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Moscow’s Fiscal Blind Spot: The Real Cost of Ignoring Online Casinos

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Raymond Vance The Ministry of Finance wants a 30% tax on online operators. This is a desperate fiscal pivot. The current gambling zone model is a disaster. Treasury revenues have collapsed. The state is bleeding money to illegal operators. Dmitry Slobodkin, a former industry chief, calls the zone model a failure. He notes the loss of colossal budget sums. Officially, the government hopes for hundreds of millions in new revenue. But look at the history. In 2005, the state earned 305 billion rubles. That is currently worth $4.2 billion. Today, that number is under $21 million. The tax rate doubled. Yet revenue vanished. The designated zones are empty. Nobody visits them. Underground dens operate everywhere. The public still wagers. The illegal market is huge. Slobodkin says it is impossible to estimate. It outpaces legal land-based alternatives. The Kremlin is doubling down on zones anyway. They approved a Sberbank project in Siberia. This ignores the root problem. Prohibition creates desire. The money is already fleeing the budget. Critics fear addiction. Lawmakers want to ban ads. If Moscow keeps ignoring the math, the budget gap will widen. They cannot tax what they pretend does not exist. The fiscal health of the state depends on acknowledging the black market. Continued denial will only deepen the revenue crisis. Author bio: Raymond Vance, a senior macro-economist and consultant to central banking policy research working groups.

New Jersey Just Triggered A Federal-State Showdown Over Prediction Markets

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Jonathan Barrett This isn’t just a routine regulatory tweak for new fintech products. It’s an open power grab between state regulators and the CFTC over who gets to tax and control prediction markets. New Jersey isn’t the first state to move against these platforms. This bill is still the most aggressive push yet to reclassify prediction trades as gambling, not financial swaps. The entire existing framework of regulatory jurisdiction over speculative trading is now on the line. The bill comes from Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Democratic Senator Paul Sarlo. It draws a direct line between sports prediction contracts and traditional sportsbooks. All operators need a state permit to work in New Jersey. Violators face fines up to $25,000. Sports trades get taxed at the standard 19.75% sports betting rate, plus an extra 10% surcharge. Even non-sports trades pay the 10% surcharge. Operators pay a $5 million initial licensing fee, with annual renewal reviews for possible hikes. The bill adds less controversial clauses that the CFTC is less likely to challenge. It bans public officials from working at athletic prediction markets. It blocks political candidates and their campaign staff from trading on political prediction markets. Late last week, the bill was sent to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Democrats hold full control of New Jersey’s legislature and governor’s office. This bill has a clear path to pass, barring unexpected last-minute changes. The CFTC has already claimed exclusive federal jurisdiction over prediction markets. It says these trades are swaps, not wagers. The agency just sued New Mexico earlier this month over similar actions against Kalshi. It openly hinted more lawsuits are coming for other states that challenge its authority. Similar legal battles are already ongoing in Ohio, Rhode Island and Illinois. States want the tax revenue from these growing platforms, and won’t cede it easily. Kalshi already caught wind of the shifting regulatory tide. Earlier this month, it announced it would restrict certain users on higher-risk markets. It started screening for potential insiders to pre-empt regulatory pushback. Smaller prediction market operators are already weighing their compliance options. Most don’t have the cash to cover a $5 million upfront licensing fee. Only the largest, well-funded players will be able to meet the new requirements if the bill passes. This conflict will end up before the U.S. Supreme Court within the next two years. Author bio: Jonathan Barrett, lead focus editor for an independent overseas public affairs weekly covering U.S. regulatory policy.

Russia’s Youth Gambling Crisis Starts in Infancy—Smartphones Are the Gateway, and Regulation Is Playing Catch-Up

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Oliver Hawthorne Russian kids as young as 10 are seeking treatment for gambling addiction. The root cause? Smartphone exposure that starts in infancy. Anti-gambling advocates are begging the Kremlin to act fast, but the crisis is already spiraling out of control for some families. This year’s stats paint a grim picture. Up to 12% of Russian adults—13 million people—live with severe gambling addiction. Youth cases are even more alarming. Vladimir Zemelkin, a psychology lecturer, says the number of patients aged 12 and below has grown so much his institute created a dedicated adolescent treatment department. Lilia Shuvalova, a Synergy University expert, explains how smartphones trigger dopamine cravings. Kids start with harmless games and short-form videos, but those quickly lose their appeal. Their brains demand stronger stimulation, leading them to online casinos. Even feeding an infant in front of a screen sets a direct path to future addiction. Socioeconomic stress and constant digital influx fuel this explosive growth. Influencers are also to blame—they promote online casinos freely, since ads aren’t yet illegal. Politicians hope to pass a ban by year’s end, but this month, authorities seized cash from a payment firm processing casino transactions. The commercial loop here is ruthless. Platforms prioritize content that keeps users scrolling, training young brains to chase dopamine hits. Influencers cash in on their audience’s trust, pushing gambling as a fun, glamorous activity. Without immediate enforcement of the ad ban and widespread parental education, the youth addiction wave will crash over Russia’s treatment systems, leaving a generation of kids with lifelong struggles. Author bio: Oliver Hawthorne is a principal correspondent at Global Tech Review, covering digital addiction and regulatory responses across Eurasia.

When IT Visas Become Casino Tickets: The Belarus Crackdown Exposes a Darker Side of Tech Immigration

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Oliver Hawthorne The Belarus crackdown reveals something uncomfortable about the global tech talent pipeline. Online gambling operations have found a way to weaponize IT visa programs. Two 53-year-old Middle Eastern nationals entered Belarus not as casino operators, but as software developers. Their real business involved promoting online casinos to fellow countrymen back home where gambling remains prohibited. This isn't an isolated case. It exposes how legitimate immigration frameworks can be hijacked by illicit commercial interests operating in regulatory gray zones. Belarus Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested the duo along with two other passport-holders from the same Middle Eastern nation and a 21-year-old Belarusian woman. The group established bogus IT companies to provide cover. They produced fake documents claiming foreign nationals were employed as software engineers. At least 40 foreign passport holders received visas and temporary residence permits through this scheme. Each person paid between $1,500 and $2,000 for these services. The ministry also discovered a studio in the Minsk region where the group produced erotic videos to advertise their gambling platform and increase streaming views for gambling events. Vladimir Goreglyad, spokesperson for the ministry's anti-corruption and organized crime department, confirmed a criminal case has been launched. The illegal immigrants face forced deportation. This case connects to a broader pattern of gambling-related financial crimes in Minsk. Earlier this year, police arrested a section manager in a Minsk department store for embezzling over $73,000. He under-reported cash sales, accumulated excess money in store tills, topped up his own bank accounts, and gambled on online casino platforms. He faces up to 12 years in jail if found guilty. This month, another Minsk man stole his live-in girlfriend's life savings to place casino bets, lost everything, and hid in a farmer's field before police arrested him. The commercial loop is clear: illicit gambling generates demand for fake credentials, fake credentials enable migration, migration enables more gambling operations. Governments need to tighten IT visa verification processes and coordinate with financial institutions to flag suspicious transaction patterns linked to gambling platforms. Author bio: Oliver Hawthorne, a Principal Correspondent permanently stationed at an international technology review, covers the intersection of digital commerce, regulatory enforcement, and cross-border tech operations.

The Telegram Playbook: How a 25-Year-Old Built a Digital Casino Empire, Exposing Indonesia’s Deeper Tech Challenge

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Oliver HawthorneIndonesia's latest crackdown on online gambling reveals a stark truth about digital enforcement. The ease with which a single individual can spin up a sophisticated illicit operation stands in sharp contrast to the significant state resources deployed to combat it. This isn't just about arrests; it's about the persistent, evolving challenge of policing a borderless digital underworld. The anxiety for regulators is clear: how do you stop what's built on readily available, often open-source, digital tools?Jakarta Metropolitan Police officers, on June 10, raided a house in West Kalimantan's Kubu Raya Regency. They arrested AYA, a 25-year-old, charging him with online gambling and money laundering. AYA allegedly masterminded three sites: Spinterus69, Rajaplay303, and Bigroyal99. These platforms offered slots, live card games like poker, sports betting, and "fish shooting" games. Police noted AYA learned to create and manage these apps from a Telegram group. He exploited "operational loopholes" to acquire a black-market gambling app engine, designed his server, bought domain names, and integrated payment gateways. These included bank accounts and the national QRIS system, operated by Bank Indonesia, streamlining user deposits and withdrawals. All forms of gambling remain illegal in Indonesia.AYA's commercial loop was simple: players' losses flowed into his holding account, then transferred via his personal accounts. This model, replicated across countless illicit operations, fuels a relentless cat-and-mouse game. The state's response extends beyond raids. Ministries cut welfare benefits for families with online gamblers. Commercial banks are instructed to report suspicious transactions. The human cost is evident, as seen in Dairi Regency, where a man allegedly stole over $3 million from his employer for online gambling, then faked a mugging after losing it all. The ultimate end-game isn't a definitive victory, but a continuous, technologically escalating arms race where regulators are always playing catch-up to agile, digitally native operators.Author bio: Oliver Hawthorne, a Principal Correspondent permanently stationed at an international technology review, specializes in the intersection of digital innovation and regulatory challenges across emerging markets.

Eric Trump’s UFC Rigging Rumor: AI Fakes, Betting Chaos, and Why the UFC Can’t Stay Silent

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Gavin Thorne This isn’t just a tabloid-level rumor. It’s a collision of political optics, sports integrity, and AI-fueled misinformation that cuts to the heart of MMA’s growing betting problem. Eric Trump’s denial of seeking insider UFC fight info might be true, but the damage is already done. Fans are questioning both the sport’s fairness and the ease with which fake messages can weaponize public trust. Posts on X claimed former MMA fighter Daniel Cormier shared screenshots of private messages from Eric. The messages asked about fighter injuries before cutting to the chase: “Are any of the fights tomorrow rigged? I’ve been eyeing the Lopes fight and I think an upset wouldn’t be too unrealistic. $$.” Cormier’s screenshot reply called the question appalling, and a post from his account said he wouldn’t tolerate insider behavior. Eric took to X on June 15, 2026, to call the messages fake. He said he never contacted Cormier, adding the situation was “scary.” Cormier then posted “Are people really this dumb?” without elaboration, prompting Eric to reply “Thanks Daniel.” X marked another of Eric’s posts, noting journalists confirmed Cormier posted then deleted the screenshots. Eric claimed the images were AI-generated, tagging UFC and Dana White. The UFC can’t brush this off. Last year, Dana White suspended fighter Isaac Dulgarian after his loss to Yadier del Valle. Dulgarian was accused of intentionally losing via first-round submission for betting purposes. White called the FBI immediately, though no charges have been filed. This incident put match manipulation on the organization’s radar. January this year, White canceled the bout between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez. He cited a call from a gaming integrity service, saying he didn’t want to repeat past mistakes. Last month at UFC 328, rumors of Sean Brady’s knee draining spread online. Brady shifted from favorite to underdog before the UFC cleared him, and he went on to win the fight. Until the UFC mandates AI fake detection for athlete and public figure communications, similar scandals will continue to erode fan confidence in its betting integrity. Author bio: Gavin Thorne, an investigative journalist based in Washington, D.C., tracks special interests and cross-industry legislative affairs.

Pochettino’s Market Test: Why the Smart Money Fades the USMNT Defense

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Christian Pierce The US men’s national team faces a credibility gap tonight. Mauricio Pochettino took the helm to fix a struggling asset. Yet the underlying metrics remain shaky. The Americans have leaked eleven goals in their last thirteen games. This defensive volatility creates a market anxiety. Investors, or bettors, are wary of the hype. The team needs a strong opening statement. A stumble here would signal deeper structural issues. The pressure is on to convert talent into tangible results. Tonight’s match at SoFi Stadium kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. The US ranks seventeenth while Paraguay sits at fortieth. DraftKings lists the US as a +110 favorite. Paraguay is the +290 underdog. The draw sits at +220. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie lead the midfield. Chris Richards may return from an ankle injury. Paraguay misses Julio Enciso due to a thigh injury. Antonio Sanabria carries the scoring load. Matt Freese starts in goal over Matt Turner. The total is set at 2.5 goals. The value lies in the inefficiencies. Paraguay plays a defensive style that limits high-danger chances. The Under 2.5 goals is the shrewd play despite the juice. The US offense is potent but inconsistent. Folarin Balogun offers value at +230 to score. He netted the winner in the last meeting in November 2025. Paraguay can steal a point. Take the Draw at +220. The market has overestimated the US defensive stability. The smart money backs a grind. Author bio: Christian Pierce is a chief financial columnist and markets commentator.

Two Debt-Ridden Ex-Grads Pulled Off China’s Biggest Gold Heist — How They Got Caught In 4 Weeks

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Jonathan Barrett Two former postgraduate students with good education didn’t rob for fun. They owed massive gambling debts from their university years. One was even an outstanding employee at a well-paying job after graduation. They planned the largest gold heist in China, stealing 27kg of gold worth almost $4 million. What shocks people most isn’t the heist itself. It’s how even months of careful planning couldn’t beat basic police work. The heist targeted a luxury gold retailer in Nanjing on May 16. Store managers came in that morning to find all counters intact. No keys were out of place, but 37 gold items were gone. The robbers climbed in through a second-floor window. They turned off all 80 in-store surveillance cameras. They even formatted all the CCTV data drives to erase traces. Detectives were stuck at first, but data recovery quickly broke the case. Wang, the lead mastermind, broke into the surveillance room a month before the robbery. He fled China the same day the heist was discovered, heading to Thailand. Bangkok police arrested him just a week later, on May 23. China secured an extradition order to get him back quickly. Most of the stolen gold was found right in Wang’s home in China. The second mastermind Tong ran to the China-Vietnam border. He couldn’t pay his $1,000 cross-country taxi fare, so he gave the driver a gold bar. Police launched a four-week manhunt across multiple Chinese provinces. They tracked down all nine accomplices the duo hired for the raid. They searched every possible outlet for stolen gold: pawnshops, jewelry stores, resellers, and bank branches. Li Dahai, Nanjing’s top police official, called it a well-organized premeditated crime. His team worked tirelessly day and night to sort through hard-to-decipher clues. By the June 12 press conference, all loot was recovered and all suspects were arrested. This case is far more than a random crime story. It exposes the hidden harm of gambling that seeps even into elite university campuses. The two masterminds weren’t career criminals. One held a solid, well-paying job after graduate school. Gambling debt trapped them long after they left campus, pushing them to extreme crime. Earlier this month, Chinese courts already warned the public against gambling disguised as popular board games like Go. More strict crackdowns on hidden off-campus gambling will roll out across China in the coming year. Author bio: Jonathan Barrett, lead focus editor for an independent overseas public affairs weekly covering social policy and rule of law.

Hitachi Energy expands zero-emission power portfolio with HyFlex Compact

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LONDON, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has introduced HyFlex® Compact - a hybrid generator and flexible power hub that provides zero-emission electricity for temporary and off-grid applications such as construction projects and other infrastructure. The configurable system combines hydrogen fuel cells with high-performance batteries and can integrate additional power sources, delivering stable AC power as a clean alternative to diesel generation.As electricity demand rises, companies across industry and infrastructure are electrifying operations and cutting emissions, often in locations where grid connections are limited or unavailable. This is increasing demand for flexible power solutions that can perform reliably acrossa wide range of operating conditions, from remote sites to grid-connected environments.Addressing these requirements calls for power solutions that go beyond single technologies, supported by robust system expertise and integration capabilities. Designed for standalone orgrid-connected operation, Hitachi Energy’s HyFlex Compact combines hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, power electronics, cooling, and auxiliaries in a single, portable enclosure, all managed by an optimized control system. The system converts hydrogen into clean electricity using fuel cells, producing power, heat, and water with no harmful emissions.With optional AC and DC input modules, Hyflex Compact can operate as a mobile microgrid, connecting multiple energy assets, providing stable AC power whenever and wherever it is needed. This enables more efficient operation and reduces reliance on hydrogen when additional power sources are available.“The energy system is being asked to deliver more electricity, with lower emissions and higher resilience, often in places where the grid was never designed for today’s demands,” said Marco Berardi, Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service at Hitachi Energy. “HyFlex Compact brings together different technologies through system integration expertise to support a secure electricity supply as energy systems evolve, while helping companies move toward lower emission power.”HyFlex Compact is suitable for applications across a wide range of operating environments, from construction sites and temporary infrastructure such as events and festivals to electric vehicle charging, mining operations, remote industrial sites, critical infrastructure, and hard-to-abate operating environments.The introduction of the flexible power hub marks an evolutionary step, building on Hitachi Energy’s earlier HyFlex developments. Initial pilots explored hydrogen-to-power applications and provided valuable insight into integrating fuel cells, power electronics, and control systems in real-world operating environments1.Hitachi Energy continues to bring flexible, low-emission solutions to market, underpinned by its expertise in power electronics and system integration. Recent investments in power electronics capabilities, including the inauguration of the Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service Test Center in Västerås, Sweden, and the announcement of a new Power Electronics Center of Competence in the United States*1, underscore the company’s focus on strengthening the technologies needed to support secure, affordable, sustainable and resilient electricity systems.*1 Hitachi Energy expands its U.S. footprint with $10 million USD investment in North Carolina to meet surging electricity demandSome of HyFlex pilot projectsHitachi Energy and Air Products pioneer zero-emission construction site in the NetherlandsHitachi Energy’s pioneers HyFlex hydrogen-powered generator with shore power system for ships at berthHitachi Energy enables decarbonization of construction site in SwedenAbout Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission critical technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.Https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://x.com/HitachiEnergy About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors - Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.   Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi Energy unveils AxoniQ: game-changing solution for the next era of transmission grids

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LONDON, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, today announced the launch of AxoniQ™, its comprehensive portfolio of solutions for multi-terminal direct current(MTDC) systems. As global electricity demand accelerates, MTDC systems are becoming critical to ensuring a secure, affordable, and sustainable power grid. As renewable energy deployment accelerates and power systems become increasingly interconnected, MTDC systems help manage congestion and improve resilience by allowing dynamic power flow between multiple terminals and across different energy markets, while supporting faster planning, procurement, and execution of grid projects. By connecting multiple power sources and demand points, MTDC grids enable electricity to be directed where it is needed most.ENTSO E’s Offshore Network Development Plans 2024 report*1 highlights that by 2040, Europe is moving into a massive scale-up phase of offshore renewables, which requires major transmission expansion and early hybrid grids. Grids developed with MTDC systems can boost transmission capacity up to nearly threefold in a 2040 scenario.*1 Offshore Network Development Plans European offshore network transmission infrastructure needsAchieving the same capacity and reliability without these solutions would require substantial capital investment. Optimized assets not only translate into fewer converter stations, but also into fewer power cables and lines and a reduced use of land and materials, underpinning a more sustainable energy system for the benefit of both society and the environment.Marking a significant step toward greater interoperability, the launch of AxoniQ comes as governments and grid operators worldwide accelerate investments in transmission infrastructure toward a fully electrified world to integrate renewable energy at scale, strengthen cross-border interconnections, and improve energy security.The AxoniQ portfolio combines advanced power electronics and control technologies. It includes:AxoniQ Protect: An innovative solution that can interrupt a DC fault in less than three milliseconds, it offers fast and effective protection at up to 525 kilovolts (kV). It enables selective fault isolation by disconnecting only the affected section of the DC grid, while the rest of the system continues operating. This continuous, proactive protection enables extremely low losses and the optimal combination of performance, efficiency, and reliability throughout the entire lifecycle.AxoniQ Connect: A modular DC switching station that enables the connection of new terminals and structures the grid into several protection zones, creating manageable subsystems. AxoniQ Connect ensures reliable service continuity, simplifies maintenance, and supports cost-efficient scalability.AxoniQ Control: An advanced control system built with interoperability in mind that maintains voltage stability and power balance, optimized power flow, and flexible, market-driven energy exchange. AxoniQ Control addresses congestion and enables quick reconfigurations in the event of disturbances.Together, the AxoniQ suite of cutting-edge power electronics solutions enables the re-routing of power in real time, rapid fault isolation, and maintaining continuity of power supply while minimizing the impact on the wider grid and avoiding the risk of costly power interruptions. Engineered for interoperability by design, AxoniQ will continue to evolve to enable a sustainable expansion of direct current (DC) grids in the decades ahead.“Electricity networks are becoming increasingly complex as renewable generation grows and demand patterns evolve. AxoniQ represents a milestone in the evolution of DC grids, enabling the next generation of HVDC systems, helping grid operators integrate renewable power more reliably and affordably while improving grid resilience and transmission efficiency,” said Niklas Persson, CEO, Grid Integration Business Unit at Hitachi Energy. “Hitachi Energy is pioneering the new technology needed today and helping ensure future prosperity.”The AxoniQ family is part of Hitachi Energy’s Grid-enSure®, a fully integrated solution portfolio to stabilize power systems by strengthening transmission, managing frequency variations and system voltage and addressing capacity constraints. AxoniQ takes its name from axons, the part of a nerve cell (neuron) that carries electrical signals away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles or glands, effectively functioning as the body’s electrical system. Like axons, AxoniQ brings power to life across the grid – intelligently and effectively transmitting electricity between multiple sources and demand points, acting as the vital connection that enables amore responsive, resilient, and interconnected energy system.AxoniQ has been researched and developed by Hitachi Energy for more than a decade, and its benefits are demonstrated through the company’s work in partnership with TSOs and main industry players with the aim of making future HVDC systems mutually compatible and interoperable by design.About Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission critical technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.Https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://x.com/HitachiEnergyAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

The Revolving Door Bet: How CFTC Rewrote the Dictionary for Kalshi

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Gavin Thorne The CFTC is effectively rewriting the dictionary to bypass state gambling laws. It is a bold federal power grab dressed up as financial innovation. Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia are pushing back hard. They see this as a direct threat to their regulatory turf. The agency, however, is moving full steam ahead. It claims exclusive authority over these markets. This creates a massive constitutional clash. States are uniting against a federal regulator gone rogue. The battle lines are drawn clearly between state sovereignty and federal overreach. Ohio is leading the charge against Kalshi in court. A host of tribes and the American Gaming Association joined the fray. They all filed briefs supporting Ohio’s position. Better Markets, a financial regulation nonprofit, sided with the states. The CFTC countered by filing a brief in support of Kalshi. The commission formally recognized sports contracts as valid this week. It released a proposal for new industry rules. The move aims to cement federal control. The agency argues these are financial contracts, not bets. Chairman Michael Selig is aggressively defending licensed operators. He has filed lawsuits in several states to protect them. He claims the CFTC must protect market integrity without blocking innovation. Former Chairman Gary Gensler disagrees completely. He filed a brief supporting Ohio against Kalshi. Gensler asserts that sports bets are not swaps. He recalls the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010. He insists no one intended to approve sports contracts back then. The legal foundations are being disputed at the highest levels. The hypocrisy on Capitol Hill is staggering. Senator Blanche Lincoln played a major role in writing Dodd-Frank. She explicitly warned against event contracts on the Super Bowl. She stated such contracts served no commercial purpose. She argued they were used solely for gambling. Her stance has shifted dramatically with time. Lincoln is now a registered lobbyist for Kalshi. She supports the company’s right to offer those exact sports contracts. The revolving door spins faster than ever. The legal war is moving to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Kalshi previously won a landmark 2-1 ruling in the Third Circuit. New Jersey plans to take that case to the Supreme Court. The Sixth Circuit bench looks favorable for Kalshi. Seven of its sixteen judges were appointed by Trump. Three others were appointed by George W. Bush. Trump has voiced strong support for prediction markets. The four Biden appointees might lean the other way. The judicial panel assignment will decide the fate. The odds favor Kalshi because the regulatory fix appears rigged for their victory. Author bio: Gavin Thorne, an investigative journalist tracking special interests and legislative affairs based in Washington, D.C.

Kazakhstan’s New Casino Push: All Hype, No Investors, And A $6M Per Year Tax Prize?

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Robert Kensington Kazakhstan claims it will open two new casinos as early as next year. But the government has not secured a single investor for the projects yet. That gap is the first thing no official press release leads with. I have watched this exact playbook run in emerging tourism markets dozens of times. Governments overpromise tight timelines to drum up investor interest. They then delay rollouts for years when capital fails to show up. The official announcement lays out clear public timelines, targets and restrictions. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism Yerbol Myrzabosynov says sites in Mangystau and Almaty regions will launch before 2027. Teams are currently working with local governments to identify suitable land plots. No casinos can be built in natural beauty spots, heritage sites or defense-related areas. Additional approved gambling zones include Caspian Sea shores, Zaysan and Markakol, where site selection is still ongoing. The Almaty site near Akbulak is the most advanced, with existing supporting infrastructure already in place. Each operational casino is projected to bring in $6 million in annual tax revenue for the state. The unstated goal here is to capture cross-border foreign gambling spending, no more no less. The new law explicitly bans local citizens from entering all new casino properties. Only foreign visitors, stateless people, staff and official workers will get access. This is a direct copy of Kyrgyzstan’s 2022 foreigners-only casino model, which brought in millions in new revenue. The government is also bundling casino access with incentives for crypto and IT firms setting up in the deregulated city of Alatau, where casinos can launch as soon as next month. Mangystau region teams are still finishing work on a required adjacent hotel complex. The first international casino operators to lock in approved Kazakhstan site rights will capture 70% of the Central Asian foreign gambling market share within three years of launch. Author bio: Robert Kensington, an entrepreneurial veteran with 30+ years of experience in emerging market tourism and leisure investment expansion.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Confirms Triton Readiness as It Targets Second Consecutive AXCR Title

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TOKYO, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from the company, successfully completed a seven-day endurance test in mid-May on off-road courses near Khao Yai National Park in northeastern Thailand. Under conditions simulating the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), the test confirmed the intended performance of the improvements made to the Triton. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will enter three Triton pickup trucks in AXCR 2026 in Thailand this August, as it aims for a second consecutive title.AXCR 2026 will cover approximately 2,000 kilometers across six days in the hot, humid climate and demanding terrain typical of Southeast Asia. The course features steep mountainous terrain, narrow and rugged jungle trails, low- to medium-speed rough roads with muddy tracks and river crossings caused by sudden downpours, as well as relatively flat, high-speed unpaved sections such as grasslands and farm tracks.Aiming to secure back-to-back victories, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has further unlocked Triton’s potential and improved its dynamic performance so that drivers can tackle AXCR’s highly varied and severe conditions with greater control. With adjustments to the vehicle layout, including the powertrain position, the team improved front-to-rear weight distribution. The suspension was also fine-tuned to increase tire contact at all four wheels, improving steering stability and cornering performance. In addition, engine response in the low- to mid-speed range has been refined to improve drivability and off-road capability."The AXCR, where vehicles must run at high speed over a diverse and grueling course, the load imposed on the vehicle body by road impact is said to be, in some cases, more than thirty times greater than in normal customer driving," said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. "The technical information gained through our participation in the AXCR over the past four years has not only improved the competitiveness of our rally cars, but has also provided valuable insight for strengthening the appeal of our production vehicles. These learnings have been applied not only to the Triton, but also to the all-new Pajero, which will make its world premiere this autumn. Through vehicle development honed through rally activities, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to deliver distinctive and compelling products that reflect Mitsubishi Motors’ identity."Team Mitsubishi RalliartTeam Director: Hiroshi Masuoka (Mitsubishi Motors)Team Principal: Chayut Yangpichit (Tant Sport)Technical Director: Kopong Amatayakul (Tant Sport)Drivers and Co-drivers:Driver: Chayaphon YothaFrom: Udon Thani Province, ThailandBorn: August 16, 1987 (38)Career: Actively participating in numerous rallies and races in Thailand. Two time AXCR overall champion (2022, 2025). Known for precise, careful driving style and ability to maintain high speed without damaging the vehicle.Co-driver: Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand) Driver: Katsuhiko TaguchiFrom: Okayama Prefecture, JapanBorn: February 7, 1972 (54)Career: Internationally active rally driver with two FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles. Finished 5th overall, ranking as the highest-placed Japanese driver duo in AXCR 2025.Co-driver: Takahiro Yasui (Japan)  Driver: Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Motors)From: Aichi Prefecture, JapanBorn: June 19, 1979 (46)Career: Mitsubishi Motors test driver who has been responsible for testing many new models, including the Pajero and Lancer Evolution. Currently serves as a driving instructor for test drivers and as a demonstration driver at events in Japan and around the world.Co-driver: Eiji Chiba (Japan) Overview of AXCR 2025AXCR 2026 will be held in Thailand from August 9 to August 15. The rally will begin with a ceremonial start in Pattaya, a coastal resort city in eastern Thailand, and head north through Prachinburi, home to rich natural surroundings including Khao Yai National Park; Nakhon Sawan, the source of the Chao Phraya River; and Kamphaeng Phet, a fortress city of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The rally will finish in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand, known for its natural attractions and historic sites. The total distance is expected to be approximately 2,000 kilometers.AXCR 2026 Official Websitehttps://asiacrosscountryrally.com/index.html(Open in a new window)Official Ralliart Social MediaX: https://x.com/ralliart_jp(Open in a new window)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralliart.official/(Open in a new window)AXCR Special Website: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/jp/brand/ralliart/axcr/axcr2026/  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Indonesia’s $3.1M Embezzlement Case Exposes a Gaping Blind Spot in Its Anti-Gambling Enforcement

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Elena Rostova Indonesia’s total ban on all forms of gambling has hit a clear enforcement impasse. Desperate gamblers are resorting to extreme, violent self-harm and false police reports to cover massive losses. The trend stretches across multiple regions of the country, with cases spiking sharply in the past 12 months. Local law enforcement lacks targeted tools to trace unreported offshore online gambling transactions before losses spiral. The latest high-profile case involves a company manager identified only as WG in Dairi Regency, North Sumatra. A government office in Dairi Regency in Indonesia’s North Sumatra Province. (Image: Christian Advs Sltg [CC BY-SA 4.0]) His employer handed him IDR 297 million (over $3.1M) to cover annual land and building tax payments. He lost the entire sum on online gambling sites he found via Facebook ads. He crashed his motorbike into a hut, hit his face with a wooden block, and faked a robbery to cover the loss. Police found his company laptop and phone dumped in a nearby river, exposed his lie, and remanded him in custody pending indictment. Similar cases are rising nationwide: one man faked a mugging to avoid his wife’s scolding earlier this year, and a Pacitan man gouged his own hand and sold his motorbike to fake a bandit attack this January to cover gambling losses. All gambling carries heavy penalties in Indonesia, including long jail terms and corporal punishment in some regions. The unregulated cross-border nature of online gambling platforms lets them evade Indonesian law easily. They run targeted social media ads to reach vulnerable local users, with no local registration or oversight required. Existing penalties only punish gamblers after they have already suffered crippling losses, rather than blocking access to the sites themselves. Indonesian regulators will need to mandate social media platforms to strip gambling ad targeting for local users to stem the tide of similar cases. Author bio: Elena Rostova, public policy expert specializing in compliance assessments for Southeast Asian sovereign law enforcement agencies.

The $50B AI Betting Circus: Why Our Chatbot Oracles Are Just Fancy Random Number Generators

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Lucas Caldwell The real story isn't whether a chatbot can pick a winner. It's that a $50 billion gambling market is so desperate for an edge it's asking glorified autocomplete engines for financial advice. Flutter's CEO calls the 2026 World Cup the biggest betting event ever. Analysts project $50 billion in global wagers. The house always wins, but now the suckers are consulting silicon oracles built on last year's news. This isn't innovation. It's a high-tech placebo for the statistically doomed. Gemini posted a 32.7% return on ten wagers in a tiny pre-tournament experiment. It predicted tennis. ChatGPT lost 35.7% in a separate test, bombing on international friendlies. It did call a Mexico win and under 3.5 goals at -115 for the first World Cup match. Two other bots, QuillBot and DeepAI, were cut. One hallucinated non-existent matches. The other refused to play on moral grounds. So the stage is set. A human versus two AIs in a three-way contest starting day two. The prompts were identical: recommend one bet for day two. Odds came from DraftKings for simplicity. Professors Robert Scorr and Mikhail Sher note that consistent profit requires shopping around. The AIs didn't shop. Gemini's pick: Canada to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina at -120. ChatGPT's pick: Canada to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina at -120. The human's pick: Christian Pulisic to score anytime against Paraguay at +245. The experiment is ongoing. Results will be added daily. This is a perfect distillation of the AI hype cycle. We take a stochastic parrot, feed it stale data, and demand prophetic insight. The earlier Gemini success in tennis is meaningless noise. Ten bets prove nothing. The Bristol Post's Angus McIntyre found Gemini could only pick one soccer winner from five tries. We're mistaking statistical fluctuation for strategy. The models aren't analyzing form. They're performing linguistic probability. The commercial loop is obvious. Sportsbooks win when volume increases. A story about AI bettors drives engagement. It creates a narrative that the game can be beaten, pulling in more capital. The platforms providing the odds, like DraftKings, get free marketing. The AI companies get tested in a wild, unregulated arena with no reputational downside. If the bots lose, it's a fun experiment. If they win, it's a terrifying advertisement. The human is just a prop. The entire exercise will culminate in a single, predictable data point: random chance, dressed up as intelligence, cannot reliably beat a market designed to transfer wealth from the many to the few. Author bio: Lucas Caldwell, a tech opinion leader with millions of followers on X/Twitter, dissecting the intersection of algorithmic culture, market psychology, and platform economics.

Flutter’s LSE Exit: A Tumble in the Betting Market?

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Christian Pierce Flutter set to delist from LSE Aug 3. Cites high admin costs and trading issues. Share prices dipped then recovered. Moved from Irish to NY two years back. CEO criticized UK gambling checks. FanDuel had job cuts, revised forecasts. LSE share down 60% last year. Other firms leaving LSE too. Author bio: Christian Pierce, chief financial columnist with expertise in market dynamics and corporate moves.

Report verifying the net carbon impact of NEC’s agricultural solution, CropScope, published as part of the Net Carbon Impact initiative promoted by the EU Green Digital Coalition

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TOKYO, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced the release of the final report from the Net Carbon Impact project conducted by the European Green Digital Coalition (hereinafter "EGDC")(1), which quantitatively assessed the decarbonization effects of implementing NEC’s smart agriculture solution "CropScope"(2).The final report is available here: https://www.greendigitalcoalition.eu/case-studies-deployment-phase/#agricultureThe EGDC is a coalition of companies established at the request of the European Council, with the support of the European Parliament and the European Commission, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across society through the use of digital technologies.Under this initiative, the net carbon impact of digital technologies is quantitatively assessed as a measure of emissions reduction by comparing scenarios in which digital technologies are "used" and "not used", based on a scientific methodology developed by the EGDC.About Net Carbon ImpactNet carbon impact refers to the overall net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved through the adoption of digital technologies, calculated by subtracting the additional emissions generated through the manufacturing, operation, and disposal of the equipment required to implement those technologies from the emissions reductions enabled by the technologies themselves.Because it also takes into account increase in emissions associated with the use of such equipment, net carbon impact enables an objective assessment of the actual emissions reduction effect that the adoption of a given technology has across society as a whole.Overview of the Case StudyThis case study focused on the variable-rate fertilization function incorporated into NEC’s smart agriculture solution, "CropScope." Variable-rate fertilization is a method in which fertilizer is applied at optimized rates for each area of a field according to crop growth conditions and soil conditions, rather than applying the same amount uniformly across the entire field.The study compared scenarios in which CropScope’s variable-rate fertilization function was implemented and not implemented at farms in Hokkaido, Japan, and comprehensively evaluated:the reduction effect on fertilizer usage achieved through variable-rate fertilization; andthe net carbon impact resulting from reduced fertilizer usage.As a result, CropScope’s variable-rate fertilization function was confirmed to have a tangible effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector.How Variable Rate Fertilization Contributes to DecarbonizationFertilizers used in agriculture contain nitrogen, which is essential for crop growth. However, when fertilizer is applied in amounts exceeding what crops can absorb, excess nitrogen remains in the soil. This residual nitrogen is transformed through the activity of soil microorganisms, generating nitrous oxide (Nâ‚‚O), a greenhouse gas, in the process.Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 270 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, appropriately reducing fertilizer use through variable-rate fertilization helps suppress nitrous oxide emissions and can make a significant contribution to decarbonization across society.Reduction Effects by Crop (Winter Wheat, Spring Wheat, Corn) (3)In this report, we examined the effects over the entire growing season for three crop types: winter wheat, spring wheat, and corn. The main findings for each crop are as follows.For all crops evaluated, the net carbon impact achieved through reduced fertilizer use significantly exceeded the average emissions generated by tractor operations during the cultivation period.These results quantitatively demonstrate that implementing CropScope’s variable-rate fertilization function can reduce unnecessary fertilizer use while also contributing to lower environmental impact.Secondary Effects Beyond Greenhouse Gas ReductionsIn addition to greenhouse gas reductions, this assessment also identified the following secondary benefits:Economic benefits for farmers through reduced fertilizer costsImproved water quality and reduced risks of eutrophication and adverse ecological impacts through the suppression of fertilizer runoffImproved soil health, such as enhanced soil organic matter retentionThese findings indicate that variable-rate fertilization technology utilizing digital technologies can contribute both to agricultural sustainability and to climate change mitigation.Looking AheadNEC will leverage the insights gained from this initiative to promote decarbonization in the agricultural sector and work toward the creation of agriculture-based carbon credits.NEC will continue to contribute to the simultaneous advancement of both DX (Digital Transformation) and GX (Green Transformation) across society through the use of digital technologies.(1) The European Green Digital Coalition (EGDC) is an industry-led initiative, supported by the European Commission and the European Parliament at the request of the Council of the European Union, that aims to leverage the emissions reduction potential of digital solutions across all sectors.(2) About NEC’s smart agriculture solution "CropScope"https://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/agri/index.html(3) The conditions under which this case study was conducted are as follows.(4) Calculated based on the tax-exempt agricultural diesel fuel consumption standards published by Taisetsu Agricultural Cooperative (Hokkaido) and the emission factor published by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (diesel fuel: 2.619 kgCOâ‚‚/L), assuming four tractor operations (tillage, seeding, intertillage, and harvesting).　(Reference: Agricultural Tax-Exempt Diesel Fuel Consumption Standards: http://www.jataisetu.or.jp/kouhou/R7menkeikikai.pdf (Japanese text), Emission Factors: https://www.env.go.jp/council/16pol-ear/y164-04/mat04.pdf (Japanese text)About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

NEC’s Face Recognition Walkthrough Gate for JR East railways wins “Best of the Best” at the “Red Dot Design Award 2026”

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TOKYO, Japan, June 12, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced that its Face Recognition Walkthrough Gate, which has been used in a field test on the Joetsu bullet train conducted with the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and JR East Mechatronics Co., Ltd. (JREM), a leading producer of station equipment, was named "Best of the Best," the highest honor awarded at the "Red Dot Design Award 2026."The Red Dot Design Award, established in Germany in 1955, is one of the world’s largest product design awards. It attracts approximately 20,000 entries annually from over 60 countries and regions. Among these, the Best of the Best award, given to only about 1% of all entries, is a highly honorable distinction reserved exclusively for products deemed to be setting new global standards.About the Face Recognition Walkthrough GateThe Face Recognition Walkthrough Gate utilizes NEC’s world-leading face recognition technology (*) to ensure secure identity verification. Face recognition allows users to enter and exit smoothly without using IC cards or other devices. Furthermore, since the face recognition system can be easily installed with existing ticket gates, it can be quickly and effectively implemented.Reasons for the award- Creating a new passenger experience: User Experience Design utilizing the world’s No. 1 face recognition technology- Low-profile, flat design with no protrusions: A design that widens the field of view and prioritizes the safety of users and the area around the ticket gates- Ease of Installation: A sustainable design that is easily installed with existing infrastructureGoing forward, NEC will continue to promote the creation of solutions that actively incorporate advanced technologies, with the goal of realizing walkthrough ticket gates that allow a wide variety of people to enter and exit smoothly.(*) NEC ranked No.1 numerous times in face recognition vendor tests conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Evaluation results do not represent recommendations by the U.S. government for specific products. NEC Press Release: "NEC Face Recognition Ranks First in NIST Accuracy Testing" https://www.nec.com/en/press/202603/global_20260309_02.htmlAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

The USMNT’s 2026 Mirage: Why Betting on ‘Captain America’ is a Fool’s Errand

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Lucas CaldwellThe optimism surrounding the US men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup is a classic case of home-field delusion. While the tournament returns to North American soil for the first time since 1994, the actual performance metrics under Mauricio Pochettino suggest a team struggling to find its identity. Recent losses to Panama and Canada in the Concacaf Nations League, combined with failures against Germany, Portugal, and Belgium, paint a grim picture. A lone win against Senegal does little to mask the systemic cracks in a squad that lacks the tactical cohesion required to compete on the global stage.The USMNT faces a balanced Group D, featuring Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. DraftKings lists the US as the favorite at +140, but the betting lines ignore the reality of their recent form. The schedule kicks off on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, followed by a June 19 clash with Australia at Lumen Field, and a final group match against Turkey on June 25. These are not pushovers. Each opponent brings a specific brand of grit that has historically exposed the Americans' defensive lapses and lack of composure under pressure.John Harkes, a veteran of the 1990 and 1994 squads, correctly identifies that talent alone is insufficient. He notes that resilience and luck are the true arbiters of World Cup success. While the US possesses individual stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun, the team has yet to prove it can function as a unified machine. Pulisic remains the focal point, but relying on a single forward to carry the load is a strategy that has failed repeatedly in previous tournaments. Defensive stability remains the team's most glaring, unresolved liability.The broader game theory of the 48-team tournament structure favors teams with deep, disciplined rosters rather than those relying on individual brilliance. The US has qualified for nine of the last 10 World Cups, yet they consistently hit a ceiling in the Round of 16. This pattern is not a coincidence. It is a reflection of a program that prioritizes marketing hype over the grueling, unglamorous work of building a defensive-first culture. The current betting odds of +6000 to win the tournament are a testament to the market’s willingness to capitalize on casual fan sentiment.Interest groups and federation politics often prioritize high-profile friendlies over the tactical drilling needed to survive the knockout stages. The reliance on players like Matt Freese in goal and the uncertainty surrounding Chris Richards’ health highlight a thin margin for error. If the US advances from the group stage, they will likely face a more tactically sophisticated opponent that will exploit these exact vulnerabilities. The gap between the USMNT’s perceived potential and their actual on-field output is widening, not closing, as the tournament date approaches.The US will likely scrape through the group stage only to be dismantled by a superior defensive side in the Round of 32.Author bio: Lucas Caldwell, a tech opinion leader with millions of followers on X/Twitter, specializes in dissecting industry trends and exposing the gap between corporate narratives and raw performance data.

47 Macao Trips & a Suspended Sentence: Why This Korean Monk’s Scandal Is a Wake-Up Call for Asian Buddhism

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Adrian Kingsley A top South Korean Buddhist monk’s gambling spree has dealt a blow to public trust in religious institutions. The former abbot of Beopjusa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was found guilty of habitual overseas gambling. The Cheongju District Court sentenced him to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. He must do 80 hours of community service. Prosecutors proved he made 47 trips to Macao and other places between May 2015 and September 2019. He played baccarat and slots—both illegal for South Koreans abroad. He denied baccarat but admitted slots. Beopjusa Temple, in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea. (Image: MeganYoungmee [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Beopjusa Temple dates to 553 CE. It has a 33-meter bronze Buddha and the country’s only five-story wooden pagoda. The court noted his prior gambling record but suspended the sentence due to partial confession. Last year, Thailand’s Wat Rai Khing Temple head was disrobed for embezzling $9M to gamble online. Religious institutions across Asia must strengthen internal checks to rebuild public trust. Author bio: Adrian Kingsley, an internationally renowned scholar specializing in public administration and social policy research.

The Busted $800K Vietnam Betting Ring Exposes A Growing 2026 World Cup Problem

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Jonathan Barrett Illegal online gambling doesn't exist without cheap, accessible consumer tech tools today. Every major international soccer tournament brings a sharp surge of unregulated activity across Southeast Asia. This bust of an $800K ring in Da Nang isn't just a small pre-tournament win for local police. It shows how quickly unlicensed betting rings adapt to everyday digital tools to scale their operations right before the 2026 World Cup kickoff. Da Nang police shut the ring down right on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They arrested seven people across eight simultaneous raids in four central Vietnamese districts. Fifty combined police and army personnel joined the coordinated operation. They seized over $8,800 in cash and bank funds, plus mobile phones and other electronic devices. A 150-page bet register was recovered, linking the ring to both soccer betting and illegal local lotteries. The ring was led by two local men, 39-year-old Le Trung Hai and 35-year-old Nguyen Quang Hieu. All seven suspects confessed to organizing and participating in gambling during initial questioning. The ring started taking soccer bets in January, and pulled $800,000 in less than six months of operation. It processed hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong in daily transactions, using chat apps and SMS to run all operations. Vietnam is a soccer-mad nation, and illegal betting always spikes during big international tournaments. Authorities already took down dozens of betting rings around Euro 2024 earlier this year. A separate $4 million illegal online gambling ring was busted in Quang Tri Province just months ago. This pre-World Cup raid comes right after cyberpolice issued a public warning against illegal betting sites across the country. Thai police are also launching their own crackdown, with the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok warning citizens to avoid involvement. Low-tech digital tools make it easy for small local rings to set up shop with almost no overhead. Unlike big offshore betting sites, these local groups use everyday consumer apps that fly under basic regulatory radar. They don't need fancy custom websites to process bets, payouts or digital ticket sales. This makes them much harder to track than large, well-known unlicensed platforms. The pre-World Cup crackdown targets these small, agile operations before they can scale up for the tournament. More small, app-based illegal betting rings will be busted across Southeast Asia before the 2026 World Cup concludes. Author bio: Jonathan Barrett, lead focus editor for an independent overseas public affairs weekly covering Southeast Asian regulatory affairs.

Stanley Cup Game 5: Why 84% of Bettors Are Chasing the Over (And the Smart Play Is Carolina’s Moneyline)

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Logan Pierce The Stanley Cup Game 5 isn’t just a hockey clash—it’s a betting market where public sentiment is screaming one thing, but the numbers tell a quieter, smarter story. Everyone’s chasing the over, but the real edge lies in Carolina’s home ice and a captain playing like he’s got something to prove. Carolina hosts Vegas at Lenovo Center tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The series is tied 2-2 after Carolina’s 5-3 win in Vegas Tuesday. DraftKings has Carolina as a -162 favorite, with a total of 6.5 (up a full goal since the first four games all went over). 84% of the money and 81% of tickets are still on the over tonight. The best bet isn’t the Hurricanes’ -1.5 puckline at +164—series leads are too fragile. Vegas came back from two goals down Tuesday, and Carolina’s been just as resilient. But Carolina’s home record is 7-2 this postseason. ESPN’s Steve Levy says their crowd noise is real, not fake like other arenas. Seth Jarvis scored the OT game-winner in their last home game. For Carolina, Jordan Staal is a lock for over 0.5 points (+120). He’s scored a goal in each of the first four games—only the fourth player in Stanley Cup history to do that. He had two goals in Game4 and nine shots in the last two. The 37-year-old captain is top-four for Conn Smythe at +550. Vegas’s Mitch Marner is worth a bet for over 0.5 goals (+215). He’s on a four-game point streak, with a hat trick and assist in Game3 (missed a penalty shot). He leads the NHL with 29 playoff points and is the Conn Smythe favorite at -105. Ray Ferraro calls him consistently great, with the team build letting him shine. Tonight, Carolina will take the game, but the over will hit—don’t sleep on Marner’s ability to keep Vegas in the fight until the final minutes. Author bio: Logan Pierce, independent business researcher focusing on sports betting market trends and corporate governance analysis.

81% Net Income Crash: What’s Really Killing The Las Vegas Strip

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Christian Pierce Las Vegas Strip casinos posted an 81% year-on-year net income drop in 2025. Tourists say they are being priced out of hotels, food and even gambling. Local insiders claim the market just needs time to recalibrate. Big construction projects are still moving forward. Industry watchers are already asking if Sin City is dying. Nevada Gaming Control Board data confirms total Strip revenues fell 4% in 2025. Expenses kept rising while visitor numbers dropped 7.5% for the full year. That is the lowest visitor count since the 1970s, outside of COVID restrictions. The number of Strip casinos clearing $1 million in gaming revenue fell from 54 to 51. This trend does not extend to casinos off the Strip. Downtown Las Vegas saw gaming revenue rise almost 2% last year. Non-Boulder Strip Clark County revenues rose nearly 5% to $2.1 billion. Off-Strip casinos mostly target local Nevada residents. They do not rely on international or cross-country tourists. Strip casinos cut 1.6% of their staff in the past 12 months. The sector has cut 15,500 jobs over the past seven years. Debt-ridden giants like Caesars and MGM are takeover targets. Moguls Tilman Fertitta and Barry Diller are eyeing deals for these legacy operators. Michael Green of UNLV says job loss concerns are fully justified. Early 2026 data points to a small potential recovery for the Strip. April win revenues hit almost $700 million, up 7% from 2025. Revenues also rose year-over-year in both February and March. Barry Diller still calls the Strip an irreplaceable entertainment nucleus. The Strip’s core business model relies on cashed-up out-of-town tourists. Affordability issues are chasing those core customers away. Local casinos pick up the slack the Strip leaves behind. Consolidation of the Strip into fewer, larger hands is already locked in. Author bio: Christian Pierce, chief financial columnist covering US leisure and hospitality industry trends.

Bags of Seized Casino Cash Expose Russia’s Gambling Policy Deadlock

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Adrian Kingsley The FSB’s recent raid on an illegal online casino payment processor isn’t just a routine law enforcement win. It lays bare a years-long regulatory failure that let unvetted fintech workarounds thrive. Millions in untaxed revenue flowed out of formal oversight channels for years, even as officials knew the gaps existed. No amount of seized luxury cars or cash bags can hide the split at the heart of Russia’s gambling rulemaking. Official statements say 24 people were arrested in joint FSB and Investigative Committee raids. Officers seized large cash sums, luxury goods, and high-end vehicles across 24 residential addresses and four office sites. The platform processed payments for 15 known online casino brands including Pin-Up, 888Casino, and MelBet. Eight suspects are in pre-indictment custody, and eight more are on the national wanted list. Investigators are still calculating the total value of processed illicit funds. Svetlana Petrenko, the head of media relations at the Russian Investigative Committee. (Image: @sledcom_press/Telegram) Online gambling has been illegal in Russia since 2018, when banks were ordered to block overseas betting platform transactions. Enforcement ramped up sharply this year, with payment gateway FreeKassa shutting domestic operations in February after a media exposé linked it to illegal casinos. The Finance Ministry has pushed a controversial legalization plan that would impose a 30% annual tax on licensed operators, claiming it would raise hundreds of millions in annual revenue. Lawmakers and security agencies have pushed back against the proposal, citing concerns over rising gambling addiction in poor, remote regions. This latest raid is a clear signal security forces are winning the policy tug of war for now. Any formal legalization push will remain deadlocked until security and public health concerns are fully addressed alongside revenue targets. Author bio: Adrian Kingsley, an internationally renowned scholar specializing in public administration and cross-national social policy system research.

Go, China’s Timeless Game, Now a Gambling Target: Courts Draw the Line Between Fun and Felony

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Elena Rostova Go, China’s ancient board game (called wei qi locally), is at a regulatory crossroads. Casual cash bets among friends are common, but organized rings are turning it into a criminal enterprise. The line between fun and crime is getting sharper. The Linxia Intermediate People’s Court recently sentenced two Go club operators in Gansu Province. Deng launched the club in October 2023, initially charging for tea. Next year, he used a WeChat group (200 members) to offer cash games: winners got 100 yuan minus a 10% commission. Police raided the club, finding 394,900 yuan in bets. Deng claimed commissions covered overheads, but the court ruled his profit motive (boosting club popularity) made it a crime. The court also warned teahouses are becoming gambling hotspots. Compliance rules are clear: casual bets between friends are allowed, but organized groups with commissions face jail (up to three years) and fines. Operators must stay legal. The end result? Stricter checks on teahouses, pushing players to keep Go games small and informal to avoid trouble. Author bio: Elena Rostova, public policy expert specializing in compliance assessments for governments and sovereign wealth funds.

Sorsby Ruling Unveils NCAA’s Authority Quandary: Schools Boycott, Penalties in Disarray

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(AsiaGameHub) -   By: Christian Pierce The judge’s decision to reinstate Brendan Sorsby for college football sparked uproar. Melinda Roth, a sports law professor, noted the backlash. Georgia and Nebraska told coaches to avoid Texas Tech. Big 12 leaders discussed the matter. Roth balanced views. She praised mandated treatment for Sorsby’s gambling and anxiety. Other athletes with betting issues faced long suspensions. The NCAA’s authority is slipping due to NIL rulings and a $2.57B settlement. Sorsby’s $6M deal shows students’ power. The NCAA may appeal, but inconsistent penalties frustrate. Betting on one’s team is a key issue. The NCAA needs clearer rules, but its appeal has a chance. Author bio: Christian Pierce, chief financial columnist focusing on sports business and regulatory shifts.

Mitsubishi Motors to Launch All-New Eclipse Sportback EV in the United States and Canada

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TOKYO, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) and Mitsubishi Motors Sales of Canada, Inc. (MMSCAN), its sales companies in the United States and Canada, respectively, will begin sales of the all-new Eclipse Sportback in the second half of 2026. The model is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) supplied by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Nissan) on an OEM basis.The all-new Eclipse Sportback is an electric subcompact SUV that combines sporty styling with strong environmental performance. Designed for a variety of driving needs, it offers practicality across a range of uses, from everyday driving to leisure activities. In the exterior design, Mitsubishi Motors has applied its own distinctive modifications to express its unique identity. These elements include the front and rear bumpers, front grille, headlights and rear combination lamps, rear gate, as well as the D-pillars and wheels along the sides.As Alliance partners, Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan are actively pursuing collaboration that strengthens the businesses of both companies through product initiatives that are mutually complementary. These efforts include collaborative projects involving new pickup trucks for the North American market and kei-cars for the Japanese market. OEM arrangements also support these activities, with Mitsubishi Motors supplying Nissan with the Rogue Plug-in Hybrid for North America, the Navara for Oceania, and the Livina for the Philippines, while procuring the Versa Van for the Philippine market from Nissan. As a further step, Mitsubishi Motors will receive the all-new Eclipse Sportback from Nissan on an OEM basis for the U.S. and Canadian markets.Mitsubishi Motors will continue to leverage a range of partnerships to expand its product lineup and accelerate efforts to improve profitability. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Bosch Home Comfort Group and Hitachi Group agree to collaborate on Intelligent connectivity and diagnosis solutions for Commercial Air Conditioning based on “HMAX for Buildings”

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TOKYO, Japan, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Bosch Home Comfort Group, the HVAC *1 business unit of Robert Bosch GmbH (“Bosch”) and Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”), Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc. (“Hitachi GLS”) have agreed to collaborate on "HMAX for Buildings" - a suite of building management solutions that combine Bosch’s and Hitachi's domain knowledge in commercial HVAC with advanced AI. This collaboration aims to accelerate global expansion by maximizing the lifetime value of equipment in mission-critical facilities that require continuous operation, such as office buildings, commercial complexes, universities, hospitals, and factories.In recent years, the building management environment has faced complex and sophisticated challenges. These include labor shortages driven by a shrinking workforce, the need for decarbonization amid global boiling, and rising energy costs, alongside growing demands for operational efficiency due to the increasing sophistication and complexity of facility management tasks. Furthermore, the focus has shifted beyond initial equipment installation costs to maximizing the lifetime value of assets, including their operation and maintenance. To address these challenges, initiatives aimed at optimizing operations and achieving energy savings through the utilization of equipment data have become increasingly vital.Therefore, through the collaboration between the Bosch Home Comfort Group and the Hitachi Group, we aim to maximize the value delivered to our customers and expand our business globally by connecting HVAC equipment with digital services. Specifically, by integrating Bosch Home Comfort Group's HVAC equipment management and visualization solution, "air Cloud Pro," with Hitachi Group's "exiida" (an HVAC IoT solution under "BuilMirai" that is "HMAX for Buildings"), Bosch Home Comfort Group's HVAC systems will connect to "BuilMirai". This will enable advanced, integrated operation and management of building facilities, including remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy management. Through these capabilities, we will contribute to maximizing asset lifetime value by optimizing facility maintenance costs, minimizing downtime, and reducing energy expenses.As part of this collaboration, the companies will proceed with verifying effectiveness through trials, while deepening their partnership to sophisticated services. *1 HVAC: Abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. At Hitachi GLS, which belongs to the Urban Solutions & Services Business Unit Group of Hitachi’s Connective Industries (CI) Sector, we provide facility services that maximize lifetime value for customers and transform industries globally, contributing to a prosperous society. We achieve this through the combination of strong products and HMAX for Buildings, a next generation suite of solutions that combine data from an extensive installed base of digitalized assets with domain knowledge and advanced AI.Bosch Home Comfort GroupThe Bosch Home Comfort Group is a global provider of efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions with an innovative product portfolio adapted to regional needs. Following its landmark strategic acquisition in the residential and light commercial HVAC business in August 2025, the company unites a comprehensive portfolio of global and regional brands, including Bosch, Buderus, Hitachi, and YORK®. The Bosch Home Comfort Group employs 24,000 people worldwide and has a strong market presence in the Americas, Asia, and Europe / Middle East / Africa, with an international production development network at more than 50 locations. The Bosch Home Comfort Group generated sales of around 4.4 billion euros in 2025 (excluding the newly acquired units).Trademarks: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com. About Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc.Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Hitachi Global Life Solutions, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi GLS is responsible for sale of (and provision of engineering and maintenance services for) home appliances, air conditioning equipment and other equipment and devices; and provision of products and solutions utilizing digital technologies. Based on the idea of "More smiles to life for one and all. A more comfortable tomorrow for people and society. With innovations that deliver happiness to the world, we open new doors to the future.", we seek to gain a closer understanding of customer lifestyles. By resolving individual customer lifestyle issues, through well-designed and sophisticated products and services utilizing of the Hitachi Group's value chain and digital technologies, we aspire to be a company that contributes to improving the quality of life for customers around the world. https://corp.hitachi-gls.co.jp/en  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Hitachi and Google Cloud expand strategic alliance to accelerate real-world deployment of physical AI through FDE and advanced cybersecurity solutions

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TOKYO, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") today announced the expansion of its strategic alliance*1 with Google Cloud to support customers by accelerating the real-world deployment of physical AI and cybersecurity solutions to protect against AI generated threats. Garnering increasing attention, physical AI is a technology that connects AI-driven analysis and decision-making—derived from frontline data—to concrete actions such as autonomous control and operation of various devices and equipment. Continuously repeating this cycle enables optimal AI decision-making and execution tailored to each specific situation. Through the real-world deployment of physical AI, Hitachi is driving the transformation of social infrastructure.To realize this critical mission, through the strategic alliance, Hitachi will establish and globally deploy Hitachi's Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) model that leverages its strengths in IT, OT, and products cultivated through Lumada, together with Google Cloud’s advanced AI. FDEs are specialists that embed directly with customers, providing end-to-end support. Their work can include everything from identifying management challenges, to early validation of value through building proof-of-concepts (PoCs), to agile implementation to helping deploy projects into operations. Hitachi’s DNA includes a long history of practicing “on-site-oriented engineering,” working closely with customers to identify and solve challenges together, from discovery through resolution—an approach with strong similarities to the FDE model. Hitachi’s consultants and AI Transformation (AX) experts with deep expertise across a wide range of industries, together with Hitachi’s U.S. subsidiary Global Logic’s AI-native software engineers, will collaborate with Google Cloud’s leading engineers to support customers.The teams will work closely with Hitachi’s Frontier AI Deployment Center to further enhance HMAX by Hitachi, a next-generation suite of AI-powered solutions that helps drive social infrastructure innovation, by leveraging Gemini Enterprise, an advanced agentic platform that brings the best of Google AI to employees. Leveraging the enhanced HMAX as a core platform, the two companies will help frontline workers through the autonomous execution of complex operations. Furthermore, a data platform that allows domain knowledge gained from FDE activities to be reused as assets will enable Hitachi to deliver value to a wide range of customers at scale.In the field of physical AI, where AI directly connects with the real world, more robust security than ever before is essential. AI is also changing the cybersecurity landscape. Adversaries are actively leveraging AI models to accelerate vulnerability discovery and automate exploit generation at an unprecedented scale. In fact, research from Mandiant M-Trends 2026*2 by Google Cloud reveals that AI advancements have compressed cyberattack timelines significantly. To mitigate these risks, Hitachi’s Cyber Center of Excellence will partner with Google Cloud to deliver Google Cloud Security, including its Google AI Threat Defense*3 platform alongside Hitachi’s mission-critical domain knowledge to support customer security operations. This collaboration aims to securely scale physical AI value creation on a global level.BackgroundSince forming their alliance in May 2024, the two companies have advanced initiatives to create value through AI. As part of Hitachi’s “Customer Zero” approach, the company conducted a technical validation using Gemini Enterprise for maintenance and inspection work at Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., which serves the power and industrial domains. The validation confirmed the potential to improve quality and efficiency*4, while also demonstrating Gemini Enterprise’s strong applicability to OT domains such as manufacturing and infrastructure. The trial also highlighted a shared understanding of the importance of specialists who, by taking a field-oriented, hands-on approach, can identify on-site constraints and, in an agile manner, create value and implement solutions to safely integrate advanced AI with operational equipment, business systems, and the tacit knowledge of experienced workers.Hitachi is now accelerating efforts to enhance AI literacy by introducing Gemini Enterprise within its Digital Systems & Services Sector, which leads AX, and by advancing numerous PoC projects where frontline employees actively utilize AI.Based on these proven results across the Hitachi Group, Google Cloud and Hitachi will expand their strategic alliance to safely scale the deployment of physical AI in customer production environments.New Initiatives under the Strategic Alliance1. Accelerating Physical AI Deployment through the Enhancement of FDEs CapabilitiesWorking closely with top engineers from Google Cloud, Hitachi’s consultants and AX experts, together with Global Logic’s AI-native software engineers, will further accelerate the development of Hitachi’s FDE capabilities. To leverage continuously evolving AI technologies in business and operational environments, the companies will use an agile approach that enables rapid validation and adaptation to change. Unlike conventional system integration approaches that build systems based on predefined customer requirements, this FDE model practiced by these teams will present and validate their effectiveness in actual operations. This approach enables customers to visualize return on investment in advance, minimize risks, and create business value through AI at high speed. 2. Advancing Solutions to Frontline Challenges through HMAX EnhancementBoth companies will enhance HMAX by integrating Gemini Enterprise’s agentic AI and multimodal Gemini models. Capable of simultaneously processing and understanding diverse data such as on-site camera footage and vast sensor data, Gemini Enterprise complements physical AI systems that autonomously operate by capturing real-world conditions. Leveraging these technological characteristics and incorporating use cases, such as maintenance and inspection using image comparison, Hitachi will promote autonomous operations in complex manufacturing and social infrastructure environments. To realize this, Hitachi will integrate its proprietary domain knowledge with Google Cloud’s agent-ready data technologies into Hitachi’s data platform. By doing so, Hitachi aims to create scalable business outcomes that go beyond the provision of AI services and establish new business models in the infrastructure sector.3. Next Generation Cybersecurity for AI Era ThreatsIn response to cybersecurity threats, the two companies will jointly deliver autonomous next generation security solutions. These solutions leverage Google Cloud Security technologies and services, including Wiz for automated risk reduction and comprehensive visibility into cloud and AI risks and Mandiant Consulting for cyber threat expertise, alongside Hitachi’s experience in mission-critical system integration in industries such as railways, energy, and finance, as well as its global OT knowledge. Its effectiveness has already been demonstrated through a “Customer Zero” approach, including the adoption of Google Security Operations across Hitachi Group companies globally. Both Google Cloud and Hitachi will continue efforts to expand proposals to customers going forward.Furthermore, the practical expertise and AI deployment technologies developed on the frontlines will be folded into the Frontier AI Deployment Center’s resources. By sharing these advanced insights widely among system engineers in Japan, Hitachi will strengthen FDEs across the Hitachi Group. These efforts will enable Hitachi to accelerate the FDE model rollout and advance AI on a global scale.Comment from Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud“Combining Hitachi’s deep domain knowledge, Global Logic’s engineering strength, and Google Cloud’s advanced AI and engineering resources represents an innovative approach to accelerating AI transformation in real-world environments. This partnership will better empower customers to implement AI agents and create value faster. In addition, by integrating Google Cloud Security’s advanced solutions with Hitachi’s expertise in mission-critical domains, we will help enable our customers to innovate within a secure, trusted environment for the AI era.”Comment from Jun Abe, Executive Vice President, Head of Digital Systems & Services Sector,Hitachi“Hitachi has been proactively promoting the introduction and practical use of Gemini Enterprise at scale as Customer Zero, and has experienced significant improvements in operational efficiency and productivity as a result. The expansion of this strategic alliance is intended to enable both companies to take on more complex challenges, based on the enhanced development of FDE capabilities. By combining the world’s most advanced AI implementation approaches developed by Google Cloud with Hitachi’s co-creation approach and Global Logic’s outstanding digital engineering capabilities, we aim to create value from physical AI in customers’ business environments. Furthermore, to deliver this value safely, we will integrate Hitachi’s expertise in building mission-critical systems with Google Cloud Security’s advanced technology and services, protect social infrastructure from threats in the AI era, and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.”*1 Hitachi’s press release issued on May 28, 2024 Hitachi and Google Cloud Announce Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Innovation and Productivity with Generative AI : Hitachi Global*2 Source: https://cloud.google.com/blog/en/topics/threat-intelligence/m-trends-2026?hl=en*3 Google Cloud announcement on May 28,2026: Introducing Google AI Threat Defense to help you outpace the adversary | Google Cloud Blog*4 Hitachi’s press release issued on October 10, 2025 Hitachi Advances Strategic Alliance with Google Cloud to Empower Frontline Workers with Field-Specific AI AgentsAbout HMAX & LumadaTrademark Notice: All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective owners.About Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, well being, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

Toyota to participate in the “1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience 2026,” a special program of the historic Italian rally, the 1000 Miglia

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Toyota City, Japan, June 10, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) will participate in the 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience 2026 (Miglia Gran Turismo), a special program for the 1000 Miglia 2026 to be held in Brescia, Italy, over five days from June 9 to 13, 2026 (Japan time). This marks the first time*1 that a Japanese manufacturer has entered vehicles in a 1000 Miglia-related event.First-generation Crown Model RS, Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15, Toyota 2000GT Model MF10L, Supra Model JZA80, Lexus LFAThe 1000 Miglia originated as a public road race held in Italy from 1927 to 1957, with the aim of demonstrating the technological value of production vehicles, including their performance, durability, and safety. The name of the race derives from its 1,000-mile (approximately 1,600 km) distance, and the sight of cars racing through Italy's scenic landscapes earned it the title of "the world's most beautiful race."Today, as a historic rally that carries on that spirit, the event is limited to cars that retain their original form from 1927 to 1957. It serves as a celebration of automotive art that honors beauty, function, tradition, and history, attracting iconic cars from around the world and leading the way in European automotive culture.The 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience, in which Toyota will participate on this occasion, is a new event organized by Polyphony Digital Inc., the developer of the Gran Turismo series of real driving simulators, in collaboration with the 1000 Miglia, with the aim of enabling a wider range of classic cars to take part.Toyota views the 1000 Miglia as one of the origins of "ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports." With deep respect for the event's tradition and prestige, Toyota will participate in the support event, the 1000 Miglia Gran Turismo Experience, entering five vehicles that represent Toyota's history, its pursuit of ever-better carmaking through motorsports, and Japanese automotive culture.The team's goal is to complete the 1,000-mile course with a first-generation Crown, which celebrated the 70th anniversary of its launch last January, in the lead.In addition, Toyota's participation gives it an opportunity to learn firsthand from the automotive culture deeply rooted in both the event and the surrounding region. Under the slogan of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, "Let's make cars a part of Japan's culture," Toyota will also work to foster exchange between European and Japanese automotive cultures and build relationships with like-minded partners to further expand automotive culture together.*1 Based on Toyota's researchVehicles Entering the RallyFive vehicles that have led the pursuit of "ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports"First-generation Crown Model RSThe first-generation Crown Model RS was launched in January 1955 as Japan's first fully domestically produced passenger car. It embarked on a 50,000-kilometer drive from London to Tokyo in 1956, completing the journey in eight months. In 1957, it became the first Japanese vehicle to compete in the Round Australia Rally and successfully completed the event. It celebrated its 70th anniversary in January 2025.Toyota Sports 800 Model UP15Launched in April 1965 as Toyota's first two-seat sports car, it was derived from the Publica Sports and retained an aerodynamically focused functional design. It won its debut race at the 1965 All Japan Automobile Club Championship, and went on to win the inaugural Suzuka 500 km Race in 1966 by completing the full 500-kilometer distance without refueling.Toyota 2000GT Model MF10LDeveloped with the aim of creating a true grand tourer capable of competing on the world stage. In 1966, it captured global attention by setting three world records and 13 international records during speed trials. In Japan, it also achieved a one-two finish in the Fuji 24 Hours Race, a precursor to today's Super Taikyu Series.Supra Model JZA80The Supra (Model JZA80) embodied a new vision for sports cars as "THE SPORTS OF TOYOTA," maximizing driving performance while also delivering environmental and safety performance. It also represents the origins of Morizo, Toyota's master driver. The model further distinguished itself in the JGTC (now SUPER GT), where it delivered strong performances.Lexus LFAThe Lexus LFA expressed the ultimate "emotion and sensation" derived from the joy of driving as the pinnacle of the "F" series, representing the Lexus brand's premium sports cars.From the development stage, it was rigorously honed at the Nürburgring under the guidance of the late Hiromu Naruse, then Toyota's master driver. It went on to achieve a total of five class victories across two classes at the Nürburgring 24 Hours Race.Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/  Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com