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(AsiaGameHub) -   The March Madness Final Four is now set following UConn’s remarkable comeback victory against Duke on Sunday. Saturday’s matchups will feature No. 3 Illinois facing No. 2 UConn (6:09 ET, TBS) and No. 1 Michigan against No. 1 Arizona (8:49 ET, TBS). Here is a look back at yesterday’s incredible buzzer-beater by Braylon Mullins: BRAYLON MULLINS. THE SHOT. https://t.co/0V6OnPolR2 pic.twitter.com/5B83KGMdVT— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026 Let’s now review the Final Four odds before we present our predictions and picks. Final Four Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook As of publication, DraftKings has Illinois listed as a 2.5-point favorite over UConn, with a total of 139.5. Michigan is a 1.5-point favorite against Arizona, with a total of 157.5. Below are the championship futures odds for each of the remaining teams: Michigan +175 Arizona +175 Illinois +400 UConn +550 Best Bet Illinois vs. UConn: Against the Spread UConn managed to overcome a 19-point deficit to defeat Duke in the Elite Eight. The Huskies, with a record of 33-5, are led by center Tarris Reed Jr. (averaging 14.7 points and 8.8 rebounds) and forward Alex Karaban (averaging 13.2 points and 5.2 rebounds). Duke’s defense effectively contained Karaban in their last game, limiting him to just five points. Reed stepped up to lead the team with 26 points. However, the roles might be reversed for UConn against Illinois, whose strong interior defense held Iowa to only seven two-point field goals. Illinois’ offense is spearheaded by freshman sensation Keaton Wagler, who contributed 25 points in the Illini’s 71-59 victory over Iowa. David Mirkovic, a crucial player in the Illini’s frontcourt, has been dominant on the boards throughout the NCAA Tournament. Here are his rebounding statistics from all four tournament games: Penn (17) VCU (5) Houston (10) Iowa (12) Mirkovic is averaging 11 rebounds per game during March Madness. UConn commits an average of 18 fouls per game, ranking 225th nationally. If this trend continues and Illinois’ interior defense maintains its effectiveness, we favor the favorite to win and cover in the first semifinal. Pick: Illinois -2.5 (-102 at DraftKings) Best Bet Michigan vs. Arizona: UNDER 157.5 Michigan has surpassed 90 points in all four of their tournament games. Arizona, while not as consistently high-scoring, did manage to score 109 points against Arkansas in the Sweet Sixteen. How could this game stay under the total? Arizona secured a lower-scoring victory in the Elite Eight, defeating Purdue 79-64. It’s worth noting that Purdue had previously beaten Michigan in the Big Ten championship game before the start of March Madness. The Wildcats primarily score their points in the paint, but Michigan presents a significant challenge with their 7-foot-3 center, Aday Mara, leading the rim protection. KenPom ranks the Wolverines as the No. 1 team in adjusted defensive efficiency. Concurrently, Arizona limits opponents to just 39% shooting from the field. We are taking the UNDER on this high total. Pick: UNDER 157.5 (-110) Best Player Props for Final Four UConn’s Alex Karaban OVER 11.5 Points (-122 at FanDuel) As previously mentioned, Duke’s defense stifled Karaban, but he scored 22, 27, and 17 points in the first three tournament games. While Illinois’ defensive strength is primarily inside, Karaban often scores from beyond the three-point arc. Iowa managed to shoot 37% from three-point range and made 11 treys against Illinois. Karaban, who leads the Huskies with 73 three-pointers this season, shoots 38.6% from long range. This matchup appears favorable for a strong performance from the senior forward. Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg OVER 16.5 Points (-114 at FanDuel) Yaxel Lendeborg is having a tournament performance that could warrant consideration for Most Outstanding Player. Lendeborg’s last three games have been exceptionally efficient: 27 points, seven rebounds vs. Tennessee 23 points, 12 rebounds vs. Alabama 25 points, 6 rebounds vs. St. Louis Additionally, consider betting on him to make OVER 2.5 three-pointers at +200 odds. Lendeborg has made three, four, and three three-pointers in his last three games, respectively. 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 Premier League remains one of the most profitable sponsorship partners in global sports. However, next season will eliminate one of the most prominent aspects of that ecosystem, as gambling company logos will no longer appear on the front of matchday shirts. This modification is already impacting soccer club budgets, since locating an appropriate substitute is proving more difficult than anticipated. Soccer and Gambling Often Go Hand-in-Hand For years, betting brands paid a premium for shirt placement. The expense was justified, as jersey logos delivered significant value. These displays enhanced credibility, reached millions of supporters, and converted shirts into moving billboards. For clubs not among the elite, these agreements were essential to stay competitive. Now, replacing that income is proving troublesome. Lower-profile clubs such as West Ham United, Fulham, and AFC Bournemouth could feel the impact more severely. Lacking the widespread attraction of the so-called "Big Six," they depended on sponsorship agreements with gambling companies, which frequently offered more than traditional sponsors. Preliminary discussions with potential substitutes have underscored this gap, as upcoming deals might generate under half the revenue for these teams. Companies from industries other than gambling are more cautious, less inclined to make major sponsorship investments, and typically more discerning about which clubs they support. Meanwhile, the EFL Championship encounters no such problems. Without an equivalent prohibition, lower-division clubs continue to be heavily reliant on gambling sponsorships, providing exposure in a competitive but more permissive setting. Teams and Operators Are Shifting Strategies The Premier League's move aligns with increasing worries about the prominence of betting advertising, especially among younger fans. Critics argue that continuous exposure to gambling promotions via shirts, broadcasts, and online material has blurred the line between sport and betting. The league's choice to eliminate such content from its most prominent location reduces concerns while maintaining some connections. Clubs still possess many available options. Sleeve sponsorships, training apparel, and digital marketing campaigns continue to be worthwhile alternatives and can frequently prove more impactful. An increasing number of teams are leaning into content, including behind-the-scenes videos, social media snippets, and narratives featuring players. This transition provides sponsors with a new way to connect with supporters outside of game days. The gambling sector is also adapting rapidly. Certain brands are investigating more gradual onboarding methods, like free-to-play gaming and educational platforms, which emphasize user engagement over immediate betting. This strategy reflects how other regulated sectors have adapted to stricter marketing regulations by shifting their advertising methods rather than exiting the market entirely. 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) -   Atlantic City has moved past its period of crisis. Nevertheless, it remains in a transitional phase between recovery and autonomy, still reliant on external assistance. The municipality now faces challenging decisions regarding how to maintain its current momentum. In comments to The Press of Atlantic City, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill expressed guarded optimism, despite acknowledging persistent industry hurdles and internal state policy disputes. ​Reduced Debt May Signal Lasting Stability ​Years of state intervention from Trenton, coupled with assistance from the casino sector, have steadied Atlantic City’s fiscal situation following a prolonged era of financial deficits and legal disputes. Sustained policy efforts have successfully cut the city’s significant debt by more than half, dropping from approximately $500 million to roughly $228 million. This progress is now a primary factor in the city's strategic planning. New Jersey has extended its oversight of the city for another six years, retaining authority over major financial decisions even as local officials advocate for greater autonomy. While this framework has helped stabilize an economy that was once precarious, it has also restricted the city's capacity to determine its own path. ​“There was uncertainty, and there was constantly the city paying the casinos back, back and forth. It just felt very unstable, and that’s how we saw that huge debt.” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill ​Despite these limitations, credit rating agencies have acknowledged the city's improvements, restoring its investment-grade status for the first time in over ten years. Officials suggest this milestone could signal the start of a new growth phase. State legislators are also hopeful, noting that a solid financial base might allow for a review of how much of the city's revenue is allocated to debt repayment versus long-term development. Policy Debates Create Notable Uncertainty ​Gov. Mikie Sherrill contends that current stability was achieved at a price. Development projects were postponed, opportunities were missed, and debt reduction was frequently prioritized over economic expansion. There are indications of renewed interest, as developers are once again looking at Atlantic City, encouraged by lower risk profiles and the prospect of consistent progress. ​“It feels like there are a lot of great ideas, a lot of opportunity, a lot of people that want to invest in Atlantic City.” ​New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill ​Despite general optimism, the state’s gaming environment remains volatile. Lawmakers in northern New Jersey have resumed discussions regarding the expansion of casino gaming closer to New York City to prevent residents from traveling out of state to gamble. However, Atlantic City officials view this as a major threat, warning that introducing new competition at this stage could jeopardize years of gradual recovery. Meanwhile, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson has reopened the debate over who should shoulder the financial burden of the casino industry. He is advocating for a more equitable distribution of costs across New Jersey, arguing that the benefits of Atlantic City’s casinos extend well beyond the county’s borders. These conversations underscore a city in transition that must define its future role and establish plans for long-term growth. 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) -   Billionaire casino magnate and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has reached an agreement to purchase the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun for $300 million, a record sum for the league, and move the franchise to Houston. Tilman Fertitta Will Purchase the Connecticut Sun  The Connecticut Sun sale features significant casino industry connections, given the seller, Mohegan, runs the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, the venue that also hosts the WNBA team's home games.  Separately, Fertitta Entertainment Inc., the owner of the Golden Nugget casinos, has been connected to recent speculation that Tilman Fertitta is seeking to buy Caesars Entertainment. He allegedly submitted a $34-per-share bid earlier this month, placing the company's equity value at approximately $7 billion. This bid for Caesars faces competition, however, including from activist investor Carl Icahn. It is reported that Fertitta and the casino company are now in a sole 45-day discussion window. Fertitta Entertainment possesses a lengthy and complex record of casino acquisitions and development projects, with the Caesars attempt representing the latest endeavor. Among the billionaire's most ambitious proposals was a 43-story tower featuring a casino, dining, recreational amenities, and more than 2,400 rooms on the Las Vegas Strip. He abandoned these plans last year after various concerns emerged regarding a potential conflict of interest. What Else Do We Know about the Deal? Returning to the Connecticut Sun acquisition – numerous specifics remain unclear. One point is that the team may be renamed the Comets, a founding WNBA franchise. Spearheaded by stars like Sheryl Swoopes, Cynthia Cooper, and Tina Thompson, the Comets secured four straight WNBA titles from 1997 to 2000. The franchise was dissolved after the 2008 season. Another uncertainty is the team's future location in Houston. Analysts believe the Toyota Center is the probable home arena, where they would share the facility with the Houston Rockets, a team the Fertitta family purchased for $2.2 billion in 2017. Furthermore, should the WNBA approve the Fertitta family's acquisition of the Sun, Golden Nugget sportsbooks are expected to cease accepting bets on WNBA contests. A prior example exists for this action, as Golden Nugget sportsbooks halted wagers on Rockets games after the family bought that team. 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) -   Flexifai, a payment technology firm focused on challenging markets, has rolled out an AI-powered routing engine designed to boost transaction approval rates in emerging economies. According to the company, a digital operator in Ghana saw its conversion rate climb from 43% to 73% within 30 days of launch — with no modifications to product design or checkout process. The improvement stemmed from three integrated features: intelligent routing, which picks payment routes using real-time performance data such as authorization rates and processing speed; cascading logic that sends failed transactions to backup providers; and automated retry systems that resubmit rejected payments before the user exits. The deployment in Ghana faced a unique infrastructure hurdle. Mobile money platforms in the region don't have the anti-fraud detection systems commonly found in card-payment setups. This made it hard for providers to spot fraudulent activity, like one user rapidly switching through numerous phone numbers or email addresses. Flexifai tackled this by creating alert systems focused on data points most linked to fraud: customer phone numbers, email addresses, and the order in which this information was sent. This method allowed large-scale pattern detection and generated organized reports that helped the operator spot potentially risky users and respond accordingly. “Ghana represents a market with an expanding digital economy and highly unpredictable payment infrastructure,” stated Sofiia, Head of Sales at Flexifai. “Routing technology that adjusts to these conditions in real time isn't just an add-on feature — it's fundamental to achieving conversion in such markets.” This same methodology has now been implemented in Kenya and Zambia, where mobile money systems similarly lack antifraud infrastructure. In both markets, Flexifai used data-driven pattern detection to create proactive fraud analysis where conventional PSP tools offered minimal insight. The routing engine analyzes various signals, such as user device type, IP address, geographic risk markers, banking activity patterns by time of day, issuer bank traits tracked at the BIN level, and current gateway capacity. Flexifai presently enables over 80 local payment options throughout Africa, Europe, Latin America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Its African network encompasses mobile wallets like OPay, PalmPay, MTN MoMo, and Airtel, plus USSD channels, agent networks, immediate bank transfers, and open banking systems. The firm has local teams stationed in Lagos and throughout Latin America. The routing engine is operational and keeps integrating new data signals and payment providers as the platform grows. About Flexifai Flexifai provides AI-powered payment infrastructure tailored for challenging and emerging markets. The company delivers intelligent routing, cascading payment flows, real-time disbursements through partner networks spanning 150 countries, and access to local payment methods across Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Flexifai runs local operations in Africa and Latin America to assist merchants needing specialized regional payment knowledge. 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 Ukrainian gaming regulator has revoked the operating licence of the betting firm Patriot’s lottery. The regulator, PlayCity, stated it took action after receiving information about Patriot’s operator from the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation. On its Telegram channel, PlayCity wrote: “When issuing licenses to lottery operators and gambling organizers, we always involve law enforcement agencies.” Following a “comprehensive check” of the company and its connections, the bureau and the regulator agreed that Patriot was “non-compliant with legislative requirements.” The decision deals a significant blow to Patriot, which obtained its operating permit only in late January this year. PlayCity initially granted lottery operating permits to just three firms: the aforementioned Patriot, MSL, and the Ukrainian National Lottery. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Digital Transformation confirmed that all three lottery operators had successfully paid the government the mandatory 24.2 million hryvnia ($554,000) licensing fee, as reported by the Ukrainian media outlet Interfax-Ukraine. A Ukrainian scratch card issued by the gambling operator Patriot. (Image: @naFARTnya/YouTube/Screenshot) Ukrainian Regulator: Lottery Operator Failed Compliance Check “The modern Ukrainian lottery market prioritizes security for the state and citizens, as well as the transparency and accountability of businesses,” PlayCity wrote. “We will continue to establish honest and understandable operational rules, under which only trustworthy operators will conduct business.” The regulator provided no further explanation for its decision, though Patriot retains the right to challenge it in court. Patriot began offering gambling products in the Ukrainian market in 1997. According to the Ukrainian media outlet Liga, the company is owned by the British firm Andalidi Invest. Liga reported that its “ultimate owner and beneficiary” is Andriy Matyukha. The outlet noted that between 2015 and 2018, the National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Patriot. Lawmaker’s Accusations Lawmaker Danylo Hetmantsev, a member of the Verkhovna Rada’s tax committee, has repeatedly claimed that Matyukha holds Russian citizenship. Matyukha has denied these claims. In a post on his Facebook page last year, Hetmantsev referred to Matyukha as “a swindler with a Russian passport.” The Ukrainian gambling sector has drawn attention in recent months, with some lawmakers calling for a ban on online casino use by members of the armed forces. This month, Ukrainian casino industry officials dismissed claims from critics that gambling is rampant in the country’s military. Gambling industry officials stated that military personnel “gamble no more than the average Ukrainian.” They noted that gambling addiction is not widespread in the military, “nor is it unique to any group, including military personnel.” Late last year, PlayCity announced it had blocked residents’ access to over 2,500 illegal online casinos. 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 the past week, new lawsuits have targeted US betting firms, accusing them of promoting problematic gambling habits. In the UK, Bet365 faced criticism for not stepping in to prevent the death of a 19-year-old gambler. This has sparked debate over the responsibility of operators when gamblers lose control. We spoke with a recovered gambling addict to learn about his journey to overcoming the issue and his perspective on who bears blame. A UK inquest determined that Arthur Soames died by suicide, with his mental health struggles worsened by gambling. The coroner stated that on the day of his death, Soames had “drained all available funds and credit.” “That’s exactly how I felt,” remembers another UK resident who acknowledges battling a gambling addiction. He chose to stay anonymous, having never disclosed the full extent of his struggles to friends or family. “I took out bank loans, maxed out my overdraft, and had nothing left. I recall placing accumulators—parlays for those in the US—that could have recouped some losses. One looked set to win, but a team from a country I’d never heard of scored in the final minute, making me lose. I collapsed on the floor, screaming.” We asked the anonymous gambler about his recovery in an interview this week. “I searched online for ways to get out of debt and found something called Debt Management Plans. I contacted StepChange, and they were incredible. They reached out to my banks, froze interest on my loans, and I set up a repayment plan.” StepChange is a free UK service that assists people in managing debt. With a manageable payment plan, his finances stabilized, though the urge to gamble remained strong. “I still thought maybe I could win it all back. I’d been up before—had around £10,000 ($13,000) in my bank at one point. But then I lost it all and kept losing, trying to recover what I’d spent. “I lost that £10,000 and another £10,000. The biggest issue was chasing losses. I’d gamble on sports; if I lost, I’d switch to online casino games like blackjack or roulette, hoping to win back what I’d lost. Then I’d lose there too and keep gambling more to recover.” He remembers a day when he lost over £7,000 in a single session. “I used to have a strategy: I’d draw a line of how much I wanted to win. If I aimed for £100, I’d list five £20 increments. I’d place a bet combining two numbers—if I won, I’d cross off two; if I lost, I’d add one. In theory, I could profit by winning fewer times than losing. With a 50-50 bet like red or black on roulette, I thought it was a solid strategy. It worked—that’s how I won £10,000. But then it failed, and I lost 12 spins in a row.” The gambler’s fallacy suggests that if the roulette wheel lands on red, black becomes more likely next. Some roulette strategies advise increasing stakes, doubling down. Such traps can lead players to lose large sums. A different approach might be that of AC Milan manager Max Allegri, who gave large tips to dealers to influence wheel spins toward winning bets. “I kept betting on red, but it kept landing on black. The numbers on my line grew, and soon my bank account was empty. I think I lost over £2,000 on one spin—more than I earned in a month.” How did he stop? “After enrolling in the debt management plan, my mindset shifted. I finally realized I’d never get back that £10,000 I’d won. I gave up.” “I also left the UK. That helped—no more gambling shops around, no gambling ads in sight.” Are Gambling Companies to Blame? Calls to ban gambling advertising in the UK have grown louder. Starting next season, the Premier League will no longer feature betting companies on the front of team shirts, though anti-gambling groups urge the government to take more action and restrict all promotions. “Substantial evidence shows gambling harms many who engage with it and those around them, with advertising key to both starting and increasing gambling,” says the Coalition to End Gambling Advertising (CEGA). “There’s also evidence that gambling ads threaten recovery for those who’ve stopped.” The gambler we spoke to said changing his environment was crucial to quitting. He moved to a country with few betting options and made new friends who didn’t discuss gambling. Is banning gambling ads the solution? “I’m not sure ads need to be banned. Most people can bet without issues, but I lose control. It’s the same with other vices—alcohol, drugs, smoking, you name it.” Do you blame gambling companies? “No. I was the one who lost the money. I placed the bets. I don’t believe the companies went out of their way to encourage me. I think the key is for people to be informed. Understand your chances of winning. Consider how much you can afford to lose and never try to recoup losses. Money will return over time. It took me around four years to repay all I’d lost. At first, it seemed like it would never end, but I settled all debts about eight years ago.” Last week, we spoke to Robert Walker, author of a new book on DraftKings and the backlash the company faces over claims it promotes problematic gambling. Walker similarly emphasized that gamblers should take responsibility and understand why operators offer incentives like free bets to encourage gambling. Empathy Is Everything Are you still tempted to gamble? “Not really. I might bet on football (soccer) sometimes, but I know I won’t make money. Since paying off my debt, I’ve barely placed any bets.” Did you seek other help? “No. I never told anyone. Shame held me back. People say you shouldn’t fear asking for help, but I preferred keeping it to myself. I knew friends or family would be shocked and judge me. I didn’t want to be labeled a gambling addict—it feels like a failure, like weakness.” Noah Vineberg, another recovering gambling addict, says, “Empathy is everything.” He added, “Recovery is the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself.” If you’re struggling with gambling and want to share your story, contact adam@casinobeats.com. Resources are available to help in the UK and the US. 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.