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(AsiaGameHub) -   Yesterday's upset of top-seeded Florida by Iowa shattered March Madness brackets as the NCAA Tournament advances to the Sweet 16. The other No. 1 seeds, Arizona, Michigan, and Duke, are still the top betting choices for the national title, but we will also highlight a sleeper and a longshot pick that offer greater potential returns. Updated NCAA Tournament Futures Odds at DraftKings Below are the latest odds from DraftKings for teams to win the national championship, current as of publication: TeamOddsArizona+330Michigan+340Duke+370Houston+700Purdue+1300Illinois+1400Iowa State+1600UConn+2500Michigan State+3000St. John’s+3500Arkansas+4000Nebraska+4500Tennessee+6000Iowa+12000Alabama+13000Texas+30000 Best Bet on Favorite to Win NCAA Tournament Duke +370 The tournament's top overall seed got a major scare and a wake-up call in its first-round game against 16th-seeded Siena. Favored by 27.5 points, the Blue Devils narrowly avoided disaster with a 71-65 win, a result that nearly became one of the greatest upsets in March Madness history. Duke returned to dominant form in an 81-58 victory over TCU on Saturday. The team was bolstered by the return of center Patrick Ngongba II to the rotation. He has been managing foot problems for weeks, causing him to miss the ACC Tournament and the opener against Siena. Ngongba's role will be vital for Duke in its Sweet 16 contest with St. John’s. He is expected to be the primary defender on forward Zuby Ejiofor, a formidable presence inside. Ejiofor posted a team-best 18 points and nine rebounds in his team's win over Kansas yesterday. TCU limited Duke standout Cameron Boozer to only two first-half points, but the country's premier player recovered to lead his team with 19 points. Boozer entered the tournament as the favorite to be named NCAA Tournament MVP. Isaiah Evans provides Duke with a significant perimeter scoring threat. He scored 17 points against TCU after putting up 16 versus Siena, making two three-pointers in each contest. Best Bet on Sleeper Pick to win NCAA Tournament Michigan State +3000 Head coach Tom Izzo has guided the Spartans to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time in his career. However, he is pursuing only his second national championship, with Michigan State's last title coming in 2000. The Spartans are led by versatile point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who tops the nation with 9.4 assists per game and also leads Michigan State in scoring at 15.3 points per game. Michigan State also possesses a sizable and productive frontcourt. Jaxon Kohler (12.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg), Coen Carr (12 ppg, 5.5 rpg), and Carson Cooper (11 ppg, 7.1 rpg) all average double-digit points as well. That skilled front line will be essential to containing UConn center Tarris Reed in the Sweet 16. Reed paces the Huskies with averages of 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Look for Michigan State to advance past UConn, which would potentially set up an Elite Eight showdown with Duke. Best Bet on Longshot to Win NCAA Tournament Tennessee +6000 The Volunteers rely on their defense, which allows just 69.1 points per game. Sixth-seeded Tennessee "upset" No. 3 Virginia 79-72 to reach the Sweet 16, despite actually being favored by 1.5 points in that matchup. Ja’kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 21 points, and Nate Ament contributed 16. Tennessee also boasts a signature victory over Houston from this season. Tennessee meets Iowa State in the Sweet 16. The Cyclones may once again be missing star player Joshua Jefferson (16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg), who sustained a serious ankle sprain in the tournament's first round. KenPom ranks Jefferson second in the national player of the year race, behind only Duke's Boozer. Although the Volunteers are 4.5-point underdogs against the Cyclones, a Tennessee win would not be shocking considering their recent hot shooting. Gillespie totaled 50 points across the first two tournament games. In yesterday's win over Virginia, Tennessee shot 42.1% from beyond the arc and connected on eight three-pointers. Gillespie hit three of those, while Bishop Boswell knocked down four. 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 recent decision by the UK High Court of Justice has settled a long-standing gambling debt conflict. According to a report by RacingPost, racehorse owner Alan Spence is now required to repay more than GBP 840,000 ($1.13 million) to David Solomon, despite arguments that the debts were connected to unlicensed betting and should be invalid. Nevertheless, the consequences of this lawsuit could reach well beyond the two individuals involved. The Court Prioritized the Relationship Between the Parties The case revolved around a complex web of private betting arrangements, many of which existed outside the scope of the Gambling Act 2005. The court acknowledged that Solomon was, in effect, functioning as an unlicensed bookmaker. Typically, such a finding would result in related agreements being voided. However, the judge arrived at a different conclusion after assessing the conduct and awareness of both parties. In his ruling, Stuart Isaacs KC observed that the two parties maintained a friendly relationship grounded in mutual understanding. He determined that both men were fully cognizant of their actions and proceeded anyway. Consequently, the court found no strong justification to allow Spence to evade repayment, particularly given evidence that he had allegedly misrepresented his financial status and fabricated parts of his defense. The defendant engaged with the claimant with his eyes open, at first suspecting and then being clear that the claimant was not a licensed bookmaker. Stuart Isaacs KC This ruling is notable as it runs counter to a broader trend in other regions, where courts have been more inclined to overturn gambling losses linked to regulatory violations. In the UK, the main focus was on the conduct of the individuals concerned, rather than the operator's legal status. The court stated that unlawful actions by one side of a deal do not erase the other side's obligations. Refund Claims Continue to Be Highly Contested In recent years, a surge of legal actions, primarily within the EU, have contended that wagers made with unlicensed providers ought to be considered void, permitting players to claim refunds on their losses. Germany has become a central hub for these conflicts, with thousands of gamblers submitting reimbursement claims for losses incurred prior to the launch of regulated online markets. These disputes have advanced to the European Court of Justice, prompting larger issues regarding consumer safeguards and EU market regulations. A 2025 opinion from Advocate General Nicholas Emiliou indicated that such cases should not be automatically thrown out, backing the notion that players might be entitled to reclaim money under specific conditions. Although the UK judgment does not directly influence EU proceedings, it underscores a differing legal approach. The High Court emphasized fairness between the parties, concluding that Spence was not a defenseless consumer but an experienced player who intentionally entered into risky, unofficial betting agreements. This verdict suggests that UK courts might be hesitant to trigger a wave of mass refund claims where both parties acted with full 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) -   A bus en route to a tribal casino in Michigan has crashed, resulting in numerous injuries. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported, though two individuals may have critical injuries, per reports. The Bus Crashed on the Way to Harris A bus linking Chicago to a casino in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has crashed, injuring dozens. The incident happened in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on March 22. To provide context, the bus was bound for the Island Resort & Casino in Harris. The charter route was planned to go through multiple other gaming spots en route. The Green Bay Police Department and Green Bay Metro Fire Department were dispatched to the scene right away. They found the charter bus had gone off an embankment, causing injuries to many passengers. For context, the bus had 54 people on board, 33 of whom sustained mostly minor injuries. Regrettably, reports indicate two people’s conditions could be more severe. In any event, injured passengers were taken to local hospitals for care. Others were brought to a reunification center in Green Bay. Police stated that additional investigation will establish what charges might be brought against the bus driver. Man Crashed Car While Gambling, Hurting Several People Speaking of crashes, a man in the UK recently crashed his car because he was gambling on his phone while driving. His car collided with another vehicle, injuring the other driver, a pregnant woman, two children, and a dog. The offender was ultimately sentenced to prison. He will serve 28 months at Derby Crown Court and face a 38-month driving ban. 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) -   Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) are preparing to introduce a bill directed at platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, which currently operate under the oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This initiative represents the inaugural bipartisan push in the Senate specifically aimed at the prediction market industry. Senators Propose Bill Targeting Prediction Markets The proposed legislation would prevent entities regulated by the CFTC from providing event contracts—binary wagers on future outcomes—related to sports. Furthermore, it would outlaw casino-style games, including blackjack, video poker, slot machines, and bingo. Although this is the first bipartisan Senate move to regulate these markets, other lawmakers have previously sought to address these companies. For instance, Senator Chris Murphy and Congressman Greg Casar introduced a bill last week focused on preventing insider trading. Nevertheless, the current proposal stands as the first bipartisan attempt to overhaul the regulatory framework for prediction markets. Proponents of the bill argue that these platforms function as a "backdoor" for gambling. Senator Schiff has rebuked the CFTC for authorizing these markets, while Senator John Curtis expressed apprehension regarding the exposure of youth to addictive betting practices, particularly in states like Utah where most gambling is illegal. The bill aims to set federal standards while bolstering the authority of states to regulate gambling. It prohibits contracts involving sensitive topics such as military actions, death, and war due to security risks. A primary goal of the legislation is to prevent these platforms from using federal derivatives classifications to bypass state tax laws and gambling regulations, directly contesting current views on federal preemption. Why Are Senators Proposing This Legislation? Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi allow users to trade contracts on diverse topics, such as pop culture, weather, politics, and sports. Because a large portion of their volume involves sports, they compete directly with established sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. This competition has sparked controversy, as traditional sports betting has been subject to state-level regulation and taxation since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA. Critics argue that these prediction markets circumvent state consumer protections, threaten tribal sovereignty, and fail to generate public revenue, unlike conventional gambling operations. Conversely, prediction markets maintain that they provide financial derivatives, allowing them to function nationwide, including in jurisdictions like California and Utah that limit sports betting. The CFTC, under its current leadership, has taken a more lenient stance toward event contracts, which has encouraged industry expansion but drawn fire from legislators. Meanwhile, states such as New York, Nevada, California, and Utah are taking legal steps against these platforms, with judicial opinions on their classification remaining inconsistent. Notably, Nevada recently forced Kalshi to cease operations within the state for a minimum of two weeks following a court order. In summary, this legislation highlights a growing bipartisan consensus that prediction markets are essentially functioning as unregulated federal sportsbooks and casinos, thereby evading state-level oversight. 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) -   South Dakota’s Republican Governor Larry Rhoden has signed Senate Bill 102, a measure that alters how gambling tax revenue from Deadwood is distributed. This revision shifts a portion of funds from the state to the city of Deadwood—South Dakota’s only non-tribal location where full casino-style gambling is allowed. Governor Signs New Law The new legislation will set a cap on Deadwood’s taxable gaming revenue, which exceeded $150 million last year. A city historic preservation official noted that some of these funds will be redirected toward initiatives like road upgrades, broader infrastructure projects, and efforts to expand industries beyond gaming. Rhoden stated that this change will help ensure Deadwood can continue to grow, thrive, and contribute to South Dakota’s economy. Deadwood has historically relied heavily on its gaming sector, which saw significant growth in 2023 and 2024. The new bill aims to diversify the local economy by channeling gaming revenue into infrastructure and supporting the growth of non-casino businesses. Estimates suggest the measure could boost Deadwood’s annual budget by approximately $800,000. Where Will the New Revenue Go? Currently, most of the revenue is allocated among several recipients, including Deadwood’s historic preservation fund, the state tourism fund, the state Gaming Commission, the state general fund, Lawrence County, a statewide historical grant fund, and a state gambling addiction program. Deadwood’s share from this initial distribution is capped at $6.8 million. Once these allocations are made, 70% of the remaining revenue goes to the state general fund, while the remaining 30% is split between local governments in Lawrence County and historic preservation efforts in Deadwood. Under the new law, Deadwood’s $6.8 million cap in the first phase will be removed, and the distribution of remaining funds will be adjusted. The updated formula directs 71% to Deadwood’s historic preservation efforts, 25% to the state general fund, and the rest to other municipalities in Lawrence County and the Lead-Deadwood School District. It should also be noted that Gov. Rhoden signed House Bill 1215, which allows counties and cities to issue licenses for cigar bars. Previously, in 2010, South Dakota voters upheld a ban on smoking inside public buildings, restaurants, casinos, and bars. The ban permitted the three existing cigar bars in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Deadwood to stay open, provided they met specific requirements. However, the new law now gives cities and counties the authority to issue licenses for additional cigar bars. 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 jackpots for both the Mega Millions and Powerball lotteries went unclaimed in the drawings held on Friday and Saturday, respectively. As a new week of lottery gaming commences, players are hoping to secure a win. Mega Millions Jackpot Rolls Over to $60M The Mega Millions drawing on Friday concluded without a jackpot winner. The game has experienced a brief pause in jackpot wins, which is understandable given that two major prizes were claimed in close succession recently. For context, a $533 million grand prize was won on March 10, making an Illinois player half a billion dollars richer. Then, just two drawings later, an Ohio player surprisingly claimed the $60 million prize from the March 17 drawing. However, the March 20 drawing did not result in another jackpot winner. Additionally, no player managed to win the game’s second-tier prize by matching the five white numbers. The winning numbers for the March 20 drawing were 11, 20, 51, 55, and 63, plus the gold Mega Ball 4. Several players did successfully match four white numbers and the Mega Ball to win the third-tier prize. Four of these players each won $20,000 with a 2X multiplier, while two others took home $30,000 each thanks to a 3X multiplier. The jackpot has now reached $60 million for the Tuesday drawing, with a cash option of $27 million. Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $133M for Monday Drawing Meanwhile, the Powerball jackpot has now increased to $133 million, offering a one-time lump sum option of $60.3 million. The next drawing is scheduled to occur later today. The previous drawing, held last Saturday, saw no one win either the jackpot or the game’s second-tier prize of $1 million (or more, depending on Power Play). Nevertheless, a significant 20 players matched four white numbers and the Powerball to win the third-tier prize. This included fifteen players who each received $50,000, as well as five who won $100,000 instead, thanks to Power Play. The Power Play multiplier was 2X for the March 21 drawing. The winning numbers for that drawing were 12, 28, 26, 41, and 59, plus the Powerball 2. Had a player matched all of these numbers, they would have won $123 million or $55.8 million, depending on whether they chose the annuity or the one-time payment. The upcoming Powerball drawing will take place within a few hours of this publication. 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) -   Maryland legislators are persisting in their campaign to curb the contentious sweepstakes industry by moving forward with legislation that imposes more rigorous constraints. This includes HB 295, which has successfully cleared the House, and HB 1226, which has also seen progress. HB 295 Secured Strong Approval by House Members HB 295 recently garnered a decisive 105-24 vote in the Maryland House, enabling it to move to the Senate as the legislative session proceeds. The proposed legislation aims to implement more precise language that explicitly prohibits sweepstakes-based casinos. For context, sweepstakes are a gaming category that employs a dual-currency model, enabling users to participate using virtual tokens instead of direct cash. Although these platforms permit users to buy virtual currency with real money, operators argue that the specific mechanics of these games distinguish them from the legal definition of gambling. Conversely, HB 295 would establish a criminal ban on any gaming platform that mimics casino-style play and “utilizes multiple currency systems of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any prize or award or cash or cash equivalents.” The legislation provides an exemption for games that offer only non-monetary rewards. Should the bill be enacted, offenders could face up to three years of incarceration and penalties between $10,000 and $100,000. HB 1226 Must Pass Its Third Hearing Today If It Is to Advance Simultaneously, another measure, HB 1226, aims to eliminate sweepstakes casinos. This bill seeks to outlaw illicit online gambling and empower local authorities to issue cease-and-desist mandates to operators in violation. Furthermore, regulators would be authorized to implement payment and IP blocking measures to obstruct unauthorized online gaming activities. Although the bill has cleared its second reading, it must accelerate its progress to succeed. With Maryland’s crossover deadline set for today, HB 1226 is required to clear its third reading by the end of the day. If HB 1226 is successful, the Senate will deliberate on the future of both bills. Should either be signed into law, Maryland would join the growing list of states that have completely rejected the controversial sweepstakes model. Minnesota is also currently exploring legislation that would criminalize the operation of sweepstakes 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) -   A man was fatally shot after brandishing a firearm when confronted by law enforcement. The incident occurred in the parking lot of WinStar Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Authorities Report Victim Threatened Officers with a Firearm On March 19, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department received information about an individual experiencing suicidal ideation on WinStar Casino grounds. According to the official report from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), the person was identified as 41-year-old Kevin Odom. Officers were immediately sent to the location. They found the man around 1:45 pm in the casino parking lot. Police attempted to communicate with the reportedly suicidal individual, but he drew a weapon. An officer subsequently discharged their weapon, striking Odom. He sustained injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The OSBI report confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the incident. The investigation remains active and is being conducted jointly by the OSBI, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, WinStar Casino, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The Love County Sheriff's Office released a statement confirming the shooting and assuring residents that public safety is not at risk. Chief Palmer of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police has assured me that the public faces no continuing danger. All additional questions should be referred to the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, who are spearheading the investigation alongside the OSBI. Sheriff Cumberledge Regrettably, Not an Isolated Casino-Related Shooting Incident Tragically, this is not the sole shooting incident to occur near a casino property in 2026. In the previous month, a deadly shooting occurred just outside Bally's Kansas City Casino, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old. The incident stemmed from an altercation involving several individuals that began inside the casino. Several days afterward, a mother who was in Las Vegas for a dance competition fatally shot her daughter before committing suicide. 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) -   Lexington County police and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division have arrested 51-year-old W. L. H. Sr., whom they suspect ran an illegal gambling operation.  The arrest took place on March 9, 2026, and the man was immediately charged with possession of an illegal gambling machine—described as “unlawful possession and operation of a slot, video, vending machine or gambling device and unlawful games and betting.”  This final charge is significant because while police can technically bring unlawful betting charges, they rarely do so. The arrest happened a week after a search warrant was executed on March 2. 18 Gambling Machines Seized as Part of the Operation  During the search, police found 18 gambling machines at the suspect’s home—specifically Pot O Gold devices. These machines can run a range of games of chance, including keno, blackjack, and casino-style poker.  South Carolina has been fairly conservative in its gambling regulation, which has led to the rise of underground operations like the one run by H. Sr.  In February, Senate Bill 444 attempted to introduce online sports betting regulation in the state, but it faced opposition from lawmakers.  In-state sports betting is available at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River in Murphy, and Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain. 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) -   Kalshi has been compelled to leave a U.S. state for the first time, temporarily halting access to its sports markets in Nevada after a judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the company. Legal disputes over the platform’s contentious sports prediction markets are escalating, and a new lawsuit has targeted Kalshi’s co-founders personally. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced the state issued the TRO on Friday. In a press release, Chairman Mike Dreitzer stated, “Kalshi has repeatedly claimed its operations are legal in all 50 states, which is clearly false.” “Prediction markets that enable unlicensed gambling are illegal in Nevada, and we have a statutory duty to protect the public. We want Nevada residents to wager safely with a licensed bookmaker.” The TRO remains in effect until April 3, when a hearing will be held. Kalshi’s departure from the state follows a judge’s denial of the company’s request for an administrative stay—something that would have allowed it to continue operating while the case proceeds. Kalshi Confident in Legal Position Kalshi emailed users on Saturday to confirm it would restrict Nevada users from accessing sports, entertainment, and election markets. The email stated, “We’ll get straight to it. Due to a temporary court order, our sports, entertainment, and election-related markets are being restricted in Nevada. You can still sell your positions or wait for them to settle, but you won’t be able to buy new contracts.” It added, “This situation is unprecedented—Nevada is currently the only state with temporary restrictions in place from a court order. We disagree with these restrictions, but as a law-abiding company, we’re complying. We’re confident in our legal stance and will keep fighting for your right to trade the same products available in 49 other states.” Other states have issued unfavorable rulings against Kalshi but generally allowed the company to keep operating until those rulings are finalized. In Massachusetts, a judge granted the state an injunction, but Kalshi won a motion to stay from the appeals court. Latest Lawsuit Names Kalshi Founders As it battles state regulators across the country, Kalshi is also facing a wave of lawsuits from individuals and legal firms. The latest filing specifically names Kalshi co-founders Tarek Mansour and Luana Lopes Lara. The company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Joshua Beardsley, is also named in the suit, which was filed in California. As gaming lawyer Daniel Wallach highlighted, the lawsuit notes the defendants initially “admitted that Sporting Event Contracts have ‘no inherent economic significance.’” During a hearing where Kalshi fought for the legal right to offer election markets, a company lawyer stated, “[Y]ou can see it in the congressional record, and they give three examples of gaming contracts: Football, horse racing, golf. They’re all games. It’s something that has no inherent economic significance. It’s done for amusement. It may be purely to facilitate betting itself for its own sake.” The lawsuit alleges that despite “repeatedly recognizing this legal line in the sand, the Kalshi Defendants got greedy and crossed it in bad faith.” Legal firms from four states filed the lawsuit on Friday. Unlike most litigation—which focuses on the company violating state gambling laws—the suit claims Kalshi is breaking the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), the rulebook for prediction market platforms. The CEA prohibits gaming-related markets, but the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has not opposed platforms offering sports markets. It has issued an advisory on sports markets but has not gone so far as to say these markets constitute gaming. Despite mounting legal challenges, Kalshi recorded its second-highest single-day trading volume thanks to March Madness and surpassed $3 billion in weekly trading volume. The company was valued at $22 billion in a recent funding round. 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) -   Analysts anticipate a surge in casino acquisition and merger activity, following reports that Caesars is considering a takeover bid. A Period of Strong M&A Activity Might Be on the Horizon Caesars is reportedly contemplating selling its business, with Tilman Fertitta and Carl Icahn identified as potential acquirers. In light of this, Barry Jones, Managing Director at Truist Securities, and John DeCree, Director of Equity Research at CBRE, have projected an increase in M&A activity across the broader casino sector. As reported by CDC Gaming, DeCree highlighted that the rumored Caesars takeover remains highly speculative. He noted that individuals familiar with the situation believe that if a deal were to materialize, the existing Caesars leadership would likely remain in place, resulting in minimal operational changes for the company. Jonas commented that a potential Caesars takeover could trigger a period of heightened M&A activity, as other company boards might be motivated to explore similar takeover offers. DeCree concurred that the gaming sector could experience increased M&A, expressing optimism about a Caesars deal due to the company's diverse portfolio and the current "near record lows" in interest rates and spreads for large corporations. Going Private and Investing Abroad Are Viable Options Jonas suggested that some operators might opt to go private, prioritizing long-term success over short-term investor demands. He added that if stock valuations remain stable, more private transactions could occur, noting that many B2B companies in the gaming sector have already transitioned to private ownership. DeCree pointed out that acquisitions of The Mirage and Venetian were made by private entities, but emphasized that such transactions require substantial capital. He also noted that companies with significant capital often find targeting Las Vegas challenging, leading them to focus on emerging markets, citing MGM Osaka and Wynn Al Marjan as prominent examples. Las Vegas Remains of Key Importance Jonas stated that most casino companies would desire a presence in Las Vegas, though the extent of property ownership remains a key consideration. DeCree referenced Hard Rock's redevelopment of The Mirage, which involved a multi-year closure, as a significant recent development. However, Jonas characterized Hard Rock as an "unconventional buyer" and suggested that while redeveloping lower-tier Vegas properties is logical, it requires specific types of buyers. Furthermore, Jonas noted that not all Las Vegas investments yield immediate strong returns, citing the challenges faced by Fontainebleau and Resorts World in achieving their projected performance. Despite any slowdown on the Las Vegas Strip, Jonas indicated that the local market has not been significantly impacted, suggesting that investments in the city remain viable. 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.