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(AsiaGameHub) -   Betr, the online social casino platform, has now launched fully across 30 states in the United States amid increasing industry oversight, marking the company's latest product offering. The brand's co-founder and primary promoter, Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned boxer, has been actively marketing the platform and recently verified the announcement via a post on social media platform X. The massive days just keep coming for @betr We just launched the Betr Social Casino in 30+ states https://t.co/eUBwoGgMPB— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 17, 2026 The Betr brand has experienced rapid growth and has diversified into multiple verticals over time. The casino product represents the latest addition to its portfolio, joining existing offerings such as Betr Arcade, Betr Social Sportsbook, and Betr Picks. The company appears poised for further expansion, taking inspiration from DraftKings' approach, as Jake Paul has hinted at the development of a super app that would consolidate all products under one umbrella and potentially incorporate prediction markets in the near future. "We've definitely established a first-mover advantage with our super-app approach. Through our social casino, we'll maintain an edge by offering a casino-style product available nationwide. Modern consumers don't want to download five to seven separate apps with different wallets—it's simply too cumbersome," Jake Paul stated during his attendance at the Next Summit: New York, according to media reports. Both social online casinos and prediction markets are encountering significant regulatory and operational hurdles. Minnesota is currently advocating for prohibition of social casinos, with particular focus on the sweepstakes model. Indiana has likewise enacted legislation that outlaws the sweepstakes model. Prediction markets are also experiencing resistance, as evidenced by a recent ruling in Nevada that resulted in the temporary halt of Kalshi products in that state. Although regulators appear to favor supporting the prediction market sector, advocacy groups like Gambling Is Not Investing and proposed legislation such as the Bets Off Act are highlighting the growing resistance to the industry. This represents just one of multiple legislative initiatives targeting the 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) -   On Friday, March 20, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) submitted a formal complaint to a federal court, requesting that DraftKings cease using the “March Madness” branding. The filing contends that the sportsbook should discontinue its use of registered trademarks associated with the NCAA’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. NCAA Says DraftKings Uses Its Trademarked Brands The NCAA has identified specific names and branding that DraftKings must avoid, seeking legal prohibition of their use. These include “March Madness,” “Final Four,” “ Elite Eight,” and “Sweet Sixteen,” which refer to different stages of the competition that generates massive overall gambling revenue. The complaint further stipulates that these terms should be prohibited from appearing in the company’s sports betting offerings, promotional activities, or marketing materials. The NCAA elaborated on the matter in its filing: “Just before the Tournaments began, DraftKings intentionally embraced and prominently deployed the NCAA’s iconic basketball trademarks, along with deceptively similar variants, to exploit and appropriate the considerable goodwill, recognition, and consumer confidence those Marks represent at the exact time of maximum public interest.” The NCAA contended that DraftKings lacked any legitimate authority to integrate the tournament branding and imagery into its public-facing websites and applications, thereby “intentionally intensifying consumer confusion and cementing a misleading connection or sponsorship affiliation with the NCAA to persistently profit from the Association’s established reputation.” DraftKings has challenged the complaint and its particular structure, asserting that the company never meant to employ – nor actually utilized – the “March Madness” branding, but instead applied it as “plain text” and as a “ fair use,” making comparisons to how other competitions are presented. DraftKings Objects, Says Fair Use “This constitutes protected speech under the First Amendment and does not infringe upon any brand’s trademark. We are confident the courts will reject this injunction request,” the company maintained. The NCAA has demanded that this usage cease, as it subjects millions of vulnerable sports enthusiasts and, importantly, college students and young adults to the risks of gambling. “[They are] exposed to the false suggestion that the Association has authorized or endorsed DraftKings’ gambling platform,” the NCAA concluded.The NCAA has been seeking to protect athletes from betting-related abuse and minimize opportunities for match-fixing by urging gambling industry stakeholders to prohibit proposition betting on college-level games. 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) -   When most people visit a Las Vegas casino, the main things they usually hope for are a fun time and free drinks. But one player scored big by winning two jackpots last Wednesday—on the exact same game. During their session on the Mo Mo Mummy slot machine at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas casino, the anonymous player won $21,150 with a $2.50 bet. Most people would say to walk away after a nice win—so you don’t lose what you’ve already earned while trying to win more—but it’s a good thing the player stuck around a little longer. Before long, the player hit another jackpot—this time for $34,000—when another jackpot came up on the very same machine during that same session. Total winnings added up to $55,150, and the player finally decided they’d had enough—walking away from the game with a jackpot story that’s easily one of the best to share. 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) -   Earlier this month, we reported that xQc earns $200,000 per Stake-sponsored stream—details the 30-year-old Canadian shared during a broadcast with fellow creator StableRonaldo. Now, the Quebec native—who first gained fame as a professional Overwatch tank player—has shared new insights into just how profitable his streaming career has been over the years. In a Single Stream: $57,000 from Ads, $15M from Sponsorship xQc recently disclosed that the highest amount he’s ever made from ads in a single stream is $57,000. That impressive sum, however, is overshadowed by what he’s earned from his gambling streams. xQc shared that one gambling stream alone brought in approximately $15 million, once again highlighting the massive revenue top streamers can generate from niche areas of the platform. Beyond ad revenue, xQc has earned significant income through sponsorships. He revealed his largest deal came from Call of Duty Warzone, which paid him a flat fee of around $1 million. The agreement initially required him to stream the game a few times over two weeks, but xQc completed all obligations in a single 12-hour marathon session. 1.3M Bets with 10% Win Rate  Gambling streams appear particularly lucrative for him. In June 2025, xQc revealed he had placed $3.6 billion in total wagers across more than 1.3 million bets, winning roughly 10% of the time. His wealth is further boosted by profitable platform deals. Three years ago, he signed a streaming agreement with Kick reportedly worth up to $100 million over two years—a figure on par with major professional sports contracts, like LeBron James’ deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether from sponsorships, gambling, or ad revenue, xQc has made it clear that streaming can be extraordinarily profitable at the highest level. Despite these big earnings, fellow gambling streamer Trainwreck recently discussed the possibility of returning to regular gambling broadcasts. Trainwreck—who, per a Bloomberg report, received up to $1 million a month to stream crypto-casino content—also talked about his ties to Stake and its leadership, suggesting some creators promoting gambling platforms don’t get the compensation they deserve due to undervalued deals. The streamer hinted that a turning point could be ahead, with creators choosing to build their own platforms instead of relying on established gambling sites. 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) -   Sports betting in the United States has undergone a major transformation over the past few years, more precisely, ever since the Supreme Court paved the way for individual states to legalize the activity in 2018. First valued at $7 billion when it launched, the sector steadily expanded to an impressive $167 billion by last year, a surge largely driven by mobile apps that have removed the previous limit restricting betting to casinos or dedicated sportsbooks. Today, nearly all wagers are placed online, making participation far more convenient and efficient for people. States that currently permit sports betting have already seen clear financial benefits, with tax revenues that serve as critical support for public budgets climbing steadily. In the meantime, the federal government only collects a tiny portion of these funds, via a long-standing 0.25% tax applied to every individual wager. This rate has remained unchanged for decades, and discussions around whether it should be adjusted have been growing increasingly prominent in Washington. 5% Tax Would Bring In $100B Over 10 Years Some analysts propose raising the tax rate to 5%, a shift that recent estimates show would generate nearly $100 billion in revenue over the next decade. An even higher rate, such as 10%, could produce as much as $182 billion from fiscal years 2027 to 2036, while reducing the total number of placed bets by 10%. This level of revenue would be enough to make the sports betting tax the second-largest federal excise tax in the country, trailing only the gas tax. The Fixed-Dollar Per-Bet Tax Proposal Apart from the 5% and 10% tax rate options, the Budget Lab "also modeled a more modest, fixed-dollar tax on sports wagers: $0.05 per transaction." The corresponding model notes it would "raise a far smaller amount of revenue, just $1.3 billion from FY2027 to 2036, compared to the 5% ad valorem tax, but over the long term its impact could be more notable by cutting the total number of bets placed." At the same time, proponents argue sports betting should be treated the same as other taxed activities, such as alcohol or tobacco sales, noting that a higher tax level would bring in meaningful revenue while potentially curbing excessive gambling. Wider concerns about the broader impacts of betting have also been raised, including financial hardship for some users and the growing normalization of gambling in mainstream sports culture. Critics, however, warn that higher taxes could drive people toward unregulated markets. Offshore websites and informal betting networks already operate, and stricter rules could make these options far more appealing to users. States that rely heavily on betting revenue have also voiced concerns, as a drop in betting activity would likely reduce their own tax income. Another recent policy change has already caught bettors' attention. Starting in 2026, gamblers will no longer be able to fully offset their losses against their winnings when calculating their tax liability. This means some people may owe taxes even if they break even on their betting activity overall. For now, lawmakers are weighing all available options. The sports betting industry continues to expand, but key questions remain over how it should be taxed and regulated in the years ahead. 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 Nevada court has mandated that the online prediction platform Kalshi halt its operations within the state for a minimum of two weeks, representing a significant intensification in the escalating conflict between regulators and prediction market operators across the United States. Nevada Court Blocks Kalshi in 14-Day Restraining Order The decision from the First Judicial District Court in Carson City establishes a 14-day temporary restraining order that bars the company from providing contracts related to sports, elections, or entertainment events without appropriate state approval. This marks the first time a US state has compelled Kalshi to stop its operations, even temporarily. The legal action originates from an ongoing disagreement that started in early 2025 when Nevada's gaming regulator ordered the platform to discontinue its event-based contracts. Officials contend that these products mirror conventional wagering and should be subject to the state's stringent gambling regulations. Kalshi insists that its products are financial instruments overseen at the federal level. Court filings indicate that the judge determined Nevada regulators were probable to prevail in their wider legal dispute. The order emphasized that the state implements thorough regulations on gambling activities and mandates that all operators secure licenses. It observed that Kalshi's business model, in which users risk money on unpredictable results and the company collects a commission, might satisfy the legal criteria for a wagering system under state law. Temporary Order Against Kalshi Highlights Tensions Between Gambling and Finance Rules The court additionally determined that permitting the company to persist in its operations could weaken Nevada's regulatory structure. Concerns encompassed the lack of ability to oversee participants, block minors from taking part, or guarantee the integrity of events connected to the contracts. Judges concluded that these potential dangers could result in irreversible damage, warranting prompt intervention. Since temporary restraining orders in Nevada are not subject to appeal, Kalshi must adhere to the suspension while the litigation continues. A subsequent hearing is set for early April, during which the court will evaluate whether to prolong the limitations for an extended duration. The ruling arrives amidst mounting legal scrutiny on the company throughout numerous states. Regulators across the country are scrutinizing prediction markets and asserting that they circumvent existing gambling regulations. Concurrently, federal agencies have indicated support for categorizing these platforms as components of the derivatives market, generating a complicated legal landscape. The result of Nevada's case could carry wider consequences for the futureof prediction markets in the US, as courts persist in deliberating whether these platforms should be governed by financial regulations or gambling statutes. 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 action of March Madness continues as the NCAA Tournament's round of 32 begins Saturday at noon Eastern Time. Our coverage includes the odds, predictions, and picks for all eight matchups, with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. Saturday’s NCAA Tournament Game Odds at DraftKings Prepare for a full day of college basketball and potential bracket upsets by reviewing the odds for every contest at DraftKings. Our predictions and selections are detailed below. No. 1 Michigan (-12.5, 161.5) vs. No. 9 St. Louis CBS: 12:10 p.m. ET All signs point to an OVER in this matchup. Although Michigan surrendered 80 points to Howard in the first round, they still secured a decisive 101-80 victory. St. Louis also had a high-scoring start, erupting for 102 points in its opening win against Georgia. The Wolverines would benefit from the defensive skills of LJ Cason in this game, but his season concluded with a torn ACL in late February. Pick: OVER 161.5 No. 3 Michigan State (-4.5, 151.5) vs. No. 6 Louisville CBS: 2:45 p.m. ET Louisville will once again be without the output of freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. (18.2 ppg), who continues to sit with a back injury. The Cardinals will depend on leading scorer Ryan Conwell (18.7 ppg) to face an assertive Michigan State defense led by 6’10” senior Jaxon Kohler. Kohler is a dominant rebounder, averaging 9.1 per game. The center can also hit from beyond the arc and contributes 12.6 points per game. Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who leads the country with 9.2 assists per game, runs the Spartans' offense, but his scoring output (15.4 ppg) is expected to be the deciding factor. Pick: MSU -4.5 No. 1 Duke (-11.5, 139.5) vs. No. 9 TCU CBS: 5:15 p.m. ET Duke came into the tournament as the top overall seed but was given a significant challenge by No. 16 seed Siena in the first round. That close call should act as a warning for the Blue Devils, who anticipate the return of center Patrick Ngongba (foot) for this contest. Duke's size inside will be crucial, especially against a TCU team that has difficulties defending the paint (ranking 200th nationally in two-point field goal percentage). Look for another strong performance from Carlos Boozer, who leads our NCAA Tournament MVP betting list. Pick: OVER 139.5 No. 2 Houston (-10.5, 142.5) vs. No. 10 Texas A&M TNT: 6:10 p.m. ET This contest presents a clash of playing styles: Texas A&M's fast-paced offense against Houston's more methodical, slower approach. The key question is whether the Aggies can force Houston to play at a quicker speed. Texas A&M generated 18 turnovers in its opening victory against St. Mary’s. If the Aggies can produce a similar defensive performance against Houston and control the game's pace, we favor Texas A&M to cover the point spread. Pick: Texas A&M +10.5 More Madness: Biggest Upsets in NCAA Tournament History | Best Bets on Upset, Final Four & Buzzer-Beater Prop No. 3 Gonzaga (-6.5, 146.5) vs. No. 11 Texas TBS: 7:10 p.m. ET Gonzaga senior forward Graham Ike primarily scores in the post, which is a hallmark of the Bulldogs' entire offensive scheme. Texas's weakness in defending the interior could be a major issue in this game. Defensively, Gonzaga is ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation for both two-point and three-point percentage defense. We also give the coaching edge to Mark Few over Sean Miller. Pick: Gonzaga -6.5 No. 3 Illinois (-11.5, 151.5) vs. No. 11 VCU CBS: 7:50 p.m. ET This is another matchup where the OVER seems to be the best bet. Illinois scored 105 points in its first-round win against Penn. The KenPom rankings place the Illini as the nation's best team in adjusted offensive efficiency. VCU also possesses a potent offense, demonstrated by its remarkable comeback victory over UNC on Thursday. In that game, the Rams shot 42.3% from three-point range, connecting on 11 three-pointers to secure an 82-78 overtime win. Pick: OVER: 151.5 No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt (-2.5, 146.5) TNT: 8:45 p.m. ET Nebraska celebrated its first NCAA Tournament victory ever by defeating Troy 76-47 on Thursday. Vanderbilt represents a considerably tougher challenge for the Huskers. Vanderbilt features one of the elite guard duos in the country. Tyler Tanner (19.3 ppg) and Duke Miles (16.4 ppg) are both high-volume scorers. Strong guard play is often essential for postseason advancement, and we believe the Commodores will win and cover the spread as a result. Pick: Vanderbilt -2.5 No. 4 Arkansas (-11.5, 168.5) vs. No. 12 High Point TBS: 9:45 p.m. ET This game features a very high point total, the largest on Saturday's schedule. High Point demonstrated its offensive capability by beating Wisconsin 83-82 on Thursday, with Rob Martin contributing 23 points. The Panthers average 90 points per game, which ranks third in the country. Which team ranks fourth? Arkansas, with 89.9 points per game. The Razorbacks had scored 82 or more points in their last five games before the tournament and then put up 97 points in Thursday's win over Hawaii. Freshman standout Darius Acuff Jr. paced the team with 24 points, and all five starters finished the game in double figures. Pick: OVER 168.5 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) -   Sportsbook advertisements are consistently widespread during March Madness, yet in recent years, there has been a noticeable change in the marketing strategies employed to draw in new female customers. Women remain largely seen as an underutilized market for commercial sportsbooks, though researchers and counselors nationwide have observed an increase in female users. “We’re witnessing greater growth in women participating in gambling, in part due to its social acceptance and the fact that it’s omnipresent through advertising and similar channels,” said Michelle Malkin, a professor at East Carolina University who heads the institution’s Gambling Research & Policy Initiative. ‘Community’ Messaging to Sports Betting’s Burgeoning Sector WNBA Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie directly targeted women in a DraftKings ad that launched last September, timed to coincide with the WNBA Playoffs. Presently, Livvy Dunne features in a Fanatics Sportsbook ad for March Madness. The former LSU gymnast and social media influencer portrays different versions of herself to highlight various incentives offered by Fanatics. Retired University of Massachusetts professor Rachel Volberg, an expert in gambling and problem gambling research, is among industry watchers acknowledging this shift. “It’s quite evident that women are being targeted with marketing that focuses more on community and shared activities—rather than competition—to resonate with them,” Volberg said. “Influencer marketing is a strategy sports betting operators have adapted from their effective use with male bettors, and they’re now applying it specifically to women.” Women Not Immune to Gambling Harm Jessica Auslander, owner of Professional Wellness Management and a licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling disorders, treats an equal number of women and men at her practice in the greater Charlotte metro area.  “Among the women I work with, some are in their 40s, involved in sports betting or poker, and they’re former athletes,” Auslander said. “Others are older—retirement age—and while they might not focus on sports betting, they’re drawn to casino-based or online gaming activities. These types of games include a gambling element, like online slot machines.” She pointed out that most of her female clients are “driven by boredom, depression, grief, or isolation.” Auslander added, “I believe as gambling becomes more accessible, we’ll see growth across all demographic groups. The industry aims to offer something for everyone.” While sportsbooks consider attracting women a critical business priority for long-term growth, counselors will continue to witness an uptick in women seeking treatment. Rowland Edet, a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, examines this challenge in “Breaking the Odds: A Gendered Analysis of Women and Gambling Behavior.” “To mitigate harm, public health frameworks need to prioritize interventions that address the unique ways women engage with gambling,” Edet wrote. “A crucial step is limiting gender-specific advertising, especially messages that present gambling as empowering or stress-relieving—common themes in campaigns targeting women.” 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) -   PENN Entertainment has announced that Hollywood Casino Aurora will open its doors in Illinois on June 24. The $360 million new casino is being constructed across from Chicago Premium Outlets, situated near Interstate-88 in Aurora. The resort will include a hotel, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, an outdoor entertainment space, a full-service spa, upscale bars, and restaurants. It will also feature a 12,000-square-foot event center and roughly 1,700 parking spots.  In an announcement confirming the planned opening date, PENN CEO Jay Snowden shared, “We are just months away from launching another top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Chicago area.” “We are excited to follow the successful launch of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based venue, bolstering our overall retail portfolio across the Midwest and deepening our ties to the local community.” Upgraded Riverboats Driving Revenue Growth Hollywood Joliet launched in August of last year, with several hundred guests waiting in line to enter the new resort. The $185 million casino resort boasts roughly 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games, plus a retail sportsbook. The location posted revenue of $11.3 million during its first full month of operation in September. This marked a 48% rise compared to September 2024, when the venue operated as a riverboat casino. Hollywood Casino Aurora was Hollywood Casino Corporation’s very first riverboat casino, launching in 1993. Initially, two riverboats were utilized, which later developed into a 70,000-square-foot floating, moored half-circle facility. The casino spans 53,000 square feet of gaming space, with more than 1,000 slot machines and 26 table games. The venue also features one restaurant. Varied Dining & Entertainment Offerings The new land-based location will be a substantial upgrade, especially when it comes to its entertainment spaces. PENN noted that it will provide guests with a wide range of world-class dining experiences. The company has teamed up with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to launch Sorella by Giada. Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, meanwhile, will offer a variety of dining choices, including Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Five50 Pizza, Antique Taco, and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. “These beloved restaurateurs will offer our guests exceptional dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora,” stated Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at PENN Entertainment. “Combined with our hotel, event center, spa, and extra amenities, visitors will enjoy a lively atmosphere at this new local landmark.” PENN Prioritizes Casinos Over Prediction Markets Following its unsuccessful venture with ESPN Bet, PENN has no desire to test out prediction markets. Snowden has warned that these markets present a risk to its online betting division, which now solely focuses on theScore Bet in the United States. However, concerns over regulatory pushback have stopped the company from launching its own platforms, unlike other sportsbooks. During the company’s earnings call last month, he shared, “When regulators say, ‘This is illegal gambling, don’t do it,’ we don’t do it.” Instead, the company is focusing on new projects and regulated online gambling to boost its revenue. Aside from the Aurora casino, the firm will open a new hotel tower at its Hollywood Casino Columbus location in Ohio later this year. Its interactive division has also performed better since ESPN Bet shut down. In the fourth quarter of last year, iGaming revenue rose by 40%, and sports betting increased by 73%. Snowden shared, “We are optimistic about the trajectory of our interactive business, thanks to a more streamlined cost structure and regionally targeted marketing strategy that prioritizes regions with both legalized iCasino and online sports betting.” Snowden also noted that he anticipates the new Hollywood Casino in Aurora will be a success, following the strong performance of the Joliet venue during its shift from a riverboat to a land-based facility. 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) -   Senior figures in the gambling industry believe Russian regulators could authorize online casinos as early as April, potentially allowing citizens to place bets online starting in May. According to the Russian media outlet Vyberu, analysts state the Kremlin is seeking methods to manage its finances and views casino taxation as a crucial new source of income. An anonymous executive from a major Russian bookmaker informed Vyberu that the Ministry of Finance aims to finalize its contentious proposal to legalize the industry by late April. Under the ministry's heavily criticized proposal, prospective operators would be required to obtain licenses. These operators would pay taxes equal to 30% of their yearly profits, after deducting player winnings. According to ministry estimates, this would increase state revenue by 100 billion rubles (approximately $1.2 billion) each year. Gamblers place their bets at Altai Palace, one of a handful of permit-holding land-based casinos in Russia. (Image: Altai Palace/Facebook) Will Russia Legalize Online Casinos? Online casinos were prohibited in Russia in 2009. However, the ministry reports that citizens spend "hundreds of billions of rubles every year" on online slot platforms based abroad. The ministry claims it has limited ability to shut down these sites. Roskomnadzor, the government's communications watchdog and censorship body, has attempted to block access to online casinos. But the ministry asserts that operators create new mirror sites and duplicate servers "more quickly than authorities can monitor them." Russia's budget shortfall is expanding rapidly. Financial authorities had established a deficit limit of 3.79 trillion rubles for 2026. Yet, this threshold was already 91% reached by February's end, the outlet reported. The outlet attributed much of this to a 50% drop in oil and gas income. Sergey Shvedov, Editor-in-Chief of the Russian gambling news site Legalbet, told the outlet he expects a "positive resolution" on legalization "soon." "The ministry is working in a difficult environment," Shvedov stated. "The budget deficit is increasing at a rapid pace." If reports of the ministry aiming to accelerate its plan are accurate, he remarked, "we are in for a hot April. Not just climatically, but legislatively as well." Shvedov argued: "Right now, you can play roulette on illegal offshore sites. They might not pay out winnings, but Russian casinos would be legally bound to pay." Words of Warning Some sector analysts, however, have advised a cautious approach. Oleg Davydov, Executive Director of the First Self-Regulatory Organization of Russian Bookmakers, which represents leading licensed bookmakers, said legalization might be a drawn-out and complex procedure. "A decision to legalize casinos is not a minor detail in a document," he explained. "It must be a federal law or a set of amendments to current laws. The draft law must be presented to the State Duma. It must then pass three readings and gain the Federation Council's consent. Only after that can the President endorse it." The industry will only become fully engaged once the government releases the final bill text, Davydov noted. "Until that happens, all discussion on this topic is merely speculation." Shvedov mentioned the government could employ current age-verification systems to stop underage online gambling. However, legal specialists have raised concerns about this previously. Lawmakers have proposed setting the minimum age for online casino access at 21. Russian attorney Olga Fedorova recently stated that without a "strong" age-verification system, the goal of keeping those under 21 from betting online would be "merely a theoretical concept." 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) -   Ex-Hollywood Casino staff member Jennifer Petrillo stands accused of embezzling more than $727,000, funds allegedly used to purchase a Tesla, cosmetic procedures, and LEGO sets. Petrillo has been formally charged with nine felony offenses, comprising larceny, counterfeiting, and unauthorized computer access. The 53-year-old was employed as a part-time equine racing bookkeeper at Hollywood Casino located at Penn National Race Course. A coworker covering her duties during her medical absence uncovered "obvious irregularities" in the casino's accounting software. Personnel subsequently notified law enforcement, who initiated an inquiry in March 2025. According to a police report, Petrillo allegedly colluded with a relative to illicitly move substantial sums of money. Authorities report that the fraudulent operation established fictitious accounts and employed fabricated identities and companies to receive the money. Multiple genuine accounts also displayed mysterious deficits amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. Stolen Money Supported Extravagant Living Legal representatives allege Petrillo allocated the funds toward a Tesla Model 3, high-end spa services, cosmetic operations, large-scale LEGO assemblages, and equity purchases through Robinhood. She has been freed on $10,000 bond and is set to appear for a preliminary proceeding on March 24 before Magisterial District Judge Dale E. Klein. Law enforcement indicates the initial inconsistencies trace back to June 2024, just after Petrillo started her employment at the casino. She leveraged her recent role to write numerous checks to unfamiliar accounts and various individuals. "This represented a deliberate exploitation of a trusted role," investigators observed, highlighting that Petrillo was among merely three staff members possessing the elevated system privileges necessary to carry out such operations. Additional Convicted Swindlers Received Prison Terms for Comparable Offenses The allegations against Petrillo could lead to an extended incarceration. In a comparable Las Vegas incident, a casino data administrator pilfered patron "free play" credits, transforming them into actual profits of approximately $863,895. The worker received a 57-month prison term. In the previous year, a former Muscogee (Creek) Nation bookkeeper was handed a six-year sentence following the misappropriation of $25 million from the tribe's gambling operation. Similar to Petrillo, Michael Anthony Houser utilized the money to acquire vehicles, premium merchandise, and securities. In Britain, a former travel consultant was imprisoned for three years last week for pilfering more than $600,000 from her company. She purportedly devoted a significant portion of the money to internet gambling. Regarding Petrillo's purported offenses, Hollywood Casino affirmed it is providing complete cooperation to authorities and has subsequently examined its internal monetary safeguards to avert comparable occurrences. 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) -   Nevada has already pushed out Polymarket and Crypto.com from the state, and Kalshi appears poised to follow as a banned prediction market. The appeals court has rejected Kalshi's request for an administrative stay that would have permitted it to keep operating while its legal dispute with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) proceeds. After Kalshi's motion was denied, Nevada courts are anticipated to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the firm, as the NGCB has requested. This would essentially require the platform to prevent Nevada users from accessing its sports event contracts. Gaming attorney Daniel Wallach posted on X, "If granted (potentially as early as today or tomorrow), the TRO would remain in effect for 14 days pending a preliminary injunction hearing. Because TROs cannot be appealed under Nevada law, Kalshi would have to leave the state temporarily (unless a last-ditch effort succeeds)." The Carson City District Court declined to issue a TRO on Thursday. Judge Jason Woodbury, overseeing the case, had previously approved the NGCB's request and imposed a TRO on Polymarket last month, which caused the platform to bar Nevada users from its newly launched US platform. The state has additionally pursued legal measures against Coinbase and Crypto.com regarding their sports markets, with Crypto.com leaving the state last year. FanDuel and DraftKings also relinquished potential sports betting licenses in Nevada because of the state's resistance to their prediction market platform launches. Robinhood, which provides access to Kalshi's markets via its app, also consented to suspend its sports markets in Nevada last November. Kalshi, however, has vigorously contested state regulators and maintains that it operates under federal jurisdiction. Will Supreme Court Intervene? A potential last resort would be an emergency intervention from the Supreme Court (SCOTUS). Polymarket actually operates a market on whether SCOTUS will take up a sports event contract case. At present, it indicates a 27% probability of a case being heard before July's end and a 64% likelihood by year's end. Wallach stated he doesn't anticipate a conclusive SCOTUS decision before the first half of 2028, but expects "numerous shadow docket emergency petitions to SCOTUS for stay relief this year and next." Nevada might be the first such case as Kalshi fights to remain operational in the state. Legal Battles Ramping Up The Nevada decision will probably be leveraged by other state regulators in their own fights. Kalshi has encountered obstacles in other states, with judges in Ohio and Michigan declining to issue injunctions against gambling regulators. Arizona this week became the first state to bring criminal charges against the company. If successful, other states will probably pursue comparable measures. A Kalshi spokesperson told CasinoBeats, "These state court charges are fundamentally defective. This is tactical maneuvering. "Four days after Kalshi filed its federal lawsuit, these charges were brought to bypass federal court and disrupt the standard judicial procedure. They seek to stop federal courts from assessing the case on its merits—specifically, whether Kalshi falls under exclusive federal jurisdiction." "These allegations lack merit, and we anticipate contesting them in court." Notwithstanding the legal hurdles, the company maintains exponential growth. A recent funding round has valued Kalshi at $22 billion. 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.