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(AsiaGameHub) -   Bragg Gaming Group, a prominent provider of iGaming content and platform technology, has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Drayton International, a company specializing in diversified gaming technology and content platforms. In addition to the acquisition, Bragg stated that Matt Davey, founder and chair of Tekkorp Capital, has been appointed as the non-executive chair of the Bragg board. A Bold Step Forward Bragg has characterized the acquisition of Drayton International as a "bold step forward" for its operations, asserting that it aligns with the company's dedication to "crafting captivating proprietary gaming worlds." Bragg further indicated that this transaction is consistent with its strategic objective to maintain its position as a games-first organization. The company highlighted that this arrangement will refine Bragg's strategic focus, support its ongoing expansion in the US market, enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities, and bolster its revenue growth. Bragg provided further specifics regarding the definitive acquisition agreement, revealing that it will acquire 100% of Drayton's equity interest through the issuance of 4.5 million new Bragg common shares, valued at USD 2.00 per share. Bragg also noted that the securities issued in connection with this transaction will not be registered under the US Securities Act and will not be offered for sale within the United States. The agreement also grants Bragg the rights to obtain full ownership of the five studios in which Drayton holds stakes. These studios include Boomerang Studios, Dream Streak Gaming, Rise Gaming, Hit Squad, and Neotopia. Additionally, Drayton holds a 100% ownership of the following platforms: Arc Gaming, Vision PlAI, and 3 Shores. The completion of the deal is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. If all necessary approvals are secured, the transaction is expected to conclude in the third quarter of the year. Matt Davey Joins Bragg as Non-Exec Chair As previously mentioned, Bragg has also appointed Matt Davey as its non-executive chair. In this capacity, he will succeed Holly Gagnon, who will continue to serve as an independent director. This appointment is linked to the Drayton transaction and signifies Davey's confidence in Bragg's future prospects. Davey had previously acquired 1 million common shares in Bragg, further underscoring his positive outlook on the company. Davey is also a shareholder in Drayton and, following the merger of the two companies, will hold approximately a 10% stake in Bragg. CEO Mazij: The Deal Encapsulates Bragg’s Streamlined Strategy In commenting on the developments, CEO Matevž Mazij described the acquisition of Drayton as a "highly strategic step forward." He further stated that the deal embodies Bragg's "streamlined and coherent user-focused strategy." Mazij added that this transaction represents Bragg's entry into the ADW (Advanced Deposit Wagering) sector, which transforms parimutuel wagering into a highly engaging experience. Such products have demonstrated significant popularity in the US, a key market for Bragg. The US landscape is shifting, and we believe that Bragg’s relative speed and regulatory agility is already beginning to translate into our being leaders rather than followers in the Alternative Markets space. Matevž Mazij, CEO, Bragg Gaming Group Bragg's newly appointed non-executive chair, Matt Davey, also shared his perspective on the deal, commending Bragg's robust foundation. He indicated that Drayton's business will significantly complement Bragg's by introducing new games, technology, and distribution channels. Regarding his appointment, Davey commented: After discussions with Matevž, his team, and other Board members, I am excited to invest my time and energy to help accelerate growth, drive operational performance, and enhance shareholder value. It’s clear we have a first-rate team, premium iGaming offering, and now a new vibrant aesthetic which I’m confident will be attractive to the market. Matt Davey, non-executive chair, Bragg Gaming Group Bragg announced further leadership changes two months prior. 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 prominent lawsuit involving FanDuel will be moved to private arbitration after a federal judge ruled the case should proceed outside of public view. The suit was filed by Amit Patel, a former finance executive with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who admitted to stealing over $20 million from the team. Patel alleges that FanDuel contributed to his gambling addiction, which ultimately led to his criminal conviction. The Case Will Proceed Behind Closed Doors Last week, U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick approved FanDuel’s motion to delay the $250 million lawsuit and transfer it to arbitration. The order references the terms of service Patel agreed to when he used the platform, which require disputes to be resolved through arbitration and waive the user’s right to a jury trial. This ruling does not settle the dispute but changes how and where Patel’s claims will be evaluated. Arbitration proceedings are typically confidential, with restricted discovery and no public record, unlike a courtroom trial. For FanDuel, this means its marketing strategies will likely remain undisclosed. For Patel, it eliminates the chance to present his allegations before a jury. Legal experts suggest that FanDuel will likely defend itself by emphasizing that Patel was an adult making independent choices. The company may also highlight the responsible gambling safeguards and disclosures embedded in its platform, such as tools to promote safe play and the arbitration clause now governing the case. Patel Claimed That His Past Actions Were Driven by Addiction The background of the lawsuit is expected to play a major role in the final decision. In 2024, Patel pleaded guilty to charges including wire fraud related to his work with the Jaguars, where he oversaw the team’s virtual credit card system. Authorities said he exploited this position to conceal fraudulent transactions, diverting millions into personal accounts for spending and gambling. He was subsequently sentenced to six years in prison. In court documents tied to his original conviction, Patel maintained that his actions were motivated by addiction, claiming he believed he could recover the money he had stolen. However, prosecutors doubted his assertions, citing extravagant purchases and a luxurious lifestyle funded by embezzled funds. The result of the upcoming arbitration remains unclear. Patel must still prove that FanDuel’s conduct and advertising practices violated the law. Meanwhile, the company plans to reject his claims, arguing they are unsubstantiated or speculative. While industry observers will monitor the outcome closely, most of the process will remain out of public view. 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 United Kingdom has officially opened the nation’s largest independent gambling harms research center. The launch responds to rising problem gambling rates in Britain and the significant economic impact caused by excessive gambling. Known as the Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre, the initiative was developed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is funded through the government’s new gambling levy, as announced by UKRI. GHR-UK Evidence Centre Launches as the Largest of Its Kind in the UK In its announcement, UKRI highlighted that problem gambling affects thousands of people across the UK, placing an annual economic burden of GBP 1.4 billion or more on society. This not only impacts individuals directly affected but also strains healthcare and criminal justice systems, given the links between problem gambling and mental health issues such as depression and suicide, as well as increased risk of criminal behavior. The Gambling Harms Research UK (GHR-UK) Evidence Centre will therefore work with government bodies, health organizations, charities, and individuals with lived experience to deepen understanding of gambling-related harm and help strengthen the UK’s gaming policies. The center will: Lead a comprehensive and innovative research programme focused on gambling harms Strengthen capacity in gambling harms research across the country Engage collaboratively with stakeholders from various sectors Investigate how data from UKRI and other sources can be leveraged to generate new evidence Oversee the network of GHR-UK Innovation Partnerships UKRI noted that the GHR-UK Evidence Centre will build upon existing research efforts, improving the UK’s knowledge of gambling-related harm. It will also train a new generation of leaders in gambling research. Furthermore, UKRI confirmed that the center is designed to actively partner with policy-makers, public health agencies, and charitable organizations. A Major Step in Building a High-Quality Research Base According to UKRI, the establishment of the center aligns with its commitment to allocating 20% of the proceeds from the gambling levy toward research. So far, levy funding has supported several initiatives, including the new evidence center itself, 32 rapid evidence reviews, 19 new innovation partnerships, and four UKRI policy fellows. The GHR-UK Evidence Centre represents a central component of UKRI’s broader Research Programme on Gambling. Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, commented on the significance of the move, emphasizing the severe effects unregulated gambling can have on families and communities. This new independent Evidence Centre marks a major step forward in building the high-quality research base required to shape better policies, prevention strategies, and treatment options throughout the UK. Christopher Smith UKRI added that additional research projects are planned, including studies exploring the overlap between gambling and video gaming. Heather Wardle, Professor of Gambling Research and Policy at the University of Glasgow, praised both the introduction of the gambling levy and the creation of the center as a “vital reset” that will play a crucial role in tackling problem gambling in the UK. The New Levy Ensures Independence from Commercial Interests To provide context, the gambling levy replaced the previous system of voluntary contributions from industry operators, under which safer gambling initiatives were funded. While some larger companies contributed substantial amounts, this approach was widely criticized for being inconsistent and inequitable. A key issue was the uneven level of participation among operators—not all companies contributed equally. In contrast, the new levy requires all operators to contribute a portion of their revenues, ensuring fairness and consistency. Additionally, critics had raised concerns about the voluntary model, arguing that it made charities dependent on the gambling industry and created potential conflicts of interest. These issues have been addressed through the implementation of the new levy. As a result, UKRI emphasized that one of the main advantages of the GHR-UK Evidence Centre is its full independence from commercial gambling interests. 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) -   Super Group has strengthened its executive leadership team with the appointment of a new chief operating officer. The role is being filled by Kristy Ross, who previously served as the company’s chief of staff. The Group Names Kristy Ross as Its New COO Ross shared the news on her LinkedIn profile, confirming that she had been appointed as Super Group’s new chief operating officer. She joined the organization in 2023, initially taking on the role of chief people officer. Later that year, she was promoted to chief of staff, broadening her scope of responsibilities within the company. Her latest promotion sees her assuming the COO position, reflecting continued recognition of her contributions. Prior to joining Super Group—the parent company of Betway—Ross spent over 13 years at Renaissance Capital, where she held the positions of chief people officer and CEO for South Africa. Before that, she worked briefly at Bank of America as a human resources director. Ross Thanked the Super Group Team for Their Trust In her LinkedIn post, Ross expressed her gratitude for being entrusted with the COO role at Super Group. She reflected on her time with the company, noting how much she values the dedication of its teams and leaders. Ross described the opportunity to work alongside them as an honor and conveyed enthusiasm about continuing to “build upon the strong foundations already established.” Super Group is a business driven by talented people, clear ambition, and a global mindset. In this role, my focus will be on enabling our teams to operate effectively, scale sustainably, and deliver against our long-term priorities. Kristy Ross, COO, Super Group Ross extended thanks to the team for their confidence in her and voiced anticipation for what lies ahead. Super Group Started 2026 with a Bang Meanwhile, Super Group released its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, reporting record-breaking revenue. This growth was fueled by strong performance across the Africa, Europe, Americas, and Rest of World segments. The company also announced changes to its internal reporting structure. Going forward, instead of presenting Betway and Spin as distinct business units, financial reporting will now be divided into two categories: Africa and International. Leadership expressed satisfaction with the group’s progress and stated that it is well-positioned to achieve success throughout the remainder of 2026. 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) -   Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has vetoed Senate Bill 1589, blocking a proposal that aimed to substantially expand the state’s gambling laws by introducing online casino-style games and dual-currency sweepstakes platforms. Governor Vetoes Bill The bill, introduced by Sen. Todd Gollihare and Rep. Scott Fetgatter, was first presented in the Senate in February. It passed the Senate unanimously, 48-0, in March and was subsequently sent to the House Criminal Judiciary Committee. In early May, the House approved the measure with a vote of 65-21 before forwarding it to Governor Stitt, who vetoed it on May 7 along with several other bills. The governor has not yet provided an explanation for his veto. Notably, this veto came after the Oklahoma Senate had earlier rejected a separate initiative, House Bill 1047, which would have legalized sports betting through tribal operators. Sponsored by Sen. Bill Coleman and Rep. Ken Luttrell, both Republicans from Ponca City, the legislation was supported by the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. The bill would have allowed tribal nations to offer both retail and mobile sports betting under Oklahoma’s existing tribal gaming framework. Supporters argued it provided a regulated alternative to sports betting services already available through other means. However, on April 22, it was defeated by a 21-27 vote. What Did the Bill Aim At? Regarding Senate Bill 1589, it sought to legalize online games resembling slots, lottery, bingo, or other forms of gambling currently prohibited in the state. It also updated the definition of a “representative of value” to include the dual-currency system used by sweepstakes casinos—where one type of coin is mainly used for gameplay, and another is associated with prize redemption. The bill further broadened liability provisions beyond traditional casino operators to cover owners of geolocation services, gaming suppliers, platform providers, promoters, and affiliates. Activities conducted on Indian lands in accordance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act were exempt, and gaming activities under Oklahoma’s Charity Games Act remained protected. State lawmakers now have until May 29 to attempt to override Governor Stitt’s veto. If no override occurs, Oklahoma will continue to be excluded from the growing number of states that have recently moved to ban sweepstakes casino models entirely. In other recent developments from Oklahoma, police shot and killed a man at a casino in Thackerville several weeks ago after he allegedly drew a gun when approached by officers. 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) -   Colorado and Arizona both reported declines in sports betting handle for March. Despite the drops, revenue remained strong as sportsbook hold increased. Arizona saw residents wager a total of $836.9 million on sports in the month, down from $887 million last year, a 5.7% decrease, as reported by the state’s Division of Gaming. Hold, however, was 9.27%, leading to revenue of $70.85 million. After free bet deductions, the state collected $4.8 million in tax revenue, almost double the $2.5 million collected in March 2025. In Colorado, it was a similar story. The betting handle fell from $618 million to $560.9 million, a 9% decline. Yet, similarly, the state collected double the tax revenue, up from $2.16 million to $4.39 million. March Madness Results Drive Hold Increase Last year, March Madness saw several top seeds advance deep into the tournament, which led to high payouts for bettors. The month had an unusually low hold across the board for sportsbooks of around 6%. This year, however, results were more sportsbook-friendly with strongly fancied teams such as Florida, Wisconsin, and Kansas suffering upset defeats. These would have been parlay busters for many bettors. In Arizona, the Wildcats would have been well-backed to go all the way, but disappointed Arizonans in the Final Four. The team also failed to cover some large point spreads as the tournament progressed, leading to losses for fans backing them to win big. Sportsbooks across the industry have been trending toward 9-10% hold as they increasingly focus on parlays to drive revenue. Is Handle Drop a Trend or Blip? The concern for states such as Colorado and Arizona is that sports prediction markets are eating into their betting handles. Arizona has been particularly aggressive in pursuing operators, claiming they run illegal betting sites and fail to pay state taxes. Kalshi saw almost $14 billion in volume in March, compared to just $1.2 billion last year. The company was just launching into sports in 2025 and has significantly expanded its market reach and advertising this year. Sportsbooks continue to claim they are not seeing a significant impact from users shifting to prediction markets. In both Colorado and Arizona, around 99% of all sports wagers were placed online. States with no legal online sports betting are likely to see the highest activity. New Mexico tribes filed a lawsuit this week against Kalshi to protect sports betting in the state, which is legal only through in-person wagers at tribal casinos. Colorado Lawmakers Pass Bill Restricting Sportsbooks While states with restrictive markets, such as New Mexico, are likely to see residents turn to prediction markets, lawmakers also want to control what many see as a predatory industry. In Colorado, the legislature approved a bill that imposes a range of restrictions on sportsbooks. Bill S26-131 aims to offer users “protections against abusive practices in sports betting.” The legislation would prohibit betting companies from: Accepting more than 6 separate deposits from an individual in a single day Initiating or sending push notifications or text messages to account holders soliciting bets or deposits Targeting or creating advertising content that is clearly meant for persons under 21 years old Accepting credit card deposits Author of the book “Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling”, former Colorado resident Danny Funt told CasinoBeats that the state has made many mistakes in regulating sports betting. Initially, it was liberal in issuing licenses, but most companies went out of business or left the state. It remains to be seen whether the changes included in this new bill will have a positive effect. It is also difficult to tell what a positive effect would be. For some, a higher betting handle suggests a thriving market; for others, it shows there are not enough checks and balances on betting companies. 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 Buffalo Sabres are set to host the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference semifinals this evening. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TNT and truTV. We’ve compiled all the key odds, predictions, and picks for you. DraftKings has the Sabres as a -122 favorite at home, with a total set at 5.5. While 53% of the moneyline wagers are on the Canadiens, 63% of ticket sales favor Buffalo. Best Bet: Canadiens vs. Sabres OVER 5.5 (-130) With the series level at 2-2, Buffalo now holds home-ice advantage. They secured a 3-2 victory in Montreal on Tuesday to tie the series. Three out of the first four games have gone over the total of 5.5. In the most recent matchup, when the total was set at 6.5, the UNDER was hit for the first time. This series continues to feature high-scoring action, with ample offensive chances for both teams. Montreal fired 31 shots on goal against Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who replaced Alex Lyon in net for Buffalo during Game 4. Luukkonen, who is expected to start again tonight, may once again face a heavy barrage of shots. We’ll see if he can rise to the occasion. Overall, his postseason performance hasn’t been strong, posting a 3.37 goals-against average and .870 save percentage across three starts. Offensively, Buffalo has regained effectiveness on the power play. The Sabres scored with man-advantage goals from Tage Thompson and Zach Benson in Game 4. They are now 5-for-16 on the power play against the Canadiens. Pick: OVER 5.5 (-130) Best Player Prop for Montreal Canadiens Cole Caufield OVER 0.5 Goals (+175) Cole Caufield (seen above competing with Alex Ovechkin) delivered with a goal in Game 4. It might finally be his turn after scoring in consecutive games. Prior to that stretch, he had gone five straight games without finding the back of the net. Expect Montreal to come out aggressively tonight, and for their top scoring threat to make an impact again in Game 5. Best Player Prop for Buffalo Sabres Josh Doan OVER 0.5 Points (-115) Josh Doan has emerged as the primary playmaker against the Canadiens. He enters tonight’s game riding a five-game point-scoring streak. Five of Doan’s six points against Montreal have come as assists, highlighted by two helpers in Game 4. Additionally, he has recorded at least one assist in every game so far against the Habs. It would not be surprising to see him contribute again in Game 5. 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 code of good practice for prize draw operators will be introduced in the UK next week. However, before its implementation, these competitions are under fire for allegedly failing to provide participants with protections comparable to those found in regulated gambling. Under current UK law, prize draws are not considered gambling if they include a free-to-enter option. As a result, operators do not need a license to run contests offering prizes ranging from cars and homes to holidays and cash. The UK government previously described the sector as one where “prize draws are a significant and growing market.” Research from 2023 indicated that the UK prize draw market generates annual revenue of £1.3 billion, involving 7.4 million adult players and over 400 operators. What is the New Code? Companies may voluntarily adopt the new code, which must be fully implemented by May 20. It includes several key provisions: Age Restrictions: Operators must restrict participation to individuals aged 18 or older and implement age verification measures. Spending Caps: Credit card payments should be limited to a maximum of £250 per month per player. Harm Monitoring: Operators are expected to make “reasonable efforts” to monitor user activity for signs of compulsive behavior and offer tools such as “cooling-off” periods or account suspensions. Transparency on Odds: When feasible, operators should disclose the likelihood of winning (for example, by stating the maximum number of entries available). Free Route Prominence: The “free entry” method must be presented as prominently as paid entry options, ensuring it remains a genuine alternative rather than an obscure workaround. Close to 200 companies have signed up, including major operators such as Omaze, BOTB, and Raffle House. An Omaze spokesperson stated that the adoption of the code represented a “positive step toward raising standards across the industry.” The company emphasized that it has long been committed to customer safety practices and expressed pride that many of its existing safeguards are now formally included in the sector-wide code. Free Entry or Pay Hundreds of Pounds One Omaze competition offers the chance to win a £3.5 million ($4.7 million) house along with £250,000 in cash. Although users can enter the contest at no cost, they also have multiple paid options that increase their chances of winning. We contacted the company for further details about its policies and how the voluntary code would affect them. Instead of a direct response, we were added to their marketing email list and received an automated message featuring an “epic” winner’s story. Omaze house competition The company promotes itself as a mutually beneficial model: for every competition, it pledges to donate £1 million to charity. This means that even if participants do not win the grand prize, they still contribute to charitable causes. Critics argue that the amount donated represents only a small portion of the total funds raised and suggest that people who wish to support charities should give directly rather than through third-party platforms. “Omaze isn’t a scam. It’s more depressing than that,” wrote a critical Substack author back in 2023. The criticism centers on what they describe as “the implication that we need an incentive to act charitably, to act kindly, to help people, animals, the planet.” Harm Monitoring Insufficient, Claims Addict Others have raised concerns about inadequate safeguards against individuals who engage compulsively in prize draw games. The BBC highlighted the case of Lisa, a self-described prize draw addict who accumulated thousands of pounds in debt due to her involvement in these competitions. “You win £20 credit and £30 instant win prizes, and it keeps you going and feeling, ‘Oh, this is fun.’ It’s like when you play a slot machine,” she explained. She admitted to investing “everything” she had into her habit—mirroring patterns commonly reported by gambling addicts. “It looks like a real grey area that’s being exploited,” said Dr. Matt Gaskell, a consultant at the NHS Northern Gambling Service. “It’s becoming something that more and more staff are mentioning. That’s why we think there needs to be tougher laws and regulations,” he added. Similar calls for stricter oversight have emerged within the broader gambling industry, where companies have faced accusations of intentionally fostering problem gambling and neglecting player protection. The UK government has indicated that should this voluntary self-regulation prove ineffective in reducing harm, it may pursue formal legislation to bring the prize draw sector under the scope of the Gambling Act. 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 government of Hong Kong is set to bring pinball and claw machines under the jurisdiction of its gambling laws. The Hong Kong Home and Youth Affairs Bureau has submitted a proposal to the Legislative Council, advocating for the implementation of a mandatory device licensing system. This would limit the number of arcades permitted to operate pinball and claw machines and require licensed venues to undergo regular supervisory checks. If these establishments are required to comply with Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance, any arcade offering prize-based entertainment games may need to obtain similar permits. Legislative Council member Kwok Fu-yung recently received numerous complaints from parents regarding pinball and claw machine centers. She noted that some businesses have opened near tutoring centers to attract young students, according to reports from China.com, a Chinese media outlet. A player uses a pinball machine in a Hong Kong arcade. (Image: @babee_channel/YouTube/Screenshot) A Pinball Craze Sweeps Through Hong Kong, Prompting Regulatory Action In 2022, the Hong Kong High Court ruled that ordinary claw machines do not qualify as "entertainment devices" under current law and therefore do not require special permits. However, despite increased scrutiny and enforcement across Asia on claw machine centers, Hong Kong has seen a surge in popularity of pinball machines, prompting regulatory intervention. While many claw machine arcades across Hong Kong report low customer traffic, pinball arcades are increasingly appearing in shopping malls—particularly those located near schools. After school hours, these pinball centers are often filled with young patrons wearing school uniforms, according to the media outlet. Many popular pinball machines in Hong Kong award points to players who successfully land balls in designated holes. These points can be redeemed for prizes such as figurines, game consoles, and even high-end mobile phones. Tang Ka-piu, Chairman of the Legislative Council’s Committee on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, described the existing regulatory framework as overly "lenient." He pointed out that current rules allow centers to bypass age verification and impose no restrictions on operating hours. Wider Crackdown on Claw Machines Across Asia Tang explained that the proposed measures aim to balance support for local businesses with public concerns about the machines' potential impact. The bureau emphasized its commitment to preventing what it calls "hidden gambling" and protecting young people from developing gambling addictions. Last year, Thailand reclassified claw machines as "gambling equipment," warning that unlicensed operators could face up to two years in prison. Similarly, South Korea—which had nearly 6,000 unstaffed claw machine centers as of August last year—has seen the number of such establishments grow by over 15% in just two years. South Korean high school students have told media they view the machines as a form of gambling, with some admitting to losing more than $100 in just 30 minutes at unstaffed centers. 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 governor of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture has announced plans to build a major integrated casino-resort (IR) on an artificial island in hopes of establishing an international tourism hub. However, the chances of success may be slim. According to the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura stated that the resort would serve as an “international tourism hub.” The proposed site is located adjacent to Chubu Centrair International Airport, near the city of Nagoya. Chubu operates flights to various Asian destinations, including Beijing, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Japanese Governor’s IR Dream As the gambling market in Asia continues to expand, Tokyo has identified the IR sector as a key growth driver for the future. The central government intends to approve three IR projects nationwide, with provinces required to submit their applications by the end of 2027. However, opposition from local residents and anti-gambling advocates has led to a slow response. So far, Tokyo has approved only one IR project: MGM Osaka, scheduled to open in 2030. Aichi had initially considered submitting a bid in 2019 but suspended its efforts due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, however, Omura and his administration decided to revive the plan. Last month, the prefecture set a July 31 deadline for potential operators to submit bids. Aichi aims to select a preferred operator between autumn 2026 and spring 2027. Mainichi reported that since April, Aichi officials have been reviewing proposals from several operators. A popular tourist attraction in Nagoya, Japan. (Image: Goh Win Nie) Why Does Aichi Want to Build a Casino-Resort? Omura’s initiative is reportedly driven by three main factors. First, no other regions besides Osaka have submitted proposals, meaning that if Aichi develops a strong plan before next year, it could face little resistance in gaining approval. Second, attracting international tourists is a significant incentive for Aichi. The prefecture receives fewer foreign visitors compared to other major cities in Japan. An increase in tourism, Omura believes, could help revitalize the local economy, which has suffered from population decline in recent years. Lastly, Aichi is seeking stable funding sources. Officials expect revenue from the IR to provide substantial financial support, which could be used to develop medical and welfare policies. Nevertheless, success remains uncertain, according to the newspaper. Experts predict prolonged increases in construction materials and costs due to the “unstable international situation.” This, along with other factors, has contributed to a “significant rise” in expenses related to Osaka’s IR project, they say. Therefore, concerns persist within Aichi about whether reputable domestic or overseas businesses will be willing to undertake the “enormous initial investment” required to build an IR in the region. 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 Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a leading U.S. financial regulator, announced its collaboration with Major League Baseball and other major sports leagues to combat insider trading in prediction markets. The agency pledged to partner with sports organizations to identify suspicious trading activities and take action against attempts to manipulate sports-related contracts on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket. The CFTC has already established a memorandum of understanding with MLB, according to the agency’s chairman Michael Selig. Selig made the announcement during this year’s Financial Industry Regulatory Authority conference, as reported by CoinDesk. “We are currently engaged in discussions with all professional sports leagues,” Selig added. Selig also rejected claims that sports prediction markets were merely a modern version of casino gambling. “These are distinct products governed by parallel regulatory frameworks,” he stated. CFTC: Insider Trading Will Be Prosecuted Selig has been vocal about regulating prediction markets. Earlier this month, he responded publicly to critics in a letter to the Wall Street Journal, refuting allegations that insider trading is widespread on these platforms. “Claims that our insider trading rules are less defined than others are entirely false,” he wrote. “The CFTC remains a vigilant overseer of prediction markets.” He cautioned that efforts to “drive regulation out” could push prediction markets offshore, where they would operate without oversight or standards. “These markets deliver substantial benefits to individuals, businesses, and the broader economy,” Selig emphasized. “We are committed to maintaining their integrity and supporting their growth.” His remarks followed an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal that characterized prediction market contracts as “old-fashioned betting.” The article noted that approximately 90% of activity on Kalshi is related to sports. An MLB game held at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. (Image: Brycenrichter) Regulator Set to Clash With States The CFTC is preparing for conflict with state governments. Lawmakers across several U.S. states continue advancing legislation aimed at banning prediction markets. Earlier this month, Minnesota legislators approved a bill prohibiting various forms of prediction market activity, including those tied to sports. Additionally, multiple tribes in New Mexico have filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging the platform violates Indian gaming law by offering illegal gambling services. Nevada has taken even stronger measures: in March, the state successfully obtained a court order that temporarily halted Kalshi’s operations in Nevada. This ban was upheld and extended by a Nevada court last month. The CFTC has signaled it will challenge states attempting similar restrictions. Selig warned that the agency would pursue legal action against any state seeking to ban prediction markets without federal approval. “Under the Commodity Exchange Act, the CFTC holds exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets,” Selig wrote. “While some may express skepticism toward innovative financial instruments, we remain steadfast in defending our authority and protecting it.” The Long-Term Outlook Last year, gaming consultancy Eilers & Krejcik projected that sports contracts would represent 44% of total volume on prediction markets over the long term. The firm also forecasted that annual trading volumes could reach $1 trillion by the end of 2029. Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that 80 accounts on Polymarket had exhibited suspicious betting behavior over the past two years. The newspaper noted that these account holders had profited significantly from “dozens” of longshot bets, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency. 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.