkedIn and X, stating she had already distributed sensitive documents to journalists and government bodies. The collected information has been provided to media outlets and officials. We intend to reveal the organized crime networks you have facilitated while masquerading as a “legitimate public entity.” Lilith Wittmann In her posts, Wittmann suggested connections between licensed gambling firms and organized crime, though she has yet to provide public proof. If validated, these allegations could significantly disrupt the online betting industry. As a central regulatory body for hundreds of operators, the MGA maintains a vast licensing network and likely holds extensive records on corporate ownership and compliance audits. I am confident that the data gathered is of such public importance that its acquisition will eventually be viewed as a vital necessity in the near future. Lilith Wittmann The full extent of the data leak remains unclear. The regulator has not clarified if the breach involved personal information, financial details, or internal memos, nor has it revealed how long the systems were compromised. This ambiguity has kept industry stakeholders on high alert, as any exposure of regulatory records could carry heavy legal and reputational risks. Malta’s Standing in the Industry May Be at Risk Wittmann’s tactics have intensified the focus on the incident. She warned that any legal action against her would result in a broader release of the stolen data. The outcome depends heavily on the MGA's next steps. Malta enforces strict punishments for hacking state entities, potentially leading to international legal disputes and extradition requests. I trust that German authorities will exercise wisdom and refuse to extradite me to Malta, where I could face a decade in prison for hacking a public institution. Lilith Wittmann The breach has also highlighted Malta’s role in the global gambling sector. The nation is known for a regulatory environment that balances oversight with business incentives. Nevertheless, some critics argue that the rapid growth of the industry is straining the limits of supervision, particularly regarding cross-border operations. Currently, the industry is waiting to see if Wittmann will follow through on her threats and what the data actually reveals. While a minor leak regarding security flaws might be manageable, a widespread release of sensitive corporate data could create a very different scenario for the MGA and the companies it regulates. 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 player visiting the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in California has won a substantial $100K jackpot from one of the slot machines at the venue. This prize marked the casino’s eighth payout exceeding $100K for the year 2026. Thunder Valley Casino Resort Player Won $100K from Slot Thunder Valley Casino Resort, a tribal casino situated in northern California, announced the win on its Facebook page, extending congratulations to the fortunate winner. The prize was reported on March 20, with casino representatives confirming it was won on a Buffalo Link slot machine. One lucky guest stampeded into spring with a $100,125 jackpot win on Buffalo Link! Thunder Valley Casino Resort The casino resort, located in close proximity to Sacramento, has now awarded a total of eight prizes valued at over $100K in 2026 alone, underscoring its reputation as a destination where visitors frequently experience wins. Thunder Valley Casino Resort shared an image displaying the winning screen and the ceremonial check, indicating that the prize was secured with a $250 wager. Comments on Facebook quickly noted that this was a significant bet and that the player reportedly had only $60 in their account at the time of the winning spin. Four Card Poker Player Won $167K at the Same Casino Just a few days prior to this slot machine win, a player enjoying Four Card Poker at Thunder Valley Casino Resort secured a prize of $167,448. A photograph from the event showed that the successful player achieved this win with a royal flush. In separate news, a visitor at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas achieved significant winnings by hitting two jackpots on the same game. These included a $21,150 win from a $2.50 bet, along with an additional $34,000 win. In total, this player took home $55,150. 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) -   Following a recent journey to Mesoamerica, Play’n GO has launched another slot, this time inviting players into the realm of Greek mythology. Hope Unleashed Fortune Rises centers on the tale of Pandora's box and the hope found within. Hope Unleashed Fortune Rises Metrics Rows: 4 Reels: 5 Paylines: 20 Volatility: Medium Min/max bet: 0.05/100 Max win: 1,234x Hope Can No Longer Be Contained According to Greek mythology, Pandora succumbed to temptation and opened the infamous box, releasing all sorts of evils into the world. However, she managed to close it before hope could escape. Play’n GO now offers players the opportunity to access this burgeoning hope, which can no longer be contained by the box, as indicated by the game's title. The new game portrays Pandora as a self-assured woman who opened the mystical artifact without needing permission. The game's visuals evoke ancient Greece, with a backdrop depicting an old Greek temple and symbols like urns, scrolls, and harps that suggest ancient mysticism. The experience is enhanced by stray souls that respond to the box's call, creating a visual spectacle and aiding players on their quest. Pandora Herself Will Help Players Find Hope The game's mysterious atmosphere is amplified by Mystery Symbols, which appear as dark boxes on the reels before revealing their contents. Typically, these symbols contain the same icon, though a Mystery Symbol can also reveal a Wild or a Magic Circle Symbol. While Wilds are familiar to experienced slot players, the Magic Circle is a feature that transforms into an expanding Wild in Pandora's likeness, covering an entire reel. In the subsequent spin, this expanding wild shrinks to a small Wild at the bottom of the reel. Meanwhile, Pandora's Box sits to the side, attracting any stray souls that land on the reels. The more souls that appear, the greater the likelihood of this feature activating and awarding one of four jackpots: Mini (x5), Minor (x10), Major (x100), or Grand (x1,000). Additionally, landing 3, 4, or 5 Scatter symbols awards 8, 12, or 15 Free Spins, respectively. This feature can be retriggered and offers players the chance to win substantial prizes. During Free Spins, players can also encounter the Spirit Orb feature, which grants instant prizes. The Myth Endures Because It’s Human Magnus Wallentin, Play’n GO's games ambassador, commented on the new release, highlighting the enduring relevance of Pandora's story. Pandora’s myth endures because it’s human – the need to know, the cost of knowing, and the stubborn spark that survives the fallout. Hope Unleashed Fortune Rises turns that tension into a story players can feel from the first moment. Magnus Wallentin, games ambassador, Play’n GO The game was released on March 24 and is now available for players to enjoy. In other news, Play’n GO recently celebrated the success of its Book of Dead series with a new addition called Book of Dead GO Collect. 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) -   IGT, a leading slot machine manufacturer, is preparing to let go of approximately 10% of its workforce. Company officials stated that this step will help the firm focus on its current priorities by streamlining operations. IGT Reduces Its Workforce by a Significant Margin According to the announcement, the layoffs will result in IGT cutting around 700 workers across its global office network. This equals roughly 10% of the company’s total employees and comes as it works to build a more focused operational foundation. CEO Hector Fernandez announced the layoffs in a letter distributed to company employees, explaining that the move is necessary to align the company’s resources with its business priorities. Fernandez emphasized that this is critical for IGT, which continues to pursue ambitious growth goals. Fernandez added that since taking on the CEO role, he has aimed to position the company for further growth. He stressed his ongoing commitment to evaluating the business and making decisions to strengthen it. As part of that review, we also had to make some difficult decisions about how our organization is structured, and this work has led to a difficult but necessary step. Hector Fernandez, CEO, IGT Fernandez rejected the idea that the layoffs are performance-driven, noting that their ultimate goal is to ensure IGT remains focused and adaptable to industry changes. All Impacted Employees to Receive Severance Packages IGT confirmed that severance packages are being offered to all employees facing layoffs. Fernandez explained that everyone leaving IGT as part of this initiative will also receive outplacement support and transition resources. He also acknowledged that other team members might feel sad about their colleagues or concerned about the future. While he recognized these emotions as natural, Fernandez said the key is for IGT’s team to move forward together. We came together to build a company that can lead in a rapidly evolving industry, and I remain confident in that opportunity and in the strength of our team. Hector Fernandez, CEO, IGT Fernandez promised that the streamlining efforts will ensure the future IGT continues to drive innovation, execute strategic priorities, and deliver best-in-class services. 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) -   Taiwan has successfully dismantled a multi-billion-dollar criminal network that exploited Macau’s casinos to launder illegal funds. Ten individuals have been charged with running the operation and violating Taiwanese law. The Operation Laundered Money via Macau’s Casinos Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau announced it had shut down the scheme, said to be operated by a 31-year-old man. The ringleader behind the operation is accused of recruiting others to act as money mules and help launder the funds. The criminals are reported to have cleaned illegal proceeds from mainland China through bank transfers. They allegedly used proxy accounts to hide the money’s source, then moved the funds into multiple accounts to exploit credit card overpayment mechanisms and artificially inflate available credit limits.   Next, the money mules would travel to Macau, purchase casino chips, gamble briefly, and then cash out. This process effectively laundered the illegal funds, making them appear as money legally earned in Macau. Ten People Have Been Indicted Yesterday, the Yunlin District Prosecutors Office said authorities uncovered nearly $9 billion in laundered funds. Investigators found that $1 billion had been transferred into Taiwan and seized $8 million from various accounts. Other confiscated items included mobile devices, money counters, and multiple credit cards. Members of the money-laundering ring face accusations of violating Taiwan’s gambling and anti-money laundering rules. Officials stressed that the sums they laundered were staggering and that the operation threatened Taiwan’s financial order. The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office vowed to continue protecting financial order from cross-border financial crime and punish all types of illegal financial activity. The office added it would use all resources to prevent criminal groups from evading legal penalties through overseas operations. Taiwan Busted a $1B Illegal Gambling Operation This is not the first time criminal gangs have exploited financial systems to generate illegal income. Earlier this year, Taiwanese authorities cracked down on an illegal gambling operation that posed as a diner. The operation had found ways to move money to and from illegal gambling websites while avoiding safeguards. This allowed visitors to the den to deposit and withdraw funds to the illegal sites and participate in gambling. Later, the operation’s mastermind launched his own online gambling website, which processed nearly $1 billion in transactions. 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 Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine has announced a new reform it intends to implement alongside the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, effectively banning military personnel from gambling. The thinking behind this decision is simple: to boost morale and prevent service members from falling victim to a potentially harmful habit—one that could erode their combat readiness and have deeper strategic consequences for Ukraine’s military, which has been at war with Russia since February 2022.  Ukraine Aims to Block Vulnerable Players and Military Personnel from Gambling In a statement, the ministry said, “We are continuing our systematic fight against gambling addiction. Our goal is to protect service members and their families from the risks and impacts of problem gambling. To do this, together with the Ministry of Defense, we are creating a mechanism to limit defenders’ participation in gambling during martial law.” The ministries will introduce a mandatory verification process that checks if a casino user is on a self-exclusion list or in the military. Any matches will result in the account holder being blocked from playing further. While this initiative is welcome and serves as a reasonable safeguard, its success will also depend on how well those denied access to gambling operators are monitored and supported afterward. Many gambling websites have been set up on both sides of the frontline, with the stated goal of pushing more people into reckless gambling. Concerns Persist Even With Safeguards in Place Though Ukraine has largely acted against such sites, service members with a gambling urge may still turn to unlicensed and predatory websites that worsen their condition. For this reason, any measures the ministries adopt should address this issue. A worry that military information could be leaked to operators has already been tackled, as the verification system will not explicitly state why someone was banned from playing. PlayCity will oversee the reform’s rollout, with the newly launched regulator having already blocked 2,500 illegal gambling websites in 2025 alone. 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.