Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Gain-focused developer Wazdan has further solidified its position in Europe by teaming up with Casino Interlaken, a top operator in Switzerland. Through this deal, players on Casino Interlaken’s StarVegas.ch platform can now enjoy Wazdan’s vibrant collection of slots. This includes the popular Coins and Hot Slot series, known for focusing on immersive mechanics and driving high player retention for regulated partners throughout Europe. Since its debut in 2020 under the renowned land-based Casino Interlaken, StarVegas.ch has emerged as a premier online destination for engaging slot content. Its game library is enriched with numerous feature-rich titles from prominent global developers. In addition to the new games, StarVegas.ch users will experience Wazdan’s unique engagement tools. Features such as Hold the Jackpot, Cash Infinity, Collect to Infinity, Sticky to Infinity, and Cash Out are designed to elevate the gaming experience through creative gameplay improvements. This new agreement highlights Wazdan’s dedication to partnering with reputable brands in regulated global markets. By merging its successful game portfolio with StarVegas.ch’s standing for technical excellence and premium entertainment, the partnership promises a richer content selection for Swiss players. Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales at Wazdan, commented: “StarVegas has earned a solid reputation for high-quality entertainment, providing an excellent home for our extensive library of titles and engagement features. By aligning our rewarding experiences with the company’s robust market position, we can drive measurable growth and deliver enjoyable entertainment to players across the country.” Mayke Wolf, Chief Operating Officer at StarVegas, stated: “Being among the initial licensed online casinos in Switzerland, StarVegas provides a broad array of games from top international providers. The full portfolio is accessible via Starvegas.ch and the StarVegas mobile apps, which rank among the nation’s most popular casino applications. Integrating Wazdan’s content allows StarVegas to broaden its offering with innovative games and fresh highlights. This move emphasizes StarVegas’ dedication to evolving its platform and ensuring a diverse, superior online gaming experience for Swiss players.” Oliver Grimm, Chief Executive Officer at Casino Interlaken, remarked: “Casino Interlaken represents Swiss quality and personal service in the Alps—values we extend to the digital realm through StarVegas’ trusted and advanced platform. Our partnership with Wazdan allows us to further improve our offering with creative slot content that provides engaging experiences for players throughout Switzerland.” 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) - QTech Games, the leading game aggregator focused on emerging markets, has maintained the momentum of its premium content pipeline through a new partnership with rising-star supplier Blitzcrown, a division of Massive Gaming Group. Massive Gaming develops its gaming portfolio across three studios — Slotmart, Whale House and Blitzcrown — offering a diverse range of experiences spanning traditional slots, regulated market content and emerging non-traditional formats like crash-style games. This latest collaboration highlights MVG’s ongoing strategy to expand its global presence via a multi-studio model tailored to diverse market needs. Blitzcrown’s focus is on creating innovative, intuitive, non-traditional casino games by breaking from conventional frameworks, with an eclectic lineup centered on crash and plinko titles. Its portfolio includes recent hits such as Snowball Plinko — a new winter-themed game where unique multipliers and the brand’s signature Double Pop mechanic stand out. Alongside this are several crash games showcasing real-time multiplier progression and instant-reward structures: Standard Crash delivers a classic multiplier-based experience; Fast Crash is optimized for users seeking quick, intense action; and Twin Crash is an original format letting players place simultaneous bets on two separate multipliers in both Crash and VS modes. This agreement naturally expands Blitzcrown’s geographic reach and creates new revenue streams. As the fastest-growing aggregator in growth territories over recent years, QTech’s platform offers the most extensive localized gaming portfolio, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support. Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, said: “Blitzcrown’s content delivers gameplay that keeps players coming back, boosting repeat-session and hang-time metrics. Their creative mechanics, reward systems and bonus features are revitalizing the iGaming verticals of crash and plinko, keeping them exciting and relevant for diverse audiences and risk appetites. “We’re eager to see how these games perform in untapped markets — some of which will be new territory for Blitzcrown.” Victor, Director at Blitzcrown, commented: “We’re thrilled to partner with QTech Games to expand our scope and relevance in growth regions, seamlessly bringing our games to previously undiscovered operators. “This forward-thinking move underscores Blitzcrown’s commitment to continuous innovation and sustainable growth in emerging markets, and we can now pursue those goals through QTech’s extensive platform — especially in Africa and LatAm, where crash and plinko are in high demand.” George, Director of Massive Gaming, added: “This partnership is more than a distribution milestone for Blitzcrown — it reinforces MVG’s broader ambition to scale our multi-studio portfolio across key growth markets while delivering tailored experiences to diverse global player bases.” 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) - Casino Guru is pleased to announce that public voting has commenced for two of its most community-focused award categories in the 4th annual Casino Guru Awards 2026: Players’ Choice and Voice of the People. This year, after receiving an unprecedented volume of high-quality submissions from the global iGaming sector, Casino Guru formally announced the shortlists for all award categories. The nominees on these lists exemplify top performance in domains like transparency, social responsibility, innovation, leadership, and player protection. An independent panel of experts will choose the victors for most categories. However, the Players’ Choice and Voice of the People awards are distinctive because the winners are chosen solely by public vote, empowering the community to directly influence the results. The Players’ Choice award spotlights the game providers that are most favored by players, considering factors like industry standing, product excellence, and the overall gaming experience. Players have the final say in determining the winner. Shortlisted Candidates for Players’ Choice – Best Game Provider (2026) Pragmatic Play Popiplay TaDa Gaming Relax Gaming BGaming Endorphina Evoplay Mancala Gaming Betsoft EGT Nolimit City Play’n GO Yggdrasil Push Gaming Habanero 18Peaches Big Time Gaming Red Tiger NetEnt Wicked Games Similarly, the Voice of the People category incorporates a wider community viewpoint into the awards. This category encompasses every shortlisted candidate from all award categories, enabling the public to vote for whichever company or individual they feel is most deserving, irrespective of their specific category. The public vote is currently active, calling on players, industry experts, and the broader community to back their favored nominees. This method guarantees a clear and genuine representation of public opinion, separate from the formal judging. “We are of the opinion that the community deserves a direct voice in acknowledging industry excellence,” stated Daniela Sliva, PR & Creative Project Director at Casino Guru. “Opening the Players’ Choice and Voice of the People categories to public voting allows players and the community at large to shape the outcome and celebrate those who genuinely excel.” The recipients of the Casino Guru Awards 2026 will be announced at a special live event on May 25, 2026, at The Xara Lodge in Malta. The ceremony will honor outstanding accomplishments throughout the industry in transparency, fairness, social responsibility, innovation, and player-focused initiatives. Casino Guru urges all interested parties to take part in the voting and assist in deciding the winners of these community-oriented awards. Voting is now live on the official Casino Guru Awards website. 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) - Prime Rush, a new mobile shooter blending battle royale survival with extraction-style gameplay, has officially launched in Brazil on Android’s Google Play Store and iOS’s App Store. Developed by SuperGaming in partnership with Spacecaps—the parent company of LOUD—the game was built using direct feedback from Brazilian players and creators during its Closed Beta and Early Access phases. Prime Rush puts a unique spin on the classic battle royale format. Alongside surviving until the match ends, squads can secure an early win by extracting Cosmium, a rare resource that spawns in the final circle. This dual victory condition creates a match dynamic where squads must choose between outlasting foes in the final circle or taking a more strategic path to win via Cosmium extraction. The game also features a flexible tactical ability system designed for fast-paced mobile combat. Active abilities like DeadEye, Shield Dome, Super Speed, and Hunter’s Instinct let players approach matches with precision, defense, mobility, or intel, respectively. Speaking on this development, Bruno Bittencourt, CEO of LOUD said, “Brazil has one of the most passionate gaming communities in the world, yet we’ve spent years playing games that weren’t built with us in mind. Prime Rush is a game created for Brazilian players, shaped daily by the communities we’ve built over the past decade. We’ve been listening to them every single day. It’s a game that finally feels like home.” “Brazil has one of the most competitive mobile shooter audiences we’ve encountered, and from the beginning, we wanted Prime Rush to be both authentic and accessible,” said Roby John, CEO and Co-founder of SuperGaming. “To us, that meant crafting a game that feels true to Brazil while ensuring it runs smoothly on a wide range of devices, so more players can enjoy it as intended.” Battles unfold on the island of Maré, the backdrop for Prime Rush’s battle royale extraction experience. The game also offers a Mini TDM mode (Favela)—a fast 4v4 mode made for shorter, high-intensity firefights when players are on the move. At launch, the game debuts a roster of new Brazilian heroes—Juliana, Rafael, Miguel, Rogério, Dos Santos, Julia, and Gustavo—with character customization options for players to personalize their experience. Players can also tailor their weapon gameplay with the new Evo-X skins: upgradeable gun skins that include three switchable Chromas, improved visuals and VFX, unique inspect and reload animations, custom fire sound effects, exclusive kill feed styling, and distinct muzzle and tracer effects. Prime Rush launches with several limited-time modes—DeadEye Rush, Pants in the Air, and Weapon Roulette—providing players with shorter matches for quick play sessions alongside its core battle royale extraction gameplay. The game also introduces its first Ranked Season, letting players progress through tiers like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Champion, Legend, and Cosmic. Check out the launch trailer right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op5KreKoLmY Season 1 Battle Pass: Street Legends The Season 1 Battle Pass: Street Legends is also available, offering a fresh set of rewards for players as they advance through the season. These include: New Avatars: Laura, Juliana, Rafael Weapon Skins: Subliminar, Grafitada, Suavidade, Firmeza, Raiz, Brabo, AK-BR7 Melee Weapon: Chinela (Slipper) Vehicle Skin: Lenda Urbana Additional Rewards: Stickers, Dive Trails, Emotes, and Portraits Prime Rush System Requirements Powered by SuperPlatform—SuperGaming’s in-house technology stack—Prime Rush currently supports Android 7 and later with 4GB of RAM, plus iOS 15 and above. Early Access performance data shows the game runs at a stable 40 FPS on lower-end devices with recommended graphics settings, while mid-to-high-end devices can reach up to 60 FPS. This enables Prime Rush to run on a wide variety of mobile devices, ensuring more players in Brazil can access the game on both Android and iOS. SuperGaming is constantly optimizing Prime Rush to support additional devices over time. Performance and visual quality may differ based on hardware and the graphics settings chosen by the user. 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) - Gaming Corps, a publicly traded Swedish game developer, has entered into a partnership with Welsh operator DragonBet to bring its collection of casino games to what is considered one of the UK's most dynamic independent gaming brands. Under the agreement, DragonBet's player base will receive access to various Gaming Corps titles, among them the seasonal release 3 Pigs of Easter. This installment expands upon the developer's well-known 3 Pigs series, merging its characteristic Hold and Win gameplay with a vibrant spring theme. Additionally, DragonBet users will be able to enjoy Gaming Corps' broader selection of Slots, Plinko, Mine, Crash, and Table games. These offerings incorporate unique in-house mechanics like Smash4Cash, A-Maze-Cades, and X-My-Way, which establish consistency throughout the collection while enabling operators to provide experiences that are simultaneously novel and recognizable. Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “DragonBet represents a well-known retail betting shop that is developing its digital presence. Its unique character and deep British heritage set it apart in the market, and we recognize a strong synergy between their casino expansion strategy and how our content can serve as both a complement and a leading element of their casino selection. The operator is constructing a platform that merges tradition with contemporary digital amusement, positioning them as an ideal collaborator for us.” Dan Falvey, Casino Manager at DragonBet, added: “DragonBet has consistently valued maintaining its independent approach. Originating from the racetrack betting environment, we have always prioritized infusing our offerings with distinct character and personality in addition to high-quality content. As we broaden our online casino portfolio, collaborations with developers such as Gaming Corps enable us to present games that are both unique and captivating, while continuing to meet our players' entertainment expectations.” 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) - “Studios that endure are those prepared to innovate and explore new avenues, while remaining true to their foundational principles. While trend-following is straightforward, genuine success stems from understanding players, trusting one’s intuition, and consistently delivering high quality.” As the iGaming sector continues its rapid evolution, the imperative for innovation has intensified. However, true and lasting success extends beyond merely adopting the latest industry fads. Ahead of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, where Tom Horn Gaming will participate as a Grand Sponsor, CEO Ondrej Lapides offers his insights into the essential elements for developing games that achieve enduring appeal. In this exclusive discussion with Hipther, we delve into Tom Horn Gaming’s approach to product development. This includes how they balance innovation with familiar elements and design games that resonate across diverse player demographics and markets. The conversation also addresses the growing significance of player-centric design, fostering long-term engagement, and the industry shifts poised to influence slot development in 2026 and beyond. With Central and Eastern Europe increasingly asserting its prominence within the global iGaming sphere, the Prague Summit serves as a timely forum for exchanging ideas, sharing perspectives, and anticipating future industry directions. Tom Horn Gaming has observed numerous trends emerge and recede over its tenure in the industry. From your vantage point, what truly distinguishes studios that achieve lasting success from those that merely pursue fleeting popularity? From my perspective, longevity in this industry is fundamentally about balance and a deep conviction in one’s work. The studios that persist are those willing to experiment and embrace novelty, yet remain firmly rooted in their core values. While it’s easy to chase trends, what truly matters is a profound understanding of players, confidence in one’s instincts, and a consistent commitment to quality. When creativity is combined with discipline and a long-term vision, the resulting products resonate far beyond transient industry hype. Your game portfolio skillfully combines recognizable slot formats with proprietary mechanics such as QuickX. How do you determine when to introduce innovation versus when to refine existing, successful elements? It’s consistently a blend of data, accumulated experience, and intuition. Innovation is crucial, but it must never compromise clarity or player enjoyment. Sometimes, the most effective strategy is to take a proven concept and enhance it further. At other times, market indicators clearly signal that players are ready for something entirely new. Striking this balance is partly analytical and partly instinctive, developed over time through a comprehensive understanding of how players interact with games. Your games frequently integrate modern mechanics with highly recognizable slot characteristics. Why do you believe familiarity continues to play such a significant role in player engagement today? Player expectations exhibit considerable variation across different markets and segments. Some players favor classic slot gameplay that offers immediate familiarity, while others seek more experimental experiences. Our objective is to cater to both preferences by maintaining a diverse portfolio. Familiarity enhances accessibility and comfort, whereas modern mechanics introduce fresh excitement and deeper layers of engagement. Player attention spans are diminishing, yet expectations for engagement and excitement are simultaneously rising. How do you approach game design to ensure titles are instantly accessible without compromising their depth? This challenge fundamentally requires a greater investment of thought and effort into the design process. We allocate substantial resources to meticulously balance gameplay, ensuring the core experience is intuitive from the very first spin, while also sustaining engagement over extended periods. Achieving this equilibrium necessitates close collaboration among designers, mathematicians, and product teams to guarantee an experience that is both intuitive and rewarding. Observing your recent releases, there’s a clear emphasis on replayability over one-off novelty. How critical is long-term player value in the development of new games? Long-term engagement is indeed very important, but once again, it’s about achieving balance. Not every game is conceived with the same primary objective. Some are designed to deliver immediate excitement, while others aim for more prolonged play sessions. A robust portfolio requires both types. The key is ensuring that each game provides genuine value and encourages players to return. From your perspective as a slot supplier, which innovations do you anticipate will genuinely shape slot development in 2026 and beyond, and which current trends are unlikely to endure? We are already observing a growing demand for more layered gameplay and richer feature sets, a trend I expect to continue. Players are seeking more dynamic experiences rather than purely static mechanics. Concurrently, fast-paced formats like crash games have gained significant traction and are influencing expectations regarding immediacy and interaction. Nevertheless, not every trend will prove lasting. Ultimately, the games that succeed will be those that effectively combine innovation with strong fundamental principles and a clear understanding of player preferences across diverse markets. Your recent partnerships have significantly expanded distribution across Europe and Latin America, while also reinforcing a commitment to compliance-focused delivery. How can aggregation partnerships contribute to sustainable scaling across various regulated markets? Achieving scalable growth across regulated markets necessitates the right strategic partnerships and robust technical infrastructure. For this to function effectively, the technical integration must be resilient, seamless, and fully compliant with all regulatory mandates. When such a connection is expertly implemented and continuously optimized, it facilitates rapid content delivery to operators while upholding the reliability and compliance standards demanded by these markets. As Grand Stage Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit, what core message or perspective would you like operators, partners, and industry leaders to take away from Tom Horn Gaming’s presence at the event? Events like the Prague Summit hold particular value because they shine a light on Central and Eastern Europe, a region that is playing an increasingly vital role in the global iGaming landscape but often receives less attention than larger markets. For us, the true benefit lies in the exchange of knowledge. It presents an invaluable opportunity to discuss the latest industry developments, share practical insights derived from real-world operations, and compare experiences across different jurisdictions. Bringing these diverse perspectives together helps the industry collectively learn and gain actionable insights that can foster future growth and innovation. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) - The Kentucky House of Representatives has approved House Bill 904, a comprehensive legislative proposal designed to overhaul sports betting within the state, notably by increasing the legal age from 18 to 21. This bill, championed by Republican Representatives Michael Meredith and Matthew Koch, garnered substantial backing with a 79-15 vote and has now advanced to the Senate for review. House Bill 904 introduces several significant amendments intended to enhance consumer safeguards and maintain the integrity of sports betting in Kentucky, further developing a market that has demonstrated considerable initial growth since its inception. Among its primary stipulations, the bill elevates the legal age for sports wagering to 21, an increase from the existing age of 18. Furthermore, the legislation aims to ban prop bets involving athletes participating in Kentucky collegiate sports. Meredith contended that these restrictions would mitigate the potential for bribery or harassment targeting student athletes. “It would also prohibit prop betting on collegiate athletes within the state, specifically those playing for Kentucky teams. This measure would eliminate any motivation for bribery or for harassing a player for failing to achieve a specific outcome,” Meredith stated, as reported by the Interior Journal. Legislators broaden focus to include fantasy, prediction markets, and compliance Beyond its provisions for sports betting, the bill would also bring fantasy sports contests under the regulatory purview, licensing, and taxation authority of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Additionally, it establishes a tax structure for prediction markets, provided that federal courts allow these markets to legally operate in the future—a domain of evolving regulation that mirrors wider discussions about gambling expansion within the state. Moreover, the proposal considers legalizing fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, a practice presently restricted by Kentucky law. It further mandates the formation of a study task force to investigate oversight procedures for charitable gaming operations across the state. Presently, certain sports betting operators impose limits on customers' winnings; HB 904 would outlaw this practice. Should the bill be enacted, bookmakers who decline to pay out substantial winning bets would no longer be permitted to enforce such restrictions. The legislation also includes a clause to prevent individuals with over $1,000 in outstanding child support from engaging in sports wagering until their arrears are settled. The attorney general’s office would be responsible for compiling a roster of these delinquent payers and distributing it to the gaming regulator and operators for enforcement. The House's approval of HB 904 occurs with only seven legislative days remaining in Kentucky’s 60-day session. While this timing suggests considerable progress for the bill, it does not assure its ultimate passage into law. 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) - With the 2026 Major League Baseball season's Opening Day nearing, Polymarket secured a landmark commercial agreement with the league this week. Polymarket revealed on Thursday that it has partnered with MLB, becoming the league's sole prediction market exchange partner. This move places MLB alongside the NHL, MLS, and UFC as North American sports leagues that have established commercial ties with prediction markets. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had previously informed team owners about a potential deal with such an exchange last month. “Our foremost priority is, and always will be, safeguarding the integrity of the game,” Manfred stated. While engaged in a dispute with multiple state regulators, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has declared it holds sole authority to regulate sports event contracts. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has repeatedly emphasized the need to foster integrity in derivative markets since his confirmation. Prior to the partnership announcement, MLB and the CFTC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on Wednesday. This agreement creates a structure for the two entities to consult, collaborate, and share information on mutual interests, such as preserving the integrity of professional baseball and prediction markets, according to a CFTC statement. “This partnership equips the CFTC with more resources to shield our markets from fraud, manipulation, and other misconduct. We appreciate MLB and Commissioner Manfred for collaborating with us to ensure the integrity of these expanding markets,” Selig posted on X. Arizona files criminal charges vs Kalshi Kalshi has encountered a surge of lawsuits in U.S. state and federal courts in recent months. However, an indictment made public this week in Arizona established a new precedent. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes brought criminal charges against KalshiEx LLC and Kalshi Trading LLC on Tuesday for running an unlicensed gambling operation in the state. The 20-count indictment, comprising solely misdemeanors, marks the first instance of Kalshi facing criminal charges in the United States. The charges include four counts related to election betting, covering wagers on the 2028 U.S. presidential election, the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial race, the 2026 Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary, and the 2026 Arizona secretary of state race. Arizona statute forbids operating a betting business without a license and also explicitly prohibits wagering on elections. “While Kalshi may call itself a 'prediction market,' it is effectively conducting an illegal gambling enterprise and accepting bets on Arizona elections, actions that both break Arizona law,” Mayes stated. “No company can choose which laws it wishes to obey.” Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour denounced the charges, posting on X: “The Arizona attorney general's allegations are unfounded and a definite overstep. This is political maneuvering by a candidate seeking re-election.” In unrelated news, a Bloomberg report on Thursday indicated that Kalshi secured over $1 billion in a new funding round, valuing the company at $22 billion. This figure is twice the $11 billion valuation the exchange attained in December. Kalshi $1 billion tournament challenge In 2014, renowned investor Warren Buffett presented a nearly unattainable challenge: a $1 billion prize for anyone who could accurately predict all 63 games in the NCAA tournament. Now, over ten years later, Kalshi is reviving this contest. Considering the frequent upsets during March Madness, the chances of a perfect bracket are a staggering 1 in 120 billion. Despite the odds, Kalshi is offering the same prize to any customer who achieves this unlikely accomplishment. During Thursday's opening round, 16th-seeded Siena came close to defeating top-seeded Duke in an East subregional game. Siena, the MAAC tournament champion, began with a 1% win probability on Kalshi. The Saints shot well early, building a 33-22 first-half lead and an 11-point advantage at halftime. Siena's odds peaked at 23% in the second half. Duke responded with an 11-0 run early in the second half to narrow the gap to two points. The Blue Devils limited Siena to 22 points after halftime, securing a 71-65 victory. This comeback preserved the brackets of many Kalshi users. Duke is the most popular pick among users to win the tournament, followed by Arizona, Michigan, and Houston. Roughly 37.3% of all participants selected the Blue Devils to claim the championship. As of 1:30 p.m. ET, Kalshi reported 83 perfect brackets still active in the challenge. The promotion is financially supported by SIG Parametrics, LLC, a member of the Susquehanna International Group of Companies, according to Kalshi. Matt RybaltowskiMatt is primarily responsible for long-form feature coverage on complex sports betting scandals. He also provides coverage on finance, M&A and other technological developments. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. 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(AsiaGameHub) - An Advocate General (AG) at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has concluded that national gambling licensing mandates within EU member states must be respected, provided they align with EU free movement regulations. AG Emiliou issued this opinion concerning a player-losses lawsuit filed against German operator Tipico at the ECJ in 2024. Germany's Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice) referred the case to the ECJ in July 2024. Interpreting the EU's frequently debated Article 56 of the TFEU framework, the AG stated: “If a member state mandates a license for specific services within its borders, and this requirement itself complies with Article 56 TFEU, then national authorities, including judicial bodies, are permitted to enforce this requirement against an operator that has offered services without the necessary license.” A central issue in the case was whether Germany's regulatory structure at the time violated EU freedom of movement provisions. The AG's opinion indicated that EU member states are responsible for establishing their own regulations concerning games of chance. He attributed this to “considerable moral, religious, and cultural disparities among member states” regarding gambling. “National authorities retain the right, within their national territory, to implement regulatory measures they deem suitable for safeguarding consumers against these risks, provided the principle of proportionality is upheld,” the AG declared in their opinion on Thursday. What is the background of the case? This case is among several prominent player loss disputes currently before the ECJ. A player initiated legal action against the operator in German courts, seeking to recover losses sustained prior to the implementation of Germany's State Treaty on Gambling. The plaintiff contended that the agreement between the player and the operator should have been deemed invalid because the operator lacked a local gambling license in Germany at that period. Conversely, Tipico asserted that the German framework was unjust and opaque. Tipico had also attempted to secure a German license during the period in question. The ECJ's opinion deferred several issues for the referring court to resolve. This case, along with others, was escalated to the EU level to ascertain whether operators providing gambling services without a local license were in breach of European law. Many uncertainties persist regarding the future of comparable player loss cases throughout Europe. Some anticipated a more conclusive ruling from the AG, hoping it would help curb the increasing prevalence of such cases in markets including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. 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) - Allwyn International is looking into other acquisition possibilities for a proprietary sports betting technology platform after its Novibet deal fell through. During Allwyn's FY25 earnings call on Thursday, CEO Robert Chvátal fielded questions about the breakdown of the company's proposed Novibet acquisition, which had been announced earlier this month. Allwyn pulled out of the acquisition after receiving feedback from the Hellenic Competition Commission (HCC), with iGB learning that several potential remedies that were examined could not preserve the deal's value. A key element of the transaction was to supply Allwyn with a proprietary sportsbook platform, though Chvátal stated that Allwyn respected the HCC's concerns. He indicated that the group had already begun examining alternative options. "This interest in sportsbook technology remains on Allwyn's radar," Chvátal commented. "We have already begun investigating other opportunities regarding sportsbook technology, potentially to strengthen our sportsbook position in certain Allwyn markets." Making sportsbook technology internal is a priority for Allwyn Allwyn CFO Kenneth Morton provided additional details on the company's broader technology strategy, noting that a major priority was to internalize its sportsbook technology. According to Morton, the company views proprietary technology as an "important differentiating factor and long-term driver of success." "We currently have nearly everything we consider important for user experience and our long-term success already in-house on the lottery side, though it hasn't necessarily been deployed across our entire portfolio," Morton stated. "Sports betting is the one area we don't currently have in-house, which we believe is strategically important. So we definitely see advantages to bringing it in-house, but as Robert mentioned, there are many other approaches we can take to accomplish that." PrizePicks' advantages in customer acquisition In September last year, Allwyn agreed to purchase a majority stake in daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks. The agreement to acquire a 62.3% stake in PrizePicks involved an initial cash payment of $1.6 billion, with further payments contingent on specific performance metrics over the subsequent three years. PrizePicks has also broadened its offerings beyond existing products by entering the expanding US prediction markets sector. With Allwyn's acquisition finalized in January this year, Morton believes PrizePicks is well-positioned to gain traction in the prediction markets sector due to its extensive national user base and recognizable brand. "PrizePicks doesn't operate in a situation where it must acquire numerous customers to either tackle churn or expand into new regions to seize the prediction markets opportunity," Morton explained. "We can't provide specifics, but I would say that PrizePicks is definitely better positioned than other companies in the broader North American gaming entertainment space in that respect." Morton noted that PrizePicks' capability to integrate its DFS, sports betting, and prediction markets offerings within a single app was essential from a customer acquisition standpoint. "Several operators have actually launched with three separate apps for DFS, OSB, and predictions," Morton continued. "Essentially, to some degree you're forced to acquire the same customer three times over. "That's not true for PrizePicks. From day one they launched predictions within their DFS app, which is clearly better for user experience, but also significantly better from a customer acquisition cost perspective." Allwyn's net revenue saw modest growth in FY25 Allwyn's net revenue increased by 4% year-over-year in its FY25 results to €4.1 billion, while adjusted EBITDA also grew 4%, approaching €1.6 billion. Allwyn anticipates finalizing its merger with OPAP this month following shareholder approval in February. The merger is projected to create a combined entity valued at €16 billion. Chvátal characterized 2025 as a "pivotal year" for Allwyn, voicing his confidence in the company's prospects. "The major steps taken this year further reinforce our platform and position us favorably to deliver sustainable long-term value as a publicly traded company," Chvátal stated. Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, transitioning from sports journalism to become a senior reporter covering Latin America for iGB. 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) - Saskatchewan’s provincial government has revealed a substantial boost in funding for Indigenous communities, fueled by all-time high gaming revenues. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, a total of $153.5 million will be allocated to First Nations and Métis organizations. This funding increase follows strong earnings reported by key players in the province’s gaming sector, including the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), SaskGaming properties, and the online platform PlayNow.com. Industry analysts link these gains to gaming facility upgrades, venue expansions, and improved online service offerings—all of which have raised gross gaming receipts. SIGA delivered a standout performance in the 2024–25 fiscal year, generating a record-breaking $378 million in revenue and distributing $146 million in income. This underscores the growing financial importance of gaming operations in supporting Indigenous communities. Online gambling has been legal in Saskatchewan since November 2022, with similar developments taking place in neighboring provinces. Alberta, for example, is currently exploring a regulated framework for iGaming and sports betting. Structured Allocation Based on Existing Agreements Funding will be distributed according to protocols outlined in the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement and relevant provincial legislation. Allocations will go to the First Nations Trust, Community Development Corporations, and Métis economic funds, supporting areas such as housing, education, cultural preservation, and local infrastructure development. Eric Schmalz, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs, said: “At a time when community strength is more vital than ever, these agreements ensure funding flows to the places where Indigenous people gather, celebrate, and build strong futures.” Provincial officials noted that the steady stream of gaming revenue will support a wide range of projects within Indigenous communities—from small-scale local initiatives to larger economic development ventures. This funding strategy marks a continuation and expansion of Saskatchewan’s commitment to using gaming proceeds as a key source of economic support for First Nations and Métis communities across the province. 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) - Estonian remote gambling operators have thus far voluntarily paid over €1.4 million ($1.62 million) to the Ministry of Finance following a legislative drafting mistake that temporarily eliminated their 2026 tax duties. These payments, made in February and March 2026, are meant to cover the amounts the government would have received if the Gambling Tax Act had been implemented as initially planned. ERR News reports that Ministry spokesperson Siiri Suutre said: “February donations—including income tax—totaled roughly €815,000, and as of now in March, about €595,000 has come in. The March number isn’t final, and we expect more donations.” The tax exemption stemmed from December 2025 amendments that accidentally left games of chance out of the taxable base. This legislative mistake meant remote gambling wasn’t taxed at the beginning of 2026. MP Aivar Kokk pointed out the error’s impact: “Games of chance and remote gambling were excluded from this year’s taxes, so online casino games aren’t taxed in 2026.” After the issue came to light, parliament quickly fixed the text by passing a technical amendment that restored a 5.5% flat tax on remote gambling starting 1 March 2026. The Riigikogu Finance Committee confirmed the correction aligns tax assessment with existing monthly reporting processes. Cautious expectations on reimbursement The Estonian Association of Gambling Operators proposed a voluntary donation program. To date, only a small number of the 41 licensed remote operators have contributed. Finance Ministry’s Evelyn Liivamägi noted varying company attitudes. She was cautious about fully recouping lost tax revenue: “Life usually shows people are more eager to make promises than keep them.” Based on January and February declared income, the ministry estimates the two-month tax liability would have been around €3.5 million—slightly less than the earlier €4 million guess. Previous budget plans projected remote gambling tax revenue could hit €27 million for the year. Officials say they’ll only confirm the final shortfall after annual returns are done. The Ministry of Finance is still tracking voluntary payments, and the updated Gambling Tax Act is now active. This incident comes amid Estonia’s broader policy of positioning itself as a competitive iGaming market. The government has expressed goals to make the country a regional online gambling hub. 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) - Spanish iGaming firm R. Franco Digital has confirmed its attendance at Colombia's GAT Expo Cartagena, furthering its strategic expansion within Latin America's key regulated territories. From March 24 to 26, the provider will be stationed at the Las Américas Convention Center to exhibit its full suite of solutions and services, tailored specifically for the evolving needs of the Latin American gaming industry. The highlight of the showcase will be the IRIS platform, a robust, GLI-certified open architecture system from R. Franco Digital. Built to offer a unified experience across retail, sports betting, and casino sectors, IRIS provides operators with the necessary security, scalability, and flexibility for efficient multi-market growth. Alongside its technical solutions, R. Franco Digital will introduce its newest high-performing games, featuring titles like Strange Spins, Genie Triple Bonanza, Diamond King Gorilla, Luxury Blast, Zorro: Final Duel, and The Phantom. These games incorporate the localized themes and mechanics that define R. Franco Digital’s offerings, ensuring high engagement and relevance throughout the LatAm region. Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director of R. Franco Digital, commented: “Latin America remains a vital part of our international strategy. GAT Expo Cartagena offers a crucial platform for us to engage with partners and highlight how our technology adapts to the region's changing regulatory environment. “We look forward to presenting the newest versions of our IRIS platform and our growing game library, both of which are crafted to provide operational excellence for regulated LatAm 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) - Yaspa, a leading fintech focused on payments and identity solutions, has announced Cameron Flood’s appointment as Head of Product for the UK and Europe. In his new role, Flood will supervise all product development and new product launches for Yaspa across the UK and European markets. Flood is a seasoned product leader who most recently served as Head of Product at Shieldpay, a payments fintech that specializes in simplifying transactions for high-value and high-volume markets. In this position, he led product strategy and delivery for the company’s digital escrow and payment solutions, with a focus on streamlining complex financial workflows and securing high-stakes transactions, putting him in an ideal position to lead Yaspa’s product development in European iGaming markets. Before this role, Flood built a solid foundation in product management through a range of positions, including Product Manager at Vocalink, where he concentrated on building and rolling out real-time domestic payment infrastructure in markets such as Peru, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. His career is marked by deep expertise in the fintech space, specifically in navigating the overlap between regulatory compliance, user experience, and technical scalability. Throughout his professional journey, he has consistently proven his ability to turn complex business needs into customer-centric product roadmaps, successfully closing the gap between engineering teams and commercial stakeholders. This week, Sifted named Yaspa the fourth fastest-growing startup in the UK and Ireland. Over the past 12 months, Yaspa took home the Real-Time Payments Innovation award at the 2025 Payments Awards and earned a spot on CB Insights’ Top 100 Fintechs, a global ranking that shines a spotlight on the most promising, innovative companies shaping the future of financial services. This recognition comes during a period of continuous growth for Yaspa over the past 18 months; the company closed a $12m investment round in July, led by Discerning Capital. This period of growth has culminated in the launch of its new Atlanta office in the US, as well as the opening of its tech hub in Leeds, UK, in August 2025. Yaspa’s CEO James Neville said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cameron to the team. His experience and expertise put him in the perfect position to keep driving product innovation across payments and data solutions in our core markets. Cameron will work closely with Max Collinge, our Vice President of Product who is based in the US; his on-the-ground experience will help ensure Yaspa remains a leader in product innovation in the payment sector for years to come.” Cameron Flood commented: “I’ve been impressed by everything Yaspa has already achieved, building payments solutions that don’t just move money faster, but deliver real-time intelligence that helps businesses grow responsibly. I’m excited to expand our product capabilities to serve even more businesses while upholding the innovation and customer focus that has driven Yaspa’s success.” 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) - Aviatrix has unveiled its second game—fittingly named Aviatrix Second Chance—as the well-known provider enters a new era as the world’s first iGaming Metaverse. Last month, Aviatrix announced plans for the upcoming iGaming Metaverse launch, following over three years as a single crash game offering. Second Chance builds on Aviatrix’s success with a fresh mechanic: 50% of players per round receive a unique opportunity to keep their plane flying even after it would normally explode. This means players can land large wins even after missing the first cash-out opportunity, making it an ideal fit for exciting, high-volatility gameplay. Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “The launch of Aviatrix Second Chance is a truly defining moment for us. For more than three years, Aviatrix was known globally as a single, award-winning crash game. Second Chance represents the point where that success evolves into something much bigger. “Second Chance combines classic Aviatrix mechanics with the chance to hit big wins even if you miss the first cash-out opportunity. We know players are going to love it.” The launch marks Aviatrix’s expansion into a multi-game ecosystem, where players can maintain one profile, loyalty system and progression across multiple titles. Aviatrix will next grow its portfolio into new verticals, including slot games and instant 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) - Top distributor enhances its live-dealer offerings with AI-driven content from an up-and-coming player; unveils a QTech-exclusive world premiere QTech Games, a leading game aggregator serving emerging markets globally, has revealed a ground-breaking collaboration with Sentient Gaming Group. This partnership grants its platform clients access to a cutting-edge live-casino collection that delivers the world’s first interactive AI live-dealer experience. Sentient elevates the realism of digital live-casino gaming to a new standard. By merging advanced artificial intelligence with real-time gameplay, players can now engage directly with AI dealers and characters in immersive casino environments, creating a more focused, personalized journey that fosters deeper engagement. The company’s debut release, AI Roulette with Amanda, introduces a fully interactive AI croupier that interacts with players while providing a classic European roulette experience. This game is currently making its exclusive world premiere via QTech Games, bringing this innovative category of AI-powered casino entertainment to operators and players worldwide. Sentient Gaming Group is already expanding its portfolio with additional AI characters, new casino games, branded experiences, and multilingual options, with many more releases on the horizon. Each new dealer will be infused with a unique personality and specialization, delivering authentic casino experiences powered by cutting-edge AI. The collective goal is to create and showcase a new breed of smarter, more captivating, and interactive croupiers—their machine learning algorithms allow them to refine their performance based on specific interactions with individual players, resulting in a more realistic and personalized UX. The partnership’s five key selling points include: World’s First AI Live Casino: The inaugural fully interactive AI-driven live casino, launching an entirely new gameplay category. Industry’s Most Engaging, Intelligent Croupiers: A new generation of AI croupiers designed to be more visually appealing, smarter, and more interactive than traditional live dealers—creating a more personal and immersive casino experience. Exclusive Global Launch via QTech: AI Roulette with Amanda will debut exclusively on QTech’s platform, delivering the world’s first AI dealer product to operators. Real-Time Responsive AI Dealers: Players interact directly with AI dealers that react dynamically to chat, bets, and gameplay. Customizable AI Experiences: Operators can request branded AI dealers, localized characters, and tailored casino experiences built specifically for their brand and player base. Sentient Gaming Group will soon offer a range of customizable live-dealer games (including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, and more) that blend timeless classics with innovative features, giving fresh takes on traditional formats. The popular live-dealer segment continues to gain momentum from an ever-growing global fanbase. Sentient Gaming Group’s AI-powered table games will accelerate this trend, creating a new type of online gambling experience. Accordingly, this provider now joins the progressive portfolio available to QTech Games, its partners, and the culturally diverse preferences of their players. As a defining aggregator for emerging markets, QTech’s platform boasts one of the broadest gaming portfolios available, localized for each region, with native mobile apps, powerful reporting and marketing tools, and 24/7 local-language support. Incorporating this evolving lineup underscores QTech Games’ diverse range of gaming options, solidifying its position as a definitive one-stop shop—now the go-to solution for international operators across developing territories. Kapil, AI Leader at Sentient Gaming Group, said: “Live-dealer games are in high demand worldwide, but Sentient Gaming Group’s next-gen croupier offering is taking this vertical to new heights, encouraging real-time player interaction for a higher level of engagement. Our unique blend of authentic AI experiences, roleplaying, and personalized real-time interactivity makes us a game-changer in this critical live-dealer space. This world-first rollout of AI Roulette with Amanda with our partners at QTech will serve as an instructive example. “This agreement will organically expand Sentient’s geographic reach, targeting emerging markets from Africa to Asia and Latin America, and generating new revenue streams. Moreover, we are dedicated to delivering a series of high-quality, customizable live-dealer solutions with bespoke AI-driven tables to help any platform partner deliver a complete brand experience that players enjoy and return to, driving deeper engagement and brand loyalty. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.” Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games, said: “Sentient immediately stood out as a pioneer in the live-dealer experience with this revolutionary AI-powered croupier solution—dealers that are always available, never miss a beat, and learn from interactions to foster a more personalized UX. It’s all about focusing on the player journey and building stronger connections through that journey, thanks to a new level of AI-inspired authenticity that tailors the experience to each player. “We can’t wait to launch AI Roulette with Amanda as an exclusive industry-first for QTech, and monitor how this breakout game performs across a range of new audiences.” 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) - GR8 Tech is rolling out platform-wide upgrades to help operators maximize performance during the year’s biggest sports event. The tournament is projected to generate massive traffic, repeated betting spikes, and fierce user acquisition competition as operators compete for the same pool of players, so the company is upgrading the areas that most directly impact operator results. These updates will help partners convert more traffic, retain more players, and unlock greater value at every stage of the World Cup journey. “World Cup traffic alone does not guarantee better results. What matters is how effectively operators can turn that attention into acquisition, conversion, retention, and long-term player value,” said Denys Parkhomenko, Chief Product Officer at GR8 Tech. “That is exactly where our focus lies right now. We are refining the sportsbook experience, expanding engagement and loyalty tools, and advancing our crypto capabilities to help partners get the most out of the year’s biggest industry opportunity.” The upgrades are centered on three core areas: Sportsbook: GR8 Tech is updating its sportsbook with redesigned navigation that makes event discovery easier and improves campaign visibility, alongside enhancements to Bet Builder, quick access and player-specific markets, and new Odds Boost functionality to support both player attraction and margin management. Engagement and retention: The company is expanding its loyalty, bonus, and user segmentation capabilities with a VIP-focused program, automatic bonus mechanics, more flexible bonus selection options, richer engagement mechanics for both casino and sports-related offerings, updated tournament settings, and new game content. Crypto: GR8 Tech is enhancing its crypto offering with earlier player segmentation based on wallet transaction history, more flexible VIP and risk processing before a player’s first deposit, and smoother wallet-based payments through features such as ramp payments and direct top-ups via WalletConnect and other crypto wallets. Across the entire platform, the company is rolling out a broad set of improvements to help operators extract more value from the year’s biggest opportunity. More detailed updates will be shared in upcoming releases, each taking a closer look at specific products and the developments shaping GR8 Tech’s World Cup-ready platform. 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 Thursday, Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to appoint Anutin Charnvirakul as the kingdom’s 32nd prime minister, following his victory in the February general election. The leader of the Bhumjaithai Party secured 293 votes, comfortably beating People’s Party candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who received 119 votes. Anutin first took office on an interim basis last September, after former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted over ethics charges. His return dashes hopes for reviving the Integrated Entertainment Business Act, a policy his predecessor had vigorously advanced. Paetongtarn and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra — a prominent Thai power broker and former prime minister — viewed casinos as a way to boost post-Covid tourism, attract foreign investment, and create jobs. Her administration planned five casinos in the first wave of development: two in the capital city of Bangkok, plus one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The call that killed the IR bill This plan fell apart after Paetongtarn called Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to discuss a deadly border skirmish between the two nations. The 17-minute call, which was later leaked to the public, saw her criticize her own country’s military and address Hun Sen as “uncle”. She stated, “If you want anything, just tell me, and I’ll take care of it.” A fateful call to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen led to the downfall of former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the chief proponent of the kingdom’s entertainment complex initiative. The call sparked nationwide public outrage. Thousands of protesters gathered at Bangkok’s Government House to demand Paetongtarn’s resignation. Her approval rating dropped to a flat 9.2%, and within months she was removed from office, with Anutin taking her place. From the outset, the new prime minister declared that Thailand would have to “wait for another prime minister” to see legal casinos established. Unlike supporters of the IR bill, he argued that legal gaming would actually hinder Thailand’s primary tourism market: China. During a November 2025 meeting with Xi Jinping, he assured the Chinese president that the casino plan would be off the table for as long as he held office. In return, Xi pledged to support increased visitation to Thailand by Chinese travelers. Support for Thailand casinos seen as ‘political suicide’ Lured by the potential THB263 billion ($8 billion) market, the world’s top gaming operators had been poised to submit bids for Thai casino licenses. The list included all six Macau concessionaires: SJM, Melco, Galaxy, MGM Resorts, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands. At least one of these firms, Melco, had opened a Bangkok office to prepare its bid campaign. Others were more skeptical. In mid-2025, Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen shared that his company had “zero interest” in a Thailand integrated resort due to “instability”. Macau gaming consultant Ben Lee shares this perspective. The managing partner of IGamix told iGB, “The Thai gaming initiative is dead in the water for now. The longstanding social antipathy toward gaming among this predominantly Buddhist citizenry has not only persisted, but made backing the issue politically suicidal.” Marjorie PrestonMarjorie launched her gaming industry career in 2007 and has focused on Asian gaming markets since 2020. Outside of work, she writes about travel and cinema, and plays the drums. 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.