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(AsiaGameHub) -   At Allwyn’s recent Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings, the company approved all proposed resolutions, including board reappointments and the relocation of its registered office to Switzerland. However, some lingering concerns remain, especially regarding the company’s share price. Following the merger with OPAP, the stock dropped from above EUR 20 ($23.42) to just over EUR 12 ($14.05), leaving some investors uneasy. Allwyn Will Continue to Diversify According to a recent Next.io report, CFO Kenneth Morton rejected the idea that the stock price decline signals a shift in Allwyn’s business direction. He informed shareholders that no significant developments have occurred since the company’s March guidance, emphasizing that disclosure regulations would have required an update to its estimates if performance had changed. According to management, operations are proceeding as planned, even though share prices do not reflect this progress. CEO Robert Chvátal described the OPAP merger as a major milestone. He noted that the move enabled Allwyn to expand its operational reach while creating additional opportunities to adapt to the rapidly evolving gambling industry and diversify its offerings through digital channels and sports betting. Diversification continues to be at the heart of Allwyn’s strategy. Executives highlighted the company’s scale, cash flow, and technology base as key factors driving future growth. They also expressed a goal to become publicly listed on more prominent stock exchanges such as London and New York, suggesting that Athens may only serve as a temporary base. Sports Betting Presents Unique Opportunities Despite management’s optimism, many investors seek more immediate growth indicators. For instance, sports betting is a promising sector that has become a priority for Allwyn, particularly after the company entered the U.S. market via its investment in PrizePicks. According to executives, this expansion could complement the steady returns generated by lottery operations. However, skeptics question whether sports betting can truly gain momentum without in-house sportsbook technology. The planned acquisition of Novibet, which would have provided essential expertise in this area, collapsed earlier this year due to objections from regulators. This setback forced Allwyn to reassess its options. In the near term, Allwyn will focus on strengthening its marketing efforts, local expertise, and execution capabilities rather than pursuing another large-scale deal. Nevertheless, the company’s long-term objectives remain unchanged. Allwyn still intends to deploy its own sportsbook platform across various markets while relying on its core lottery business as a stable foundation. 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) -   Aussie gambling shares are surging following the gaming operator Aristocrat's announcement of net profits of nearly $575 million (USD) for the first half of the financial year. In its pre-audit earnings disclosure, Aristocrat reported profits increased by more than 17% compared to the previous year, and declared shareholder dividends of $0.36 per share for July. The company’s gaming segment revenues grew almost 5% year-on-year, reaching just over $1.4 billion. In response, share prices surged by over 13% on May 13, pushing the market capitalization above $20 billion. Trading volumes also spiked, more than doubling within 24 hours to reach 3.3 million shares. Aristocrat outperformed most stocks on the Australian Stock Exchange on May 13, as the S&P/ASX 200 index declined 0.4%. Aristocrat share prices on May 13. (Image: Google Finance) While gaming stocks are generally falling in the US and Asia, certain Australian operators appear to be defying the trend. Aristocrat’s main rival, Light & Wonder, saw its share price rise by 5% on May 13, with trading volumes nearly doubling from May 12 levels. Light & Wonder released its own quarterly results earlier this month, showing a more modest 2% increase as revenues climbed to $573 million. Light & Wonder share prices on May 13. (Image: Google Finance) Share prices at The Lottery Corporation rose by nearly 2%, although its trading volumes fell below the five-day average. However, smaller Aussie operators such as Skycity experienced a decline, with prices dropping 4%. What Has Sparked the Aussie Gambling Share Boom? Aristocrat investors appear to have been encouraged by the company’s strong financial performance. The firm’s normalized Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization (EBITA) rose by over 6%, surpassing AUD 1 billion. But earnings alone are not the full story. The company is also seeking to attract stock market investment by expanding its on-market share buy-back program by an additional $726 million. The program is now valued at $1.8 million and has been extended through mid-May 2027. The operator is also embracing artificial intelligence at a time when chip stocks are experiencing widespread growth. “We are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance our strategic advantages and transform our processes,” CEO Trevor Croker told investors during an earnings call. Croker also announced the appointment of new board members with backgrounds in AI leadership. According to the media outlet Australian Financial Review, Aristocrat aims to exceed market expectations by selling access to approximately 5,000 poker machines in 2026. After a prolonged legal dispute, Light & Wonder and Aristocrat resolved their disagreement over alleged gaming development infringements earlier this year. The former agreed to pay Aristocrat $127.5 million after admitting it used Aristocrat’s math data to develop algorithms for the games Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon. Light & Wonder agreed to cease selling Jewel of the Dragon in April of last year. Aristocrat has been expanding its sports offerings in the US in recent years. In 2025, the company launched its NFL-themed slot titles in Puerto Rico. 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 Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has issued a failure-to-file cease trade order (FFCTO) against NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. due to the company's failure to provide its 2025 audited annual financial statements. As a result, the operator of NorthStar Bets is prohibited from trading on Canada's TSX Venture Exchange, where it has been listed since 2023. NorthStar Gaming Unable to File Financial Statements NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. announced that its independent auditor has withdrawn its previous audit report. Furthermore, the company has postponed its annual meeting, which was originally scheduled to take place on May 25, 2026. On May 6, 2026, the auditor retracted the report it issued on May 14, 2025, regarding the company’s 2024 financial performance. This withdrawal implies that the auditor no longer views those historical statements as reliable, a move that has also cast doubt on the company’s 2025 financial figures. Without the necessary validation from its independent auditor, NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. has been unable to meet its regulatory filing requirements. The company had applied for a Management Cease Trade Order (MCTO) to manage the delay, but the OSC denied the request, stating it was unconvinced the filings could be completed within the necessary two-month period. While trading of NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc. shares is currently suspended on the TSX Venture Exchange, the OSC's decision does not affect the betting operations of NorthStar Bets, which continues to function normally. The company plans to file its audited financial statements and request the revocation of the cease trade order once the audit issues related to a vendor are resolved. Upcoming Steps NorthStar Gaming has not yet released a specific timeline for the completion of the missing filings. However, the firm stated it will provide market updates as more information becomes available. According to FFCTO regulations, if the necessary documents are filed within 90 days of the order, the submission will automatically act as an application to the OSC to lift the cease trade order. Michael Goodman, who assumed the role of CEO in December following the exit of Michael Moskowitz, stated that the company is taking focused and disciplined actions to reach profitability. He pointed out that the expected annual savings in general and administrative costs are primarily the result of initiatives that have already been put in place. Goodman added that the management team is continuing to roll out further operational leverage and efficiency measures across marketing, services, and cost of goods sold, which are intended to significantly enhance the company’s EBITDA results. 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 in New Jersey has made history by winning nearly $2 million from one of Hard Rock Bet Casino’s slot games. What set this win apart was that it marked the first time the Mega Jackpot had been hit. First Hard Rock Bet Casino Mega Jackpot in New Jersey The winner was identified as Deborah S., a resident of South Plainfield. She claimed a substantial $1,942,272.47 jackpot while playing the Bag the Swag: Hold & Win slot game on Hard Rock Bet Casino’s online gaming platform. She placed a wager of $1 per spin when she triggered the Hard Rock Bet progressive Mega Jackpot. To provide context, a portion of every bet on eligible games contributes to the jackpot, enabling it to grow over time as more players participate. Players can choose to compete for the jackpot by increasing their bet by an additional $0.10. The $1.9 million won by Deborah S. represented the inaugural Mega Jackpot victory since its introduction in New Jersey. Rich Criado, vice president of casino at Hard Rock Digital, commented on the remarkable win, stating that such moments are precisely what the Mega Jackpot was designed to deliver. He emphasized that big jackpots like this can significantly impact a player’s life. Wins like this reinforce that every spin has the potential to change a player’s day — or even their life. Rich Criado, VP of Casino, Hard Rock Digital Following the win, the jackpot amount was reset and a new cycle commenced. Michigan Woman Also Claims Hard Rock Bet Casino Mega Jackpot One month prior, a woman from Au Gres, Michigan, also won the Mega Jackpot through Hard Rock Bet Casino. Her win came while placing a $3.20 bet on the 5 Star Coins Hold & Win game. Both titles played by the winners were developed by Octoplay. This Michigan player received $224,944, further highlighting the significant payout possibilities associated with Hard Rock’s Mega Jackpot. In other developments, Hard Rock Digital recently entered into agreements with MLB Players Inc. and OneTeam Partners to secure licensing rights for Major League Baseball players. As a result, the company now has the ability to use the image and likeness of players, along with their names, in its sports betting advertising campaigns. 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) -   Flutter Entertainment’s top executives have reaffirmed their confidence in the company by investing their own money, even as rumors swirl about a potential departure from the London Stock Exchange (LSE). In recent weeks, senior leaders at Flutter Entertainment—including CEO Jeremy Peter Jackson—have been purchasing shares after the firm’s stock price experienced a significant decline. These insider purchases appear intended to reassure investors following the release of the company’s latest quarterly results. The USA Remains Flutter’s Primary Focus Flutter Entertainment has already shifted its main listing to the New York Stock Exchange, underscoring its strategic commitment to the United States. A formal review of its remaining listing on the London exchange is currently underway, with a decision anticipated before the close of the second quarter. Industry analysts are divided: some interpret the surge in insider trading activity as a sign that Flutter may ultimately decide to delist from London, while others see it simply as executives taking advantage of the current dip in share value. Since 2025, Flutter’s stock price has plummeted from its earlier peak. Shareholders continue to express skepticism about the company’s prospects in the U.S., particularly regarding FanDuel, its flagship brand in America. Analysts have raised doubts over whether projected growth in the U.S. market will actually come to fruition, especially after the disappointing performance in the first quarter. Despite these concerns, Flutter’s financial results present a more nuanced picture. Revenue for the first three months of 2026 grew by 17% compared to the same period last year, reaching $4.3 billion. However, net income dropped sharply by 38% to $209 million. The number of average monthly players also fell by 3%, which analysts attribute in part to regulatory changes in markets such as India. A London Exit Could Have Negative Consequences Executive share purchases send a clear signal: when leaders invest personally, they express strong belief in the company’s future trajectory. Flutter has also taken additional steps to restore investor trust, including backing a share buyback program, which reduces the total number of outstanding shares and supports earnings per share. Whether these measures will succeed remains uncertain. Leaving the London market could disrupt Flutter’s operations across the broader UK sector, where several prominent companies have recently moved their listings to the U.S. to tap into larger capital markets. Flutter now derives nearly half of its revenue from the U.S. and anticipates continued expansion as more states legalize online gambling. Nonetheless, departing from London might harm its UK-based brands, including Paddy Power and Betfair. For the time being, Flutter has not made any definitive decisions as it continues to evaluate its options. With an active strategic review ongoing, all possibilities remain open. Despite the recent drop in stock price, internal sentiment within the company seems more optimistic than what the market’s reaction might suggest. 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 Trifecta is a type of exotic bet and one of the most potentially profitable wagers in horse racing. To win a Trifecta, bettors must correctly predict the first three finishers in the exact order. Trifectas are available for this year’s Preakness Stakes, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Laurel Park in Maryland. What Did the Preakness Stakes Trifecta Pay Out Last Year? Let's examine the finishing results from the 2025 Preakness to understand how the Trifecta bet works. Journalism (horse #2), Gosger (horse #9), and Sandman (horse #7) finished in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, respectively. A $1 Trifecta bet on the combination 2-9-7 resulted in a payout of $73.50. This was a relatively modest payout, as Journalism was the 8-5 favorite, and Sandman was the second betting choice at 4-1 odds. While accurately predicting the top three finishers in precise order is challenging, there are alternative methods for placing Trifecta bets that can increase your chances of winning. Different Types of Trifecta Bets The example above illustrates a straight Trifecta bet. Here are other variations for making Trifecta wagers: Trifecta Box A Trifecta box bet allows you to wager on the first three finishers without needing to specify the exact order of finish. By "boxing" three horses, you cover all possible winning combinations. Consequently, a $1 Trifecta box bet will cost $6. If you want to bet on horses #6, #7, and #9 to finish in the top three, you would state at the betting window: “$1 Trifecta box on 6, 7, and 9.” The cost increases if you choose to include more horses in your box bet: 4 horses (resulting in 24 combinations): $24 5 horses (resulting in 60 combinations): $60 6 horses (resulting in 120 combinations): $120 Trifecta Key This bet is recommended if you are highly confident that a specific horse will win the race. You designate your "key" horse to finish first and select other horses to finish second and third. For instance, if you believe horse #5 will win, and horses #7 and #9 will finish second and third, respectively. You would place the bet by saying: “$1 Trifecta Key #5 on top of 7 and 9.” The cost of this ticket is $6. This method allows the second and third-place finishers to come in either order, which saves money compared to boxing all possible combinations. Trifecta Wheel With a Trifecta wheel bet, you can select one or two horses to finish in a specific position and combine them with all possible combinations for the remaining positions. For example, if there are eight horses in the race and you believe horse #1 will win, you would say, “$1 Trifecta 1-all-all.” This bet would cost $42 to cover every possible combination. The cost of the bet naturally increases with a larger number of horses in the race. Biggest Preakness Trifecta Payout The largest Trifecta payout in the modern history of the Preakness Stakes occurred in 2019 when War of Will won the race. The $1 Trifecta bet on the combination 1-10-5 paid out $4,699.80. 1st place: #1 War of Will (6-1 odds) 2nd place: #10 Everfast (29-1 odds) 3rd place: #5 Owendale (8-1 odds) This year's Preakness Stakes is anticipated to be a highly competitive race, potentially leading to another significant payout for Trifecta bettors. See also: Exacta Bets | Superfecta Bets 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) -   AskGamblers has published its 2025 Casino Complaint Service report, highlighting the fact that it returned more than $10 million in funds to thousands of users. AGCCS Returned $10.7M to Players Across the World According to the report, the AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service (AGCCS) team returned a total of $10,728,000 in unpaid, delayed, or unfairly confiscated money to players. The company celebrated the $10 million figure as a major milestone and noted that it marks a significant increase from 2024 when the AGCCS returned $6.89 million to players. The service delivered consistent results in multiple languages, with AskGamblers reporting that it helped English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking customers recover stuck funds. According to the report, a total of $1,203,007 was returned to non-English speakers. In total, the AGCCS resolved 3,779 cases, which was 68% of all accepted cases, highlighting an increase in efficiency. The complaints it received related to some 1,492 casinos and sportsbooks. Delayed Payments Were the Most Prominent Issue The report highlighted delayed payments as the most common problem (3,647 cases), trailed by deposit issues (1,017). Next up were account issues (322), software issues (83), and bonus-related hurdles (74). AskGamblers added that, unfortunately, not all complaints players submitted were accepted or resolved. Some were rejected because they were unfounded, others lacked evidence or additional requested information, and others still were beyond AskGamblers’ remit and needed to be addressed by a regulatory authority. On average, the AGCCS resolved complaints in roughly 11 days, with the shortest one lasting 3 minutes, and the longest one taking 201 days to be resolved. AskGamblers Highlighted the Cases Involving the Largest Payouts AskGamblers highlighted several standout cases, including one where it helped a WOW Vegas Casino player recover $450,000 that went unpaid because they lived in a restricted region. The player had received only $50,000 of the $500,000 they won, but thanks to AskGamblers, they managed to recover the rest. A HellSpin Casino player, on the other hand, won EUR 250,000, but they had payment stalled until AskGamblers intervened. In a separate case, a BC.Game Casino player did not receive the $228,457 they won. Luckily, the AGCCS was quick to contact the casino and resolve the matter. In addition to helping thousands of players, the AGCCS also accepted 79 affiliate program complaints and successfully resolved 45 of them, implying a success rate of almost 57%. In total, the service allowed affiliates to recover $65,464. 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) -   Scientific Games, a global leader in lottery games, technology, analytics, and services for government-run lotteries, has announced the departure of its chief financial officer, Nick Negro. Negro will leave the company in the coming days, with Ray Anderson stepping in as interim CFO. The Outgoing CFO Wanted to Spend More Time with His Family In its official statement, Scientific Games confirmed that Nick Negro will officially resign from his position as CFO on May 15, concluding his three-year tenure at the company. During his time at Scientific Games, Negro played a key role in driving growth and achieving significant milestones. According to the announcement, Negro’s decision to depart stems from his desire to pursue a new business opportunity in Chicago that would allow him to be closer to his family. In response to the change, Scientific Games appointed Ray Anderson as interim CFO. He assumed the role on May 4 and will serve in this capacity until a permanent replacement is selected. Anderson is described by the company as an accomplished finance executive and certified public accountant (CPA) with approximately 30 years of experience across various leadership positions. Prior to joining Scientific Games, he served as a global lead partner, where he provided strategic guidance to Fortune 500 companies on audit, capital markets, and regulatory matters. CEO McHugh Expressed Confidence in Anderson’s Ability to Oversee the Transition Company executives shared their perspectives on Negro’s exit and Anderson’s appointment. Pat McHugh, the chief executive officer of Scientific Games, acknowledged Negro’s contributions, stating that he was a valued member of the executive team and a strong advocate for the company’s future. During his tenure, he significantly strengthened our financial and procurement operations and helped set Scientific Games on a path toward sustained growth. We are grateful for his service and wish him the very best. Pat McHugh, CEO, Scientific Games McHugh also praised Anderson, calling him a highly respected finance leader with extensive expertise in advisory roles. He expressed full confidence in Anderson’s ability to guide the financial team through the transition period as the company searches for a long-term CFO. In related developments, Scientific Games recently appointed Ovie Doro, a seasoned professional, as its new senior vice president of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence. 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 French gambling regulatory authority, ANJ, revealed that its newly developed algorithm indicates a striking 60% of France’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) originates from players exhibiting risky gambling behaviors. In response, the ANJ has made the algorithm accessible to operators, enabling them to use it as a benchmark to evaluate the adequacy of their safer gaming measures. ANJ Developed Algorithm to Detect At-Risk Players Emphasizing the reduction of problem gambling as a core mandate, the ANJ pointed to troubling findings from a recent analysis suggesting that over half of the nation’s GGR is derived from individuals with gambling-related issues. While the ANJ previously noted progress in identifying problem gamblers—with operators reporting 89,000 such cases in 2025, up from 31,000 the previous year—the regulator expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current detection methods, citing insufficient results. To address this gap, the ANJ created its own algorithm using data from licensed online operators, as well as information from FDJ and PMU. This tool is designed to support operator compliance and allow the ANJ to “objectively evaluate the measures operators must implement” to detect problem gamblers. It also aims to curb revenue generated from individuals experiencing gambling harm. Initial Findings Raise Serious Concerns The ANJ clarified that while the algorithm is not intended to provide an exact count of problem gamblers, it offers a broader, data-driven perspective on the scale of the issue. The tool’s accuracy has been validated using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), under the oversight of an expert committee. It employs 23 risk indicators to classify players into four distinct categories: Recreational players Moderate-risk players Excessive players Clearly excessive players The preliminary findings are alarming: during the second half of 2025 alone, the algorithm flagged approximately 600,000 individuals as highly likely to be problem gamblers. Half of these were classified as clearly excessive players, with the remainder strongly suspected of being at risk. Although the ANJ acknowledged that the rise in problem gambling cases is partly attributable to increased gambling popularity and market expansion, it stressed that “this does not account for the full picture,” as the rate of problem gambling appears to be growing faster than the overall player base. More concerning still, the algorithm estimated that 60% (EUR 1.2 billion) of France’s total GGR was generated by problem gamblers. Operators Granted Access to Integrate the Algorithm The ANJ stated that the algorithm is now available as an optional resource for operators, allowing them to assess how effectively their current systems identify problem gambling. It can be deployed in conjunction with existing tools and algorithms. Meanwhile, the ANJ will utilize the algorithm to pinpoint clearly excessive players and further investigate those potentially at risk. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair of the ANJ, described the release of the algorithm to operators as a “decisive step” in the evolution of gaming regulation in France. In addition to survey data, the algorithm enables an objective evaluation of the efforts required to identify problem gamblers, who must receive immediate support from operators. It is also essential that this identification process extends to physical points of sale—a goal we have consistently urged the two monopolies to pursue since 2024. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, Chair, ANJ In related developments, France has recently joined other European nations in criticizing the rapid expansion of the prediction markets sector. 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 regional Ukrainian post office official misappropriated funds allocated for pension and social assistance disbursements and squandered them on online gambling platforms. According to a court announcement, the Tyachiv District Court in Zakarpattia sentenced an unnamed female Ukrposhta employee to two years of probation. Prosecutors stated that the woman embezzled the funds in September 2022. She utilized official Ukrposhta access credentials to transfer small sums to her personal card over a 10-day period. The woman subsequently used the entire amount for online gambling. She later filed a police report, alleging that the money had been stolen from the post office’s cash register. Ukrainian Post Office Worker Sorry for Stealing Money The woman eventually admitted to the offense, acknowledging that her gambling habits had led her into debt. She has since repaid the funds to Ukrposhta, which had initially covered the losses. During sentencing, the presiding judge noted that the court had considered her “sincere remorse.” The judge further remarked that she had no prior criminal record and was the mother of two children. The court also prohibited her from holding positions involving financial responsibility and managerial duties for two years. Additionally, she was fined 6,800 hryvnia, equivalent to $155. An Ukrposhta branch in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih. (Image: Andrew J.Kurbiko [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Gambling-Addicted Dance Instructor Stole Money From Parents The development in Zakarpattia occurred just days after a court in Ukraine’s Cherkasy Oblast sentenced a children’s dance instructor to a five-year suspended jail term for embezzling money from parents to fund online gambling. The instructor, Viktoria Kalashnik, who choreographs for a children’s ensemble named Nadezhda, was identified as the offender, according to Ukrainian media outlet Glavcom. In February 2025, Nadezhda won a dance competition and subsequently received an invitation to participate in an international festival in Batumi, Georgia. Kalashnik took charge of organizing the trip and began collecting money from parents in April. A total of 26 families contributed 1,181,061 hryvnia, amounting to approximately $27,000. However, the parents grew suspicious of Kalashnik’s behavior. The coach “repeatedly rescheduled the trip and never showed them travel tickets,” as stated by prosecutors. The parents eventually visited Kalashnik’s home, where the instructor confessed to losing the money. During the trial, Kalashnik again admitted to losing the funds and stated that she suffered from pathological gambling addiction. “I won on my first visit to an online casino,” she told the court. “After that, I couldn’t stop. I lost my own money and my parents’ cash, too.” Prior to the trial, Kalashnik partially compensated the parents, paying back around $3,000. A branch of the Sosnovsky District Court found Kalashnik guilty of large-scale fraud and suspended her jail sentence for three years. The presiding judge also ordered Kalashnik to pay financial compensation and moral damages fines totaling $27,300. Earlier this year, PlayCity, Ukraine’s gambling regulator, imposed a $10,000 fine on the operator of the sports betting and online slots brand Betking, Slots UA. PlayCity cited failure to provide financial data “in a timely manner” as the reason for the penalty. The regulator has also recently revoked the license of the Cosmolot online casino operator Spaceiks. 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) -   Leading Macao casino share prices are falling or stagnating after operators posted disappointing first-quarter earnings. Galaxy Entertainment Group’s pre-audit report revealed an 11% net revenue year-on-year increase to just under $1.6 billion, the Japanese-language media outlet Macau Shimbun reported. However, the firm also saw its revenues drop by 10% from Q4 FY2025. Gross gaming revenue rose year-on-year, but the firm also experienced a 9% quarter-on-quarter decline. While the firm reported year-on-year rises in mass gaming, VIP room, and slots revenues, these also fell in the past quarter. Most notably, VIP revenues dropped by 25% since the start of the calendar year. Galaxy’s net liabilities were $345 million, leaving the operator with pre-audit cash and liquid investments worth around $4.7 billion. The firm is currently developing a range of new dining, lifestyle, leisure, and retail facilities at its Galaxy Macau resort. This project will see it open new casino facilities and add a new 1,350-room hotel. It has also begun renovating its StarWorld Hotel on the Macao Peninsula. The work includes remodeling two casino floors. The company stated that its StarWorld renovation would be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Galaxy Entertainment Group share prices on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange over the past five days. (Image: Google Finance) Macao Casino Earnings: SJM Holdings Revenues Drop 21% Earlier this month, the same media outlet reported that SJM Holdings, another Hong Kong-listed firm with a Macao casino management concession, also posted quarter-on-quarter revenue declines. SJM operates a range of casino facilities under the Lisboa brand. SJM Holdings share prices on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange over the past five days. (Image: Google Finance) Company documents reveal the operator’s net revenues for the first quarter of this year were $754 million, down 21.1% year-on-year. Gross gambling revenue also fell by nearly 19%. Profits attributable to parent company shareholders decreased from a surplus of $4 million to a deficit of almost $8 million. The company’s share of Macao’s total casino revenue declined by 3.9 percentage points to just under 10%. Rival operator MGM China earlier reported a 10% year-on-year rise in revenues in Q1, along with a drop in VIP spending. Gaming shares are also down elsewhere in the world, despite a global stock market boom. While sky-high tech shares drove the S&P 500 Index to new record highs, popular gambling-focused exchange-traded funds fell by more than 3%. Back in Hong Kong, MGM China share prices dropped by 1.6% on May 12, while Wynn Macau fell 0.7%. 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.