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(AsiaGameHub) -   Steve Wozniak was able to address AI during a commencement ceremony without losing his audience’s engagement. On May 2 at Grand Valley State University, the Apple co-founder leveraged the topic to share a straightforward message about people, intelligence, and life outside of tech industry hype. Good to Know Steve Wozniak delivered a speech at Grand Valley State University on May 2. His comment on AI earned applause rather than boos. Other commencement speakers have faced student pushback following their praise of AI. Wozniak Shifts AI Hype to Center on Human Moments Recent commencement speeches focused on AI have not been warmly received by graduates. Multiple ceremony audiences have pushed back against speakers who framed artificial intelligence as the next transformative force in work, education, and daily life. Steve Wozniak took a distinct approach. Rather than praising large language models or advocating for a future governed by machines, he used AI as a lead-in for his remarks. “AI is the big term today,” the Apple co-founder noted during his address at Grand Valley State University. “[It would] take an hour to talk about AI fully, but you all have AI!” Then came the punchline. “You all have AI,” he repeated, “actual intelligence!” The remark landed well. Applause erupted, and Wozniak used the moment to joke about the tech industry’s long-running effort to create something resembling a human brain. “My entire life in the technical world, I’ve been following people that were trying to figure out how to make a brain,” the Apple co-founder shared. “Software or hardware?” He continued the joke with a quip that drew laughter from the audience. “I was at a company where the engineers figured out how to make a brain,” the Apple co-founder added, “It takes nine months.” This reaction highlighted how distinct his framing was from typical AI-focused remarks. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced boos during a commencement speech after praising AI’s potential to transform daily life. A separate speaker, a real estate executive, was also heckled after referring to AI as “the next industrial revolution.” Wozniak did not disregard technology entirely. Instead, he declined to frame the speech around tools rather than people. Toward the end of his address, he reminded graduates that their most vivid memories would stem from shared life experiences, not formulas or classroom lessons. “The day you die,” he went on to say, “you’re not gonna remember things you learned in your class, formulas and all that, what you’re gonna remember is the good times you had doing things with other people, enjoying anything in life.” For a speaker recognized as one of the most beloved figures in computing history, this message resonated because it felt straightforward and sincere. AI served as the opening hook, but the audience took away the human-centered message. 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) -   BC.GAME has published a revised white paper for its $BC token, offering enhanced clarity on the token's integration with the platform. The updated document details the token's uses, staking via BC Engine, supply distribution, and the token burn procedure. Good to Know The total supply of $BC is fixed at 10 billion tokens. The token facilitates staking, rewards, trading, platform entry, and community engagement. Unstaking tokens from BC Engine prior to seven days incurs a 1% burn fee. BC.GAME Connects $BC To Platform Activity BC.GAME has elaborated on the function of $BC through a refreshed white paper concentrating on utility and sustained platform engagement. This revision positions $BC as a utility token integrated with actual ecosystem activity, not one that exists independently from the platform. The white paper describes the various applications for $BC, including in-game features, staking, earning rewards, trading, gaining exclusive access, and contributing to the community. It also outlines the token's economic framework, which features a capped total supply of 10 billion $BC. The allocation framework was also detailed by BC.GAME. This structure encompasses liquidity mining, community airdrops, the LDP, advisors, and marketing, providing a more transparent breakdown of the token distribution.A significant focus of the update is the BC Engine. Users who stake $BC in the BC Engine can participate in the platform's staking system; however, withdrawing tokens early is now directly associated with supply regulation. Withdrawing $BC before the seven-day period results in 1% of the withdrawn sum being burned. This burning process ties staking actions to the management of the token supply. It also allows BC.GAME to more clearly articulate the interplay between rewards, user participation, and supply control. KK, CEO of BC.GAME, commented: “$BC is intended to be an integral component of the BC.GAME experience. The new white paper offers users a better understanding of how token utility, reward systems, staking practices, and supply management interlink via BC Engine and wider platform operations. As the BC.GAME ecosystem evolves, $BC will continue to play a key role in shaping user involvement and the platform's long-term reward structure.” 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) -   Following a review of evidence during its 21 May board meeting, the UK Gambling Commission has pushed back its final ruling on Financial Risk Assessments. These checks are a component of the 2023 Gambling Act white paper reforms, and remain among the most controversial elements of the UK's betting policy agenda. Good to Know The UKGC is yet to set a new timetable for its final FRA decision. The pilot program launched in August 2024 and was built to flag potential cases of gambling-related financial harm. Racing organizations, MPs, betting operators and legal professionals have all raised concerns over the policy. UKGC Allocates Additional Time to Evaluate FRA Evidence Even after its board discussed the topic at the 21 May meeting, the Gambling Commission is not prepared to approve the full rollout of Financial Risk Assessments. In an official statement, the regulator shared: “[UKGC] was provided with a comprehensive body of evidence but has not yet fully finished its assessment of these materials. We will share further updates in due course.” This postponement leaves betting operators, racing bodies and campaign groups waiting for clarity on one of the most sensitive UK gambling reform measures. FRAs first launched as a pilot in August 2024. The Gambling Commission has stated the checks are designed to identify high-risk gambling activity and possible financial harm, rather than impose fixed spending limits on customers. Per the regulator, 97% of active customers will go through a seamless check process, while only 3% will trigger additional intervention. However, the term “frictionless” has done little to ease widespread concerns across the sector. Bettors, operators and racing leaders have raised doubts over whether credit reference data can function as intended, whether customers will accept the process, and if stricter checks could push some users to unlicensed betting platforms. The close connection between British betting and horseracing sits at the core of the dispute. Earlier this week, cross-party MPs urged Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to scrap the policy, warning that affordability-style checks could damage racing revenue during a challenging period for the sport. The Gambling Commission continues to reject that characterization. Ian Angus, the regulator's director of policy, told a Clarion Payments Providers event: “Financial Risk Assessments are not affordability checks under a different name – the checks we have been piloting will not even attempt to evaluate how much each customer can afford to gamble”. Tim Miller, executive director at the Gambling Commission, also told the April Ethical Gambling Forum that operators will not be required to ask customers for extra financial documents, such as bank statements, following an FRA. Customer trust remains a persistent issue, however. A YouGov survey published by the Betting and Gaming Council found that 65% of UK bettors would refuse to share personal financial documents if required to do so to keep placing bets. Sophie Kemp, partner and head of public law at Kingsley Napley, said the delay confirms that unresolved issues remain in place. “The Gambling Commission had already acknowledged unanswered questions about the reliability of credit reference data, inconvenience for customers and the risk of pushing users to unregulated black-market operators. The board’s decision to delay affordability checks suggests that pilot evidence has not resolved these widely feared industry concerns,” Kemp said. She added: “The Gambling Commission cannot move forward with a decision of this scale without a reasonable assessment of its impacts – and if it does proceed anyway, the grounds for judicial review will likely be very strong.” For the time being, UK operators have no confirmed final FRA rollout date. The regulator says further assessment work must be completed before it arrives at a final decision. 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) -   Microsoft has reached a $250 million settlement in a shareholder lawsuit linked to its Activision Blizzard acquisition. The legal dispute focused on allegations that the maker of Call of Duty agreed to the $95-per-share offer too quickly and at an undervalued price. Good to Know Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden spearheaded the shareholder lawsuit. The suit alleged former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to advance his own personal gain. This settlement will also resolve the counterclaims submitted by Microsoft and Kotick. Activision Buyout Case Concludes With $250 Million Settlement The lengthy legal battle surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is now poised to wrap up. Reuters has reported that shareholders finalized a $250 million settlement in Delaware state court, closing claims tied to one of the largest gaming deals ever completed. Microsoft paid $69 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard when the deal closed, bringing popular titles including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and King’s mobile games under the Xbox owner’s umbrella. The shareholder case argued that Activision should have negotiated for a higher purchase price. Sjunde AP-Fonden, also known as AP7, claimed Bobby Kotick and other former Activision executives breached their fiduciary duties to investors by agreeing to the $95-per-share takeover price. The pension fund alleged Kotick pushed forward with the sale as Activision grappled with fallout from sexual misconduct reports and stood to secure a large payout from the deal. Kotick denied the allegations and filed his own counterclaims. He argued that the AP7 lawsuit was partly “aimed to help pave the way for [Swedish game company] Embracer to increase its foothold in the California market at the expense of Activision.” Embracer rejected the claim at the time, saying it was “humbled” by the allegation but did not need assistance from a Swedish pension fund to compete with Activision. The settlement also dismisses those counterclaims. For Microsoft, the $250 million payment closes another loose end from a takeover that faced heavy regulatory resistance before its completion. While the sum appears sizable under standard circumstances, it only makes up a small fraction of Activision’s total purchase price. Still, the case kept focus on the internal sale process, Kotick’s role, and whether shareholders received full value before Microsoft Gaming absorbed one of the industry’s most valuable publishers. FAQ What Is the Value of the Microsoft-Activision Settlement? The settlement totals $250 million. Which Party Initiated the Activision Buyout Lawsuit? Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden, also known as AP7, led the shareholder case. What Were the Core Allegations of the Lawsuit? The lawsuit claimed Activision accepted the Microsoft offer too quickly and at an undervalued price. What Was the Total Value of the Microsoft-Activision Deal? Microsoft agreed to buy Activision Blizzard in a deal widely reported to be valued at roughly $69 billion. What Is the Resolution for the Counterclaims? The settlement also resolves counterclaims filed by Microsoft and Bobby Kotick. 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) -   Meta has launched Forum, a standalone application designed specifically for Facebook Groups. This platform provides members with an alternative interface to track conversations, publish content using pseudonyms, and utilize AI-powered features integrated into community interactions. Key Highlights Forum utilizes Facebook credentials and integrates with your current groups. Content published via Forum is simultaneously posted to the corresponding Facebook Groups. The application features AI-driven tools for both general members and group administrators. Meta Reintroduces Dedicated App for Facebook Groups Meta has transitioned Facebook Groups into a standalone experience with the introduction of Forum, a new tool focused on community-driven dialogue rather than the primary Facebook news feed. The company characterizes Forum as a “dedicated space built for deeper discussions, real answers and communities you care about.” This structure gives the platform a Reddit-like atmosphere, featuring feeds prioritized around group threads and authentic user responses. Upon logging in with a Facebook account, Forum synchronizes existing group memberships, profile information, and interaction history. Users retain the ability to post under nicknames, a feature already supported within the main Facebook application.Forum is not intended to supersede Facebook Groups. Meta clarifies that groups remain hosted on Facebook, and any content shared via Forum will be cross-posted and visible within those groups on the main platform. Artificial intelligence is a central component of the app. An “Ask” feature allows users to pose questions and receive responses synthesized from discussions across various groups. For group moderators, Meta has integrated an AI-powered administrative assistant to streamline group management and moderation duties. Social media analyst Matt Navarra was among the first to identify the new app. While Meta has not positioned Forum as a major product launch, it aligns with a broader strategy to maintain user engagement within niche communities by providing more focused environments outside of the core Facebook app. This is not Meta’s first attempt at a dedicated groups application. In 2014, Facebook debuted a standalone Groups app to facilitate community sharing, though the company eventually discontinued it in 2017.The release of Forum follows another recent app debut from Meta. Last month, the company introduced Instants, an Instagram-integrated app for sharing ephemeral photos with friends. 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) -   Aria has removed a prediction market conference from its Las Vegas resort schedule following concerns raised by MGM Resorts regarding potential licensing issues with Nevada gaming regulators. Key Details Predict 2026 was scheduled to take place at Aria from December 7th to 9th. MGM Resorts expressed apprehension about potential complications with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Nevada regulators have previously taken action against Polymarket and engaged in legal battles with Kalshi. Aria Removes Predict 2026 From Its Las Vegas Event Calendar The prediction market industry is already facing a challenging environment in Nevada, and this tension has now extended to the events sector. Aria has canceled Predict 2026, a conference focused on the prediction market industry, after its parent company, MGM Resorts, assessed the risks associated with hosting the event. The conference was originally slated for December 7th to 9th. However, pressure from the Nevada Gaming Control Board concerning event contracts and sports prediction products created an untenable situation for a licensed casino property. An attorney representing Aria detailed the decision in a letter obtained by Barron’s.“The [Aria] is issuing this notice in light of Nevada’s current regulatory and enforcement position regarding prediction markets,” the attorney stated. In October, Nevada officials issued a warning to licensed casinos regarding their associations with companies that offer sports and other event contracts. Regulators informed Barron’s that any Nevada licensee involved with or partnering on such products could face scrutiny regarding their gaming license suitability. “If a Nevada licensee chooses to offer sports and other event contracts in Nevada or decides to partner with other entities offering sports and other event contracts in the state, the board will consider these developments as it evaluates the suitability of the entity to maintain a Nevada gaming license,” the regulators communicated to Barron’s. This warning provided casino operators with a clear incentive to proceed with caution. As a subsidiary of MGM Resorts, Aria operates within one of the most stringently regulated gaming markets in the United States.The cancellation also occurs amidst broader legal disputes involving prediction markets. The NGCB initiated a lawsuit against Polymarket in Nevada state court in January, leading to a temporary restraining order against the company. Kalshi has also encountered legal opposition from Nevada regulators in federal court. 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) -   Apple has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to examine the latest phase of its ongoing dispute with Epic Games concerning App Store payment regulations. Originating in 2020, the current legal submission focuses on external payment links, the scope of developer entitlements, and the extent of a particular court order. Good to Know Apple contends that the Epic lawsuit's implications should not extend to all developers on the U.S. App Store. The disagreement encompasses Apple's charges on transactions conducted via external payment links. Fortnite has been reinstated on the App Store worldwide, with the exception of Australia. Apple Wants A Narrower App Store Order Apple is now seeking the Supreme Court's intervention to narrow a lower court's directive that impacts developers throughout the U.S. App Store. The company asserts that since Epic Games did not initiate a class action, the resulting remedy should not encompass entities like Microsoft or Spotify. The Apple petition says: “Epic never brought a class action and never attempted to show that enjoining Apple’s conduct against all other developers — like Microsoft or Spotify, who have nothing to do with Epic — was somehow necessary to provide relief to Epic,”This particular argument provides Apple with a more straightforward legal path compared to engaging in another extensive battle over app store financial models. Instead of solely defending App Store commissions, Apple claims the lower court overstepped by extending the injunction's reach beyond Epic. Nevertheless, the matter of payments continues to be the central point of contention. Judicial rulings mandated Apple to permit developers to embed links within applications, directing users to alternative payment methods. Apple complied by allowing these links but subsequently imposed a 27% commission on certain external transactions. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals concurred with the lower court's finding that Apple had breached the order. Apple now contends that the injunction did not explicitly prohibit commissions on external payments, and therefore, civil contempt should not be applied merely because a judge subsequently determined that Apple contravened the order's intent. Epic views this recent legal submission as a tactic to cause delay. The company characterized it as “one last Hail Mary to delay a conclusion to this case and avoid opening up the gates to payment competition for the benefit of consumers.”The timing also offers insight into why Fortnite has reappeared on the App Store worldwide, excluding Australia. Epic anticipates that the courts will prevent Apple from maintaining its current fee structure for external purchases. Apple, conversely, is still seeking a Supreme Court review before the case solidifies more extensive alterations to App Store payment policies. For developers, the resolution of this case could influence app payment linking, commission regulations, and the degree of autonomy publishers possess in guiding users away from Apple's in-app purchase system. 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) -   Kevin Warsh assumed leadership of the Federal Reserve amidst a period of tension in financial markets. Bitcoin showed minimal reaction following the ceremony, yet traders are already anticipating his initial interest rate meeting scheduled for June. Good to Know Kevin Warsh officially became the 17th Federal Reserve chair on Friday, taking his oath. Bitcoin's price hovered around $77,400 during trading, subsequently falling to $75,200 within hours of the event. Participants in the crypto market are closely monitoring interest rates, inflation levels, and the Federal Reserve's balance sheet. Bitcoin Traders Look Past The Ceremony Bitcoin's value remained near $77,400 following Kevin Warsh's appointment as the new Federal Reserve chair, indicating that market participants had likely factored in this leadership transition. According to CoinMarketCap data, its price later fell to $75,207 and is presently valued at $75,457. Warsh, aged 56, succeeds Jerome Powell, who had presided over the Fed since 2018. Powell is set to continue serving on the Fed board as a governor until 2028. The Senate approved Warsh's nomination on May 13 with a 54-45 vote, notably with Senator John Fetterman being the sole Democrat to back him.During the White House ceremony, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office. Warsh's swearing-in at the executive mansion marked the first time a Fed leader had done so since Alan Greenspan in 1987. Warsh stated: “The Federal Reserve's core mission is to foster price stability and achieve maximum employment. By pursuing these objectives with sagacity, transparency, autonomy, and determination, we can achieve lower inflation, more robust growth, and increased real wages.” The initial significant challenge for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market will be the FOMC meeting on June 17. Traders are keenly observing not just whether interest rates will remain stable, but also Warsh's commentary regarding liquidity.Warsh has advocated for a reduced Fed balance sheet, which might present a more challenging environment for risk assets. Cryptocurrency surges frequently benefit from accommodative monetary policy, decreased yields, and relaxed financial conditions. Conversely, a more rapid reduction of the balance sheet could have the opposite effect. Concurrently, Warsh assumes his role possessing an uncommon cryptocurrency background for a Fed chair. His financial disclosures revealed indirect investments in DeFi lending, Layer 1 networks, and prediction markets prior to his commitment to full divestment. Nevertheless, this background does not necessarily imply a more lenient policy stance. Inflation continues to exceed the Fed's 2% target, oil prices are above $100 per barrel, and consumer confidence is near historical lows. Markets presently anticipate virtually no likelihood of a rate cut in June, with some traders beginning to factor in potential rate increases in early 2027. President Trump informed attendees that he desires Warsh to be “completely independent,” despite his frequent criticisms of Powell's interest rate policies. Warsh, for his part, also affirmed that he would not predetermine interest rates based on requests from any elected official. 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 upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to present US sportsbooks with one of their most significant challenges in soccer betting to date. A recent report from Optimove Insights indicates a strong determination among American bettors ahead of the tournament's kickoff in North America. Key Points Almost 75% of American bettors intend to make at least one wager on the World Cup. 84% intend to utilize live or in-play betting features throughout the competition. 65% stated they anticipate continuing to bet even if their preferred team is eliminated. Live Betting Is Central To World Cup Strategies American bettors are not approaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a casual betting occasion. The Optimove Insights 2026 World Cup Betting Intentions Report reveals that nearly three-quarters of the bettors surveyed plan to place at least one bet, with the majority stating they “definitely will.” Live wagering is expected to drive much of this engagement. Optimove noted that 84% of US bettors intend to engage in live or in-play betting during the World Cup. Among this demographic, 57% favor live betting, while an additional 27% plan to mix pre-match and live bets. A mere 11% prefer strictly pre-match betting. This trend presents sportsbooks with a distinct product trial involving live World Cup odds, rapid bet placement, player props, match markets, and mobile betting interfaces. While soccer has historically depended on in-play betting in established markets, the 2026 tournament offers US operators an opportunity to cater to bettors during a major event held on home turf.Optimove also discovered that 65% of bettors feel that wagering on the World Cup will enhance their enjoyment of the tournament. The report characterized this relationship as essential to the overall event experience. “The U.S. World Cup bettor in 2026 is not merely a casual fan testing the waters. Instead, this is a confident, deeply engaged participant who views betting and watching as interconnected,” the report states. “The 90% who agree that betting enhances tournament enjoyment send a clear signal: for this demographic, the wager is integral to the experience, not merely a peripheral activity.” Betting interest also seems poised to endure beyond national allegiance. Although approximately 51% of bettors plan to wager on matches featuring their favorite team, 65% do not anticipate stopping if that team is knocked out. This creates a retention opportunity for sportsbooks that extends past the group stage and knockout eliminations. Optimove suggested that operators can maintain bettor activity by focusing on star players, underdog narratives, and matches involving the team that defeated their preferred squad.“Operators who strategize only for the peak moments of their bettors’ tournament journey risk losing them once their team is eliminated,” the report observes. “Conversely, operators who prepare for the entire journey, including the elimination phase, will sustain engagement when it is most critical. The data clearly indicates that bettors wish to continue wagering; they simply require a reason. Star players, underdog stories, and the team that defeated their favorites are all established methods for retention.” Match outcomes continue to be the leading World Cup betting market. Roughly 75% of bettors intend to bet on wins and losses, with "both teams to score" following at 49%. Additionally, many bettors anticipate placing multiple wagers per match, suggesting that bet builders, props, and in-play markets could capture a larger portion of the tournament handle. 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) -   Louisiana has incorporated several illegal gambling activities into its state racketeering laws, providing prosecutors with more powerful tools to tackle unregulated gaming networks. Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill 53 earlier in May, and the law is set to become effective on August 1. Key Information HB 53 covers unauthorised electronic sweepstakes machines, computer-assisted betting, sports participant bribery, and illegal cockfighting. Penalties can go up to 50 years of hard labor and fines of as much as $1 million. HB 883 separately targets mobile and online dual-currency sweepstakes casino games. Louisiana Takes A Tougher Stance On Illegal Gaming Illegal gambling cases in Louisiana will no longer have to be treated as isolated, one-off violations. Under HB 53, prosecutors can view certain activities as part of a larger criminal enterprise under racketeering laws. This change is important for sweepstakes machines, computer-assisted betting, and other gambling products that operate outside regulated casino, sports betting, and lottery channels. Louisiana already has a licensed gaming market, but lawmakers have now given enforcement teams a broader way to handle cases linked to illegal betting networks. The statute also adds sports participant bribery and illegal cockfighting. These areas often fall outside regular casino enforcement, but lawmakers have placed them within the same organised crime framework.The penalties are harsh. A conviction can lead to up to 50 years of hard labor and fines of up to $1 million. If a case involves more than $10,000, the law requires at least five years in prison, with no probation, parole, or suspended sentence. HB 53 reached Governor Landry on May 5 and was signed on May 11. A related bill, HB 883, landed on his desk on May 14 and was signed on May 15. HB 883 focuses on mobile and online dual-currency sweepstakes casino games that replicate slots and digital poker. Together, these bills put Louisiana among the more aggressive U.S. states when it comes to unregulated sweepstakes gaming. The new framework gives officials a direct legal route against operators, suppliers, and networks tied to illegal gambling activity once the law starts on August 1. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   California’s cardrooms can continue offering blackjack-style table games as their legal battle with state gambling regulators proceeds. A San Francisco Superior Court judge paused the new regulations after cardroom operators warned of significant losses for local venues, workers, and city budgets. Good to Know Judge Richard Darwin issued a preliminary injunction blocking the rules. The California Gaming Association argues the Bureau of Gambling Control exceeded its legal authority. This case focuses on blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker at state-licensed cardrooms. California Cardrooms Gain Temporary Reprieve in Table Game Legal Fight California cardrooms avoided an immediate blow to one of their most critical revenue streams after Judge Richard Darwin blocked enforcement of regulations backed by Attorney General Rob Bonta and the Bureau of Gambling Control. The rules would have ended the operational model cardrooms use to offer blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker. Tribal casinos in California can run banked games, where players compete against the house. Cardrooms cannot use this format, so they rely on player-versus-player games supported by third-party proposition player services. This setup has been at the center of California gambling disputes for years. Tribal casino groups contend that cardrooms use third-party proposition players as a workaround. Cardrooms maintain that the games follow state law and have operated legally for decades. The California Gaming Association, which filed the legal challenge, stated the court found “clear and convincing evidence” that enforcement would cause irreparable harm to cardrooms and the communities that depend on them. Kyle Kirkland, owner of Club One Casino in Fresno and president of the association, said the ruling backed the cardrooms’ argument that regulators tried to alter state gaming law via new rules rather than legislation. “Cardrooms have lawfully operated the games targeted by these regulations for decades. Our games support thousands of middle-class jobs and generate critical revenue for communities across California. Instead of protecting those communities, Attorney General Bonta chose to advance regulations that threaten local economies, public safety funding, and the livelihoods of thousands of Californians,” Kirkland said. The financial risk was a major focus of the case. Per the economic analysis from Bonta’s office, the regulations could cut more than 50% of cardroom revenue statewide. Cities use cardroom tax revenue to fund police, fire services, parks, youth programs, and other local community needs. Kirkland noted that Club One Casino alone generates $1 million in annual tax revenue for Fresno. The California Gaming Association also shared that officials received more than 1,700 public comments opposing the rules before adopting them without meaningful adjustments. Tribal casino groups view the issue differently. A coalition of Native American tribes has argued that privately owned cardrooms draw hundreds of millions of dollars away from tribal communities by offering games similar to house-banked casino 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) -   The World Series of Poker has expanded its regulations covering player patches and logos, rolling out new restrictions that will apply across the entire summer series, rather than only at streamed final tables. Key Information Players are required to obtain approval for all patches and logos before tournaments start. Rival competing online poker brands are among the prohibited categories. This policy change follows the 2024 sale of WSOP to NSUS Group, the parent company of GGPoker. Under the updated rule 54(c), players must notify tournament officials of any patches or logos they plan to wear at least 24 hours before an event kicks off. They are also required to sign a release form before competing. WSOP officials will retain final authority over whether any logo is allowed. The new rule blocks multiple categories of content, including competing online poker operators, over-the-counter drug products, tobacco, firearms and pornography. Social media posts from players indicate that brands such as ClubWPT Gold, CoinPoker and Phenom Poker have already been rejected for approval. Players Question the Scope of the New Rule The timing of the change has drawn attention because NSUS Group purchased the WSOP brand in 2024 for $500 million. Before that acquisition, players had far more freedom to wear sponsor patches during events.For many professional players, these patches are more than just decoration. They are a core part of how players earn sponsorship revenue, especially when they advance deep into tournaments and reach final tables. Some players have also raised questions about whether everyday brands, fashion logos and sports team gear will also require pre-approval. Poker pro and content creator Joey Ingram says the issue may extend beyond just clothing. He suggested the new rules could impact YouTube videos, livestreams and social posts filmed inside WSOP venues if those content pieces include sponsor reads, affiliate links, branded overlays or promotional wording. He wrote: “The poker wars are heating up. This looks like it is bigger than just a crackdown on patches and logos. Based on my reading of the WSOP rules, this is now about controlling what branded and promotional content can be created inside WSOP property and then distributed on YouTube, IG, X, livestreams and other platforms.“If your content includes sponsor reads, affiliate links, logo overlays, promotional language, or a brand that WSOP does not approve, that may no longer be treated as just ‘creator content.’ It could instead be treated as unauthorized promotion.” This policy shift also comes as WSOP plans to expand its live streaming coverage this summer and has signed a deal to return to ESPN. In previous years, players regularly displayed patches from major poker brands, casinos and tech companies. Michael Mizrachi, the 2025 Main Event winner, wore multiple sponsor logos across his shirt and hat during play. Further Tightening of Rules WSOP has also tightened rules around outside promotions that could influence game play. This change follows a 2025 ClubWPT Gold promotion, where selected players could win an extra $1 million by claiming a WSOP bracelet while wearing the brand's patch. The bonus became controversial after James Carroll and Jesse Yaginuma reached heads-up play in the $1,500 Millionaire Maker. Carroll held a large chip lead, but Yaginuma won the bracelet and collected the extra $1 million. Several hands from the heads-up match drew criticism online, with some claiming the two players had made a private deal regarding the bonus. The updated rules now also ban any act that is illegal, unethical, or involves any form of cheating or collusion. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A recent federal court filing detailing the case against an illicit Indiana gambling ring has exposed how the FBI dismantled the operation. An undercover agent managed to infiltrate restaurants run by the syndicate, but his actions sparked suspicion, leading to a high-speed car chase by one of the members. According to the document, the covert operative "routinely met with James Gerodemos and his associates, observing the structure, organization, procedures, and accomplices involved in Gerodemos’ gambling operation." Gerodemos is accused of leading the illegal betting enterprise, which reportedly brought in up to $5 million. He was indicted last month alongside 21 co-defendants. The Agent Sparks Suspicion One of the indicted individuals, Michael Campbell, became suspicious in March of last year after the agent questioned him about a red notebook that Gerodemos regularly carried. The operative suspected the book was a ledger used to record illegal wagers. Campbell brushed off the questions, suggesting Gerodemos likely used it for his "sketches, his artwork in there, his doodlings." Shortly after that interaction, Campbell sent a text message to Gerodemos warning him about the agent, the government filing states. “Keep your mouth shut around this [UCE] guy I’m telling you man,” Campbell wrote. “Trust me on this man.” Syndicate Suspected Covert Recording Devices The following day, Campbell forwarded Gerodemos a TikTok video link that warned about hidden cameras and advertised a detector for sale. He followed up by texting the agent's name, followed by punctuation indicating alarm. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Gerodemos' iCloud account, but only recovered data up to the day Campbell sent the warning. Authorities believe Gerodemos disabled his iCloud backup function as his suspicions mounted. Although all 22 indicted men have pleaded not guilty, investigators maintain that the evidence against them is substantial. Evidence detailed in the filing includes photos of Gerodemos chewing on a stack of cash, as well as screenshots of ABCWagering, the illicit betting website the group allegedly ran. Evidence presented against James Gerodemos. Image: USDC Northern District Of Indiana Hammond Division The Mayor of Burr Ridge has publicly defended co-defendant and restaurant owner Filippo “Gigi” Rovito. Rovito reportedly has connections to the Cicero Crew, a Chicago-based organized crime group originally founded by Al Capone. High-Speed Pursuit of the Undercover Agent Friction between the undercover operative and the syndicate members peaked in April of last year, a few weeks after the discussion regarding the red notebook. After watching the agent leave a meeting with Gerodemos, Campbell pursued him in his GMC pickup. The filing states that Campbell followed the undercover agent while driving recklessly at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The document notes that “Campbell continuously weaved in and out of traffic, approached the rear of one of thesurveillance vehicle and began tailgating them and flashing his brights in attempts to catch up to the undercover agent.” Several phone calls were exchanged between Campbell and Gerodemos during the high-speed chase. “It’s incredibly dangerous. It’s just like in the movies,” former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Safer told NBC Chicago. “If they discover that you’re an undercover operative, your life is on the line because people know that they’re going to go to jail if you testify and survive. So it’s very dangerous. It’s very tricky. And I can’t tell you the number of times on a wiretap people say, ‘Be careful, our phone might be tapped,’ but they still talk.” 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 Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the United States’ financial regulatory body, has finalized a prediction markets-focused Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL). This partnership arrives as professional sports leagues across the US seek to prevent insider trading activity on prediction markets. The announcement also comes just days after the CFTC signed an identical agreement with Major League Baseball. The CFTC noted that the agreement with the NHL will “protect the integrity of professional hockey and maintain fair and transparent prediction markets.” In a post on X, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig stated that the MOU will strengthen data sharing between professional sports leagues and his agency. “Together, we’re taking another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports and protecting market participants in prediction markets from abuses,” he wrote. NHL: Prediction Markets Initiatives Trading of NHL-related contracts is surging on platforms including Polymarket. As of this report’s publication, total trading volume for contracts predicting the outright winner of the 2026 Stanley Cup is nearing the $80 million mark. Trading volumes for contracts tied to the May 22 NHL Conference Finals matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights have surpassed $140,000 on the same platform. Last October, the NHL signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Polymarket and fellow prediction market operator Kalshi. This historic agreement was the first of its kind, marking the first instance a top US professional sports league had agreed to partner with prediction market operators. The deal granted Kalshi and Polymarket permission to use NHL logos on their platforms. In exchange, the two operators committed to rolling out customer protection measures for professional hockey-related contracts. As a result, the two platforms now state they will not accept trading activity from “current and former [NFL] players, coaches, and staff.” Controversy Mounts US professional sports leagues appear largely comfortable with outright contracts tied to the final outcomes of upcoming games. But controversy has emerged around events that can be easily manipulated by a single individual. Contracts linked to specific words or phrases used by NHL commentators during televised game broadcasts remain popular on these platforms. National Football League officials have called on the CFTC to crack down on trading for contracts tied to these types of easily manipulated events. Senior gaming industry officials have also raised doubts about the CFTC’s oversight of prediction market operators. Among these critics is American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller. Miller testified before the Senate this week that the CFTC should focus its work on financial markets, and not “Monday Night Football.” New Jersey is seeking to bring its ongoing legal battle against Kalshi to the Supreme Court. Legal experts say the Garden State has a strong chance of winning, noting that the “overwhelmingly conservative” views of the court’s justices could work in New Jersey’s favor. But the regulator is standing firm on its position. The CFTC continues to fight legal disputes against states that have attempted to ban Kalshi and Polymarket. Spectators look on as two NHL teams compete during a game. (Image: Egon Eagle [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Meanwhile, Selig stated the new NHL deal will “solidify the intent to share information and coordinate to protect the integrity of both professional hockey and related event contracts offered on CFTC-regulated exchanges.” The CFTC and NHL have confirmed they have appointed dedicated representatives for the partnership. These individuals will reportedly “communicate regularly to discuss issues related to integrity, share information confidentially, and ensure open lines of communication.” The NHL says it will deploy “layered protections” to monitor hockey-related prediction markets, adding that it will “work directly with its partners to ensure integrity.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A court has overruled Attorney General Rob Bonta, blocking his proposed measures to restrict California cardrooms. Bonta first introduced the restrictions, which included a ban on blackjack, last year. The California Gaming Association (CGA) challenged the legality of the new rules by filing a lawsuit against Bonta. On Thursday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Richard Darwin ruled that Bonta’s office “likely exceeded its authority by adopting regulations that effectively act as a statewide ban on some of the cardroom’s most popular table games. The Court also found clear and convincing evidence that the Bureau’s enforcement of the regulations would irreparably injure cardrooms and their communities.” pic.twitter.com/ddBQjS4jSx— CA Gaming Association (@CACardRooms) May 21, 2026 Judge Darwin issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the CGA, allowing the cardrooms to continue operating as usual while the case remains pending. Ruling Saves Jobs and Revenue, Says CGA “The Court’s ruling is an important step towards preventing severe and unnecessary harm to cities, workers, and small businesses that depend on the cardroom industry,” said Kyle Kirkland, President of the CGA. Kirkland owns and operates the Club One Casino in Fresno, where 60% of revenue comes from player-dealer games and 20% from blackjack. The outright ban on blackjack eliminates 20% of the establishment’s business and leaves 40% at risk due to new player-deal rotation rules. “These are easily the most disruptive set of regulations that I have seen during my tenure in the cardroom industry, which spans two decades now,” Kirkland told the Sacramento Bee. “I’m not sure most cardrooms would survive because this is such a drastic change.” Cardroom workers staged a protest outside a hotel in Sacramento where Bonta was scheduled to speak on Thursday. The workers held signs that read “No cardrooms, no jobs,” while other signs unrelated to the issue, such as “Don’t defund the police” and “Don’t defund fire,” were also visible. What Were The Proposals? Bonta’s proposal focused on two key aspects of cardroom operations: Player-dealer rotation: Only players seated at the table — not third-party proposition player service employees — may act as the dealer. Players must rotate every 20 minutes. Blackjack-style games: The rules would prohibit using “21” as a target number, remove “busting,” eliminate blackjack terminology, and alter tie outcomes. Cardrooms argue that these changes would make blackjack-style games commercially unviable, effectively removing some of the industry’s most popular offerings. What Next? The ruling is only temporary, with the next hearing scheduled for June 30. Tribal groups have actively contested cardroom expansion into what they claim are tribal exclusive games. James Siva, Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA), praised the regulations as an “important step” to combat “unscrupulous and illegal gaming in California.” Tribes have attempted to halt cardrooms from offering these games through various means, but efforts have so far been unsuccessful. A judge in Sacramento ruled against tribes that had filed lawsuits against cardrooms last year. In her ruling, Judge Lauri A. Damrell stated that the tribes’ suit was “preempted by the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)” and that “severance cannot resolve IGRA preemption.” Bonta has supported tribal exclusivity for gaming, declaring DFS illegal last year, and has also attempted to restrict cardrooms. Siva also mentioned that Bonta is considering action against prediction markets. “We are very protective of our sovereignty,” Bonta told Business Insider last month. He indicated that he “firmly disagrees” with the CFTC’s stance that federal laws preempt states from regulating prediction markets. “The fact that we haven’t sued, I think you should not read too much into it,” he added. Tribal groups are significant contributors to Bonta’s political campaigns, as reported by Politico. 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) -   Survivor host Jeff Probst issued an apology this week after accidentally revealing a portion of the season finale. He disclosed that a contestant would leave the show prior to the official announcement. For numerous viewers, the outcome was already known—Kalshi’s markets for the pre-recorded series had essentially determined the winner seven months earlier. Kalshi, while confirming it’s investigating insider trading on these markets, maintained that it’s more probable users were just making online guesses about the results. Robert Denault, Kalshi’s Head of Enforcement, shared on X: “We continue to investigate insider trading in Survivor markets, but the below still holds true: so far, no traders with large positions seem to have a relationship to the show or to the network. Thousands of traders took early positions aligning with the final result, likely because of public rumors. And public rumors don’t equal insider information.” Users Challenge Kalshi Assertion An X user challenged Kalshi’s claim that insiders weren’t involved in the trading. The evidence we’ve reviewed led us to the subreddit “SpoiledSurvivor” (which has 71k weekly visitors). A Redditor who has successfully predicted the outcome of the last few Survivor seasons made a post 7 months ago (before Kalshi’s Survivor market was even live) claiming Aubry…— robertjdenault (@robertjdenault) May 21, 2026 Denault stated the trading probably originated from members of the “SpoiledSurvivor” subreddit, where the user ‘lifetimerobot’ predicted Aubry would win seven months ago. Reddit posts indicate this user has correctly foreseen the winner in three prior seasons. “They’re shifting blame to lifetimerobot instead of the clear insiders active in that market,” one user commented. Other users echoed this sentiment, firmly convinced insider trading was occurring on Kalshi. “There is obviously insider trading,” another user wrote. “Cirie never had the same level of support on Kalshi as she did in this subreddit. And let’s not even talk about the episode-specific spikes in insider trading for eliminations after screeners were released.” From the moment Kalshi’s market launched, Aubry—who went on to win—had an overwhelming probability of taking the title. Cirie, whom users say had strong backing in the subreddit, did get some support on Kalshi’s market. Her winning odds climbed above 20% last month but dropped again as the season neared its end. Episode Market Flip Points Against Insider Trading All told, more than $32 million was traded on the winner market. Kalshi also provided markets for weekly eliminations, which typically forecasted who would be voted off correctly. The company pointed out, though, that in episode 11, Cirie—originally expected to be eliminated—stayed. A day before the episode aired, the market gave Cirie an 80% chance of leaving, but the odds shifted drastically right before the episode where Ozzy and Emily were sent home. More than $870,000 was traded on that market. The sudden change in odds implies insiders weren’t placing bets here—at least not until the episode’s air date. It’s also possible some insiders only received the information the day the show was broadcast. Minnesota Bans Markets, CFTC Defends With Lawsuit Survivor contestants are required to sign strict Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that bar them from sharing in-game outcomes, cast details, or filming information—with possible penalties of up to $5 million. But since the show is filmed well ahead of its air date, leaks are always a possibility. A team of lawyers told the New York Times that it would likely be legal for someone to bet on the markets even if their neighbor was a contestant who’d recently purchased a new sports car—so long as the contestant didn’t directly share that they’d won. Several lawmakers want to limit these markets, including Minnesota, which recently prohibited betting on entertainment event contracts, along with sports and other types of markets. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming Minnesota is overstepping its authority by trying to regulate a federally licensed exchange. The CFTC specifically took issue with the state’s ban on weather-related markets, which it argues are critical for farmers to hedge against risks. Members of Congress have also proposed legislation to ban betting on markets where outcomes are already determined. Sen. Chris Murphy, one of the sponsors of the BETS OFF Act, stated: “Any prediction market where somebody knows or controls the outcome of a bet is ripe for corruption”. It’s still uncertain whether Survivor markets were manipulated by insiders or if, as Kalshi claims, online speculation was the driving force behind the trades. 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 the Thai resort city of Pattaya are intensifying their crackdown on unlawful gambling operations, apprehending seven individuals during a sting at a nail salon. According to the Thai news agency Siam Rath, officers from the Pattaya South precinct discovered seven individuals engaged in a poker game at the Chouly Nails establishment, located in the Nong Prue Subdistrict within Bang Lamung District. Law enforcement officials documented the scene with photographs prior to storming the location and taking all seven suspects into custody on charges related to illegal gambling. The photographic evidence depicts seven individuals seated on client sofas, utilizing a large towel to serve as a makeshift gaming surface. A substantial pile of banknotes is visible in the middle of this improvised table. The group seemingly made minimal effort to conceal their actions; the lights were illuminated, and the alleged gamblers were playing adjacent to a large glass door facing the street. Authorities stated the operation took place at approximately 2:00 AM on May 19. Investigators noted that the raid was prompted by information received from a civilian tipster. A busy commercial street in Pattaya, Thailand. (Image: Hanny Naibaho) Pattaya Nail Salon: Suspects Allegedly ‘Showed No Fear of Law Enforcement’ The source informed officers that "a group of gamblers" was conducting card games "openly, without fear of legal repercussions" inside the salon. Police reported seizing a deck of playing cards along with an unspecified amount of money. Subsequently, the seven detainees were transported to the Pattaya City Police Station for interrogation. During questioning, one detainee allegedly explained that following the shop's closure, the staff gathered for drinks and subsequently "initiated a poker game." Although the individuals apprehended at the nail salon appear to be Thai citizens, Pattaya law enforcement officials have observed a rise in gambling offenses involving foreign nationals. Earlier this month, three individuals holding Chinese passports suffered injuries while leaping from second-story windows of a villa in Pattaya in an attempt to evade a police raid. Police stated the residence had been transformed into a clandestine VIP wagering venue. Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured men before transporting them to a local medical facility. Authorities have since filed gambling-related charges against the three men, as well as several other Chinese nationals. Authorities Keeping Watch on Foreign Nationals In late 2024, officers raided a property in Pattaya that South Korean tenants had allegedly converted into a headquarters for a $3.7 million online gambling operation. Internet-based casinos are prohibited under the laws of both South Korea and Thailand. Police indicated the group consisted of more than a dozen "staff members" who utilized the two-story detached home as an ad hoc office. The property featured tight security measures, including a perimeter fence and the installation of closed-circuit television cameras. Officers stated that those arrested offered sports betting and virtual casino services to a client base exceeding 20,000 people in South Korea. Investigators note that specific housing developments in certain districts have gained notoriety among international visitors. Many lease villas in secluded neighborhoods where some "participate in illicit operations involving call centers and online gambling," according to police reports. Meanwhile, in Phuket, law enforcement dismantled an illicit poker club in February that catered solely to Russian speakers. The Chalong police force reported finding a promotional post on Instagram in Russian regarding the club during a standard internet scan. The advertisement directed users to a WhatsApp group that disseminated the schedule for future gambling events. It is reported that the organizers required prospective poker players to pay approximately $650 for each session. 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) -   Europe lacks a unified rulebook for prediction markets, placing operators between gambling legislation, financial oversight, and crypto compliance. By May 2026, Gibraltar had granted the first dedicated licence, while France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal had pursued formal measures against Polymarket. Good to Know Gibraltar is the sole European jurisdiction offering a dedicated prediction market licence. France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal have deemed Polymarket illegal gambling. The 1 July MiCA deadline may compel crypto-native platforms to restrict EU users. A Fast Growing Market With No Clear European Home Prediction markets have expanded too significantly for regulators to overlook. Sector volume climbed from $32 million in January 2024 to $12.6 billion in January 2026, per SOFTSWISS, while Bernstein forecasts the global market could hit $1 trillion by 2030. Yet Europe remains divided. Gibraltar has authorised ADI Predictstreet under a tailored framework, and Malta is weighing its own rules. The UK, Ireland, and Denmark occupy a grey area where prediction markets may be subject to gambling law, financial regulation, or both, depending on product structure. Other nations have adopted stricter positions. France has declared all prediction market platforms unlawful. The Dutch KSA issued a penalty order against Adventure One QSS Inc. in relation to Polymarket. Belgium blacklisted Polymarket, and Portugal ordered the platform to cease operations, followed by ISP blocks.Germany and Spain fall between these approaches. Both require local gambling approval, though neither has pursued the same named enforcement route as France or the Netherlands. The July MiCA deadline introduces a further complication. Crypto-native prediction markets rely on outcome tokens, typically YES or NO contracts that settle at a fixed value after an event. Legal experts caution that EU regulators may view these tokens as unregistered, stablecoin-like instruments. Should this interpretation prevail, platforms may opt for EU geo-blocking rather than risk penalties. That raises the key question for iGaming operators: is prohibition or restriction the right course? The answer is not straightforward. Enforcement can shield consumers from unlicensed offerings, particularly in political betting and offshore crypto contexts. However, bans may also steer users toward sites lacking local oversight, safer gambling tools, or dispute channels. A licensed fixed-odds model could provide a more workable path for regulated betting operators, as some products may align with existing sports betting licences.FIFA further complicates the discussion. ADI Predictstreet holds a 2026 World Cup partnership, creating a test case for European regulators. Blocking the official prediction market partner of the world’s largest football event may prove difficult, especially with Gibraltar supervision offering the operator an institutional base. For now, the strongest legal footing is in Gibraltar. This does not guarantee EU-wide access, but it provides licensed operators with a credible foundation. A unified European framework still appears unlikely before regulators face a classification decision during 2026 or 2027. FAQ Which European Country Has Licensed Prediction Markets? Gibraltar has issued a dedicated prediction market licence to ADI Predictstreet. Where Is Polymarket Banned In Europe? France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal have taken formal action against Polymarket. Why Does MiCA Matter For Prediction Markets? MiCA may classify crypto outcome tokens as unregistered, stablecoin-like instruments, creating fresh compliance risk from 1 July 2026. Could iGaming Operators Benefit? Yes. Fixed-odds prediction products may fit more readily within existing betting licences than crypto exchange models.Is A Ban The Best Policy? A ban may curb unlicensed access, yet it can also push users offshore. Licensing, payment checks, and product-specific rules may offer a clearer approach. 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 UK Gambling Commission has pushed back against criticism directed at financial risk assessments, stating that these checks are more limited in scope than critics have asserted. Good to Know Ian Angus stated that FRAs will not impose limits on gambling spending. Data from the pilot revealed that fewer than 3% of active accounts would prompt action from operators. The Commission Board has not yet reached a final ruling on the matter. Commission Clarifies FRAs Are Not Spend Caps Addressing attendees at the Clarion Payment Providers Summit held in London on May 20, the Commission’s policy director Ian Angus noted that discussions surrounding financial risk assessments have contained “ill-informed or inaccurate content.” He made a clear distinction between FRAs and affordability checks, a difference that has become a core point of debate in the UK’s gambling reform discussions. Angus stated:“Financial risk assessments are not affordability checks under a different name. The pilot checks we have been running will not even attempt to evaluate how much each individual customer can afford to spend on gambling. The proposed thresholds for triggering an assessment also do not restrict or cap customer spend.” The Commission notes that FRAs are designed to spot indicators of financial hardship, rather than dictate how much each gambler is allowed to lose. This framework originated from the 2023 White Paper, and has received backing from both Conservative and Labour administrations. Findings from the pilot serve as the regulator’s primary line of defence. Angus said fewer than 3% of active customer accounts would require any form of operator action. Within that small group, 97% would undergo a seamless assessment process, higher than the 80% target outlined in the White Paper. Just 0.1% of active accounts, or one out of every 1,000, would be unable to complete the check seamlessly. Angus added that this figure could drop further if operators properly verify customer information at the point of account opening.He added: “This is a significant improvement on the projections the government made when it published the White Paper.” Politically Sensitive Even with these positive pilot findings, FRAs remain politically sensitive. Betting operators, racing industry stakeholders and opposition politicians have argued that the checks may disrupt normal betting activity and push some customers toward unlicensed gambling sites. Angus stopped short of confirming that implementation of FRAs is guaranteed. “No one should take these remarks to mean we have already pre-determined to roll out FRAs — only our Board has the authority to make that decision. But the Commission Board will be reviewing this matter very shortly.” He also noted that if FRAs go ahead, operators will not be permitted to request additional documents from customers after a financial risk assessment is complete.“If implemented, FRAs will allow us to issue clear guidance to operators stating that they should not require consumers to submit paperwork to assess financial risk once an FRA has been carried out.” The regulator also used the speech to share updates on its work tackling illegal gambling. Backed by £26 million in new government funding allocated for the 2026–2027 period, the Commission said it issued 741 cease-and-desist orders in the last financial year, reported 397,527 URLs to search engines, secured 266,667 content removals, and disrupted 1,134 websites via takedown actions or geo-blocking. The Commission has also joined the Illegal Gambling Taskforce operated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The group will develop the first national risk assessment of Britain’s unlicensed gambling market. Angus also signaled openness to payments innovation in the sector. He invited operators and payment providers to submit proposals that align with existing regulations, and confirmed early discussions are underway about whether crypto assets could eventually be accepted as a consumer payment method for licensed gambling in Great Britain. 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 initial phase of the $1.25 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino project in North Carolina is now open, introducing an expanded gaming floor in Kings Mountain while development proceeds on the complete resort. Key Details The initial phase launched on Wednesday at 10 a.m. located close to Interstate 85 at Exit 5. The casino currently features 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, and 22 traditional table games. The complete resort is slated to open in the spring of 2027. * The full resort is anticipated to open in spring 2027. Kings Mountain Casino Project Expands Gaming Floor As reported by The Charlotte Observer, a large crowd of hundreds gathered on Kings Mountain Boulevard Wednesday morning prior to the opening of the Catawba Two Kings Casino's first phase. This new preliminary gaming venue takes the place of the temporary casino that has been running on the location since July 2021. Additionally, it provides the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority with an expanded configuration as building work continues on the permanent resort. Included in the first phase are 1,350 slot machines, 36 electronic table games, and 22 live table games. Patrons can also enjoy a 68-seat restaurant, an 18-seat bar, sports betting kiosks, and a player rewards desk. This expansion introduces an additional 250 slot machines and eight table games over the previous temporary facility.Parking facilities were also enhanced for the opening, offering guests two levels of parking within the complex. Trent Troxel, Vice President of the Catawba Nation Gaming Authority, stated that the full resort is still scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Upon finishing, the project will span approximately 2 million square feet and feature a 24-story hotel containing 385 rooms. The completed Catawba Two Kings Casino is designed to offer 4,300{0} slot machines, 100 table games, 11 dining establishments, 11 bars, a players lounge, 2,700 underground parking spots, and 800 ground-level parking spaces. The dining options will feature a steakhouse, an Italian eatery, a marketplace, a café, and a grab-and-go counter. Building work on the permanent resort commenced following a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024. In October 2025, construction crews installed the final structural beam atop the casino during a topping-out celebration.According to tribal officials, the project has already generated hundreds of construction positions. Once finished, the resort is projected to provide employment for roughly 2,200 local residents and members of the Catawba Nation, creating fresh job prospects in an area that has long suffered from the downturn in the textile industry. 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) -   Meryam Sümer, a councillor in Enschede, is urging Dutch legislators to increase the legal age for online gambling from 18 to 24, citing local statistics that reveal rising financial strain among youth. Key Takeaways According to Sümer, 20% of young residents in Enschede are currently facing debt. The initiative aims to boost the minimum age for online betting to 24. Existing Dutch regulations already classify individuals under 24 as a vulnerable demographic regarding deposit caps and gambling advertisements. Proposed Age Increase Sparks Concerns Over Market Channelisation As a CDA councillor and social worker, Sümer associated the rise in youth debt with the accessibility of online betting, buy-now-pay-later schemes, and relentless online marketing. In 2025, Enschede registered 12,145 instances of severe debt, with 960 of those cases threatening eviction or the loss of essential utilities. She remarked: “A lot of young people lack the financial literacy required to handle various subscriptions, deferred payment plans, and the gambling promotions they encounter on social media and mobile gaming apps,”To address this, she advocates for raising the gambling age. Sümer emphasized that the objective must be to minimize the "verleidingen" (temptations) associated with services that increase the risk of debt. While the Netherlands currently bans gambling advertisements targeted at individuals under 24, a 2026 analysis of Meta promotions revealed that 31 out of 277 Dutch gambling ads potentially targeted audiences aged 18 to 23, highlighting ongoing challenges in regulatory enforcement. Although raising the age limit could limit legal participation, it might not fully resolve the underlying issues. The Dutch government has already implemented stricter deposit controls for young adults, requiring operators to intervene if players under 24 exceed a €150 monthly deposit limit. This suggests that more focused measures—such as rigorous affordability assessments, stricter ad policing, payment restrictions, and swift crackdowns on black-market sites—might be more effective. Furthermore, raising the legal age to 24 risks pushing young adults toward unregulated platforms, a concern previously voiced by the KSA chairman during 2025 discussions about a 21-year age limit for online slot machines.Previously, former State Secretary Teun Struycken suggested raising the age requirement for online slots to 21. However, Christian Union leader Bikker questioned the feasibility of regulating a single sector independently, proposing instead a universal age limit of 21 for all forms of gambling. Sümer is currently rallying other local officials and political groups to lobby national legislators. Since a minimum age of 24 would significantly exceed the standard European threshold of 18, any such policy would demand rigorous enforcement. Otherwise, licensed operators would be barred from serving young adults, while unregulated websites would remain easily accessible. 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 it scales its operations in the United States, Polymarket is gearing up to introduce parlay betting to its platform. These multi-leg bets have seen a surge in popularity on rival platform Kalshi, serving as a major catalyst for its recent trading volume growth. While these wagers tempt users with the promise of massive payouts, they serve as highly lucrative revenue generators for operators. In fact, parlays account for up to 70% of total sportsbook profits. In its submission to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Polymarket avoided the term "parlays," opting instead to label them as Combinatoric Athletic Outcome Contracts. Polymarket U.S. submits CFTC filing to introduce parlays, designated as "Combinatoric Athletic Outcome Contracts" pic.twitter.com/IwBFJjJyaZ— Dan Bernstein (@dan_bernstein_) May 20, 2026 Parlay Bets Fueling Revenue Growth for Kalshi Kalshi initially self-certified parlay contracts in September of last year, progressively broadening the selection of markets that traders can bundle together. These bets have rapidly turned into a primary driver of activity on the platform. According to a report by Dustin Gouker, Kalshi's trading volume climbed to $14.8 billion in April from $13 billion the previous month, with parlays accounting for roughly $1.2 billion of that $1.8 billion month-over-month increase. Data from Sportico reveals that Kalshi traders have dropped over $117 million on parlays so far this year out of $800 million total wagers, with Kalshi pocketing $35 million in fees. While parlays represented a mere 1.8% of overall volume in October shortly after their debut, that figure surged to a record 22% last month. Liquidity providers like Susquehanna sit on the opposite side of these trades, answering Request for Quotes (RFQs). Through its API, Kalshi shares user identification details with these market makers, who essentially function as the house in a manner similar to traditional sportsbooks. According to DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish, this setup allows Kalshi to restrict successful traders much like sportsbooks cap winning bettors, as market makers can simply decline quote requests from consistently profitable accounts. Kalish criticized the platform's stance as hypocritical, pointing out that it distances itself from being labeled a gambling site while simultaneously limiting profitable users, relying heavily on parlays for income, and joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Polymarket Sees Surge in US Trading Volume Amid App Rollout Following its CFTC clearance last year, Polymarket's US relaunch has progressed slowly. Despite initial expectations of a nationwide rollout last November, the platform kept the majority of interested users waitlisted for months. However, momentum is finally shifting. Daily sports trading volume from US-based participants has jumped to over $22 million this month, a significant rise from only a few million in March. Although Kalshi maintains a commanding lead with roughly $134 million in daily sports trading, the introduction of parlay contracts could help Polymarket close the distance. DraftKings Introduces Parlay Options to Its Prediction Market Earlier this month, DraftKings also rolled out parlay features on its own prediction market platform. CFO Alan Ellingson expressed confidence that the operator's competitive pricing and trading proficiency will draw in customers. “Prediction markets still have massive room to run,” Ellingson remarked. “I am highly optimistic and believe this will turn into an incredible growth narrative.” Additionally, DraftKings has signaled plans to bring micro-betting to prediction markets. Co-founder Paul Liberman noted that he anticipates a broader selection of available markets in the near future. “In the sports sector, I believe we will witness the emergence of quicker, highly dynamic micro-markets that are currently unavailable. We are already seeing this evolution with RFQs and parlays,” Liberman commented. “Innovation will likely persist, making sports prediction markets increasingly fluid and adaptable.” These rapid-fire wagers—such as betting on an individual baseball pitch or a single football play—have drawn criticism for potentially exacerbating gambling addiction. DraftKings is currently dealing with a lawsuit filed by the Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), which claims the operator "hijacks customers' brains and inflicts severe harm" by aggressively promoting micro-betting options. 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) -   Evolution AB has received shareholder approval at its Annual General Meeting on April 24 to initiate a share buyback programme valued at €2 billion. Key Details Evolution is authorized to repurchase up to €2 billion worth of its shares. A €300 million revolving credit facility is in place to ensure liquidity. The company continues to navigate legal and regulatory challenges in New Jersey and the UK. Buyback Program Aligns with Evolution's Capital Structure Review Evolution stated that the share buyback is intended to optimize its capital structure by reducing share capital and enhancing shareholder value. The company's board has granted authorization for these repurchases to occur on Nasdaq Stockholm or other recognized exchanges. The execution of these repurchases will be managed by an independent investment firm or credit institution, which will determine the timing without direct oversight from Evolution. The program is set to continue until the full €2 billion allocation is utilized, until further notice, or potentially until the Annual General Meeting in 2027. Under Swedish regulations, Evolution is permitted to hold a maximum of 10% of its issued shares. With 199,226,613 shares currently outstanding and no treasury shares held, the company can buy back up to 19,922,661 shares before reaching this limit.Should the company's holdings approach this threshold, the board reserves the right to convene an extraordinary general meeting. This would provide shareholders with the opportunity to cancel the repurchased shares, thereby creating capacity for further buybacks under the existing framework. This capital return initiative follows a strategic shift by Evolution towards expanding its operations beyond Europe. In the first quarter, growth in North America and Latin America was a significant contributor to the company's performance, with regulated markets accounting for 48% of its total revenue. Concurrently, Evolution is still addressing ongoing legal and regulatory matters. The company is involved in litigation in New Jersey concerning allegations that its games were made available through unauthorized operators in restricted territories. Evolution has refuted these claims and has sought to include Playtech in a related defamation lawsuit, alleging a deliberate and commercially motivated campaign orchestrated by Black Cube. The Superior Court of New Jersey will make a determination on whether the amended complaint can proceed. In parallel, the UK Gambling Commission is continuing its review of the connections between Evolution's games and unlicensed websites operating within the UK market.Evolution has also secured a €300 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility, arranged with JP Morgan SE and Citibank Europe plc. This facility has an initial term of three years, with the option for two one-year extensions, and will provide the company with standby liquidity throughout the duration of the buyback period. 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) -   Mohegan announced an increase in its second-quarter revenue, driven by record performance in its digital gaming operations, though a decline in table game performance at Mohegan Sun tempered the overall growth. Key Takeaways Mohegan's net revenue for the second quarter increased by 2.4% to $429 million. Mohegan Digital saw its revenue surge by 40.2% to $79.3 million. Net income experienced a decrease of 69.9%, falling to $14.1 million. Digital Segment Fuels Mohegan's Quarterly Performance The Mohegan Digital division was the standout performer for the quarter. This segment achieved record net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and average revenue per monthly active user for the period concluding on March 31. Digital net revenue climbed to $79.3 million, up from $56.56 million in the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA saw a rise of 47.9% to $39.7 million, and the average revenue per monthly active user in Connecticut reached an all-time high of $470. Overall group revenue also showed improvement. Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority reported total net revenue of $429 million, an increase from $418.8 million in the same quarter last year. Income from operations grew by 1.3% to $60.5 million, while Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.8% to $85.4 million. Adjusted EBITDAR climbed by 4.0%.Conversely, profitability declined. Net income dropped to $14.1 million from $46.9 million, marking a 69.9% decrease. Mohegan Sun in Connecticut experienced a mixed performance. The resort captured over 60% of the state's slot market share in March, its highest monthly share in five years. However, weaker table game performance and reduced table game volumes offset this strength in slots. International Resorts also saw a downturn. Revenue decreased by 0.9% to $66.5 million, and Adjusted EBITDA fell by 33.1% to $1.8 million, attributed to lower revenue and increased contractual lease obligations. Previous financial figures were restated to exclude Inspire Integrated Resort Co., Ltd., MGE Korea Limited, and certain subsidiaries from continuing operations. In other news, Mohegan has agreed to sell the Connecticut Sun WNBA team for $300 million. The company concluded the quarter with $126.9 million in cash and $228.5 million in available borrowing capacity. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A court in Kyiv, Ukraine, has ordered the liquidation of Premier Palace, once one of the capital city’s most well-known casinos. The court’s decision comes as leaders of Ukraine’s gambling industry warn that the country’s illegal betting sector has grown to $1.4 billion. Ukrainian media outlet Antikor reports that the Kyiv Commercial Court issued the liquidation order for Premier Palace, bringing a long-running bankruptcy case to a close. Government officials opened a case against Premier Palace’s operator in May 2024. A trustee appointed by the court spent several months locating assets that could be used to repay creditors. Most of the casino’s creditors are from the public sector, as Premier Palace accumulated more than $8.5 million in unpaid fines, energy bills, rent, and taxes. The largest creditor of Premier Palace Casino is Ukraine’s state gambling regulator PlayCity, and the casino owes the government body roughly $3.5 million. Premier Palace Casino Bankruptcy Is Finally Made Official The court’s presiding judge ordered bailiffs to stop all property disposal activities and launch the official liquidation process. The casino is now formally recognized as bankrupt, and all of its business operations have been ordered to stop. The judge appointed an insolvency administrator to act as liquidator, and instructed the administrator to sell off all of the casino’s remaining assets by mid-2027. Nearly all of Premier Palace’s creditors will most likely leave the process with little to no compensation, the media outlet reports. The outlet adds that proceeds from selling the casino’s “furniture and equipment” are not expected to be enough to cover its multi-million dollar total debt. This ruling marks the end of an era for Ukraine’s casino industry. The casino was part of the Premier Palace Hotel complex, located near Kyiv’s Khreshchatyk Street. Khreshchatyk is Kyiv’s most central street and the heart of the city’s business district. The Premier Palace Hotel, in Kyiv, Ukraine. (Image: Luda91 [CC BY-SA 4.0] End of an Era Premier Palace Casino was the first land-based casino to receive an official operating license after Ukraine legalized its gambling sector in 2022. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s leading gambling industry body says a recent survey of 2,500 Ukrainian residents found that 81% of people in the country placed an illegal online bet in the previous three months. Oleksandr Kohut, President of the Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators, stated the illegal gambling sector has grown to $1.4 billion, per reporting from Ukrainian media outlet NV. Kohut said that the illegal market’s share, relative to the size of the legal sector, has grown by 4.6% over the past 12 months. “The results are significantly worse than we expected,” said Kohut. “The current trend is clear. The unlicensed segment is growing aggressively and continues to take business away from the legal market. Ukrainian players continue to migrate to the gray zone.” The survey found that most people who gamble in the illegal sector believe unregulated casinos offer faster payouts. Around 6% of respondents said they prefer illegal casinos because these platforms allow bets to be placed with cryptocurrency. Warning From an Industry Leader Kohut is calling on the Ukrainian government to ease regulations on legal gambling operators and refocus efforts on cracking down on the illegal sector. “If the status quo continues and the [government] continues to suppress the legal market under the guise of combating problem gambling, the market will accelerate its shift toward illegal operators,” he said. Ukrainians will continue to “migrate en masse” to the unregulated sector, he said, “and the state will lose tax revenue.” The same industry body has also pushed back against claims that gambling has become a widespread problem within the Ukrainian military. In March, the group said a survey of soldiers found that military personnel gamble “no more than the average Ukrainian.” The association released this finding after politicians called for a full ban on gambling for members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Earlier this month, a court in the Tyachiv District of Zakarpattia sentenced a female Ukrainian postal worker to two years of probation. The worker stole money from local pensioners in the district and spent the stolen funds on online casino gambling. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A group opposing prediction markets has run a series of ads in Washington, DC, and launched a website with the slogan ‘Kalshi Lies‘. FairPredicts identifies itself as “a nonpartisan market integrity watchdog dedicated to shedding light on the statements and actions of prediction market operators via research, data, and storytelling.” The organization has not disclosed its funding sources, but has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the ad campaign targeting Kalshi. Ads Mimic Kalshi Campaign The advertisements, which appeared in Washington, D.C., ahead of a Senate hearing on sporting integrity, mirrored the design of Kalshi’s billboards. You aren't trading against your neighbor. You're trading against trillion-dollar market makers. Our ad campaign is live across Washington, DC highlighting the TRUTH about Kalshi. pic.twitter.com/mgB1Nr3fbz— FairPredicts (@FairPredicts) May 20, 2026 Kalshi rolled out an ad campaign in March with several claims, including one that stated, “We aren’t the house”. In a post on X, the company added, “Kalshi is a federally regulated exchange where you trade against other users. We make money on transaction fees, not market settlements.” FairPredicts asserts this is a lie. Kalshi Claims Casino Interests Funding Attack Kalshi spokesperson Elisabeth Diana alleged the group is funded by casino-related entities. “Smells like a casino-led effort,” Diana stated. “Prediction markets are fair, transparent, and open. Casinos limit winners (unfair), price with algorithms (opaque), and set the odds themselves (closed). FairPredicts or UnfairPredicts?” While Kalshi does not set the odds, it operates an in-house trading team, Kalshi Trading. Additionally, its partners include market makers that provide liquidity. “Like any financial market, including the stock market, market makers are industry standard because they help bootstrap liquidity,” said Diana. “But on most liquid markets, institutional market makers are not a large percent of volume. On Kalshi, it’s about 7 percent or lower.” Small Group Making Big Profit The website KalshiLies.com, run by FairPredicts, claims that market makers, including Kalshi Trading, Susquehanna, and Jump Trading, handle the majority of trades. Susquehanna became Kalshi’s first institutional market maker in 2024, and Jump Trading took an equity stake in the company earlier this year. FairPredicts alleges that 67% of all profits on leading prediction market platforms are captured by 0.1% of accounts. It adds that fewer than 2,000 users have accumulated nearly half a billion dollars. DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish also launched a social media critique of Kalshi this week. He similarly claims Kalshi is misleading users into believing it is a peer-to-peer exchange and that market makers dominate the platform. KALSHI IS “NOT THE HOUSE”*BUT*Kalshi have a very friendly in house market maker called “Kalshi Trading” integrated with Kalshi that *could* but def WOULD NOT use all their data to decide if they want to cherry pick tasty bets from app normies like me to profit but def DONT— Matt Kalish (@mattkalish) May 21, 2026 Kalish further states that Kalshi provides user-identifying data to market makers, who can then choose whether to provide liquidity. This would allow market makers to function like a sportsbook, which routinely limits winning bettors. Kalish left DraftKings earlier this year after 14 years at the company. Since his departure, the company has been expanding its focus on prediction markets, including launching parlays earlier this month. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A prominent leader in the U.S. gambling sector has urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to cease its defense of prediction market platforms and instead focus on overseeing financial markets. These remarks were made by Bill Miller, CEO of the American Gaming Association, headquartered in Washington D.C., as reported by the Washington Times. Miller stated that "[Prediction markets] are misleadingly presenting sports betting as financial contracts and investment opportunities, despite employing rhetoric intended to deceive both policymakers and the general public." He added, "They are progressively being revealed as covert sports betting enterprises." Miller delivered these comments during a May 20 session of the Senate’s Commerce, Science, & Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy. This hearing takes place amidst ongoing resistance from various states against the CFTC, which maintains that it possesses exclusive authority to regulate prediction markets. New Jersey has indicated its intention to escalate its legal dispute with Kalshi to the Supreme Court. Prosecutors are seeking the court's intervention to compel the operator to comply with the state's sports betting regulations. U.S. Gambling Head Calls CFTC’s Regulatory Assertions ‘Absurd’ CFTC Chairman Michael Selig recently declared that prediction market platforms, including Polymarket and Kalshi, constitute "financial markets." In contrast, Selig noted, traditional casinos and sports betting operators are categorized as "entertainment" providers. Major sports leagues, such as the NFL, have voiced opposition, urging the CFTC to prohibit numerous sports-related contracts. The CFTC claims it is engaging with "all the professional leagues" to address insider trading on prediction markets. However, Selig maintains strong opposition to granting states ultimate authority on this issue. Sports-related contracts consistently represent the majority of activity on the prediction market platform Kalshi. (Image: @iamprosdao/Dune) Miller informed the subcommittee that the CFTC's purpose is to "regulate markets essential to the nation's economic operation, not to oversee Monday Night Football." He noted that the CFTC employs 500 individuals. Miller further asserted that the notion "that they could somehow manage and facilitate a nationwide sports betting network is preposterous." Conversely, representatives for prediction markets disputed these assertions, contending that leading operators independently regulate activities on their platforms. Patrick McHenry, former Chairman of the Congress Financial Services Committee and currently a senior adviser for the Coalition for Prediction Markets, stated that these platforms employ more stringent surveillance standards than casinos. He explained that prediction market operators actively prohibit users, and the CFTC mandates that operators implement know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. McHenry additionally contended that twelve states permitting gambling have, to date, not succeeded in banning advertising potentially viewable by minors. In contrast, the former lawmaker noted, prediction markets have implemented "a comprehensive prohibition preventing anyone under 18 from accessing these products." McHenry concluded that Coalition members have embraced "superior standards" compared to those typically employed by most "average" states. No Intent for a ‘Federal Department of Gambling’ The head of the AGA asserted that financial regulators ought to refrain from overseeing sports betting. Miller stated that Congress had no intention of establishing a "Federal Department of Gambling" when it created the CFTC in 1974. He pointed out that 41 state attorneys general have instructed the CFTC to "desist." Miller further mentioned that these attorneys general argue states maintain the right to regulate prediction markets. Miller remarked that the regulator is exercising "control and dominance in an area where, quite frankly, they have no legitimate involvement." Senator John Hickenlooper seemed to concur with Miller's position, challenging McHenry's claim that the CFTC possesses the capability to oversee the market. Hickenlooper responded, "You are the first individual who has suggested to me that they believe the CFTC meets the required 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) -   Betr has purchased Ascent Capital Management as it prepares to enter the prediction markets through its partnership with Polymarket. Key Facts Ascent Capital Management holds registrations with the NFA and CFTC. Betr intends to add Polymarket event contracts to its single-wallet app in 2026. This deal allows Betr to avoid an extended wait for its own NFA approval. Betr Leverages Broker Acquisition To Speed Up Entry Into Prediction Markets Betr had already applied for NFA membership in October 2025, but seven months later, the operator opted for a faster path. By acquiring Ascent Capital Management, Betr gains access to an introducing broker already registered with the National Futures Association and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This status matters because prediction market platforms operate under CFTC oversight, enabling event contract exchanges to reach all 50 states. For Betr, the deal creates a way to bypass the state-by-state limitations that shape online sports betting and casino launches. The company did not disclose the acquisition cost. However, Ascent Capital Management provides Betr with a pre-built regulatory setup as it works toward a 2026 launch tied to Polymarket. Betr first announced its multi-year partnership with Polymarket in March. The plan is to offer sports, politics, culture, and other event contracts through the Betr single-wallet super app, which already includes Picks, Sportsbook, Casino, and Arcade products. Joey Levy, co-founder and CEO of Betr, stated: “Prediction markets represent one of the most exciting evolutions in interactive entertainment and financial technology,” “Since starting Betr, we have built our business entirely around serving the modern sports fan at scale. This acquisition is another step toward our vision of creating the first true nationwide real-money gaming app.” Betr said the launch will occur later in 2026, though no exact date was provided. The company also noted that the product will be powered by Polymarket and targeted at its base of over one million paying users. Levy added: “By securing IB registration through the acquisition of an established broker, we can now focus entirely on launching a seamless, compliant prediction markets experience powered by Polymarket,” The acquisition also illustrates how operators are striving to move quicker as prediction markets become more competitive. Instead of waiting for a new approval process, Betr now has a registered broker structure that can support its next product line. Frequently Asked Questions This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   In April, Michigan sportsbooks processed online bets totaling $460.8 million, while online casino revenue once again highlighted iGaming's dominance in the state's market. Key Takeaways Michigan's online sports betting handle saw a 10.4% increase year over year in April. Sportsbooks reported adjusted gross receipts of nearly $24.5 million. Online casino gross receipts reached $303.4 million, marking the third-highest monthly total in Michigan's history. iGaming Continues to Fuel Michigan's Gambling Revenue While sports betting activity showed improvement compared to April of the previous year, the profitability margin was less favorable. The Michigan Gaming Control Board reported that $460.8 million in online wagers were accepted, exceeding April 2025 figures by over $40 million. However, adjusted gross sports betting receipts decreased by 8.7% year over year, reaching close to $24.5 million. This decline was primarily due to a lower hold rate. Operators retained only 5.3% of wagers, down from 6.4% in April 2025, despite gross receipts reaching their highest point of 2026 so far. FanDuel maintained its leading position, handling $145.8 million and generating $15.7 million in AGR. Although its handle saw a 5.7% decrease from the previous year, its AGR increased by 17%.DraftKings secured the second spot with $127.2 million in bets and $8.4 million in AGR. Its handle grew by 17.5%, but its AGR declined by 19.6% compared to April 2025. BetMGM followed with $49.9 million in handle and $5.2 million in AGR. Fanatics handled $42.6 million, a 45% year-over-year increase, but its AGR dropped to $2.2 million. Caesars' handle fell to $19.7 million, while its AGR rose to $1.4 million. theScore Bet accepted $16.1 million in wagers, generating $860,723 in AGR. Michigan collected $2.5 million in online sports betting taxes for the state and an additional $817,940.83 for the city. Online casino operations yielded a more substantial outcome. Michigan iGaming operators reported $303.4 million in gross receipts, the third-highest monthly total since the market's inception. Operators also contributed $82.9 million in state and local taxes, bringing Michigan approximately $73 million away from reaching $3 billion in total gaming tax revenue since the market launched in January 2021. 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) -   Aristocrat Gaming has introduced Thunder Empire to North America, following its success and strong player base in Australia. Good to Know Thunder Empire features King Samurai, Magic Emperor, Mongolian Empress, and Inca Diamonds. The series is available exclusively on The Baron Portrait cabinet. Jackpot options begin at $10,000 for low-denomination play and $50,000 for mid-denomination play. Thunder Empire Introduces Hold & Spin Again to North American Casinos Casinos across North America can now offer Thunder Empire, a four-game slot series from Aristocrat Gaming. The collection includes King Samurai, Magic Emperor, Mongolian Empress, and Inca Diamonds, providing operators with diverse themes under a unified brand. The standout feature is Hold & Spin Again, an innovative iteration of the classic Hold & Spin mechanic that allows consecutive activations, with potential for additional rounds based on player actions. Aristocrat is exclusively deploying the series on The Baron Portrait cabinet, which utilizes portrait-oriented display technology and integrated lighting to enhance game visibility on the casino floor. Thunder Empire also offers two denomination tiers. The low-denomination version includes an SSP jackpot starting at $10,000, while the mid-denomination format features an SSP/SAP jackpot beginning at $50,000. Kurt Gissane, Chief Revenue Officer at Aristocrat Gaming, stated: “This game ranks among the most popular ever released in the Australian market, and that excitement is now reaching North America.” “With four engaging titles and a brand-new Hold & Spin feature, Thunder Empire offers a unique experience that clearly distinguishes it from other games.” The launch brings another internationally proven title to Aristocrat Gaming’s North American portfolio, where operators continue to rely on well-known franchises, strategic cabinet placement, and familiar bonus features to boost floor performance. 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.