Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Bally’s Intralot posted a 34.8% year-on-year rise in group revenue for 2025, fueled by the merger of the two firms late last year. However, expenses and other financial pressures resulted in losses. Merger Contributed a Lot to the Revenue Increase In 2025, the firm announced revenue exceeding $609 million, a major jump from the $410 million reported the year before. This surge was largely due to the combination of Bally’s International Interactive (BII) with Intralot’s worldwide lottery and gaming businesses. Finalized in October 2025, the deal was worth EUR 2.7 billion (around $3.17 billion), made up of EUR 1.53 billion ($1.8 billion) in cash and EUR 1.14 billion ($1.34 billion) in new Intralot shares. Since merging, the company has had a robust beginning to 2026 in the UK, which emerged as its biggest market in Q4 2025, accounting for over 60% of total revenue. In the initial two months of 2026, UK online activity produced about $121.5 million, representing an 11.1% year-over-year gain and signaling early merger advantages. For Q4 2025 as a whole, reported group revenue climbed to about $279.5 million, a substantial increase from roughly $123.4 million in the corresponding quarter of the prior year. The full-year figures were published on the same day Bally’s Intralot revealed its plan to acquire Evoke outright, following weeks of speculation and rumors about such a move. However, the Company Also Reported Losses Despite the encouraging headline numbers, a large portion of the revenue expansion is linked to the merger. Although the merger has significantly lifted the business, the core financials indicate a modest performance dip, even after Bally’s cited strategic advances in its preliminary 2025 report last month. When excluding Bally’s Interactive International, revenue declined by 8.7% compared to the previous year, and adjusted EBITDA decreased by 10.9%. Intralot associated this drop with foreign exchange headwinds, alongside elevated merchandise sales and implementation fees booked in 2024. US revenue also fell by 5.6%, although adjusted EBITDA rose by 5.4%. Revenue in Australia and Argentina went up, whereas Turkey saw a sharp drop of 21.8%. The group was impacted by increased depreciation and amortization, transaction costs, and finance charges. The pre-tax loss came to approximately $44.9 million. This contrasts with a profit of about $19.5 million in FY24. After accounting for $21.8 million in taxes, the company posted a net loss of around $66.5 million, versus a net profit of nearly $18 million a year earlier. Furthermore, net income after tax and minority interests plunged from a positive $5.3 million to a loss of about $71.0 million. With Bally’s Intralot still pursuing growth, including advancing its Las Vegas projects, the company's financial picture could shift dramatically in 2026. Whether that shift will be for better or worse remains to be seen. 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) - Canadian law enforcement has taken two individuals into custody as part of a crackdown on a human trafficking ring that laundered funds through casinos nationwide. Both have been hit with multiple charges, and one is still being held. Victims Assisted Law Enforcement in the Investigation On April 17, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revealed that its Nova Scotia-based Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) had filed 19 charges against two individuals, covering both human trafficking and financial violations. Investigators found that the ring impacted numerous victims in the province and washed its illegal gains through casinos in multiple provinces. The probe began in 2023 after the HTU learned about a sex trafficking operation in Nova Scotia. According to the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG), the operation not only victimized several people but also channeled its ill-gotten funds through casinos in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Sergeant Jeff MacFarlane from the HTU stressed that the top priority is to safeguard the victims and offer them necessary support as the investigation proceeds. He pointed out that the victims were instrumental in gathering evidence to build cases against the ring’s operators. Tackling this problem demands a collective effort, and we commend the bravery and strength of the victims who stepped forward to aid this investigation. Their collaboration helped break up a sex trafficking network and prevent others from suffering harm. Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane Two Individuals Arrested, One Still in Custody In an official statement, the RCMP identified the two arrested individuals as a 49-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman. They were apprehended on April 10 during a traffic stop on Highway 102 near Milford, with assistance from the Halifax Regional Police. The man is a Porters Lake resident. He faces 13 charges, including human trafficking, profiting from sexual services, withholding or destroying documents, and money laundering. He made his first court appearance at Dartmouth Provincial Court on April 13 and remains in custody as of this report. The woman, a Chester Basin resident, was arrested on comparable charges related to human trafficking and illegal proceeds. She was released under the condition that she appear in court at a future date. The RCMP stated that the investigation into the larger human trafficking network is ongoing. 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) - Prominent online gaming and betting firm bet365 has officially launched in Michigan, marking its 17th regulated market in the United States. This expansion supports the company's strategic goals for North America and its wider objective of growing its global presence. Michigan Players to Access the Complete Bet365 Offering The announcement highlights bet365's expansion into Michigan, enabling the operator to connect with the Great Lake State’s enthusiastic sports betting community. Now that bet365 is live in Michigan, residents can experience the operator's advanced services. Advantages of the platform include its world-class reputation, competitive odds, early market releases, and top-tier live betting options. Customers can also take advantage of bet365's signature Early Payout feature, which pays out winnings early if the user's team builds a substantial lead before the match concludes. Beyond its innovative sportsbook, bet365 provides a high-quality range of online casino games. Since Michigan permits iGaming, the state is well-positioned to benefit fully from bet365's status as a licensed operator. Exclusive Welcome Offers Available To mark its debut in the Great Lake State, bet365 is rolling out a “Bet $10, Get $365” welcome bonus, granting new users bet credits and free spins. Further details regarding this offer can be found on the operator's website. The company will persist in broadcasting its North American marketing campaign, Winning Is Everything. True to its title, the campaign honors committed sports and gaming enthusiasts looking to maximize their entertainment. Furthermore, bet365 has solidified its dedication to Michigan's sports landscape through a partnership with the Detroit Tigers. Additionally, the operator has collaborated with the Detroit Red Wings and 313 Presents, demonstrating a strong intent to integrate with the local sports community. Bet365 Praises Michigan as an Established Market Trip Stoddard, bet365's Head of Business Development, expressed satisfaction with the launch. He stated in an official release that the company is thrilled to introduce its products to Michigan and offer players a “better way to bet.” This [Michigan] is a mature market with knowledgeable fans, and we’re confident our product stands apart. Features like our Early Payout offer, combined with our in-play experience and integrated casino, give players more ways to engage and more reasons to choose bet365. Trip Stoddard, head of business development, bet365 As the newest operator in Michigan, bet365 enters a market populated by companies committed to high standards. Concurrently, state regulators remain active in combating unlicensed operators that threaten the integrity of the local market. 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) - California’s Morongo Band of Mission Indians has refinanced its outstanding debt using a $350 million senior secured credit facility. This facility consolidates prior liabilities tied to its casino, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, and other business operations into one unified structure. Morongo Band of Mission Indians Completes Casino Operations Refinancing KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) acted as joint lead arranger, joint bookrunner, and administrative agent for the deal. The bank highlighted that this marks its first syndicated transaction for the tribe. The financing package includes a $288 million revolving credit line and a $62 million term loan. The funds were utilized to pay off existing taxable and tax-exempt bonds and notes, in addition to covering costs associated with the transaction. This deal represents KBCM’s fourth engagement with Morongo since 2004 and its first syndicated execution for the tribe. The firm was selected to handle the financing due to its expertise in Native American Financial Services, strong debt capital markets capabilities, and long-standing partnership with the tribe. Operated and owned by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa ranks among the largest tribal gaming destinations in the United States. It has also led the way in innovation, becoming California’s first cashless casino back in 2020. Its 286,000-square-foot gaming area boasts close to 3,900 slot machines, over 70 table games, and two high-limit gaming lounges. The 27-story resort offers 310 rooms and suites, 15 well-regarded restaurants, a resort-style pool with private cabanas, a full-service spa, and the adjacent 36-hole championship Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. Implications of the Refinancing for the Casino For tribal finance executives and lenders, this transaction underscores that established tribal enterprises with steady cash flows and long-term financial partnerships continue to have access to bank capital. Such deals are typically used to simplify capital structures, extend debt repayment periods, and maintain liquidity. The tribe employs more than 3,000 people and, per its own estimates, generates nearly $3 billion in regional economic impact—easily making it one of the largest employers in Riverside County. The refinancing allows the tribe to manage its current obligations while sustaining day-to-day operations and funding future investments. In other California casino-related news, the state’s cardroom industry is facing an existential threat as new regulatory changes could ban them from offering player-dealer blackjack games, a core staple of these venues. 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) - Wazdan has established its strategic objectives for 2026, with the provider outlining a new roadmap designed to extend its market reach and further enhance its standing in the iGaming industry. Wazdan Prepared to Launch Enhanced Visual Online Casino Titles The developer has detailed its schedule from late May through August, showcasing several major projects for the upcoming months. This begins with the highly anticipated debut of the Ox Coin slot, which is scheduled for release on May 28. Discussing the roadmap and this specific launch, Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development, stated: “Our upcoming roadmap demonstrates a methodical and uniform strategy for content distribution, ensuring every title serves a distinct purpose within our overall collection.” Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development The title draws inspiration from Asian culture, providing engaging mechanics that emphasize popular player features alongside its striking visual presentation. Furthermore, Wazdan is set to introduce 9Balls, a sports-centric game arriving in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to capitalize on the excitement surrounding the global event. The game will leverage the massive appeal of soccer and is built around a familiar concept intended to capture the interest of sports fans. Modernized Visuals Supported by Proven Gameplay Mechanics Moving forward, Wazdan will launch Mighty Hot: Amazonia on June 30, which will feature the studio's signature high-end graphics and a fast-paced gameplay style. On July 30, the studio will debut Magic Fruit$ Cherries, a title that revisits the nostalgic fruit theme while building upon classic gameplay elements. Bacheva noted that all these titles are developed to combine innovative visuals with reliable mechanics and flow that appeal to players and generate strong results for partners. In addition to these future plans, Wazdan has been actively expanding its reach with various operators recently. Earlier this year, the provider went live with Fanatics Casino in West Virginia. At the end of December, Wazdan also partnered with Admiral.hr, further growing the company’s presence across Europe. 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 $1 million contract has been granted by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio to strengthen the state's initiatives aimed at reducing the effects of gambling-related harm. This represents a significant advancement, enhancing the support services Ohio offers to individuals who may be experiencing difficulties with their gambling habits. The contract is scheduled to continue until June 30, 2027. Additional Gambling Treatment Funding Coming Ohio’s Way The funds will be utilized by the administrator to bolster treatment and recovery services that are intended to lessen harm and assist individuals in regaining control of their lives. The state's objective is for individuals to achieve full recovery from compulsive gambling, not merely to enroll in the state's self-exclusion program. This additional financial support is also expected to enable a greater number of people to access the necessary help for dealing with the serious issue of gambling-related harm. The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services anticipates that by providing more avenues for treatment and recovery, the prevalence of chronic problem gambling across the state will start to decline. One proposed strategy involves expanding telehealth services, an area where such measures can be highly effective, alongside Ohio's push for improved collaboration among state and local treatment providers overall. Worries about sports betting within the state have been growing, prompting some legislators to evaluate a stricter regulatory approach to reduce gambling-related harm. 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) - Fueled by technological advancement, regulatory shifts, and changing player expectations, the UK online casino market keeps evolving rapidly. While the sector still ranks among the most competitive and profitable globally, new findings indicate that today’s growth is shaped equally by compliance and consumer protection, just as much as by innovation. According to Ken Johnson, Chief Editor at BestOnlineCasino, the last five years have brought major structural changes to the industry, most notably with the rise of mobile-first gaming and stricter regulatory frameworks. “Mobile access has become the primary way players interact with online casinos,” said Johnson. “Players now expect the same speed, convenience, and ease of use that they enjoy from other digital platforms.” Regulatory Changes Reshaping the Market Recent updates from the UK Gambling Commission—including financial risk screenings, stake limits on online slots, and restrictions on autoplay functions—have left a major impact on casino operators. “Stronger consumer protections are great for players, but they have also pushed up compliance costs for operators,” Johnson explained. “This has shifted the industry’s focus toward transparency and responsible gaming.” These changes have led some industry observers to predict that the market may trend toward consolidation, as operators adjust to meet higher operational standards while remaining competitive. Player Education and Informed Choices Are Key With hundreds of platforms available to players, navigating the online casino landscape can be tricky for both new and experienced users. Experts recommend taking a research-driven approach before engaging with any operator. “Players should always review independent ratings and community feedback before signing up for a new platform,” said Johnson. “Understanding how a site performs in terms of security, fairness, and bonus terms is absolutely essential.” He also advises players to factor in game providers when selecting a casino, to ensure the platform matches their personal preferences and playing style. Bonuses and Loyalty Programs Still Drive Engagement While welcome bonuses remain a top draw for new players, their actual value depends on transparent terms and realistic wagering requirements. “Players should choose bonuses carefully and confirm their terms are achievable,” Johnson noted. “The best platforms also offer ongoing rewards, such as VIP programs, regular promotions, and player competitions.” Technology Transforming the Player Experience Technological innovation continues to play a central role in shaping the modern online casino experience. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is advancing personalization, security, and operational efficiency across the sector. “AI influences almost every area of online casinos—from customized game suggestions to fraud detection and customer support,” Johnson said. “It’s quickly become one of the most valuable tools in the entire industry.” Emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also gaining traction, though widespread adoption is still limited by access to compatible hardware. Future Trends Point to More Immersive and Social Experiences Looking ahead, the next phase of industry growth is expected to center on immersive, interactive, and socially focused gaming experiences. Key trends include: Ongoing dominance of mobile-first platforms Increased personalization powered by AI Growth of live dealer and hybrid gaming formats Expansion of social features and community-based gameplay “Online casinos are evolving beyond the boundaries of traditional gameplay,” Johnson added. “Players are seeking more engaging and social experiences, and operators are responding with new formats and features.” About BestOnlineCasino BestOnlineCasino is a leading comparison platform that reviews and ranks online casinos across multiple global markets. The platform delivers expert insights, in-depth reviews, and player-focused guidance to help users find safe, licensed, and high-quality operators. 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) - Wicked Games has ventured into a new territory in the European iGaming sector, as the studio secured an official license to operate in Sweden—one of the region’s most profitable and strictly regulated markets. Wicked Games Makes Another Move in Europe’s Online Casino Market By acquiring the B2B license from Sweden’s national regulatory body, Spelinspektionen, Wicked Games once more shows its dedication to compliance and creative design—elements that will help it set its games apart in the local market and give partner operators a competitive edge. Wicked Games’ Head of Partnerships Khadija El Abi stated: “Gaining our Swedish license is a powerful confirmation of the compliance standards and technical preparedness that underpin our business. Sweden is a key market for us, and this green light enables us to support licensed operators in the country with content designed to stand out in crowded, competitive gaming lobbies.” The firm has maintained a focus on delivering technologically advanced experiences, which has helped drive its steady growth in regulated markets. Sweden enforces particularly strict compliance rules, as it requires suppliers to never provide their games to grey market companies that might target Swedish players without an official license. Wicked Games Keeps Expanding Its Reach Through Individual Partnerships Such violations can lead to license revocation and substantial fines—highlighting Wicked Games’ ability to identify trusted partners and collaborate with them as part of its long-term strategy, which includes Sweden. Wicked Games has been actively seeking to grow its reach and influence; in mid-March, the studio partnered with Hub88 to enhance its content delivery and reach broader iGaming audiences. The company is known for its playful approach to naming its new games, though some of these well-intentioned puns have not been well-received. 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) - Jackpots kept landing throughout March at the Aquarius Casino Resort and Edgewater Casino Resort, with patrons taking home over $4.6 million in total jackpots across the two properties. The Aquarius location ended up paying out a total of $3,558,432 in jackpots over the course of the month, with Edgewater contributing an additional $1,015,591 for a combined total of $4,621,172. Another $47,149 was also won at the Bingo Room of the Edgewater property, and the majority of large payouts were claimed via slot games. The press release also highlighted several particularly noteworthy jackpots, including a 2-cent Dragon Link slot bet placed by Nelson A. of Riverside, California, who turned that small wager into a $13,534 prize. Another player, Danyell R. of Queen Creek, Arizona, walked away with $10,783 at the Edgewater Bingo Room while playing the Bigger Bingo Coverall. Another notable jackpot took place at Auarius, where Diana K. of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, won an extra $10,000 while playing the $1 10X pay game. Jackpots have been a huge part of the casino experience, with the two properties paying out frequent five-number jackpots on a regular basis, along with smaller wins in between, totalling millions of dollars by the end of the month. 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) - Nvidia has unveiled Nemotron 3 Super, a new open-access AI model engineered to operate faster and process extremely lengthy prompts. The company is targeting this offering at developers building AI agents, a use case where costs can rise sharply when models need to complete multi-step reasoning tasks. Good to Know According to Nvidia, Nemotron 3 Super delivers up to 7.5 times greater throughput compared to Qwen3.5 122B A10B. This model supports context windows as large as 1 million tokens. Nvidia has made both the model and its associated training resources openly accessible to the public. Engineered for Speed and Lengthy Input Processing Nemotron 3 Super does not activate its full set of parameters every time it generates a response. Instead, it adopts a Mixture of Experts design, where only a portion of the model is switched on for each individual task. Nvidia states this design helps cut inference costs and makes the model more practical for AI agents that typically consume large volumes of tokens during operation. Across its 88 total layers, the model combines both Mamba and Transformer layers. In simple terms, one layer type helps it process very long inputs more efficiently, while the other preserves its response accuracy. Nvidia says this configuration gives the model a native context window of up to 1 million tokens. Nvidia has also integrated a routing system called LatentMoE. It directs each task to a small subset of expert modules inside the model instead of activating the entire system. Per Nvidia's claims, this enables higher levels of specialization without driving up inference costs in the way standard MoE systems do. The company says under its specified test setup, Nemotron 3 Super delivers 2.2 times the throughput of GPT OSS 120B and 7.5 times the throughput of Qwen3.5 122B A10B. Nvidia also notes it offers over 5 times higher throughput and up to double the accuracy of the previous Nemotron Super version. The model was trained on 25 trillion tokens, followed by an additional training phase using 51 billion tokens to extend its context length to 1 million tokens. Nvidia then applied supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning techniques to improve its overall performance. Benchmark results for the model were also strong. Nvidia reports scores of 83.73 on MMLU Pro, 90.21 on AIME25, 60.47 on SWE Bench with OpenHands, 85.6% on PinchBench, and 91.64 on RULER 1M. The model also powers Nvidia AI Q, a research agent that claimed the top position on the Deepresearch Bench leaderboard. Nvidia trained the model using NVFP4, a format developed specifically for Blackwell GPUs. When running on B200 hardware, the company says inference speeds can reach up to 4 times faster than FP8 format running on H100 GPUs, with no reported drop in accuracy. Nemotron 3 Super is available under the Nvidia Nemotron Open Model License. Developers can access its checkpoints in BF16, FP8, and NVFP4 formats on Hugging Face. Nvidia also supports inference via Nvidia NIM, build.nvidia.com, Perplexity, Openrouter, Together AI, Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, Coreweave, Dell Enterprise Hub, and HPE. Additional guides and implementation resources are available through NeMo. 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 PC and Console Gaming Report 2026, released by Newzoo, highlights a significant trend in Western markets. On PC, revenue generated by games outside the top 20 chart leaders has surpassed that of the leading titles, and players are also dedicating more time to these less prominent games. Key Takeaways In Western markets, games ranked 21 and below accounted for 56% of PC revenue in 2025, an increase from 48%. Playtime for games outside the Top 20 saw a 44% increase, while overall PC playtime grew by 14%. On Xbox, Game Pass significantly influences player engagement, whereas PlayStation's engagement is more driven by major exclusive catalog titles. PC Gaming Environment Fosters Broader Success More than half of PC gaming revenue in Western markets now originates from titles not among the Top 20. This finding from Newzoo signals a notable shift in the industry's direction. While major hits continue to be important, the segment of games just below the top tier is gaining substantial commercial influence. Tianyi Gu, manager of market analysis at Newzoo, explained the situation: “On PC, the space below the Top 20 is becoming more economically meaningful. That doesn’t make the market unconcentrated, but it does make games below the very top more commercially relevant than before.”This trend extends beyond sales figures, also reflecting in player engagement. Newzoo reports that playtime for games ranked 21 and lower surged by 44% in 2025. During the same period, total PC playtime increased by 14%, while playtime for Top 20 games remained stable or slightly declined. This indicates that players are not only purchasing more games from outside the top tier but are also investing more time in them. Certain game genres appear to be benefiting disproportionately. Enduring catalog titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, and Skyrim continue to attract players. Survival games and action RPGs also align with this pattern, largely due to ongoing updates, balancing adjustments, and long-term support that maintain their relevance post-launch. Rust, DayZ, and Path of Exile 2 are notable examples in this category. Newer releases are also experiencing a more extended period of engagement than in the past. Newzoo points to REPO and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 as games that maintained steady sales after dropping from bestseller lists. This is significant as the sharp decline in sales immediately after launch appears to be lessening. A larger segment of players seems content to wait for discounts, patches, or sufficient free time to engage with games later. Console gaming trends present a different picture. On PlayStation, older titles must compete for player attention against annual sports games, which consistently capture engagement even outside the top ranks. When PlayStation players revisit older releases, they tend to favor high-profile exclusives like God of War Ragnarök, Ghost of Tsushima, Spider Man 2, and The Last of Us Part 2.Xbox exhibits yet another distinct pattern. According to Newzoo, playtime on Xbox closely correlates with a game's inclusion in Game Pass. New free-to-play titles constitute less than 1% of playtime on Xbox, suggesting that many players on this platform remain focused on the subscription library they already access. Over two decades ago, Chris Anderson posited in Wired that PC gaming was well-positioned to capitalize on the "long tail," partly due to nostalgia and older software finding new life on modern hardware. This prediction appears even more pertinent today. While PC gaming continues to accommodate blockbusters, the distribution of revenue and player time is broadening, offering publishers, live service developers, and catalog owners expanded opportunities. 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) - Bitcoin declined on April 19 as traders responded to an escalated geopolitical risk landscape. Iran backed out of a planned second round of negotiations with the U.S., and the crypto market promptly gave up some of its recent recovery gains. Good to Know Over a 24-hour period, Bitcoin dropped approximately 2% and hit around $73,820 on CoinMarketCap. Iran stated it would not proceed with further talks, citing excessive U.S. demands, conflicting signals, and naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders are currently monitoring support levels between $70,500 and $71,000, as well as resistance near $75,000. Bitcoin Retracts as Iran-Related Risks Resurface BTC moved out of the $74,000-$77,000 range it had maintained during recent consolidation, wiping billions off the total crypto market capitalization. As of 8:30 p.m. ET, Bitcoin was still attempting to hold above the $74,000 mark. Tension mounted after Iranian state media confirmed that Tehran had pulled out of a scheduled second negotiation session. Iranian officials highlighted what they described as overly demanding U.S. terms, conflicting stances, and a continuing U.S. naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is still among the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, so any disruption there can quickly impact energy prices and investor risk appetite. Cryptocurrencies have closely followed such geopolitical signals in early 2026, and Bitcoin was no exception this time.Earlier this month, negotiations held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 lasted over 21 hours without resulting in a ceasefire or nuclear agreement. JD Vance later noted that Iran had rejected U.S. terms, while Iranian officials characterized the meeting as preliminary. In mid-April, markets had temporarily shifted direction after Donald Trump mentioned that Iran had discreetly sought further dialogue. This helped push Bitcoin back toward $76,000. However, Saturday saw a reversal: Iran turned down additional talks, and the relief rally dissipated. From a technical analysis perspective, support levels are now around $70,500 to $71,000, with resistance near $75,000. BTC has tested the $76,000 level multiple times in recent weeks but hasn’t been able to sustain gains above it, leaving traders focused on whether buyers can protect current price levels. Trump increased the pressure with a Sunday warning to Iran, stating he no longer intends to be “Mr. Nice Guy.” Markets are now awaiting any official U.S. response, new diplomatic initiatives supported by Pakistan, and any further disruptions related to the Strait of Hormuz. 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) - CoinPoker is set to host its largest-ever tournament series, the World Poker Masters, from May 3rd to June 1st. The festival features a massive $25,000,000 in guaranteed prize money, headlined by a $2,500,000 Main Event, a $500,000 Mini Main Event, and an additional $500,000 allocated for leaderboard prizes. Good to Know The World Poker Masters takes place from May 3 to June 1, 2026. The entire schedule boasts $25,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools. Qualification is available via Warm Up satellites running from April 26 to May 2. CoinPoker Loads Up a Bigger Tournament Schedule CoinPoker is launching a four-week online poker festival centered on substantial guarantees and non-stop action for all stake levels. The premier attraction is the $530 Main Event, which features a record-breaking $2,500,000 guarantee for the platform. The schedule also includes enhanced CoinMasters events, the CoinMillion tournament, high rollers, and a $55 Mini Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee. The Main Event will follow a multi-flight structure. Day 1 flights are scheduled for each Sunday of the series, with a final Day 1E on May 31st. Players who survive will progress to Day 2 on June 1st. Participants are permitted to enter more than one starting flight, but only their largest stack will carry forward. Additional marquee tournaments complete the lineup. The CoinMillion event has a $215 buy-in and a $1,000,000 guarantee spread over two days. The $1,500 CoinMasters BITCOIN High Roller also guarantees $1,000,000 and will award the winner a physical CoinMasters Coin. High roller buy-ins range from $1,500 to $25,000, with guarantees reaching as high as $1,000,000.An extra $500,000 in leaderboard prizes is also part of the series. The $75,000 Champions Leaderboard recognizes the best overall performers, awarding up to $30,000 to the winner. The remaining $425,000 is distributed across four weekly WPM leaderboard competitions, divided into High ($109 and above) and Low ($11 to $88) buy-in categories. Each weekly race pays out up to 80 players, with top prizes hitting $15,000. Leaderboard points are earned based on tournament results, factoring in final placement and field size, allowing players who consistently make deep runs to accumulate value beyond direct prize money. The four scoring periods are May 3-9, May 10-16, May 17-23, and May 24 to June 1. Prior to the main festival, CoinPoker will hold a Warm Up phase from April 26th to May 2nd. This period is dedicated to satellites and feeder tournaments designed to provide affordable entry into the major events, including the Main Event. This structure offers a gateway for micro and low-stakes players to participate. A new addition is the Trophy Cabinet, a profile feature that enables players to showcase trophies won during the World Poker Masters and CoinMasters series. CoinPoker is introducing this to add a prestige element that complements cash rewards.Established in 2017, CoinPoker supports cryptocurrency payments in addition to bank cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. The World Poker Masters now joins other platform series like the Coin Series of Poker and CoinMasters as part of its expanding tournament portfolio. FAQ When Does World Poker Masters Run? The World Poker Masters is scheduled from May 3 to June 1, 2026. How Much Is Guaranteed Across The Series? There is a total of $25,000,000 guaranteed across all events in the series. What Is The Main Event Buy In And Guarantee? The Main Event has a $530 buy-in and a $2,500,000 guaranteed prize pool. How Does Main Event Qualification Work? Participants may play multiple Day 1 flights; however, only their largest chip stack will advance to Day 2 on June 1. What Are The Other Big Events In The Series? Key tournaments include the $55 Mini Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee, the $215 CoinMillion guaranteeing $1,000,000, and high roller events with guarantees of up to $1,000,000.What Is The Warm Up Stage? The Warm Up stage occurs from April 26 to May 2 and concentrates on satellites and feeder tournaments for World Poker Masters events. What Is The Trophy Cabinet? This is a new profile feature that allows players to exhibit trophies acquired from tournament victories. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) - In 2025, France experienced another year of expansion in the gambling sector, achieving a total gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €14.1 billion. Recent figures released by the ANJ indicate continued growth in online betting, robust performance in lottery activities, and a positive contribution from casinos. Good to Know The GGR for gambling in France increased by 3% in 2025, totaling €14.1 billion. Revenue from online gambling surged by 8.5%, reaching €2.617 billion. The ANJ cautioned that higher levels of participation might lead to greater gambling-related harm. Online Betting and Lottery Drive Growth in French Gambling Revenue According to the ANJ, the French regulated gambling market expanded from €13.7 billion in 2024 to €14.1 billion in 2025. This 3% growth positions France comparably to other significant European markets, trailing the UK's 4.3% but surpassing Italy's 1.9%. The most significant boost came from online gambling. Revenue in the competitive online sector increased by 8.5% to €2.617 billion, raising the online segment's share of the total market to 18.5%, an increase from 16.4% in 2023. Gains were recorded across sports betting, horse racing, and poker. Additionally, the number of unique online players grew by 7.5% to 4.2 million, and active accounts increased by 7.1% to 6.1 million. There was a 25% jump in multi-activity players, indicating a trend of users engaging with multiple verticals. Sports betting continued to be the primary driver online. Revenue saw a 10.4% climb to €1.766 billion, while stakes increased by 12% to €11.517 billion. Football and tennis were the main contributors to this growth, accounting for 49% and 30% of the rise in stakes, respectively. Active sports betting accounts totaled 5.3 million (a 7.9% rise), and unique bettors reached 3.6 million (an 8.6% increase).Poker also delivered a strong performance, with revenue rising by 6.5% to €525 million, driven entirely by tournament play. Active poker accounts grew by 16.5% to 2.5 million, and unique players increased by 15.1% to 1.9 million. Meanwhile, horse racing betting experienced slower growth, with revenue up by 2.4% to €326 million. In the offline sector, FDJ United reported a GGR of €6.95 billion, a 2.8% increase that secured it 49.2% of the total market. This result was largely driven by lottery products, although European online operations—particularly in the UK and the Netherlands—declined by 8%. The casino sector also saw improvement, with GGR rising 3.4% to €2.816 billion and admissions hitting 31.6 million visits. Slot machines contributed approximately 82% of the casino GGR. ANJ Highlights Player Protection and Risks for 2026 The ANJ also highlighted potential risks. A 2024 assessment by the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction identified approximately 1.17 million individuals in France exhibiting problematic gambling behavior, including roughly 360,000 excessive players. The ANJ stated that operators require enhanced tools to monitor risky behavior and intervene sooner. Currently, France ranks seventh globally and third in Europe in terms of GGR, trailing Italy and the UK. The ANJ is also monitoring new products, such as those under the JONUM regime, which now encompasses monetizable digital games featuring gambling-like mechanics, including tradeable in-game items.Looking to the future, the ANJ noted that 2026 may bring additional pressure from tax reforms, intensified competition, and the Fifa World Cup. Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, President of the ANJ, remarked: “2026 is set to be a crucial year for the entire gambling market. Whether it involves consolidating acquisitions, rapidly reversing a growing downturn, or confronting heightened competition on the eve of the Fifa World Cup, all indicators are flashing red for the regulator. “In this tense climate, further complicated by the rise of new betting forms, it is vital to persist with the expected shift toward a less intensive gambling model and to suggest modifications to the existing regulatory framework to mitigate the perceived risks of gambling.” 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) - Canada may be inching toward stricter regulations for sports betting advertisements. Bill S-211 will return to the House of Commons on April 22, offering legislators another opportunity to advance a proposal that would establish a national framework for sports betting ads. Good to Know Bill S-211 is set to come back to the House of Commons for an additional vote on April 22. The Senate has already approved the bill, though the House still needs to complete several more stages. Discontent with sports betting ads has increased following legal adjustments in 2021 and 2022. Canada’s Sports Betting Ad Bill Finds a New Opportunity in Ottawa A new vote in Ottawa might apply fresh pressure to sports betting advertising in Canada. Bill S-211, officially named the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act, is scheduled to return to the House of Commons next week. Should legislators pass it, the bill will probably move to a committee for more detailed examination prior to subsequent votes. Canadian legislators currently have a more favorable political environment than they did during the previous effort. Advocates for ad restrictions are operating in a more stable House, as recent floor switches and byelections have given the ruling Liberal Party a majority of seats. This is important because a more stable House reduces the chance of unexpected political upheaval that could derail the bill before it makes progress. Support is already visible within government circles. During debate earlier this week, Liberal MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry Karim Bardeesy stated:“The least we can do right now in the House is to pass the bill, send it to committee and give it the consideration it deserves as we take on this scourge.” Despite this support, S-211 still faces hurdles. The Senate has already passed it, but the House needs to guide it through second and third readings before the proposal can become law. For the moment, the April 22 vote appears to be the next critical milestone. Past attempts demonstrate how vulnerable gambling-related bills can be in Ottawa. A comparable measure, Bill S-269, was passed by the Senate in late 2024 but never advanced through the House. Political turmoil interfered, and the proposal expired before legislators could complete the process. S-211 is now being considered under more tranquil circumstances, which may improve its chances of success. The discussion traces back to quick shifts in Canada’s gambling policies. Ottawa decriminalized single-game sports betting in 2021, followed by Ontario launching a competitive iGaming market in 2022. This opened the door for numerous private sportsbook and iCasino operators to enter the nation’s largest provincial market.Since then, the volume of advertising has become a significant political concern. Promotions linked to sportsbooks and online casinos are now impossible to ignore, particularly during live sports events. For many viewers, this oversaturation has crossed a line. Complaints haven’t been limited to Ontario either—betting ads frequently reach audiences in other provinces, upsetting both voters and regulators outside the market where most private operators hold licenses. Thus, although S-211 is presented as a national advertising framework, the true driving force behind it is a widespread backlash against the speed and scope of gambling promotions in Canada. Legislators now have another chance to address this issue. FAQ What Is Bill S-211? Bill S-211 is a proposed law known as the National Framework on Sports Betting Advertising Act. It could establish new limits or safeguards for sports betting ads across Canada. When Will The Next Vote On Bill S-211 Take Place? The House of Commons is set to hold another vote on the bill on April 22. Has Bill S-211 Been Passed Yet? The Senate has already passed the bill, but the House of Commons still needs to approve it through multiple stages before it can be enacted as law. Why Are Canadian Legislators Focused On Sports Betting Ads? Concerns have escalated since single-game sports betting was decriminalized in 2021 and Ontario launched its competitive iGaming market in 2022, resulting in a significant increase in advertising activity. 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) - Finland’s gambling authority has resumed its inquiry into White Hat Gaming, sparking new inquiries regarding how offshore entities interact with Finnish players prior to the nation's upcoming market restructuring. The National Police Board initiated this latest investigation after noting persistent gambling offerings and advertisements directed at Finnish users, contradicting previous promises that such operations had been reduced. White Hat Denies All Allegations Citing a recent article by Next.io, Finnish authorities suspect that fresh evidence connects White Hat to several operators focusing on local residents. Finland enforces one of the continent's toughest gambling regimes, where the state-run Veikkaus possesses the sole license to provide and market betting services within the country. Overseas operators that specifically market to Finnish citizens risk incurring harsh punishments. The regulator has discovered a web of casino sites in Finnish that function within White Hat’s wider network. These sites allegedly feature logos of Finnish banks and are marketed via domestic affiliate networks. Authorities argue that these features demonstrate a calculated strategy to attract Finnish gamblers. White Hat strongly disputes this view. The company claims that the problematic sites are not operated by them but are instead owned by external parties trying to mimic their brands. The firm further noted that it has acted against these "rogue" operators and is engaging with regulators to safeguard its standing. Finland's Gambling Industry Prepares for Major Changes The potential consequences for White Hat are substantial. Finland intends to dismantle its monopoly model and welcome licensed competition to the online gambling sector by July 2027. Firms subject to enforcement actions could be barred under the upcoming system, making the investigation's outcome vital for White Hat. We continue to closely follow follow regulatory developments in Finland and look forward to participating in the regulated Finnish market in due course. White Hat Gaming statement White Hat is not the sole firm under examination. Regulators have also looked at other operators providing Finnish-language options, including brands linked to businesses incorporated in other European nations. This intensifying regulatory oversight suggests Finland is increasing its attempts to suppress what it views as continuing grey-market activities. Regulators are aiming to curb unlicensed operators, paving the path for a new structure intended to steer players toward legal sites when the market launches. Official figures show that 24 online operators have submitted license applications, indicating significant demand. A smooth transition has emerged as a primary policy objective. 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) - Fanatics Markets has unveiled Combos, a novel feature for its prediction markets platform that allows users to combine multiple individual predictions into a single contract for trading. Fanatics Markets Announces the New Combos Feature The new feature is currently available for baseball, boxing, football, hockey, MMA, basketball, soccer, and tennis, with plans to incorporate additional sports in the future, according to Fanatics Markets. Combos enable bettors to group various types of outcomes, such as player props, moneylines, point spreads, and game totals, and these combinations can extend across different sports or include multiple games within the same sport. This functionality mirrors the parlays or accumulators found in traditional sportsbooks. Users create a contract comprising several individual selections, and it only results in a payout if all chosen outcomes prove correct. The addition of more selections increases the difficulty of success, typically leading to a lower initial cost but a potentially higher payout. The introduction of Combos aligns with the increasing interest in prediction markets from both individual and institutional participants. Unlike conventional sportsbooks, prediction markets operate as exchanges where users trade shares tied to event outcomes. Share prices fluctuate based on market sentiment and implied probabilities, fostering a trading environment more akin to financial markets than traditional fixed-odds betting. Combos Are a Big Addition to Fanatics Markets Fanatics launched Fanatics Markets last December, following its acquisition of the independent brokerage firm Paragon Global Markets in July of the same year. The platform was positioned as the first prediction market at the nexus of sports, finance, and culture. At the time of the initial announcement, Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, remarked that Fanatics had long provided fans with innovative ways to engage with their passions, offering merchandise, collectibles, tickets, and events. He highlighted that Fanatics Markets now offers fans a secure and user-friendly platform to participate in the moments that define sports and culture, empowering them to take a stance. Fanatics Markets has confirmed that all trades on its platform are processed using Crypto.com’s federally regulated prediction market infrastructure. Users will benefit from features such as deposit limits, session limits, a timeout option, voluntary self-exclusion, and the ability to close their accounts. These protective measures reflect a broader industry trend of combining product enhancements with strengthened consumer safeguards. Kalshi, another prediction market provider, has also been prioritizing user protection, recently implementing new measures to prevent underage access through various age verification steps and a dedicated parent portal. 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) - Arizona Charlie’s has solidified its reputation for rewarding players, as guests at its two Clark County casinos secured nearly $2.3 million in winnings during March. Although the majority of the payouts came from slot machines, bingo also proved to be very lucrative for players. Multiple Players Scored Big Wins According to official figures, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder in Paradise, Nevada, and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur in Las Vegas collectively distributed almost $2.3 million in prizes to players throughout March. The statistics indicate that slot machine winners at the two venues took home $1,846,129 during the month. Meanwhile, bingo enthusiasts collected a total of $452,289 in winnings. March kicked off with a major win on the 4th, marking the largest payout of the month. Carmelita P. claimed the impressive $96,463 Double Progressive bingo jackpot. The start of the month was robust, featuring one of the next major wins for March 2026: a $21,006 prize from a Dancing Drums slot. This award was claimed by a guest at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur on March 10. Eleven days later, another patron at the same location won $18,186 while playing the same game. Towards the month's close, a fortunate visitor secured the four-card keno jackpot, walking away with $17,500. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder also saw substantial wins, including a $20,000 video poker jackpot claimed by a guest on March 21. Later, on March 30, another player won $18,927 on a Dragon Link slot machine. Other Gamblers Across the US Scored Significant Wins Elsewhere in jackpot news, Hard Rock Bet Casino recently paid out a $224,944 Mega Jackpot, just weeks after a similar $225,216 Mega Jackpot was won. The latest victory occurred on April 8 when Kimberley D. from Au Gres, Michigan, transformed a $3.20 bet into a six-figure sum. Meanwhile, Flamingo Las Vegas recently spotlighted two jackpots that were hit within hours of each other. Tuesdee F. secured $149,944 with a straight flush in Three Card Poker. Shortly after, Tim H. won $475,669 playing the same game. 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) - Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has put forward a new 10% tax on online gambling and prediction markets to help fund research in fields where the United States is competing with China. Ex-Chicago Mayor Lays Out Tax Proposal for Online Gambling The former Illinois representative, White House chief of staff, and US ambassador to Japan’s plan would put a 10% federal transaction fee on all wagers placed through licensed online sportsbooks and casino apps, as well as on contracts bought on prediction platforms. He projects the measure could generate between $30 billion and $50 billion in revenue. These funds would be allocated to research in areas including artificial intelligence, national security technology, cancer, life sciences, fusion energy, and quantum computing. This tax proposal comes after Emanuel previously called for a ban on all federal employees at every level from joining prediction markets. Putting his plan into practice requires federal legislation, and core details still remain undecided — such as whether the tax will apply to operators’ gross or net revenue, total betting volume, or each individual transaction. Does This Proposal Have a Political Angle? While figures like Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris are widely regarded as leading contenders for the Democratic nomination ahead of the 2028 election, Emanuel could also join the race. Even so, he pushed back against questions about whether the policy launch was designed to gain an early edge over other Democratic contenders, instead saying his focus remains on “the American people getting ahead and America staying ahead.” However, he still took the opportunity to criticize President Trump’s current governance of the country, arguing the nation has fallen into stagnation. Speaking of Trump, the sitting US president has recently been caught up in a strange controversy, after he apparently promoted the unlicensed gambling site Stake in a post on Truth Social. Back to Emanuel, he explained that by proposing the new 10% fee to fund an “Innovation Fund”, he wants to move away from rewarding gambling and instead support entrepreneurs and investment in America’s future. He also argued the proposal will help the United States catch up with China, which he says has gained a competitive edge after President Donald Trump cut research support and university funding. According to the Associated Press, between January and May 2025, the current administration cut $11 billion in funding from universities across the country, including major cuts to institutions such as Harvard, Penn, Columbia, Cornell, Northwestern, Brown, and UCLA. 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) - Richard Desmond has pledged to persist with his legal challenge following a significant court loss. The UK High Court rejected his demand for GBP 1.3 billion ($1.77 billion) in damages regarding the selection of Allwyn as the operator of the UK’s National Lottery. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith threw out the lawsuit entirely, determining that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) managed the tender process appropriately. Plaintiffs Demanded Significant Compensation This decision represents a major hurdle for Desmond, whose business interests have spent years contesting the awarding of one of Britain’s most valuable government contracts. The media entrepreneur had fiercely challenged the 10-year license granted to Allwyn in 2022. The Czech firm officially assumed operations in 2024, succeeding Camelot. Desmond’s bid for the lottery license was submitted via his Northern & Shell firm and a specialized entity called The New Lottery Company. His bid was unsuccessful. His legal representatives contended that the procedure was compromised, asserting that the UKGC provided biased feedback to competitors and failed to adhere to its own regulations. They argued these shortcomings warranted a new bidding round and significant financial restitution. Desmond’s side maintained that these alleged procedural failures forced them to incur millions in wasted bidding expenses. At its peak, the lawsuit requested damages based on anticipated profits throughout the license's duration. A victory for the plaintiffs could have significantly impacted the resources reserved for lottery-funded charitable causes and resulted in major operational instability. The Case May Be Heading for an Appeal The UK High Court flatly rejected Desmond’s claims. In her judgment, Mrs Justice Smith found no proof of any “manifest error” in the competition’s management and saw no grounds to invalidate the selection of the winner. She ruled that the process resulted in a legally sound and justifiable outcome. The claimants have failed to make out any case of manifest error on the part of the commission in their process claim. Mrs Justice Joanna Smith Beyond dismissing the suit, the judge criticized the conduct of the case. She characterized the legal strategy as “unfocused,” noting that the core arguments evolved throughout the trial. The abandonment of certain claims late in the process created unnecessary burdens for the defense and complicated the court's deliberations. The ruling is a clear victory for both Allwyn and the UKGC. Counsel for the regulator had maintained that the tender was conducted with rigor and fairness, a stance the court ultimately upheld. Following the verdict, a representative for Northern & Shell indicated that the firm intends to appeal, signaling that the legal dispute remains ongoing. 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.