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(AsiaGameHub) -   Police report that an unauthorized courier working for Russian cryptocurrency fraud groups used $20,000 of the criminal organization’s illicit earnings on casino gambling and a lavish partying spree. According to Russian media outlet Novaya Kuban, authorities in St. Petersburg stated they’ve detained a 35-year-old male believed to be carrying out tasks for various phone scammers. Law enforcement officials detailed that the scammers had tricked a Kuban resident out of $20,000 in an unspecified foreign currency. They told the supposed victim they could “earn profits from cryptocurrency investments” by paying in cash. Upon getting the cash, the scammers are said to have passed it to the courier, instructing him to deliver it to a money laundering group. However, the suspect allegedly chose to take the funds to a nearby casino. Police noted that he wasted most of the money on losing roulette bets. Courier Linked to Russian Crypto Fraud Ring Apprehended in St. Petersburg According to police, the suspect used the remaining funds on bar drinks and organizing late-night gatherings. The Krasnodar Criminal Investigation Department has held the suspect in custody. Authorities are conducting a search for the alleged scammers. In another incident, a court in Belogorsk—located in Amur Oblast near the Chinese border—convicted a gambling-addicted teen of stealing 1 million rubles (approximately $13,300) from a friend’s family. The boy used the stolen funds to buy an electric scooter and for online gambling. Belogorsk, situated in Russia’s Amur Oblast (Image: Aviateur [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Prosecutors stated that the unidentified 14-year-old boy watched his friend’s father input his PIN into a banking app during a shopping trip with his friend and the friend’s dad. Having memorized the PIN, the boy proceeded to make multiple withdrawals from the father’s account. To avoid being caught, he took small sums each time, according to prosecutors. As per Russian media outlet Gazeta.Ru, the friend’s father only realized the money was missing when he tried to withdraw cash for a purchase later on. Authorities noted that the teen first denied the offense but eventually confessed fully. An Amur court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile correctional center. Meanwhile, in Moscow, legislators have passed a draft law granting new authorities to anti-gambling agencies. The proposed legislation aims to accelerate procedures enabling regulators to restrict residents’ access to unlicensed online casinos. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Wisconsin has become the newest state to initiate legal action against prominent prediction market platforms—including Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Robinhood—following the passage of legislation to launch legal online sports betting in the state. The lawsuit claims these companies are already providing Wisconsin residents with the opportunity to place online sports wagers. “Thinly disguising unlawful conduct doesn’t make it lawful,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a press release. “These companies’ alleged facilitation of sports betting in Wisconsin should be shut down.” The legal filings seek both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the companies from offering sports-related event contracts in Wisconsin. Sports Event Contracts Are ‘Indistinguishable’ From Regular Sports Betting Per the lawsuits, sports event contracts available on the five platforms are “indistinguishable from an ordinary sports bet,” as defined by Wisconsin’s law. Under Wisconsin law, gambling is defined as an activity that includes all three of the following components: Consideration (you pay or put something of value at risk) Chance (the outcome relies on luck rather than skill) Prize (you have the opportunity to win something of value) Any activity with all three components is legally classified as gambling in Wisconsin. According to the complaint, users trading on markets for events like NCAA basketball matches meet these three criteria. The ongoing debate over whether prediction markets qualify as gambling remains fierce. Proponents of these markets argue they are distinct from sports betting because platforms do not set odds or profit when users lose. The lawsuit acknowledges that unlike sportsbooks, the companies aren’t always on the other side of wagers, but adds: “But that does not get them off the hook, since each company still generates significant revenue from these sports bets by charging transaction fees each time event contracts are traded using their platforms.” The complaint makes the same allegation against Polymarket, even though the company doesn’t charge fees except on a limited number of cryptocurrency markets. For now, it has adopted a growth-first, profits-later strategy and is currently seeking an additional $400 million in funding at a valuation of $15 billion. Wisconsin Approves Legal Online Sports Betting Last month, Wisconsin lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state’s tribes to launch online sports betting. Governor Tony Evers signed the legislation into law on April 10. Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said she supported legalization as a way to regulate the already existing online gambling market. “It already exists on the edges, behind closed doors. It’s already there,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “And it’s already being abused by some, and that’s not going to change. I would rather us put as many parameters around it as we can to take care of our consumers and keep the revenue.” Is Legalization the Catalyst for the Lawsuit? “Except in limited circumstances, sports betting and other forms of commercial gambling have long been illegal in Wisconsin,” the press release stated. Yet, the state has only taken this action in the wake of legalizing online sports betting—presumably because sports event contracts are now seen as a threat to the revenue mentioned by Dassler-Alfheim. State regulators that receive direct revenue from sports betting, such as Arizona and Nevada, have also been notably aggressive in taking action against prediction markets. States have generally struggled to secure judgments against these platforms, with only Nevada managing to block Kalshi so far. The lawsuit cites that the companies are violating Wisconsin state law, but the platforms will likely argue that federal laws preempt states from having authority over their actions. 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) -   Chinese police have taken more than 50 individuals into custody during raids targeting groups that transformed abandoned buildings, private residences, and restaurants into makeshift gambling dens. In Guiding County, Guizhou Province, law enforcement officers detained 35 alleged gamblers who had assembled to bet on a fast-paced, high-stakes game favored in underground betting circles, according to Tianyan News, a Chinese media outlet. The group is said to have met at an abandoned structure adjacent to a train station. Investigators noted that the building was selected due to its limited accessibility and multiple entry points. Law enforcement personnel stated they monitored the group gathering at the same spot multiple times while preparing their operation. Guiding County, Guizhou Province, China (Image: Zhangmoon618 [CC BY-SA 3.0]) They described the gambling ring as “closely organized and extremely secretive,” with its leaders “deliberately opting to conduct activities after dark.” On the evening of April 15, multiple police teams raided the building—surrounding the gambling den, blocking all entry and exit points, and forcing open a door to gain access to the site. They discovered a group of gamblers “desperately placing bets” on a card game. No bettors managed to flee, according to police, who also seized cash and gambling equipment at the scene. Law enforcement officials noted that their investigation into the group is still in progress. Illegal Gambling Dens in China: Police Target Underground Betting Rings In the meantime, the Chibi Public Security Bureau announced that police in Chibi, Hubei Province, have dismantled two suspected gambling rings. On April 8, law enforcement officers apprehended more than 10 people caught betting on Texas Hold ’em games at a restaurant close to Chibi North Railway Station. Authorities stated that all suspects admitted to their offenses, and six individuals have been placed in custody. Investigators also seized over 30,000 yuan (approximately $4,400) in cash at the location. In the early morning of April 11, officers from Yujiaqiao Police Station seized a comparable sum of money from a group of alleged gamblers who had gathered to play poker at a private home in Hunan’s Shaziling Community. Authorities noted that the group had met twice before that month to engage in gambling activities. Seven individuals have been arrested, including one suspected ringleader who will face severe charges. All are said to have fully confessed during police interrogations. Police departments across the country have issued public alerts regarding the risks of gambling. All types of betting are prohibited in China. A police spokesperson stated that law enforcement agencies nationwide will continue to step up their crackdowns on gambling. Earlier this month, police in Hangzhou utilized a drone to locate and arrest a group of alleged gamblers caught betting in a public cemetery. 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) -   Caesars Entertainment revealed this week that it is assuming control of Westgate SuperBook—a decision that caught many familiar with the Las Vegas-based betting operator off guard. Westgate has earned a reputation in Vegas as a “sharp” sportsbook, one of the last independent betting providers in the city. Its acquisition by a giant corporation like Caesars signals the end of an era. “Since opening in 1986, our SuperBook has been a defining part of the Las Vegas sports betting landscape,” said Cami Christensen, President & General Manager of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, in a press release. Independent Bookmakers Face an Unfriendly Landscape Caesars’ takeover follows Westgate’s unsuccessful attempt to scale its business. The company expanded into eight states before shutting down operations in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia in 2024. Christensen stated the company is “thrilled to partner with Caesars Sportsbook to take it to the next level, combining decades of history with innovation, scale, and an even more dynamic guest experience.” However, this also feels like an admission that Westgate couldn’t compete with major sports betting firms and casinos. Westgate executives noted the company will continue operating in a similar style, and its famous SuperContest franchise will remain an integral part of the SuperBook experience. Vegas Tourism Decline Adds to Westgate’s Challenges Nevada has at least temporarily fended off the threat of prediction markets, but as online gambling expands into more states, Vegas’s appeal has diminished. Tourist numbers continue to drop. “Operating an independent bookmaker is expensive,” Robert Walker told CasinoBeats. Walker worked as a bookie in Vegas for 35 years, primarily under the MGM group. “Larger casinos are definitely more dominant,” Walker added. “Westgate failed in the US market. This move, while somewhat surprising given Westgate’s history, allows them to operate without the need for higher-priced traders.“ Despite recent struggles, there are signs Sin City will recover, and Caesars may have made a shrewd move in partnering with Westgate. The announcement came amid Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta‘s ongoing talks to buy Caesars for $18 billion. A New Chapter Ahead Located inside the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Westgate SuperBook describes itself as the world’s largest sportsbook. The space spans 30,000 square feet, with over 350 seats, and a massive 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K video wall. It’s designed more like a sports theater than the typical betting kiosks found in many casinos. “The Westgate SuperBook is one of the most recognizable sportsbook destinations in the world, and we are proud to partner with Westgate on the next chapter of its evolution,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “By powering the SuperBook with our sportsbook platform, we’re combining a legendary sportsbook environment with a modern betting menu and added convenience that reflects how sports fans want to wager today.” No financial details have been disclosed for the deal. Caesars suffered losses last quarter, but its digital sector is growing. Rather than invest in prediction markets as online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics have done, the company is betting on a Vegas recovery. Time will tell if this is a sharp move. 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 Tuesday, Booming Games released Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit, the newest slot title in its Mr Oinkster franchise. The company noted that the game utilizes a 3x4x4x4x3 grid which can expand to 3x6x6x6x3, creating 576 to 1,194 ways to win. Booming Games added that the slot boasts a maximum win potential of 5,000x. According to the supplier, COLLECT symbols appearing on reels one and five gather coin values from all reels, featuring Reel Frenzy multipliers that span from 2x to 5x. The firm also mentioned that the base game contains progressive prizes and Second Chance respins, and that golden piggy banks can increase the MINI, MINOR, MAJOR, and GRAND rewards. Booming Games stated that three Scatter symbols activate 10 Free Spins that come with sticky nudging collectors, and that prize pots are elevated to their maximum levels during the bonus round. The company further noted that the game offers Buy Bonus and Buy Frenzy Bonus features, which cost 75x and 150x respectively and award 10 Free Spins, with the latter ensuring Reel Frenzy triggers. Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, remarked: “This is the latest iteration of our classic Mr Oinkster series, which we’re confident will be as popular as ever. The game is packed with features that build tension and keep the fun going for longer, making this an innovative twist on a a timeless classic. Are you ready to unlock truly pigtastic wins? Play Mr. Oinkster’s Power Hit now!” 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) -   Award-winning game development studio Evoplay has reinforced its standing in Brazil's regulated market by entering a new partnership with the local operator Oleybet. The agreement, which centers on the supplier's high-performing slot collection, makes 24 of Evoplay's games accessible on the Oleybet online casino platform. This deployment aligns with the operator's plan to enrich its casino content with visually compelling games that are customized for local player tastes. Operated by Lindau Gaming S.A. in Brazil, Oleybet is establishing itself as a significant participant in the nation's developing iGaming sector, providing sportsbook, online casino, and live casino services. The brand prioritizes a premium and secure user experience, supported by stringent compliance measures and a deep dedication to responsible gambling. This collaboration allows Evoplay to broaden its footprint in one of Latin America's most promising regulated markets, as Brazil presents ongoing opportunities for suppliers and operators alike. Utilizing Sportingtech's platform, the integration guarantees a smooth deployment of Evoplay's content, enabling Oleybet to expand its games library efficiently. Alex Malchenko, Head of Sales at Evoplay, said: “Brazil continues to be a primary market for Evoplay, and this alliance with Oleybet represents a crucial strategic action to solidify our position in this vibrant market. “Our portfolio is crafted to achieve high engagement among various player groups, and we are sure our titles will be well-received by Oleybet's users as they expand their services.” Robson Salvador, Ombudsman Director at Lindau, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Evoplay, a provider recognized for its innovative and premium gaming content. “This partnership underscores Oleybet's dedication to providing Brazilian players with a varied and captivating game selection, consistently adhering to the highest compliance and responsible gaming standards. We consider this alliance a significant move in consolidating our status within Brazil's regulated 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) -   GoldenRace, a global leader in virtual sports and betting technology solutions, has confirmed its attendance at the upcoming iGaming Afrika Summit, which will take place from 4 to 6 May in Nairobi. The company will showcase its latest suite of technological tools and gaming content custom-designed for the East African market at Stand C09. As Africa’s gaming industry continues to evolve, GoldenRace is centering its exhibition on bridging the gap between physical retail and digital environments. The firm’s In-Shop Mobile solution will be a core focus, providing operators with a way to deliver high-speed digital betting experiences to customers using their own devices within a brick-and-mortar store setting. GoldenRace’s presence at the summit underscores its commitment to delivering localized content that aligns with regional player preferences. The exhibition will feature a mix of established market-leading titles and new vertical offerings: ● Virtual Football: The company’s flagship product, boasting high-frequency leagues and betting markets built for 24/7 player engagement. ● Retail classics: High-frequency Dog Racing and the number-draw game Spin2Win, both of which remain top-performing titles for retaining regional players. ● Crash & Arcade games: The introduction of JetEscape, a multiplier-based “crash” game, and Arcade Heist, designed to diversify traditional betting portfolios. ● Slot integration: A presentation of the Spinmatic slot catalogue, with an emphasis on mobile-optimized performance and diverse mathematical models. Beyond its gaming content, GoldenRace will demonstrate how its latest innovations lower overhead costs for land-based operators while improving the user journey. By integrating advanced mobile solutions into retail spaces, operators can manage higher volumes of players without a proportional increase in hardware expenses. “Our goal at the iGaming Afrika Summit is to demonstrate how global technological standards can be applied to meet the specific needs of African operators,” said Martin Wachter, GoldenRace CEO & Founder. “From our In-Shop Mobile technology to our virtual sports portfolio, we provide the tools necessary for security, scalability and engagement.” Attendees and industry partners are invited to visit Stand C09 during the summit to meet with the GoldenRace team and view live demonstrations of the software. 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) -   While the World Cup drives rapid traffic influx, the primary challenge lies in sustaining player activity following the initial deposit, a first losing streak, or the opening gaming sessions. To assist operators in safeguarding player value throughout the tournament, GR8 Tech is enhancing its engagement and retention suite. The upgrades feature a more adaptable loyalty program, automated bonuses activated by a series of losing sports bets, bonus selection at crucial conversion points, refined segmentation, and more robust engagement mechanics. “Large-scale player acquisition is a hallmark of the World Cup, but retention is the true driver of commercial success,” stated Kateryna Shevchenko, CRM Product Manager at GR8 Tech. “Our focus is on tools that enable operators to act at the optimal time, offer clear rewards to players, and minimize the operational load of engagement, thereby maximizing the event's return on investment.” Loyalty That Makes Value Visible The effectiveness of loyalty programs often diminishes when players are unclear about how to advance or the benefits they receive. GR8 Tech’s revamped loyalty program addresses this by making the value more apparent, with an increased emphasis on VIP players and long-term retention. Players accumulate points based on casino and sports betting turnover, advancing through levels that unlock superior reward conditions. The reward structure encompasses daily, weekly, and monthly cashback, and the entire system is configured for both multicurrency and cryptocurrency settings. Incorporated risk and fraud tools further enable operators to swiftly respond to behavioral shifts and curb bonus abuse, all while maintaining the strength of the loyalty proposition. Automatic Bonuses When Churn Risk Spikes A string of losses represents a significant risk moment for player churn in sports betting. GR8 Tech is launching an automated feature that converts this critical point into a retention chance. Operators set a limit for consecutive unsuccessful wagers; when a player hits this threshold, the platform instantly issues a reward post-settlement. This incentive, which could be a sports bonus, free bet, or another bonus type, helps alleviate frustration, maintain engagement, and prevent a negative experience from leading to a player's departure. Bonus Choice Without Bonus Regret GR8 Tech is also introducing greater flexibility in bonus selection within registration and deposit processes. Via the Payment Widget, players now have the option to select, modify, re-select, or cancel bonuses, rather than being confined to an initial choice. This grants users greater autonomy and eliminates a typical point of friction at the start of their journey. For operators, it fosters a trust-based experience and improves the likelihood that newly acquired players remain active after their first transaction. Segmentation That Supports Smarter Retention Retention efforts are more successful when incentives are well-targeted. GR8 Tech is enhancing its segmentation capabilities, allowing operators to direct engagement tactics with greater precision based on VIP status, loyalty tier, risk category, and other player characteristics. This enables more customized and cost-effective campaigns, which is particularly valuable during high-volume periods when blanket promotions are inefficient. Operators achieve enhanced control over the distribution of rewards, including the recipient, timing, and specific conditions. Retention Starts Before the Traffic Peaks The World Cup is guaranteed to attract players. The pivotal question for operators is how many they can retain. Through improvements in loyalty, automated churn intervention, bonus flexibility, segmentation, and engagement, GR8 Tech is constructing a retention framework designed to convert tournament traffic into sustained player value. For operators aiming to bolster their retention strategies ahead of the first kickoff, now is the moment to investigate the solutions GR8 Tech can implement.   GR8 Tech. Platform for Champions GR8 Tech is an acclaimed provider of high-performance sportsbook and iGaming solutions that equip operators to excel in competitive markets. Its extensive portfolio includes Crypto Turnkey and Hyper Turnkey solutions, ULTIM8 Sportsbook, Infinite Casino Aggregation, and a proprietary affiliate management platform, Aff.Tech. By employing a geo-specific strategy, concentrating on practical innovations, and maintaining an operator-first philosophy, GR8 Tech enables its clients to attain measurable outcomes in their target markets swiftly and effectively. Trusted by leading operators globally, GR8 Tech boasts over 100 successful implementations and has received numerous accolades, such as the SBC Awards 2025 Platform Provider of the Year title. 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) -   Notix.Games is expanding its offerings from two product lines to three, signifying its transition into a comprehensive B2B technology provider. The iGaming vendor, based in Cyprus, will unveil its new turnkey casino platform at the SBC Summit Malta, scheduled for April 28–30, 2026. Established in 2023, the company has rapidly broadened its product portfolio and is now introducing a versatile, feature-rich solution for complete casino management. This platform is engineered to address significant challenges faced by operators, particularly in evolving and emerging markets. These challenges include the limited adaptability of existing turnkey solutions and the dependency on a single provider. The new platform is suitable for both launching new casinos and for operators looking to transition from current systems to gain enhanced flexibility and customization. The migration process can be implemented as a phased integration, avoiding a complete system overhaul. The platform's modular design incorporates essential tools for managing games and players, handling payments and compliance, and implementing promotional strategies for bonuses, marketing initiatives, and affiliate programs. Future enhancements to the platform will include greater personalization, gamification features, and additional compliance modules. Dinara Pogodina, CEO of Notix.Games, stated: “Our objective is to deliver substantial value to operators worldwide, and the launch of this platform represents the next logical progression in our product development strategy. It is designed to enable our partners to streamline their operations while maintaining scalability and flexibility. “Our evolution from a game studio and aggregator to a full-scale technology provider marks a significant milestone for Notix.Games. It underscores our dedication to creating practical, dependable solutions that meet the genuine needs of operators in a rapidly changing market.” Notix.Games initially operated as a game studio and casino aggregator, emphasizing high product quality, ongoing innovation, regulatory compliance, and dedicated support for its partners. Since 2023, its aggregator, which serves as the technological backbone for the new platform, has successfully integrated over 50 leading game providers via a single API. The company currently serves numerous operators globally, including 1XBet. At the SBC Summit Malta, Notix.Games will feature its new platform at its inaugural exhibition stand, D50. Attendees are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the team to gain further insights into the company's products and its future development plans. 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) -   Innovative iGaming studio Peter & Sons has significantly strengthened its position in Italy, now live with approximately 70% of the market’s leading operators under the country’s Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) license. This milestone reflects a sustained expansion strategy built on key partnerships with major Italian operators including Sisal, SNAI, PokerStars, Eurobet, Betsson Italy, Lottomatica and Goldbet and Diecimilauno, with distribution supported by leading aggregators Octavian and Light & Wonder. The network is set to expand further, reinforcing Peter & Sons’ growing footprint in one of Europe’s most established iGaming markets. Italy represents a mature and highly structured environment, dominated by a small number of major operators and characterized by rigorous go-live processes. Players across the market can access a selection of the studio’s top-performing titles, including Barbarossa Dragon Empire, Barbarossa Revenge, and Thunderhawk, which have demonstrated strong engagement and consistent performance. Renowned for its indie-inspired creative direction and distinctive approach to game development, Peter & Sons continues to expand across regulated markets worldwide. With Italy now established as one of its fastest-growing regions, the studio is focused on deepening relationships with tier-one operators while continuing to deliver high-quality, visually driven gaming experiences tailored to local audiences. Lauryn Duncan, Head of Sales at Peter & Sons, said: “Italy has become one of our most important markets, not because it was new to us, but because of how quickly it has evolved into a key part of our distribution network. Reaching 70% of the market is a strong validation of the partnerships we’ve built with leading operators and aggregators. It’s a market that demands quality, structure, and consistency, and we’re proud to see our games resonate so well within that environment.” 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) -   Sportsbooks are once again gearing up for another loss as the NFL Draft kicks off tonight. These betting establishments always approach the draft with a mix of anxiety and dislike, and this year is no exception. “Bookmakers can’t stand the draft,” said Jeff Benson, Circa Sports’ Director of Operations. “It’s a ton of work with no payoff, and we have absolutely no chance of winning. We lose five to six figures annually on it.” What makes the NFL Draft such a challenging event for sportsbooks? In today’s hyper-connected information era, they can’t keep up with savvy bettors hunting for actionable insights. “When dealing with any draft market—honestly, for most places—it’s not a question of whether you win or lose, but how much you lose,” said Thomas Gable, Director of the Borgata Sportsbook. “The sharper customers will get to information before you do.” Ed Salmons, vice president of risk at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, told me three years ago that he didn’t “like the draft, but it’s simply something we have to do. You have no control over it—none at all. It’s not like a game where things happen and mistakes are made.” Unlike a real game, this is an information-driven market, and as Ben Fawkes writes: “…Once credible information is released and bet on, the market can shift quickly—and no money will come back on the opposite side. That information could arrive as fast as a single post on X from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.” DraftKings Sportsbook Director Johnny Avello shared similar views. “The draft has never been an easy event to handle for betting because it doesn’t rely on power ratings,” Avello said. “It’s not a matchup between two teams where you factor in home-field advantage and other things. It’s all about information.” Sportsbooks Adjust Their Strategies to Minimize Risk Sportsbooks have taken specific steps to reduce their risk of excessive losses related to the NFL Draft. These include: Launching betting markets later Reducing bet limits Providing fewer wagering options As a result, there are far fewer opportunities for sharp bettors to exploit sportsbooks. Matt Freedman, who has been betting on the NFL Draft since 2018, is among those affected. “I think in the 2021 NFL Draft, I placed over 300 different bets—an incredible number,” Freedman said. “But since sportsbooks took heavy hits in 2020 and 2021, I don’t see an incentive for them to go back to those wide-open markets. What we have now is a good indication of what we’ll see moving forward. I’d say it’s dried up for professional bettors.” 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.