Category: iGame

(AsiaGameHub) - Kazakhstan has authorized the creation of four new casino zones, designed specifically for international visitors. This state-led project seeks to boost tourism expenditure from abroad and broaden the nation's regional leisure attractions outside of its primary cities. As per local news, the zones are situated in strategic locales recognized for their natural appeal. These encompass the Caspian Sea coast's Mangistau region, Zhetysu's Panfilov district and Lake Alakol shore, the Talgar district in Almaty region, along with the Markakol area and Zaisan district in East Kazakhstan. These sites were chosen to foster development in less mature resort areas. The goal is to promote a wider distribution of tourist activity across the country. In contrast to the two current casino zones in Konayev (Almaty region) and Shchuchinsk-Borovoye (Akmola), which are open to both residents and foreigners, the new venues are legally limited to overseas guests. This strategy differs from moves in other markets like Vietnam, where officials have tested allowing domestic patrons to gamble. Officials stated that gambling venues will be prohibited in protected nature reserves, cultural heritage locations, or on land deemed vital for national security. ‘Around 500 jobs per casino’ Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports, Baurzhan Rapikov, underscored the projected economic advantages of these new zones. “The anticipated benefits are roughly 500 positions per casino, yearly tax income of 2-4 billion tenge, and a rise in gambling tourists from 100,000 to 200,000,” he said. The tourism industry in Kazakhstan has seen significant expansion lately, with reported revenue near 1.25 trillion tenge and investments surpassing $2.6 billion. Current law restricts local gambling to two regulated zones. Authorities plan to adapt and apply this framework to the new foreign-only locations, aiming to draw an international audience while keeping the practice contained domestically. 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) - UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has advanced plans to create its Gambling Research Programme and is searching for a department head to develop the initiative, which will be funded by the gambling statutory levy. The role will involve overseeing the establishment of UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling, which aims to address gambling harms through collaborative, evidence-led research. Applications for the position are open until 13 April, consistent with the government’s earlier announcement that the department would launch in early 2026. By the end of the first year, the head of the Gambling Research Programme is expected to have established the department as a “credible, trusted programme across the government and research community”, according to the job description. Posted online last Sunday, the role is a 24-month fixed-term position and will be part of UKRI’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The selected candidate will report to the AHRC’s associate director of the Research Programme on Gambling. Wider aims of the statutory levy The new head of the Research Programme on Gambling will provide “leadership, direction and momentum” for the initiative and decide how statutory levy funding should be allocated. The Research Programme on Gambling is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) via the sector’s statutory levy, which took effect on 6 April last year. Twenty percent of the levy is directed to UKRI’s Research Programme on Gambling. Of the remaining funds, 30% goes toward strengthening gambling harm prevention efforts, while 50% is reserved for treatment and support services. The statutory levy generated £120 million ($159.5 million) in the nine months since its implementation. The levy applies to all UK-licensed operators, with rates varying based on the type of licence held. These range from 1.1% of gross gambling yield (GGY) for online operators and software licensees to 0.1% for family entertainment centres, pool betting licensees and machine technical licensees. The Gambling Commission warned operators their licences could be revoked if they failed to pay the levy on time. Statutory levy funding must be fair and unbiased In May last year, Better Change founder Victoria Reed warned the statutory levy needed a robust governance framework to ensure its funding was well spent. There has been industry discussion about how and where the levy will be used, particularly for research and supporting the gambling harms sector. Gambling RET funding (research, education and treatment) was brought under government oversight as part of the gambling white paper and the broader statutory levy rollout. Under the previous voluntary system, funds were distributed through GambleAware, which will cease operations by the end of this month due to the change. Prominent researchers in the gambling harms sector had previously raised concerns that the industry held too much influence over research conducted under the prior funding model. 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) - Spain's Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) has this week unveiled a broad new Safe Gambling Programme designed to implement fresh safeguards protecting young people from gambling-related harm. This includes evaluating how social media marketing affects youth. Named the Safe Gambling Programme 2026–2030, the strategy was presented during a recent gathering of the Advisory Council on Safe Gambling at the DGOJ's headquarters in Madrid. The programme is built on three core priorities, underpinned by six broad objectives and 24 concrete actions to be finalized in consultation with the DGOJ's advisory body, the Consejo Asesor. To establish the required foundational research for the plan, the DGOJ launched a €1 million research grant initiative in May 2025. What prompted the DGOJ to reassess consumer protections in Spain? In its programme documentation, the DGOJ pointed to several key market changes since 2019 that prompted its review of consumer safeguards. These encompass the ongoing revenue consolidation among a handful of large operators and significant demographic changes, notably a rise in online gambling activity among younger people, especially those aged 18 to 25. Concurrently, it cautioned that swift digital advancement has intensified the role of social media, video games, and artificial intelligence in the sector's marketing and product development. The authority is examining social media's effect on gambling habits and will create a standardized system for identifying risky online gambling behavior, as required by the 2023 Real Decreto. A ramp up in data, prevention and player protection push As it formulates the plan, the DGOJ intends to assemble an extensive inventory of international and regional gambling regulations. It will also analyze game design elements that might foster addictive tendencies. Work will concentrate on generating user-friendly public resources, such as educational guides on hazardous behaviors and the risks of gambling. This will also involve a listing of treatment and support options. The current player self-assessment tool for adjusting deposits and limits will also be reviewed. Enhancing cooperation with treatment services and incorporating gambling oversight into national addiction frameworks like EDADES, ESTUDES, and the Plan Nacional sobre Drogas is another stated focus. The DGOJ is arranging wide-reaching communication drives and recurring thematic conferences on subjects including artificial intelligence and loot boxes in video games. Vulnerable groups, such as young players, heavy gamers, and people previously barred from gambling, are key audiences for these awareness efforts. The programme also encourages the use of protective instruments like the national self-exclusion registry (RGIAJ), the Phishing Alert service, and the Protocol for Victims of Identity Misuse (PACS). Programme will evaluate impact of Royal Decrees These developments have occurred in parallel with heightened regulatory scrutiny in Spain, characterized by Royal Decree 958/2020 and Royal Decree 176/2023. These decrees introduced tougher rules on advertising, session and spending limits, and account suspension procedures in recent years. Last year, Spain implemented a new rule forcing online gambling sites to show addiction warnings, comparable to those in tobacco controls. The industry trade association resisted this move, stating it was enacted without prior discussion with the sector. The Safe Gambling Programme pledges to assess the effects of the 2020 and 2023 royal decrees and their compliance with European Union directives and global regulatory standards. 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 Wisconsin Senate has passed the AB601 bill, paving the way for the legalization of online sports betting after a 21-12 vote on Tuesday. This framework, which utilizes a "hub-and-spoke" model mandating that all online wagers be routed through servers on tribal sovereign land, is consistent with federal court rulings on tribal gaming rights. Online sports betting bill gains momentum after months of debate Legislators have pursued this goal for several months. The AB601 bill initially gained support late last year and was then carried over into the 2026 legislative session. It received bipartisan approval in the Assembly earlier this year, demonstrating a push to bring existing offshore betting into a regulated system. Nevertheless, disagreements over tribal exclusivity and how revenue is shared have been central points of debate. Tribal model raises barriers for commercial operators Proponents contend the legislation will reduce offshore betting and funnel significant revenue to regulated tribal operations. Opponents, however, warn that it could block major national sportsbook companies from entering the market and impact projected tax income. A cornerstone of the law is the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's stipulation that tribes must keep a minimum of 60% of net gaming revenues under their compacts. As reported by the Associated Press, Damon Stewart of the Sports Betting Alliance testified that, “It is simply not economically feasible for a commercial operator to hand over 60% or more of its revenue to an in-state gaming entity, just for the right to operate in the state.” This condition could restrict the entry of well-known national betting brands, likely reshaping the competitive environment in Wisconsin. Political divisions and tribal consent issues remain unresolved Support for the proposed model is not unanimous among Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes. Governor Evers has raised concerns about the lack of full tribal consensus, pointing to possible divisions between the tribes. The bill has now cleared both legislative houses and awaits the signature of Governor Tony Evers. Upon enactment, Wisconsin would become another state to allow online sports betting, though its unique regulatory structure may curb participation from national operators and change the state's expected revenue outcomes. 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 authorities have launched a criminal prosecution against Kalshi, alleging the firm is operating an unauthorized gambling business. The indictment features 20 criminal counts, asserting that Kalshi illegally permitted wagering on political elections, collegiate sports, and individual athlete performances in violation of state statutes. Arizona intensifies legal action with criminal counts Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes remarked: “Kalshi might characterize itself as a ‘prediction market,’ but it is effectively running an illicit gambling entity and accepting wagers on Arizona’s elections, both of which are prohibited under state law.” This case represents the first instance of a prediction market facing criminal charges at the state level. The legal filing permits Arizona prosecutors to pursue financial penalties, asset seizures, and judicial orders to halt Kalshi’s local operations. Additionally, it provides expanded authority to audit the company’s internal records and personnel. This escalation follows a federal lawsuit from Kalshi, which argues that the Commodity Exchange Act and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) regulatory oversight should override state-level gambling laws. Kalshi’s business model reviewed as regulators clash over authority Since its founding in 2021, Kalshi has risen to prominence by offering contracts on diverse topics, including economic trends, political outcomes, and sports. However, its operations have drawn scrutiny from regulators in multiple U.S. states. While several states have issued cease-and-desist orders, courts in Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio have reached varying conclusions on whether these contracts qualify as illegal bets or federally overseen financial instruments. The CFTC has traditionally supervised designated contract markets and maintains that it holds primary authority over event-based contracts. Nevertheless, the legal landscape for prediction markets remains unsettled. Federal judge considers withdrawal as Kalshi’s legal dispute grows According to CNBC, U.S. District Judge Michael T. Liburdi rejected Kalshi’s request for a temporary restraining order to block Arizona’s criminal proceedings. The judge has directed Kalshi to explain why the federal court should not step aside. If the Younger abstention doctrine is applied, Kalshi’s case would be handled solely in state court, a move that could impact enforcement strategies across the country. Judicial rulings on the matter are inconsistent. In February, a federal judge in Tennessee supported Kalshi’s claims regarding CFTC preemption, while courts in Ohio and other regions have rejected similar arguments. 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) - UK-based charity GamCare has disclosed that almost 2,000 individuals in the UK sought financial advice for gambling-related monetary problems in 2025. Figures published on Wednesday indicated that 1,954 UK residents used GamCare’s Money Guidance Service in 2025 following gambling losses—over twice the prior year’s count of 923. At the same time, the total debt reported via the Money Guidance Service hit £7.2 million (equivalent to $9.6 million). This marked an almost threefold rise from the year before, translating to an average of £21,269 per individual. January 2026 alone saw a record 233 referrals to the Money Guidance Service—nearly three times the number for January 2025. Kathy Wade, manager of the Money Guidance Service, expressed worry about UK residents turning to gambling to cope with increasing living expenses. “We’re worried that people are telling us they’re turning to gambling to help pay for essential bills because households are feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis—yet they end up in a more dire financial state as a consequence,” Wade stated. “We understand that many people gamble responsibly and do so to win cash, but we don’t advise anyone to gamble with the aim of earning extra money to cover necessary expenses.” The connection between debt and gambling-related harm GamCare also drew attention to data from UK debt service PayPlan, which showed that 21,000 people got in touch with the organisation in January this year—a 22% increase compared to the same month last year. GamCare and PayPlan noted the perspective of experts who have seen a growing connection between debt and gambling harm. In 2025, 243 individuals were directly referred from GamCare’s treatment services to PayPlan—34% more than the 181 referrals in 2024. Emma Gibbons, PayPlan’s Vulnerability Lead, described how the company has noticed an upward trend in gambling-related harm tied to debt. “The increase in referrals from GamCare mirrors the growing number of people who feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to go after incurring losses,” Gibbons remarked. “We know that early, empathetic debt advice can have a significant impact—helping people stabilise their finances, understand their choices, and start to take back control. We’re proud to partner with GamCare to make sure anyone who needs it gets non-judgmental assistance.” Kyle GoldsmithKyle joined Clarion in December 2023, coming from the field of sports journalism, and later became a senior reporter focusing on 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) - Fifty years following Indiana University’s historic 1976 NCAA championship win that capped an unforgettable season, Americans are projected to bet billions of dollars on this year’s March Madness tournament. The American Gaming Association estimates that when U.S. bettors finalize their brackets and place their last wagers on the 2026 NCAA tournament, roughly $3.3 billion will be staked on the event. One group strictly prohibited from betting on the tournament is the referees who officiate the games themselves. Ahead of the tournament, the NCAA is deploying advanced monitoring systems to detect if officials are breaking these rules. Last week, the NCAA announced a partnership with Integrity Compliance 360 to use the company’s ProhiBet solution for monitoring tournament officials. Over 200 officials—including alternates—will undergo screening via this technology. Beyond basketball, the NCAA will collaborate with IC360 to monitor officials during the Division I baseball and softball championships. “Implementing ProhiBet is a major step in increasing integrity protections for college sports,” Mark Hicks, the NCAA’s managing director of enforcement, said in a news release. “This platform adds another layer to the NCAA’s robust integrity monitoring programme as we work to keep competition integrity and student-athlete well-being paramount in a rapidly evolving sports betting environment.” Since the 2018 PASPA ruling, the NCAA has not publicly disclosed any cases of referees being caught wagering on sports. Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy was imprisoned in 2008 for betting on games he officiated, while MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg last year for sharing a betting account with an acquaintance. How it works Anonymity is perhaps the most appealing feature of ProhiBet. Founded by Matt Heap, former chief of investigations with the Colorado Department of Gaming, ProhiBet includes an encrypted cross-monitoring platform that assists regulators and sports governing bodies in a comprehensive investigative process. To find matches between a sportsbook operator’s database and a regulator’s database, ProhiBet uses several inputs: first name, last name, date of birth, telephone numbers, an individual’s address, and social security number. After an NCAA official passes a background check, their personally identifiable information (PII) will be crosschecked for verification purposes. Common names can make an investigator’s job challenging. In the NCAA tournament, Iowa State’s Milan Momcilovic and Michigan’s Yaxel Lendenborg have unique names, but Joshua Jefferson—a teammate of Momcilovic—has a more common name. ProhiBet uses a tool called “cryptographic hashing” for additional privacy. Through hashing, a referee’s name (e.g., Roger Ayres) can be converted to a tag like FY87@%!hgdk95h. If there’s a match between Ayres’ hashed tag (FY87@%!hgdk95h) in a sportsbook database and the one used by a regulator, it may indicate improper betting. “This collaboration sets a new industry benchmark and reinforces the importance of proactive deterrence and detection in keeping collegiate athletics fair,” said IC360 co-CEO Scott Sadin in a statement. For Heap, this partnership may mark the first steps toward ProhiBet’s broader expansion across the U.S. with other sports bodies. “The closer you get to ubiquitous coverage across all leagues, the smaller the windows of opportunity are for people to sneak through,” he told iGB last December. “That’s the ultimate goal for ProhiBet.” First guilty plea in point shaving case Also last week, Jalen Smith pleaded guilty in a Pennsylvania court to federal match-fixing charges. Smith, a presumed ringleader in the college basketball point-shaving case, is the first defendant to enter a guilty plea in the matter. Two other defendants—Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley—are also facing charges in a Brooklyn sports betting case that has ensnared several NBA figures. Given his strict commitment to integrity, the late Bob Knight would likely find the scandal troubling. Under Knight in 1976, Indiana finished its season 32-0. The Hoosiers are the last Division I college basketball team to go undefeated for an entire season. Miami (Ohio) went 31-0 in the regular season, becoming only the eighth team in the last 50 years to finish the regular season undefeated. The Redhawks were upset by UMass in the Mid-American Conference tournament. Miami (1%) is a longshot at Kalshi to win the NCAA tournament. As of Wednesday afternoon, Duke is the favorite at Kalshi (20%) to capture the title. Three other teams—Michigan, Arizona, and Florida—have a probability over 10% to cut down the nets at the Final Four. 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. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.