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(AsiaGameHub) -   22Bet and its affiliate scheme, 22Bet Partners, have secured nominations in three highly contested categories for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026: Affiliate Program of the Year, Casino Operator of the Year, and Sportsbook Operator of the Year. A Proven Track Record Beyond Just a Brand Operating across more than seven proprietary products tailored to various markets and audiences, 22Bet Partners has established itself as a key player. The program is a regular fixture at major industry gatherings such as SiGMA, iGB Live, and Affiliate World, and has garnered accolades at numerous industry award ceremonies in the past. What the Nominations Signify Being shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year highlights 22Bet’s sustained growth in the competitive sports betting sector. The brand has solidified its standing by broadening its market reach, offering competitive odds, and continuously enhancing the user experience for a global clientele. Simultaneously, the nod for Casino Operator of the Year reinforces what has been an exceptional awards season for the company. The Affiliate Program of the Year nomination highlights 22Bet Partners’ strengths in commission models, account management, marketing resources, and operational transparency—key elements that shape the daily working environment for affiliates. Putting Partners First The team at 22Bet Partners has focused intently on one principle: viewing affiliate relationships as true partnerships. This nomination for Affiliate Program of the Year mirrors the success of their continuous cooperation with the affiliate community. 22Bet Partners views this shortlisting as an acknowledgment of the long-term relationships and shared dedication that led to this achievement. Vote Now Voting for the AffPapa iGaming Awards 2026 is now open to the community, and each vote is significant. Industry experts, affiliates, and iGaming fans are invited to show their support for 22Bet and 22Bet Partners by visiting the official voting page. 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) -   eyeDP announced the closure of a late seed funding round on March 28, securing strategic investment from a collective of angel investors and prominent industry figures. The company, established in 2025, reported initial growth driven by successful pilot programs and a growing need for document intelligence solutions as AI-powered fraud escalates. eyeDP chose not to disclose the specific amount raised or the identities of the investors. eyeDP stated that the capital infusion will facilitate product development over the coming 12 months, specifically targeting an expansion of document types its platform can handle, enhanced accuracy, and advancement towards "fully automated, dynamic intelligent document processing." The company also indicated plans to invest in recruitment to support its scaling efforts. The company additionally highlighted several partnerships designed to bolster adoption, including an integration with the Provenir Data Marketplace, a reseller agreement established with Devcode, a distribution partnership formed with Crucial Compliance, and a collaboration with IDVcheck concentrating on anti-money laundering functionalities. Warren Russell, CEO at eyeDP, commented: “We have been working towards this for a considerable period. This investment empowers us to maintain our focus on critical areas: refining the product, expanding our team, and addressing a challenge that grows increasingly intricate as fraud methods advance. Our objective is straightforward: to equip regulated organizations with clarity and assurance in every decision they undertake.” 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) -   Marzia Turrini, Global President of iGaming & Cybersecurity at BMM Testlabs, has been awarded the ‘Best Executive Leadership’ title at the 2026 Italian Gaming Awards. The ceremony took place last week in Rome during the Italian Gaming Expo & Conference (IGE). The company stated that Turrini was chosen from a shortlist of nine executives. BMM noted that the award highlights her leadership and her contribution to the expansion of the company’s digital product compliance and cybersecurity services in regulated markets. According to BMM, Turrini, who is Italian by birth, brings over two decades of experience in gaming and technology, having joined the firm in 2013. She is credited with driving BMM’s expansion across Europe and globally, as well as enhancing relationships with regulators, suppliers, and operators. Turrini commented, “I am honored to receive this recognition from the Italian Gaming Awards. Italy has always been an important part of my professional journey, and I am proud to contribute to the continued growth and integrity of the regulated gaming industry both in Italy and around the world.” BMM also mentioned that Turrini was recognized as ‘Leader of the Year’ at the 2025 SBC Awards Americas and appeared on the iGB 2025 ‘Most Influential Women in Gaming’ list. The company operates an office in Bologna, providing testing and certification services for land-based, retail, and online regulated gaming products and systems in Italy. 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) -   Scientific Games has secured a seven-year agreement with the Minnesota Lottery to upgrade its technological infrastructure, substituting outdated systems across both physical and online channels. This deal includes an option for a three-year extension. The firm stated it will implement a versatile, cloud-centric solution via its Momentum platform, which is designed as a unified suite of tools and services to enhance sales results. “We utilized a forward-thinking method for choosing technology that would facilitate future progress and ethically increase our funding for initiatives that benefit the people of Minnesota,” remarked Adam Prock, Executive Director of the Minnesota Lottery. “Our goal was to find contemporary technology and a partner-focused solution. Scientific Games shared our perspective on expansion.” According to Scientific Games, the implementation will feature its core gaming system, the SciTrak distribution system for scratch-offs, the gem | Intelligence portal for retailer management, and the INFUSE analytics platform. Furthermore, the company will provide SCiQ digital displays, WAVE terminals, and PlayCentral self-service kiosks throughout the lottery's retail network, alongside a digital second-chance promotion system integrated with its CRM software. “Transitioning systems necessitates a robust partnership and extensive teamwork. We are committed to collaborating with the Minnesota Lottery team to ensure a smooth launch, positioning the Lottery for long-term success,” stated John Schulz, President of Americas & Global Instant Products at Scientific 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) -   QTech Games has entered into a content agreement with the slot developer Just Slots, incorporating the studio's portfolio into its game aggregation platform for its network of operator partners. Through this partnership, QTech’s clients gain access to a selection of Just Slots titles, such as Shogun Skylord, Rain and Ruin, Book of Abyss, and Shadow Pirates. According to QTech, this integration is a key component of its strategy to expand distribution across emerging markets, specifically in Africa and Latin America. QTech Games CEO Philip Doftvik stated: “We are committed to delivering high-quality content and innovative products that generate growth for our partners. This collaboration with Just Slots strengthens our development pipeline through 2026, with many more updates planned for this year. In the current market, offering premium, top-tier games is essential to standing out. We are eager to introduce their diverse game library to both established and emerging operator brands in growth markets globally.” “The impressive portfolio from Just Slots will help our platform partners provide a comprehensive brand experience that keeps players engaged and coming back, ultimately boosting dwell-time and revenue. Their titles feature unique narrative elements that resonate with the diverse preferences of players in various untapped regions.” Nick Formosa, Head of Client Strategy at Just Slots, added: “We are thrilled about this partnership. QTech possesses the necessary reach, operator connections, and localized expertise in regions where the demand for slots is surging. Joining their platform places our content in an ideal position, and we look forward to reaching new player bases across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.” 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’s Complaint Resolution Center (CRC) has unveiled its Q1 2026 performance metrics, emphasizing sustained growth in complaint volume, resolution activity, and evolving player concerns. In the first quarter of 2026, the Complaint Resolution Center published 3,986 complaints and successfully settled 1,321 cases, resulting in $5,304,894 returned to players. March emerged as one of the busiest months in CRC history, logging the second-highest number of published complaints to date. At the same time, the count of ongoing cases exceeded 1,300, reflecting a rise in demand for mediation services. Key markets Most complaints originated from the following regions: Germany (657) United Kingdom (270) Canada (240) Italy (207) Australia (194) These areas continue to represent the most active player bases when it comes to dispute reporting. Emerging trends Delayed payments remained the most common issue reported by players. However, a notable shift was observed in March, when self-exclusion-related complaints rose to the second most frequent category for the first time in the CRC’s history. This trend highlights growing awareness of responsible gambling tools and increased expectations for their enforcement. KYC-related issues and blocked accounts also stayed among the top complaint types, often linked to withdrawal delays. Increasing role of mediation The Q1 results underscore the expanding importance of independent mediation in the online gambling industry, as players increasingly seek resolution via trusted third-party platforms. Casino Guru continues to monitor industry trends and advocate for fair, transparent practices across the sector. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The upgrade offers sportsbooks proprietary, model-based WNBA player prop pricing via the OpticOdds API. OpticOdds, a leading provider of live sports betting data and trading tools, has improved its WNBA services through a partnership with The Crowd’s Line AI (TCL AI). This collaboration introduces a real-time, AI-powered player prop pricing tool through the OpticOdds API. This tool generates WNBA player prop lines using TCL AI’s proprietary models, avoiding reliance on market averages or consensus data. This independent approach provides a distinct signal, helping sportsbooks provide unique WNBA betting options. Every player prop includes complete probability distributions and confidence-weighted vig. This allows operators to improve risk management, direct activity toward high-confidence markets, and set prices for alternate lines more accurately. The system integrates TCL AI’s machine-learning technology with OpticOdds’ API and trading framework. This integration allows users to find fair value prices, spot line discrepancies, and launch WNBA player props with little manual effort. This development mirrors the growth of the WNBA betting sector, where rising fan engagement and compelling player stories are fueling the need for more complex wagering options before the new season begins. The improved WNBA pricing system expands on OpticOdds’ current platform, enhancing its AI-powered pricing tools. Ryan Weinstock, Vice President at OpticOdds, stated: “Partnering with The Crowd’s Line AI to provide model-based WNBA pricing via our API highlights our commitment to delivering sophisticated, professional-grade data to emerging sports betting sectors. “This improvement enables us to expand a unique product, leveraging our technology to assist sportsbooks in launching premium WNBA player prop markets with speed and ease.” Anthony Lage, CEO at The Crowd’s Line, commented: “Our ongoing work with OpticOdds allows us to provide unique WNBA player prop pricing on a large scale, helping sportsbooks gain new customers and boost profitability with low operational overhead. “OpticOdds ensures a smooth integration, permitting partners to act swiftly and with certainty in one of the most rapidly expanding sports betting arenas.” 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 Carolina Hurricanes are hosting the Ottawa Senators tonight for Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Lenovo Center, with live coverage on ESPN2. Carolina secured a 2-0 shutout victory on Saturday, giving them a 1-0 series lead. For tonight's matchup, DraftKings has set the Hurricanes as -155 home favorites with a total of 5.5. The betting market shows 81% of the moneyline handle and 83% of tickets are favoring Carolina. Best Bet: Senators vs. Hurricanes (UNDER 5.5) In Game 1, the Hurricanes' goals were scored by Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall. They also received a strong performance from veteran goaltender Freddie Andersen, who made 22 saves to record his sixth career playoff shutout. While goaltending was a question mark for Carolina heading into the playoffs, Andersen has overcome his regular-season struggles. A FIGHT TO START THE PLAYOFFSBrady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal immediately dropped the gloves pic.twitter.com/LBokHjzq6B— ESPN (@espn) April 18, 2026 Game 1 began with a fight between team captains Brady Tkachuk and Jordan Staal, and this physical intensity is expected to persist throughout the series. Carolina continues to impede opponents by clogging up the neutral zone. Ottawa's goalie Linus Ullmark played well in Game 1, stopping 27 of 29 shots. If both goaltenders maintain their performance levels tonight, another UNDER outcome is likely. Carolina has seen the UNDER hit in their last four games. Ottawa has gone 4-1 to the UNDER in their past five games. Best Player Prop Bets for Carolina Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov OVER 2.5 Shots on Goal (+100) Andrei Svechnikov started the playoffs strong with six shots on goal in the opening game. His aggressive approach is anticipated to continue in Game 2 tonight. Jordan Staal OVER 0.5 Points (+165) Jordan Staal's integration into Carolina's power play has provided a boost when they have the man advantage. Staal, still effective at 37, scored four power-play goals during the regular season. Staal is relied upon for his faceoff prowess. Requiring only a goal or an assist to meet this prop, Staal has a good chance of succeeding tonight. Best Player Prop Bets for Ottawa Senators Linus Ullmark OVER 25.5 Saves (-115) There is a strong connection between this prop bet and our prediction for the UNDER tonight. Carolina tends to shoot the puck frequently. The Hurricanes recorded 2,637 shots on goal during the regular season, ranking second in the NHL behind only Colorado (2,766). The high volume of shots is expected to continue, giving Ullmark a strong opportunity to exceed this save total for the second consecutive game. Tim Stutzle Anytime Goal Scorer (+230) Tim Stutzle led Ottawa with 34 goals and 83 points during the regular season. Stutzle needs to find his scoring touch after the Senators were shut out in the opener. This was an unusual occurrence, as Ottawa was only shut out once during the regular season, a 1-0 loss to the Kings on November 15. 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) -   Authorities in Mogilev, Belarus, are intensifying their efforts to combat gambling-related offenses following allegations that a local businessman gambled away a private loan on an online platform. According to the media outlet Mogilev News, law enforcement has initiated a criminal investigation into the 42-year-old business owner. Officials stated that the entrepreneur approached a 53-year-old associate to request financial assistance. He reportedly claimed the funds would be used for business expansion and guaranteed a "timely repayment." The associate, trusting the businessman, provided 28,000 Belarusian rubles (approximately $10,000). However, once the money was received, the entrepreneur allegedly ceased all contact. Fraud Charges for Belarusian Businessman Police investigations later indicated that the owner "had no plans to return the funds" and had instead "squandered the entire amount at an online casino." The suspect is expected to be charged with fraud-related crimes by investigators. This incident follows a recent case where the Mogilev branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs accused a corporate accountant of stealing from her employer to fund online gambling habits. The 42-year-old defendant served as the head accountant for a private firm located in Mogilev. A statue in central Mogilev, Belarus. (Image: Alexander Fastovets) Campaign Against Gambling Crimes Ministry representatives informed the news site Onliner that the accountant possessed access to the organization's electronic financial systems. Investigators reportedly uncovered evidence of numerous transfers from the company's accounts to her personal ones, frequently disguised as "bonus payments." Because she was in charge of financial reporting, she was allegedly able to "submit fraudulent data" and "conceal the budget gaps," officials noted. The accountant is accused of embezzling a total of 185,000 Belarusian rubles, exceeding $65,000. Law enforcement stated that she lost the full amount through unsuccessful online casino wagers. The ministry intends to prosecute her for "large-scale embezzlement through abuse of office." If found guilty, she could be sentenced to as many as 12 years in prison. Additionally, in Minsk, a self-proclaimed cryptocurrency investment expert was reported to have stolen and spent thousands of dollars of client money at physical casinos during the previous year. 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) -   Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has initiated a comprehensive campaign to eliminate illicit gambling content from its video-sharing service. According to a report by Chinese media Jiemian News, the company states it is removing more than 10,000 accounts per day as part of this cleanup effort. Douyin reports it has identified criminal organizations attempting to evade its security reviews and automated systems designed to flag gambling-related material. It is reported that many dishonest creators avoid detection by sharing "coded messages" that slip past the platform's surveillance. However, Douyin noted that some of these messages contain links directing users to third-party gambling websites. The platform confirms it has begun enforcing measures against accounts that violate its policies. To date this year, Douyin says it has sanctioned 55,000 live-streaming accounts for permitting gambling promoters to disseminate these "coded messages." It has also permanently suspended live-streaming capabilities for approximately 14,000 accounts. Douyin: Gambling Crackdown The company stated it collaborates with police and law enforcement agencies to help bring suspected online gambling promoters to justice. Since the previous year, Douyin says its tips to authorities have led to 148 arrests. Law enforcement has also broken up six criminal gangs engaged in gambling activities based on information provided by Douyin. Douyin emphasized it "strictly forbids users from utilizing its platform services to arrange gambling, solicit participants, or conduct any other unlawful or criminal acts." The platform added it will persist in banning and reporting accounts that post instructional videos on "gambling strategies, cheating methods, or tools for defrauding [online casino platforms]." ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, introduced Douyin in 2016. Both apps feature nearly identical designs, but their systems are separate, meaning content posted on one does not appear on the other. Most Users are Young Urbanites Douyin was created specifically for the Mainland China market and adheres to local laws. The service also operates as an e-commerce hub, enabling users to purchase items directly via videos or live streams through integrated Douyin Stores. The platform boasts about 766 million monthly active users, with a similar figure for daily active users. Most of its user base is under the age of 35 and resides in large cities. In a related development earlier this month, Hong Kong police conducted a raid on an illicit arcade that allegedly offered cash rewards to top-scoring players. Authorities detained the arcade's owner along with a number of alleged customers. 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) -   Prosecutors in Akita Prefecture have stated that a sitting Japanese judge developed an addiction to online gambling and misappropriated funds designated for civil servants to finance his habit. According to a report by Japanese broadcaster AAB News, public prosecutors have indicted Akifumi Morimoto, a 52-year-old judge at a summary court in Niigata. Niigata’s Bandaibashi Bridge, in Japan’s Akita Prefecture. (Image: DAI-nk [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Morimoto faces charges including habitual gambling, embezzlement, and other related offenses. The Akita District public prosecutors revealed that the judge used his smartphone and other internet-connected devices to engage in baccarat games on online casino platforms. Japanese Judge Placed 60,000 Bets on Baccarat Games Investigators reported that Morimoto made at least 60,000 bets, with his gambling activities reportedly beginning in 2023. During that period, Morimoto was also responsible for overseeing the bank accounts of the management association for a national civil servants’ dormitory located in the city of Yokote. Prosecution officials indicated that between April 2023 and May 2025, Morimoto embezzled approximately 2.79 million yen (close to $18,000) from these accounts. Investigators stated that the judge transferred funds from the dormitory accounts into his personal accounts. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has not disclosed whether Morimoto has confessed to or denied the charges. Online casinos are prohibited in Japan, and accessing overseas-based online casinos is a criminal offense. Courts possess the authority to imprison habitual illegal gamblers and impose substantial fines. Across the country, investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that several active-duty police officers have engaged in gambling during their work hours this year. In February, Japanese prosecutors indicted a 35-year-old police lieutenant from the Okinawa Prefectural Police force on suspicion of habitual gambling on horse races through unregistered online casino sites. Furthermore, in January, a detective at Hanyu Police Station admitted to stealing valuable trading cards from an evidence room. The detective explained that he sold the cards and used the proceeds to bet on horse races. During questioning by investigators, he stated, “I couldn’t control my desire to gamble.” 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) -   Three leading gambling firms, bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity, are confronting legal action in New Zealand following allegations of providing unlawful gambling services within the nation. The three legal claims have been filed as a collective action. Presiding judge Ian Gault noted the proceedings “involve at least one of the same plaintiffs and raise the same or similar issues.” Nevertheless, the cases are not being consolidated currently. Judge Gault additionally imposed a suppression order to keep the plaintiffs' identities confidential. New Zealand enacted fresh gambling legislation last year. The updated regulations essentially ban companies with offshore licenses from conducting business in the country. SkyCity Denies Responsibility SkyCity acknowledged it was served notice of the lawsuit last month. The firm stated the claim is “seeking to test the lawfulness of the online gaming operations operated by Silvereye on behalf of an overseas subsidiary of SkyCity”. Silvereye, which is part of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), is licensed in Malta. SkyCity refuted any responsibility for GiG's actions. A spokesperson declared, “SkyCity denies any such liability and will actively defend the proceedings.” As reported by the New Zealand Herald, the company divested its equity stake in GiG in June 2024 but maintained it still had a “valuable relationship” via its connection to SkyCity Online. The legal action aims to reclaim gambling losses incurred on SkyCity Online from February 2020 to February 2026. While SkyCity runs physical casinos in New Zealand, the country has not formally authorized online casino operations. New Zealand Set To Legalize Online Casinos New Zealand may introduce regulated iGaming later this year, with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) anticipated to grant approximately 15 licenses. The proposal has drawn a varied response, with critics cautioning it could exacerbate gambling addiction. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden emphasized that the new law is designed to regulate, not grow, the gambling sector. She commented, “My goal is not to increase online gambling but to enable New Zealanders to play casino games more safely.” bet365 Objects to Proceedings Judge Gault also mentioned that bet365 and associated defendants “object to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts to hear and determine this proceeding.” The lawsuit names the company’s subsidiaries, Hillside (Gaming) Enc and Hillside (Sports), along with CEO Denise Coates. Hillside is headquartered in Malta and possesses licenses from the UK and Gibraltar. Super Group, the parent entity of betting brands Betway and Spin, has several affiliated companies listed as defendants: Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree (Alderney), and Baytree Interactive. CasinoBeats reached out to the plaintiffs' counsel, Davey Salmon, KC, and the gambling operators' lawyer, David Cooper, KC, but has not received a reply from either. 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 operator Bally’s, based in the US, has tabled a £225 million ($303 million) bid to acquire Evoke. The betting group, whose leading brands are 888 and William Hill, is reported to have granted Bally’s the status of preferred bidder. Evoke initiated a strategic review in December that opened the door to a potential sale. Following news of the possible acquisition by Bally’s, the company's share price has surged more than 30% in the past week. The price is currently 40.76 GBX, a significant increase from 20.95 GBX at the beginning of December. According to Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, the share price increase “suggests the market is sceptical this is a winning bid”. “Shareholders aren’t in a strong position to demand more money,” he continued. “Bally’s doesn’t need to be generous with an offer because it holds the advantage in negotiations. Evoke is in such a weak position, and its long-term viability is uncertain if it cannot find a buyer for part or all of the business.” William Hill Takeover Straddled Evoke With Debt Evoke is currently burdened with approximately £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) of debt, largely stemming from its £2.2 billion ($2.97 billion) purchase of William Hill in 2021. This deal did not include William Hill’s US operations, which were acquired by Caesars Entertainment that same year. “This massive debt load presents Bally’s with two choices,” Coatsworth stated. “It can purchase the entire business and gradually reduce the debt, or it can buy Evoke and promptly break it up to recoup cash and speed up repayments.” The company's challenges have been worsened by recent tax increases in the UK. Since the start of April, the government has been taxing online casino revenue at 40%, a sharp rise from the former rate of 21%. Evoke estimated the new tax regime would result in an annual cost of between £125 million and £135 million (approximately $170 million). In response, William Hill has shuttered hundreds of its betting shops. “We have moved quickly and decisively to execute on our mitigation plans, including the closure of retail stores that are no longer sustainable as well as broader cost savings, and we will update shareholders on our progress and updated strategic plan in due course,” Evoke CEO Per Widerström commented while presenting the firm’s most recent financial results. Users Fighting Evoke Over Online Casino Glitch Compounding the issues from UK tax hikes, a system malfunction at Evoke created turmoil for its customers. A technical error in the company’s Jackpot Drop games led to thousands of players winning large amounts, but 888 and William Hill subsequently invalidated those payouts. A number of users are now threatening to sue the company, asserting that their winnings should be paid. One Canadian player, James Kotylak, who won over CA$1 million (around $940,000) on 888, expressed his intention to speed up legal action. He fears the potential takeover could jeopardize his opportunity to seek compensation. Kotylak condemned both the decision to void his winnings and the company's handling of communications, claiming he was repeatedly misled and provided with incorrect details. “To have a life‑changing win like that erased by a vague ‘glitch’ with no evidence has been devastating,” Kotylak told CasinoBeats in an interview this month. “I’m not asking for special treatment — just for the casino to be held to the same standard of proof and accountability that they expect from their players.” 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) -   Vegangster has broadened its collaboration with Shared Luck through the implementation of JackpotX, a player-funded jackpot network now active on five of its client brands. Initial data indicates an approximate 25% average opt-in rate, as players actively select to participate using a straightforward toggle switch. In these implementations, JackpotX operates as a player-funded mechanism, where a small part of each player's activity feeds into a communal prize pool. This generates an ever-increasing jackpot that operates concurrently with regular play, introducing a constant incentive to bet without disrupting the primary game. This approach differs from conventional fixed or operator-funded jackpots by scaling directly with player engagement. The more players join, the larger the prize becomes, which in turn enhances its prominence and player involvement. For casino operators, the integration adds a powerful retention and revenue tool directly linked to player traffic. Since the jackpot is financed by gameplay itself, it lessens the need for significant upfront marketing investment while still fostering a compelling cycle of engagement. Michael Oziransky, Chief Product Officer at Vegangster, commented: “The key advantage of JackpotX is its adaptability. Operators can manage jackpots across multiple brands and customize their functionality, all with access to real-time data. This enabled us to adopt a player-funded model that enhances engagement without requiring extra budget from the operator.” The integration demands little ongoing operational effort and can be rolled out across different brands easily, enabling operators to rapidly launch engagement features powered by jackpots. With JackpotX now operational and expanding, Vegangster and Shared Luck intend to deepen their partnership, concentrating on more advanced gamification features and a broader deployment throughout Vegangster's client network. About SharedLuck SharedLuck develops engagement infrastructure for the online casino industry. Its flagship product, JackpotX, offers versatile jackpot setup, management for multiple brands, live analytics, and tools designed to improve player retention and boost total casino earnings. About Vegangster Vegangster delivers a comprehensive iGaming platform built for high performance, scalability, and operator autonomy. Its all-in-one, white-label, and sweepstakes solutions combine casino and sports betting content, payment processing, CRM, compliance, and social functionalities into a unified, mobile-focused system. Vegangster empowers operators to enter the market swiftly and expand reliably. Press contact Romans Kozlovskis Senior Content & PR Manager r.kozlovskis@vegangster.com 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 N1 SEO Traffic Cup, the inaugural tournament within the N1 Traffic Cups series presented by N1 Partners, is approaching its conclusion, with April 30 marking the final day of the promotion. More than 250 teams are actively directing traffic to N1 Partners brands, and the opportunity to win is open to everyone, regardless of when they joined the competition. Securing the main rewards is entirely achievable, as final standings are determined by team efficiency, with no limit on the number of winning positions. All participants who reach one of the four prize tiers will receive an award, emphasizing the importance of enhancing performance metrics. Discover strategies to improve your current standing within the remaining two weeks, or join the competition effectively even at this late stage! Expert Advice for Driving Traffic in the N1 SEO Traffic Cup Continuous improvement of results is always possible, especially with access to up-to-date analytics. The N1 Partners team has facilitated this by sharing insights from SEO specialists: Optimal iGaming SEO Strategies Currently, traditional SEO listings featuring offerwalls, cross-brand SEO, and parasite SEO tactics across multiple Tier-1 GEOs are demonstrating strong performance. Top N1 Partners Products for SEO Traffic Products exhibiting excellent conversion rates and stability include HollyWin, Slot Mafia, Lucky Hunter, RollXO, and Slot Lounge. Leading GEOs for SEO Traffic Markets such as Australia, Germany, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Norway are yielding significant results and are popular among N1 SEO Traffic Cup participants. These regions boast a broad, solvent audience, enabling both high traffic volumes and substantial average check values. Have you identified your target GEO and strategy? Register on the N1 SEO Traffic Cup landing page and aim for the top of the leaderboard! N1 SEO Traffic Cup: Frequently Asked Questions for Late Entrants The N1 Partners team recognizes that joining later can seem daunting, so they have compiled common affiliate queries and provided practical guidance. Where should a new affiliate begin to maximize their impact in the initial 48 hours? “For affiliates joining in the final two weeks, the key to success is focus. I recommend immediately concentrating on familiar GEOs and brands to secure the first FTDs as quickly as possible. The subsequent step involves assessing your capacity to manage multiple brands. In the N1 SEO Traffic Cup, the number of brands directly influences the Brand Coefficient and overall performance. Naturally, collaborating with your affiliate manager from the outset is crucial for establishing the most direct path to initial results. There isn't a single fixed prize; affiliates can achieve any reward level. Even if an affiliate doesn't reach a specific tier, generating a minimum of 20 FTDs on at least one brand qualifies them for the prize draw. This ensures there are no losers, and participation is viable at any point,” states Alexa Bond, Head of Affiliates at N1 Partners. What common errors do participants make when attempting to accelerate their efforts before the final deadline? “The most frequent mistake is attempting rapid scaling by exploring new GEOs and strategies where the team lacks expertise. This typically results in inefficient resource allocation, reduced quality, and increased expenditure. In the worst-case scenario, campaigns may be halted. At this final stage, it is far more important to maintain focus on stable traffic sources and further optimize existing strategies rather than experimenting with new directions,” explains Dmitry Filippov, Affiliate Team Lead (SEO) at N1 Partners. Join the N1 SEO Traffic Cup — two weeks is sufficient to win! N1 SEO Traffic Cup: Understanding the Conditions Period: March 1 – April 30, 2026 Results: by May 10 Entry: from 20 FTD per brand The process is straightforward: you earn points (N1 Cup Score) based on generated FTDs, which are then multiplied by the brand coefficient. The more brands you engage with, the higher your multiplier and the faster your results will grow: 1 brand — x1 2–3 brands — x2 4+ brands — x5 This mechanism allows for not only scaling traffic volumes but also accelerating growth by directing traffic to multiple products. Find out more about the conditions and rewards here! N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program offering: 14+ casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70% 10+ Tier-1 GEOs CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45% + NNCO for top partners + hybrid models Be number one with N1! 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 Sunday night, Team Vitality emerged victorious in the IEM Rio grand final, defeating Team Spirit with a clean 3-0 sweep. This win marks the organization's fourth championship of the 2026 season and earns them a second straight ESL Grand Slam. According to the team, this achievement establishes their Counter-Strike squad as the first ever to secure consecutive ESL Grand Slams. The Rio triumph followed earlier ESL competition wins at IEM Dallas 2025, ESL Pro League 2025, and IEM Kraków 2026, finalizing the Grand Slam requirement and granting a $1,000,000 bonus. The IEM Rio event, which included 16 teams, was held before a live audience in Brazil. Vitality's lineup—consisting of Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, Robin "ropz" Kool, William "mezii" Merriman, and Shahar "flameZ" Shushan—progressed through the playoffs with 2-0 victories over NAVI and FURIA, despite losing one map earlier in the event to G2. Vitality announced that Herbaut received the tournament's Most Valuable Player award. The organization also stated that Kool is now the first player to win three ESL Grand Slam titles in a row, noting his prior Grand Slam victory with FaZe Clan in Season 4. “We are maintaining the high standards set in 2025 throughout 2026, accumulating wins. During this tournament, I observed a team having fun and competing not just for victory, but with the goal of making history by becoming the sole organization to secure two ESL Grand Slams. It is important to note that merely five teams have ever won one, underscoring the magnitude of this accomplishment,” explains Fabien “Neo” Devide, co-founder of Team Vitality. “This is a defining moment for these remarkable players and the club's heritage. They are positioning Team Vitality as not just the top CS2 club globally, but potentially among the finest ever. We are in a remarkable period. We must remain grounded and savor it.” 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) -   Golden Whale and Text.com have entered a partnership to combine Golden Whale’s decision intelligence models with Text.com’s unified communications platform, according to the two companies. As part of the agreement, Golden Whale’s self-improving models— which analyze real-time player behavior data— will feed into Text.com’s multi-channel infrastructure, allowing operators to send messages via live chat, messaging apps, email, and SMS, the companies stated. Golden Whale noted that the integration is designed to support a closed-loop workflow where prediction, decision-making, and message delivery are connected, shifting operators from campaign-based messaging to agent-led interactions. Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO at Golden Whale, said: “Historically, there has been a gap between knowing what action to take and delivering it to players in the right way and at the optimal moment. By collaborating with Text.com, we are closing that gap. Our ML models identify the most relevant next action, and through Text.com’s agentic communication capabilities, that action can be executed instantly and intelligently across the appropriate channel. This enables operators to move toward more responsive, data-driven engagement without increasing operational complexity.” Emilia Wodyk‑Zalewska, Account Managers Leader at Text, added: “This is just the start of our journey with Golden Whale, and we are excited about the future. By merging behavioral data with our platform, we will turn simple messages into smart, automated conversations. Soon, operators will deliver the right interaction at the perfect time—effortlessly and at any scale.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   CoinPoker has revealed that its upcoming World Poker Masters (WPM) will be the platform’s largest tournament series to date. Running from May 3 through June 1, this cryptocurrency poker series offers $25 million in guaranteed prize pools, with key highlights including: $2,500,000 Main Event $500,000 Mini Main Event $500,000 in leaderboard competitions Several events with million-dollar guarantees The Warm Up Stage will kick off before the WPM, running from April 26 to May 2 within the CoinPoker lobby. Players can earn seats in premier tournaments—including the $2.5 million Guaranteed Main Event—through daily satellite games and feeders that feature micro- and low-stakes buy-ins. $2.5M Guaranteed Main Event’s Record Prize Pool The WPM is headlined by a $2.5 million Guaranteed Main Event—the largest in CoinPoker’s history—with a $350 buy-in. Here’s the Guaranteed Main Event’s multi-flight structure: Day 1 flights take place every Sunday throughout the series A final Day 1E flight is scheduled for May 31 All surviving players move on to Day 2 on June 1, the final day of the Main Event Players advance only with their best stack and strongest position as they head into the final stages. The finale will see competitors vying for a share of the record $2.5 million prize pool and the World Poker Masters title. Just a couple weeks until the World Poker Masters $25M in prize pools. $530 Main $2.5M GTD $55 Mini Main $500K GTD PLUS high rollers up to $25K. May 3 – June 1. Click the link below for the full schedule pic.twitter.com/iMXNCYPxD3— CoinPoker (@CoinPoker_OFF) April 17, 2026 Other WPM Highlight Tournaments  The $2.5 million Main Event is joined by other high-value tournaments that add significant value for participants. $55 Mini Main Event: $500,000 GuaranteedDay 1 flights run daily during the series leading up to Day 2 on May 31. $215 CoinMillion: $1,000,000 GuaranteedA two-day tournament offering some of CoinPoker’s top value. $1.5K CoinMasters BITCOIN High Roller: $1,000,000 GuaranteedA multi-flight version of the classic BITCOIN event, featuring a massive guarantee and a physical CoinMasters Coin prize for the winner. Trophy Cabinet & Player Experience The Trophy Cabinet, a new CoinPoker feature, will make its debut at the World Poker Masters. This allows players to showcase their achievements on their CoinPoker profiles. Victories are rewarded with unique trophies, creating a performance record across the World Poker Masters and CoinMasters. The Trophy Cabinet is designed to boost player engagement by recognizing skill and adding a competitive layer beyond prize money. 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) -   As someone who occasionally places prop bets on college sports for fun, a complete ban would be hard to accept. However, we may have arrived at a moment where this idea warrants serious thought. Providence College professor Patrick Kelly, who recently started a course on the dangers of sports betting, is calling for the elimination of all college prop bets. “We have college athletes who are simply trying to play their sport receiving death threats,” Kelly told CasinoBeats. “The NCAA has a gambling issue. Every major league has a gambling issue. Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NBA, they all have gambling problems. They need to act because they haven't been as proactive as necessary.” Although bettors would likely still place college prop wagers with offshore books, Kelly argues that removing their commercials from television would be a significant victory. The spread of sportsbook advertising has certainly contributed to the current culture of normalized gambling. “You won't see it advertised on TV, and the ESPN commentators won't be discussing it as frequently,” Kelly stated. Abuse of College Athletes Continues to Rise The most unforgettable moment of this year's NCAA Tournament was UConn freshman Braylon Mullins‘s 35-foot last-second shot in the Elite Eight that eliminated Duke. Sadly and perhaps predictably, Mullins faced violent threats following his heroic play. FROM OUTER SPACE https://t.co/P8zlAS9KUd pic.twitter.com/RFOb8kFL8v— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 29, 2026 “If I ever see you Braylon I’m literally going to f—ing hurt you,” an Instagram user wrote to Mullins. “I will seriously f— you up and make your life a living hell.” Consider the venom in that specific message, which might or might not be linked to a prop bet, and then multiply it by all the NCAA games and prop bets available all season. Prohibiting all college prop bets would at least help decrease the number of such messages. “That is absolutely the place to begin,” Kelly said. “They didn't agree to receive threats for missing a free throw at the buzzer, yet that's what's occurring for NCAA athletes. Professional athletes are a different matter; they're pros, and ideally the teams and leagues can take steps to assist them with that.” A new NCAA Student-Athlete Needs, Aspirations and Perspectives (SNAP) survey was published during March Madness. It found that one-third of Men's Division I basketball players said fans had directly blamed them for gambling losses. Furthermore, close to half (46%) reported experiencing some type of online, verbal, or physical harassment. Last week, Ohio legislators proposed a bill to ban all betting on college sports, three years after the state effectively eliminated college prop bets in 2024. Will additional states emulate Ohio's approach? Kelly, for his part, is working to make sure his students understand every type of harm associated with gambling. “Anyone following this topic has a solid grasp of the situation, and what encourages me about my students is that now they do as well,” he remarked. 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) -   Recent scandals within the UFC have led to a drop in betting activity for the sport, per a report by InGame. This past January, UFC CEO Dana White called off a lightweight fight between Alexander Hernandez and Michael Johnson in Las Vegas following the detection of suspicious betting behavior by integrity monitors.  “We received a call from the gaming integrity service, and I told them, ‘I’m not going through this crap again,’ so we scrapped the fight,” White stated at the time. Isaac Dulgarian’s November fight against Yadier del Valle triggered comparable warning signs, yet the match proceeded as planned even though there were exceptionally large bets placed on del Valle, the significant underdog. Dulgarian was defeated via submission in the opening round, and the UFC released him while a federal investigation was ongoing. “They’re gonna end up in f****** federal prison,” White declared. “Federal f****** prison. If you’re that f****** dumb, and someone else wants to try it, be my guest. There’s no amount of money worth ruining your life and landing in jail—especially federal prison.” Thomas Gable, Director of Borgata Race & Sportsbook, thinks these scandals have played a role in affecting UFC betting handle at his Atlantic City location. “We’ve noticed a recent reduction in UFC betting handle and activity,” Gable shared. “It’s probably a mix of several factors, with integrity concerns being one of them.” He added, “Our regular and knowledgeable UFC bettors are still highly engaged, but we’re seeing fewer casual bettors.” Although casual gamblers tend to place smaller bets on UFC, they contribute to a casino’s profits by playing table games, purchasing food and drinks, and staying in hotel accommodations.   Additionally, the UFC launched its new seven-year partnership with Paramount+ in January, having been on ESPN platforms since 2019.  “The switch to Paramount likely had an impact because when you watched ESPN, you were constantly exposed to a lot of UFC ads and promotions,” Gable noted. Looking Ahead to the UFC Event at the White House As UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled for June 14 at the White House, the sport is expected to experience an increase in positive media attention and betting handle. Dan Miller, a 27-year-old Las Vegas local and die-hard UFC fan, is exactly the type of audience the sport targets. “The White House fight card is gaining traction as a major event,” Miller said. “If it meets expectations, I’m excited to see what the next decade holds. The issue is, no matter how much they hype a fight, it’s the fighters who have to deliver exciting matches and compelling television.” As for Gable, he balances these possible benefits against the consequences of recent scandals and any that might emerge down the line. “If more reports of irregularities—especially those that confirm wrongdoing—keep emerging, it will keep hurting the UFC’s betting handle,” Gable explained. “At the end of the day, anyone who bets on a sport wants to be sure the competition is fair.”  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.