(AsiaGameHub) - Following a Polymarket case connected to Nicolas Maduro that led to criminal charges against a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, federal and state officials are tightening restrictions on prediction market trading by public employees.
Good to Know
DOJ reports Gannon Ken Van Dyke earned roughly $400,000 from trading on Polymarket.
The trades were linked to the January capture of Nicolas Maduro.
New York now prohibits state employees from using confidential information in event contracts.
The Maduro Case Becomes a Test for Prediction Market Rules
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was the first to act on regulations for public employees this week, signing an executive order that bans state workers from using confidential information to trade event contracts. The White House had already warned its own staff against similar conduct on prediction market platforms. Hochul said:
“Profiting from bets using insider information is straightforward corruption, no question. Our actions will guarantee that public servants work for the people they represent, not for their own personal financial gain.”
The federal case that has given this debate real urgency centers on Gannon Ken Van Dyke. According to ABC News, DOJ alleges the special forces soldier placed more than $33,000 worth of Polymarket trades ahead of the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Prosecutors state he later profited roughly $400,000 from the trades.Maduro and his wife were extracted by U.S. forces in January. Shortly after the operation, traders and outside observers raised concerns about insider trading surrounding Polymarket contracts tied to the event. DOJ alleges Van Dyke had access to nonpublic government information and used it to earn personal profit.
The indictment includes multiple federal charges, such as unlawful use of confidential information for personal gain, theft of nonpublic government information, commodities fraud, and wire fraud. Authorities also say Van Dyke attempted to delete his Polymarket account after concerns about the trades became public.
The indictment stated:
“Instead of safeguarding that information as he was required to do, Van Dyke chose to use that classified information to place trades on a prediction market platform for his own personal profit.“Van Dyke later tried to hide his illegal use of classified U.S. Government information by attempting to cover up the source of his illegal proceeds and disguise his connection to the accounts linked to the unlawful trades.”
Polymarket has faced other allegations of misuse of insider information in recent months. Markets connected to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei drew similar concerns. In December, one user correctly predicted 22 out of 23 Google search-related markets on Polymarket and collected more than $1 million in a single day.
Congress has also joined the debate. Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced a bill in January that would ban federal employees from using prediction markets, adding another layer to the growing dispute over event contracts, public officials, and confidential information.
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the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Parallel TCG is now live, providing Parallel Studios with a broader pathway to reach players following years of PC testing, card set releases, and esports investments.
(AsiaGameHub) - Good to Know
Parallel collectibles have amassed $125 million in secondary market trading volume.
Parallel Studios secured an additional $35 million in funding in March 2024.
The Parallel League Championship has featured prize pools of $250,000, $1 million, and $2 million.
Parallel’s Mobile Launch Opens Up A Broader Testing Ground
Parallel makes its mobile debut with a distinct profile compared to many older Web3 gaming projects. Instead of forcing every player into crypto features, the game uses NFTs as an optional layer. Players can leverage these assets to boost PRIME earnings, but the core trading card game remains free-to-play and cross-platform.
This setup gives Parallel Studios a stronger chance to connect with card game players who prioritize gameplay over tokens. The project started during the NFT boom but has since shifted its focus more heavily toward competitive TCG design, esports, and regular card expansions.
The long development journey began with a closed beta in July 2023. Planetfall, the first expansion set, arrived in October. Parallel then entered open beta in February 2024 after introducing a free-to-play model on PC. A month later, the studio secured $35 million in fresh funding.Market conditions didn’t make the path easy. PRIME once hit $28 but later dropped by more than 98%. Even so, Parallel Studios continued adding content: the game launched on the Epic Games Store, followed by Aftermath, an expansion with 90 new cards.
In 2025, Deception launched and adjusted the economy for older cards by cutting the supply of earlier sets by 90%. Parallel Studios also tested Android access in the Philippines to refine the mobile experience before rolling out the game globally.
Esports is now a central part of the studio’s plan. The first Parallel League Championship took place at HyperX Arena in Las Vegas with a $250,000 prize pool. Later seasons raised the stakes to $1 million and $2 million.
With iOS and Android access now available, Parallel TCG can test whether a polished free-to-play card game with optional NFT utility can draw a wider audience beyond the Web3 gaming community.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Web3 gaming has seen a value drop of roughly $15 billion as investor interest wanes for token-based games, NFT initiatives, and GameFi frameworks that prioritize speculation over actual player needs.
Good to Know
Caladan reports that 93% of GameFi projects are no longer active.
GameFi token prices have plummeted by approximately 95% since their 2022 peak.
Over 300 blockchain gaming ventures have shut down.
Token Hype Outpaced The Actual Games
The Web3 gaming slump is currently impacting both funding flows and player counts. Per a Caladan report, the majority of GameFi projects are inactive now, and crypto gaming token prices have dropped significantly from their 2022 highs.
The issue began with premature funding. Numerous blockchain games secured substantial funds via NFTs and digital tokens before completing their products. Pixelmon stands out as a stark example: it raised $70 million in 2022 without launching any significant playable content.
This model functioned only as long as new buyers continued to join. When investor interest tapered off, token prices declined, players departed, and many projects lacked meaningful gameplay to retain users. Axie Infinity illustrates the extent of this drop: its daily active users fell from roughly 2.7 million to around 5,500.Crypto games also had a limited audience. Coda Labs discovered that just 12% of gamers have ever tried crypto-focused games. This resulted in the Web3 gaming industry having far more capital than actual demand.
Funding trends shifted rapidly. In 2022, gaming accounted for 62.5% of all Web3 venture capital. By 2025, that proportion is projected to drop to single digits. Animoca Brands and other key investors have cut back on gaming investments and are now prioritizing sectors like stablecoins and AI.
Development timelines further exacerbated the problem. Sophisticated games can take three to five years to develop, but many GameFi tokens lost their value well before the games were completed. As token prices crashed, communities eroded, funding dried up, and over 300 blockchain gaming projects closed their doors.
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(AsiaGameHub) - A recent SSRN working paper indicates that Polymarket’s predictive accuracy stems less from collective crowd wisdom and more from a small group of traders with a distinct advantage. Researchers also flagged 1,950 accounts whose trading patterns may suggest the use of non-public information.
Good to Know
The study examined 1.72 million Polymarket accounts.
Only 3.14% were classified as skilled winners.
Flagged accounts earned an average of about $15,000 each.
Insider Trading Concerns Are at the Core
The paper, “Prediction Market Accuracy: Crowd Wisdom or Informed Minority?” was published on April 20, 2026, and revised on April 25. It was co-authored by Roberto Gomez-Cram, Yunhan Guo, and Howard Kung of London Business School, along with Theis Ingerslev Jensen of Yale University.
One segment of the research focused on potential insider trading. The authors identified 1,950 accounts with timing and conviction patterns that hinted at possible use of non-public information. These accounts also had significant price impacts when they traded.
One case involved three accounts that bought contracts tied to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro hours before a secret U.S S. military operation on January 3, 2026. Together, they made more than $630,000 in profits.This finding alters the framing of the Polymarket accuracy debate. Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi often present their price accuracy as a result of many participants pooling their views. The paper argues that the useful forecast signal came from a much smaller informed minority.
The authors reached this conclusion after analyzing Polymarket’s full transaction history, including 98,906 events, 210,322 markets, and $13.76 billion in total trading volume. They used a sign-randomization test to separate real skill from luck.
Only 3.14% of accounts qualified as skilled winners. These traders averaged 79 markets each, maintained profits outside the initial sample, and typically traded in the direction of final results. The other 96% either lost money or broke even due to chance.
Order flow data clearly showed this gap. A one percentage point increase in skilled net buying correlated with an 8 basis point rise in the probability of the correct final outcome. Lucky winners had positive balances, but their trades did not provide useful predictions of prices or outcomes.Polymarket also grew rapidly during the study period. Monthly volume rose from $3.3 million in December 2023 to $1.98 billion in December 2025. Active accounts increased from about 1,600 to more than 519,000. Even so, skill remained highly concentrated.
The researchers found that skill was also persistent. In a random split test, 44% of traders labeled skilled in training data retained that label in test data. Unskilled losers stayed unskilled 51% of the time. Skilled mutual funds kept their label only 10% of the time in a parallel test.
Scheduled news tests produced the same result. Around FOMC announcements and corporate earnings releases, only skilled traders adjusted their order imbalance in the direction of the news surprise. Other account groups showed no consistent reaction.
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(AsiaGameHub) - As part of a crackdown on online scam networks, illegal gambling, and foreign-linked fraud operations, Cambodia has mandated the closure of 91 casinos.
Key Points
Cambodia reports over 250 suspected scam centers have been raided in the last nine months.
Authorities have documented 13,039 deportations related to scam activities, involving individuals from 33 different nationalities.
A new law targeting online scams took effect on April 6, introducing penalties that can extend to life imprisonment in cases resulting in death.
Cambodia's Casino Closures Part of Broader Cybercrime Offensive
The Cambodian government has intensified its campaign against online scams by ordering the closure of 91 casinos accused of participating in fraudulent activities.
According to a government statement reported by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, authorities have conducted raids on more than 250 suspected scam centers over the past nine months. Officials also indicated that 241,888 individuals voluntarily departed Cambodia between mid-January and April 19 as enforcement measures were heightened.
China has also urged Cambodia to take action. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on April 22, advocating for more robust measures against cross-border gambling and online fraud, which Beijing has identified as a threat to public safety.Cambodia states that the casino closures are a component of a larger strategy to dismantle scam compounds, illicit online platforms, and criminal networks connected to foreign operators. The government also aims to enhance Cambodia's international reputation and strengthen domestic public order.
Legal frameworks have also been updated. Cambodia enacted a new anti-online scam law on April 6. Under this legislation, operators can face life imprisonment if scam activities lead to death, while organizers and other participants are subject to lengthy prison sentences.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Brazil has officially declared prediction markets unlawful, closing off access for operators like Polymarket in Latin America’s largest market. The announcement followed the National Monetary Council’s approval of a resolution that restricts which products qualify as derivatives.
Good to Know
Brazil stated that prediction markets cannot operate under derivatives regulations.
Anatel has already blocked 28 platforms offering event contracts.
The government notes that Law 14.790 only covers fixed odds betting and online games.
Brazil Affirms Event Contracts Lie Outside Legal Betting Guidelines
Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan and Miriam Belchior, Chief of Staff for the Presidency, announced the decision on Friday. The National Monetary Council’s resolution specifies that sports events, virtual gaming events, political outcomes, elections, social events, cultural activities, entertainment events, and similar results cannot serve as underlying assets for derivatives contracts.
This decision prevents prediction market operators from using financial market terminology to offer event contracts in Brazil. Instead, officials say these products resemble betting but fall outside the legal framework established for fixed odds betting and online gaming.
Belchior said:“Now, we are announcing that prediction markets will not be allowed in Brazil. We do not want to expose Brazilians to risks and financial losses.”
Enforcement actions have already begun. Anatel, Brazil’s national telecommunications agency, has blocked 28 prediction market platforms and plans to block new operators attempting to enter the country.
Durigan noted that the same approach used against illegal betting sites will apply here. Since the regulated online gambling market launched in January 2025, Brazil has blocked 39,000 unlicensed betting sites. He said the goal is to stop all illegal betting offerings, including products based on weather, politics, or other real-world events.
He said:“The product offered by these platforms is not eligible for regulation. The blocking action is due to non-compliance with the legislation. This market is not provided for in the legislation, and it will not be permitted for anyone to bet on whether it will rain tomorrow or not.”
Regis Dudena, Secretary of Economic Reforms, explained that Brazil’s betting rules were designed to organize a specific activity, not every type of event wager. He added that betting outside sports and online games remains prohibited.
Daniele Correa Cardoso, Secretary of Prizes and Betting, stated that authorized fixed odds betting platforms must follow existing public service rules. She added that prediction markets entered Brazil as bets disguised as derivatives, a model the government has not recognized.
This decision adds another layer to Brazil’s betting regulation following the 2025 launch of the legal online market. It also gives regulators a clearer basis to act against event contract platforms before they build scale among Brazilian users.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Boyd Gaming recorded a modest increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, overcoming headwinds from a softer Southern Nevada market and ongoing casino renovations. Revenue climbed to $997.4 million from $991.6 million in the prior-year period.
Good to Know
Boyd Gaming's Q1 revenue increased marginally to $997.4 million.
Net income dropped to $105.5 million, and adjusted EBITDAR decreased to $317.4 million.
Performance in Southern Nevada was impacted by reduced visitor demand and renovation activity at Suncoast.
Midwest Growth Helps Balance Las Vegas Pressure
Boyd Gaming experienced mixed performance across its properties during the quarter. Net income was $105.5 million, or $1.37 per share, versus $111.4 million, or $1.31 per share, in Q1 2025. Adjusted earnings decreased to $123.1 million, or $1.60 per share, from $137.7 million, or $1.62 per share. Total adjusted EBITDAR declined to $317.4 million from $337.5 million.
CEO Keith Smith stated:
“Our first-quarter performance demonstrates the advantages of our diversified operations, our effective drive for operational efficiency, and our continuing capital investment strategy.”The company achieved higher property-level revenue and adjusted EBITDAR, maintaining margins exceeding 39%. Smith highlighted more robust play from core and retail customers, particularly in the Midwest and South regions. This segment gained from recent capital expenditures, increased customer engagement, and a more favorable comparison to weather-related disruptions a year ago.
The online segment contributed positively to the quarter's results. Boyd noted that iGaming activities and third-party market access deals fueled digital expansion, continuing patterns observed in the latter half of 2025. Managed and Other revenue also saw an uptick due to increased management fees from the Sky River Casino in Northern California.
The situation in Southern Nevada contrasted with other regions. CFO Josh Hirsberg reported that the Las Vegas locals market declined by approximately $6.5 million compared to the previous year. Smith attributed this challenge to a drop in tourist visitation, with The Orleans property experiencing the most significant effect.
Renovations at the Suncoast created additional pressure. Construction moved into higher-traffic areas of the casino floor during the quarter, and the company anticipates the disruptions will persist until the project concludes late in the third quarter.Despite these challenges, Boyd continued to invest in its portfolio. The firm launched the Cadence Crossing Casino in Henderson on March 25, marking its first new build in over two decades. Smith reported that early customer feedback has been very positive.
Further developments are in the pipeline. Boyd is working on a $750 million resort project in Virginia and has secured regulatory clearance for an expansion and upgrade of Par-A-Dice in Illinois, where construction is slated to begin next year.
In Southern Nevada, Boyd is revamping the Suncoast casino floor and enhancing its dining and communal areas. A guest room renovation at The Orleans is scheduled for completion later in 2026, with a similar project at Suncoast to follow in the summer. The company also intends to commence a broader modernization of The Orleans in 2027.
During the quarter, Boyd introduced new dining options at Gold Coast, with additional upgrades planned for Fremont, Aliante, and Sam’s Town. The company also underscored the long-term vitality of the Southern Nevada market, where the population grew steadily over the last ten years to reach 2.4 million in the previous year.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Penn Entertainment kicked off 2026 with rising demand at retail locations and improved iCasino performance. The firm reported first-quarter revenue of $1.4 billion, with segment adjusted EBITDAR reaching $471.4 million.
Good to Know
Penn noted that Q1 saw its most significant retail expansion in three years.
The interactive division recorded $358.3 million in revenue alongside a $10.8 million adjusted EBITDA loss.
theScore Bet is preparing for its mobile sports wagering and iCasino debut in Alberta.
Retail Locations and iCasino Drive Penn’s Q1 Performance
Penn Entertainment experienced a surge in foot traffic at its regional properties, with guests spending more during their visits. CEO Jay Snowden highlighted that increased attendance and higher spending levels resulted in the most substantial quarterly growth for rated customer segments in three years.
Snowden remarked:
“Higher visitation rates and increased spending per guest across the company drove year-over-year growth in theoretical revenue for all rated segments, marking our best quarterly gain in three years.”Adjusted EBITDAR for the retail segment also saw year-over-year improvement, with steady demand persisting through April. Penn has directed capital toward several sites, including the M Resort in Nevada, Ameristar Black Hawk in Colorado, Hollywood Columbus in Ohio, and Hollywood Casino Aurora in Illinois.
Regional casinos continue to serve as a vital foundation for Penn, as many patrons reside near the venues. Snowden pointed out that the majority of regional guests live within a 30-minute commute, which helps mitigate the impact of rising costs like gasoline.
The company also highlighted improved performance from its digital wing. While the interactive segment brought in $358.3 million in revenue, it saw a $10.8 million adjusted EBITDA loss, which management attributed partly to expenses related to the upcoming launch of theScore Bet in Alberta.
The digital approach is now prioritizing iCasino more heavily. Penn reported a roughly 15% year-over-year increase in iCasino revenue, with standalone iCasino operations hitting record quarterly revenue in Q1 and a monthly peak in March.Chief Technology Officer Aaron LaBerge noted that while online sports betting has been more sluggish, online casino growth remains robust. He explained that the company has scaled back marketing in states that only offer sports betting, focusing instead on "hybrid" states that permit both iCasino and sports wagering.
Penn anticipates that Alberta will serve as a new growth engine for theScore Bet. Having secured regulatory approval from Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis, the company plans to offer both mobile sports betting and iCasino. Snowden mentioned that based on their Ontario experience, they expect to capture a similar market share in Alberta.
Snowden characterized 2026 as a year dedicated to operational execution, generating free cash flow, reducing corporate expenses, and maintaining disciplined capital allocation.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Next month, S&K Gaming will open 400 Horses Casino in Polson, Montana, launching a new tribal gaming property that features over 300 gaming machines, a full-service restaurant, and more than 75 new job openings.
Good to Know
The grand opening is scheduled for May 5 at 2 p.m.
The casino spans 34,000 square feet and is located off Irvine Flats Road.
60% of the casino’s revenue goes back to tribal communities to fund social services.
400 Horses Casino Brings New Tribal Gaming Space to Polson
The new 400 Horses Casino is located on a 79-acre tribal land parcel, with approximately 10 acres of that tract leased for the casino project. The land was incorporated into the city of Polson in 2023, which allows the casino to connect to municipal water and sewer systems instead of relying on a private well or septic drain field.
Construction kicked off on April 9, 2025, after final project plans received approval in late 2024. The development has been in motion since 2021, operated under the enterprise structure of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Inside the venue, S&K Gaming will offer Class II slot machines and electronic table games. Live table games are not planned for the casino’s launch. The casino will open with more than 300 gaming machines, and an additional 100 machines are expected to be added later. — Why Does Montana Have So Many Casinos? —
The property also includes 371 Bar and Grill, a 70-seat restaurant with both indoor and patio dining that overlooks Flathead Lake. Chef Pedro Vera, former executive chef at Finley Point Grill, will lead the restaurant’s kitchen. The restaurant will keep extended hours that align with the casino’s operating schedule.
S&K Gaming designed the new site to fix layout problems at Kwataqnuk Resort & Casino, where gaming areas were added after the hotel was originally constructed. The company also drew on experience from Gray Wolf Peak Casino to create a more efficient floor plan for the new location.
Traffic improvements around the site are still part of the full project. S&K Gaming has partnered with the Montana Department of Transportation on road realignment and new turn lanes, though some upgrades may be completed after the casino opens.The name 400 Horses came from community input and honors Chief Alexander, a central leader in the formation of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Chief Alexander, also known as No Horses, was reported to own roughly 400 horses in the later years of his life.
After the Polson casino opens, S&K Gaming plans to renovate Kwataqnuk Resort, with a focus on updating the property to be more family friendly.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Thursday night’s NFL Draft betting kept fans plenty engaged, but sportsbooks faced a tougher go of it. Multiple first-round surprises allowed bettors to cash in on prop markets, while both Circa and BetMGM posted mixed results across player draft position, team selection, and top 10 betting markets.
Good to Know
Circa took another loss on NFL Draft betting, though the overall damage remained manageable.
BetMGM paid out bettors who wagered on Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 and Ty Simpson being selected by the Rams.
Long-shot picks including Mansoor Delane at No. 6 and Carnell Tate at No. 4 delivered sharp, profitable results for bettors.
Bettors Score Big on Multiple NFL Draft Prop Bets
Per Mike Palm, vice president of operations for Circa, The D, and Golden Gate sportsbooks in Las Vegas, Circa had another losing NFL Draft. The operator took relatively smaller hits when Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love went third overall to the Arizona Cardinals and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson landed with the Los Angeles Rams at No. 13.
The more challenging result came from Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. Bettors backed the over on his draft position, and he fell outside the first round. Circa also paid bettors who took the under on LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane after the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to No. 6 to select him.
Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano gave Circa one of its few positive results. Cleveland took him ninth overall, which helped the sportsbook on the under bet, but winning opportunities remained limited.
BetMGM also described draft night as uneven. Fernando Mendoza going first overall gave the book a strong result after his odds opened at +10,000 and later sat at -10,000 for an extended stretch. However, wagers on Love at No. 3 and Simpson to the Rams both went against the sportsbook.
Simpson also helped bettors cash in on the over 1.5 quarterbacks in the first round prop. He had been +800 to go to the Rams and closed with a draft position of 29.5. The under hit easily. BetMGM did retain wager volume on another popular Simpson market, as the Steelers did not take him at +1,600.
Love drew heavy betting interest ahead of the draft. His odds to go third overall were +800 a week earlier, then closed at -110. He also led the No. 3 pick market with more than 30% of the total handle. Later, Seattle took his Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price with the last pick of the first round, helping the over 1.5 running backs prop cash with 87% of bets and 61% of the total money behind it.
The No. 2 pick market also brought heavy action at BetMGM. The New York Jets took Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey, who closed at +175. Ohio State pass rusher Arvell Reese had moved from +115 on Thursday morning to -250 before the draft, but he went fifth to the Giants at +2,000.
Delane created one of the biggest long-shot results for bettors. BetMGM had him as high as +10,000 to go sixth overall, and he still sat at +4,000 on Wednesday with limited tickets and handle. Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate also hurt the book when Tennessee took him fourth overall. BetMGM had offered +5,000 on Tate that day, while Love had been the clear favorite for that pick.
BetMGM avoided larger payouts across a few other markets. San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson was the only one of the three most heavily wagered first-round players to get picked on Thursday, with Miami taking him at No. 27. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez led by ticket share, while Iowa offensive tackle Gennings Dunker also drew interest but missed the first round.
Top 10 betting went better for BetMGM. Arizona State receiver Jordan Styles went eighth to the New Orleans Saints at -500, but USC receiver Makai Lemon fell to No. 20 after Philadelphia acquired the pick from Dallas. Lemon had been the most bet player by tickets to go in the top 10 at +850.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Lawmakers in Minnesota have advanced a bill to ban prediction markets—potentially the first state-level legislative prohibition of its kind in the U.S. The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure unanimously on Friday, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.
Good to Know
The legislation targets prediction markets linked to sports, politics, court decisions, legislative actions, and violent incidents.
Legal retail or online sports betting is not permitted in Minnesota.
Prediction market operators will likely challenge the bill in court if it becomes law.
Minnesota Focuses on Event Contracts Ahead of Senate Vote
Sen. John Marty is pushing the bill as a way to clarify Minnesota’s gambling laws. He argues that prediction market companies use federal commodities rules to frame event contracts as investment products, while marketing them to consumers as wagers on real-world outcomes.
The bill now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. If senators pass it, the House must also approve the measure before it can become law.
The proposal covers a wide range of event contracts. Sports contests, elections, legislative actions, court rulings, and events involving death or violence would all fall under the ban. However, Minnesota will still allow existing exceptions like the state lottery, raffles, and limited social betting—including informal March Madness pools.The legislation also narrows protections for futures contracts. Under the bill, a futures product would lose its exemption if a company structures or markets it like a betting product.
Marty told the Senate Finance Committee that prediction markets have spread quickly, creating confusion over where investing ends and gambling begins. He also noted that the measure does not add new criminal penalties or fresh enforcement powers. Instead, supporters say it gives regulators clearer ground to stand on under current law.
A legal fight is likely. Prediction market operators, and possibly federal officials, have argued that federal regulators hold exclusive authority over these platforms. Minnesota would thus test how far state gambling laws can extend against event contracts.
The debate also comes as Minnesota remains one of 11 states without legal retail or online sportsbooks. A sports betting legalization bill introduced during the current legislative session has made little progress and appears unlikely to pass.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Tennessee legislators have given the green light to SB 2136, legislation designed to prohibit sweepstakes casinos and internet-based casino-style platforms utilizing virtual currency systems. The proposal is now moving through the formal enrollment process prior to arriving at the desk of Gov. Bill Lee.
Key Points
Following the resolution of the final wording by House and Senate members, SB 2136 successfully passed both legislative chambers.
This legislation specifically targets sweepstakes casino applications that operate on virtual or multi-currency frameworks.
Once the bill is delivered to him, Gov. Bill Lee will have a 10-day window to take action.
SB 2136 Reinstates Sweepstakes Casino Language in Tennessee
Tennessee is poised to potentially become the latest state to outlaw sweepstakes casinos. On Thursday, legislators sanctioned an updated iteration of SB 2136 after a joint committee composed of House and Senate members resolved prior disputes regarding the text.
The legislation zeroes in on digital applications that mimic the appearance and functionality of traditional casino gambling sites. It encompasses mobile apps where participants utilize virtual currencies—such as complimentary credits that can subsequently be exchanged for monetary rewards or prizes.
The Senate initially approved a previous iteration of the bill in March without any dissent. Subsequently, the House altered the proposal by eliminating explicit mentions of sweepstakes casinos and shifting focus toward general gambling enforcement. Since Senators declined to accept that version, both chambers appointed delegates to a committee to formulate a unified final text.The legislation that was ultimately passed reintroduces the specific language regarding sweepstakes gaming. Furthermore, it categorizes infractions under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, providing officials with an additional legal avenue to target operators and advertisers.
Pursuant to SB 2136, operating or advertising the specified sweepstakes casino platforms would be classified as a felony offense. In addition to gambling allegations, regulatory bodies and prosecutors would have the authority to pursue civil fines. The statute is set to go into force instantly once it is enacted.
The decision now rests with Gov. Bill Lee. Should he fail to sign or veto the bill within 10 days of its receipt, SB 2136 will automatically be enacted into law without his signature.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Las Vegas Sands announced improved first-quarter performance, driven by increased revenue, enhanced gaming activity, and stronger earnings from its operations in both Macau and Singapore. The company's net income saw a 57.1% surge to $641 million, and total net revenue grew by 25.3% year-over-year to $3.59 billion.
Good to Know
Las Vegas Sands exceeded analyst forecasts, reporting adjusted earnings of 91 cents per share.
Revenue from Macau grew 23.7% to $2.11 billion, with The Londoner Macao and The Venetian Macao as the primary contributors.
Revenue at Marina Bay Sands increased by 27.9% to $1.49 billion, bolstered by robust gaming demand and elevated room rates.
Macau And Singapore Lift Las Vegas Sands Q1 Results
Adjusted earnings per share came in at 91 cents, surpassing analyst projections of 78 cents. The consolidated adjusted property EBITDA also increased by 24.6% to $1.42 billion, underscoring the significant role of Asian demand in the quarter's success.
Macau continued to be the primary revenue driver. Sands China recorded a 45.5% jump in net income to $294 million, with regional revenue hitting $2.11 billion. Gaming demand was supported by tourist activity during the Lunar New Year period, and all five of the company's integrated resorts in Macau reported revenue growth.
Within the Macau portfolio, The Londoner Macao was the top performer with revenue of $754 million. It was followed by The Venetian Macao, which generated $710 million. The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Macao produced $290 million, while The Parisian Macao reached $229 million and Sands Macao contributed $93 million.Adjusted property EBITDA for Macau climbed to $633 million, although the margin softened to 29.9% from 31.3% the previous year. Despite this, the region provided a solid foundation for the company's first-quarter expansion.
Singapore provided additional momentum. Marina Bay Sands reported revenue of $1.49 billion, a 27.9% year-on-year increase. Its adjusted property EBITDA grew 30.2% to $788 million, achieving a margin of 53.0%. This result was fueled by higher rolling chip volume, increased mass gaming and slot play, as well as higher room rates and strong occupancy levels.
During the quarter, Las Vegas Sands also returned capital to shareholders. The company bought back $740 million of its common stock and maintained its dividend payment.
The management team is concentrating on the planned IR2 expansion in Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands project is set to include new luxury suites, along with entertainment, dining, and event facilities. Construction is slated for completion in 2030, with an opening anticipated in 2031. The company recently granted a multi-billion-dollar construction contract to Singapore-based builder Woh Hup.The company also noted that current capacity constraints are becoming more apparent as premium visitor numbers increase. While VIP demand fluctuates with customer mix, management continues to regard mass gaming and slot play as the central profit engines for Marina Bay Sands.
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(AsiaGameHub) - BetVictor has introduced a new brand campaign titled “For All Your Favourite Things,” which focuses on sports, betting, and the typical weekend routines of supporters. This initiative also marks the first project delivered by Barn Door Studios and Bountiful Cow after their recent collaboration with the brand.
Good to Know
This campaign represents BetVictor's most significant investment in audio-visual media so far.
The advertising will appear on Sky, ITVX, Channel 4, Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, as well as various digital and social media platforms.
Key Premier League matches like Arsenal vs Newcastle and Chelsea vs Leeds are featured as part of the campaign's launch weekend.
BetVictor Puts Sport And Betting At The Centre
The latest BetVictor campaign employs an adapted version of “My Favourite Things” from The Sound of Music to link betting with recognizable football scenarios. Barn Door Studios produced the advertisement using genuine sports footage, including actions like tackles, last-minute winning goals, accumulators, and the basic process of making a wager.
As the lead brand of BVGroup, BetVictor has centered the campaign on a clear concept: sports become more enjoyable when betting introduces an additional element of engagement. The creative approach also integrates a message of responsible gambling, avoiding the stereotypical themes often found in betting advertisements.
Richard Walters, Director of Brand and Creative at BetVictor, said:“The 'For All Your Favourite Things' campaign embodies the current identity of BetVictor – a high-quality, simple service that increases the excitement of watching sports.
We are of the opinion that gambling, when approached correctly, is an uncomplicated enjoyment; something we are passionate about providing for our customers. Our goal was to honour the occasions that are most significant to sports enthusiasts.”
Bountiful Cow is managing the media strategy, with Sky being a key partner. The agreement with Sky ensures BetVictor's presence during top-tier live sports events, on-demand entertainment, YouTube content, through Sky Advance targeting, and in digital ad spaces.
Streaming services are also a major component of the strategy. BetVictor will utilise Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) and Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) services on ITVX, Channel 4, Prime Video, and Netflix. Bountiful Cow developed target audiences of sports fans using its Connect planning tool, enabling the brand to connect with viewers during appropriate sports and entertainment events.Matt Lever, Founder at Barn Door Studios, said:
“Anyone who likes placing a small bet on a Saturday accumulator understands that betting can be a straightforward pleasure. Our aim was to present sports and betting realistically, moving away from the common tropes of the industry and demonstrating that responsible betting with BetVictor can rank among our most preferred activities”.
Adam Foley, CEO of Bountiful Cow, said:
“This is the most extensive audio-visual campaign BetVictor has ever undertaken. The focus is entirely on the passion for sport and responsible gambling – and we are ensuring our presence at the most crucial times. We have focused on high-impact opportunities during live sports to build brand recognition and applied intelligent audience data targeting within streaming services to make it happen.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - The NHL Playoffs press on this evening with three matchups, and we’ve got your back with top bets and player prop picks.
Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s schedule:
Lightning vs. Canadiens 7 p.m. ET
Golden Knights vs. Mammoth 9:30 p.m. ET
Oilers vs. Ducks 10 p.m. ET
Best Bets: Player Props for Lightning vs. Canadiens
We’re utilizing odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for all three games this evening.
Cole Caufield OVER 0.5 Goals (+120)
Tampa Bay has done an excellent job containing Cole Caufield through the first two games of the series. Caufield hasn’t found the back of the net yet, and he’s been limited to just three shots.
While Caufield has chipped in three assists, expect him to get back to scoring form on his home ice at the Bell Centre. He led the Canadiens with 51 goals during the regular season, ranking second in the NHL only behind Nathan MacKinnon.
Brandon Hagel OVER 0.5 Points (-175)
Brandon Hagel has been playing exceptionally well through two games, notching three goals, four points, and four shots on goal. Going back to the regular season, he’s scored a goal in seven of his last 10 games.
We’re backing Hagel to record a point for the third straight playoff game. He tallied 36 goals and 38 assists during the regular season, plus a stellar +34 plus/minus rating that ranked 13th in the NHL.
Best Bets: Player Prop for Golden Knights vs. Mammoth
Carter Hart OVER 23.5 Saves (-135)
Las Vegas goaltender Carter Hart was kept busy in the first two games of the series. He stopped 27 shots in a 3-2 loss before turning away 31 in a 4-2 win. The series moves to Utah for Game 3.
Expect Utah’s shot volume to be high tonight. The Mammoth averaged 26.8 shots per game on home ice, up from 25.51 on the road.
Best Bets: Player Prop for Oilers vs. Ducks
Lukas Dostal OVER 25.5 Saves (-130)
Here’s another netminder who’s been extremely busy. Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal made 33 saves in Game 1 and 30 in Game 2. The last time Dostal faced the Oilers in the regular season, he stopped 30 of 33 shots.
The total for this game is 6.5, with heavy juice on the OVER at -155. We anticipate plenty of shots and goals again tonight. The Ducks lead all playoff teams with an average of 4.5 goals per game, while the Oilers rank second at 4.0.
The series is tied 1-1 and now heads to Anaheim.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Police report that an unauthorized courier working for Russian cryptocurrency fraud groups used $20,000 of the criminal organization’s illicit earnings on casino gambling and a lavish partying spree.
According to Russian media outlet Novaya Kuban, authorities in St. Petersburg stated they’ve detained a 35-year-old male believed to be carrying out tasks for various phone scammers.
Law enforcement officials detailed that the scammers had tricked a Kuban resident out of $20,000 in an unspecified foreign currency. They told the supposed victim they could “earn profits from cryptocurrency investments” by paying in cash.
Upon getting the cash, the scammers are said to have passed it to the courier, instructing him to deliver it to a money laundering group.
However, the suspect allegedly chose to take the funds to a nearby casino. Police noted that he wasted most of the money on losing roulette bets.
Courier Linked to Russian Crypto Fraud Ring Apprehended in St. Petersburg
According to police, the suspect used the remaining funds on bar drinks and organizing late-night gatherings.
The Krasnodar Criminal Investigation Department has held the suspect in custody. Authorities are conducting a search for the alleged scammers.
In another incident, a court in Belogorsk—located in Amur Oblast near the Chinese border—convicted a gambling-addicted teen of stealing 1 million rubles (approximately $13,300) from a friend’s family. The boy used the stolen funds to buy an electric scooter and for online gambling.
Belogorsk, situated in Russia’s Amur Oblast (Image: Aviateur [CC BY-SA 3.0])
Prosecutors stated that the unidentified 14-year-old boy watched his friend’s father input his PIN into a banking app during a shopping trip with his friend and the friend’s dad.
Having memorized the PIN, the boy proceeded to make multiple withdrawals from the father’s account. To avoid being caught, he took small sums each time, according to prosecutors.
As per Russian media outlet Gazeta.Ru, the friend’s father only realized the money was missing when he tried to withdraw cash for a purchase later on.
Authorities noted that the teen first denied the offense but eventually confessed fully. An Amur court sentenced him to two years in a juvenile correctional center.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, legislators have passed a draft law granting new authorities to anti-gambling agencies.
The proposed legislation aims to accelerate procedures enabling regulators to restrict residents’ access to unlicensed online casinos.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Wisconsin has become the newest state to initiate legal action against prominent prediction market platforms—including Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and Robinhood—following the passage of legislation to launch legal online sports betting in the state.
The lawsuit claims these companies are already providing Wisconsin residents with the opportunity to place online sports wagers.
“Thinly disguising unlawful conduct doesn’t make it lawful,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a press release. “These companies’ alleged facilitation of sports betting in Wisconsin should be shut down.”
The legal filings seek both preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the companies from offering sports-related event contracts in Wisconsin.
Sports Event Contracts Are ‘Indistinguishable’ From Regular Sports Betting
Per the lawsuits, sports event contracts available on the five platforms are “indistinguishable from an ordinary sports bet,” as defined by Wisconsin’s law.
Under Wisconsin law, gambling is defined as an activity that includes all three of the following components:
Consideration (you pay or put something of value at risk)
Chance (the outcome relies on luck rather than skill)
Prize (you have the opportunity to win something of value)
Any activity with all three components is legally classified as gambling in Wisconsin. According to the complaint, users trading on markets for events like NCAA basketball matches meet these three criteria.
The ongoing debate over whether prediction markets qualify as gambling remains fierce. Proponents of these markets argue they are distinct from sports betting because platforms do not set odds or profit when users lose.
The lawsuit acknowledges that unlike sportsbooks, the companies aren’t always on the other side of wagers, but adds: “But that does not get them off the hook, since each company still generates significant revenue from these sports bets by charging transaction fees each time event contracts are traded using their platforms.”
The complaint makes the same allegation against Polymarket, even though the company doesn’t charge fees except on a limited number of cryptocurrency markets. For now, it has adopted a growth-first, profits-later strategy and is currently seeking an additional $400 million in funding at a valuation of $15 billion.
Wisconsin Approves Legal Online Sports Betting
Last month, Wisconsin lawmakers passed a bill allowing the state’s tribes to launch online sports betting. Governor Tony Evers signed the legislation into law on April 10.
Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, one of the bill’s co-sponsors, said she supported legalization as a way to regulate the already existing online gambling market.
“It already exists on the edges, behind closed doors. It’s already there,” Dassler-Alfheim said. “And it’s already being abused by some, and that’s not going to change. I would rather us put as many parameters around it as we can to take care of our consumers and keep the revenue.”
Is Legalization the Catalyst for the Lawsuit?
“Except in limited circumstances, sports betting and other forms of commercial gambling have long been illegal in Wisconsin,” the press release stated.
Yet, the state has only taken this action in the wake of legalizing online sports betting—presumably because sports event contracts are now seen as a threat to the revenue mentioned by Dassler-Alfheim.
State regulators that receive direct revenue from sports betting, such as Arizona and Nevada, have also been notably aggressive in taking action against prediction markets.
States have generally struggled to secure judgments against these platforms, with only Nevada managing to block Kalshi so far. The lawsuit cites that the companies are violating Wisconsin state law, but the platforms will likely argue that federal laws preempt states from having authority over their actions.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Chinese police have taken more than 50 individuals into custody during raids targeting groups that transformed abandoned buildings, private residences, and restaurants into makeshift gambling dens.
In Guiding County, Guizhou Province, law enforcement officers detained 35 alleged gamblers who had assembled to bet on a fast-paced, high-stakes game favored in underground betting circles, according to Tianyan News, a Chinese media outlet.
The group is said to have met at an abandoned structure adjacent to a train station. Investigators noted that the building was selected due to its limited accessibility and multiple entry points.
Law enforcement personnel stated they monitored the group gathering at the same spot multiple times while preparing their operation.
Guiding County, Guizhou Province, China (Image: Zhangmoon618 [CC BY-SA 3.0])
They described the gambling ring as “closely organized and extremely secretive,” with its leaders “deliberately opting to conduct activities after dark.”
On the evening of April 15, multiple police teams raided the building—surrounding the gambling den, blocking all entry and exit points, and forcing open a door to gain access to the site.
They discovered a group of gamblers “desperately placing bets” on a card game. No bettors managed to flee, according to police, who also seized cash and gambling equipment at the scene.
Law enforcement officials noted that their investigation into the group is still in progress.
Illegal Gambling Dens in China: Police Target Underground Betting Rings
In the meantime, the Chibi Public Security Bureau announced that police in Chibi, Hubei Province, have dismantled two suspected gambling rings.
On April 8, law enforcement officers apprehended more than 10 people caught betting on Texas Hold ’em games at a restaurant close to Chibi North Railway Station.
Authorities stated that all suspects admitted to their offenses, and six individuals have been placed in custody. Investigators also seized over 30,000 yuan (approximately $4,400) in cash at the location.
In the early morning of April 11, officers from Yujiaqiao Police Station seized a comparable sum of money from a group of alleged gamblers who had gathered to play poker at a private home in Hunan’s Shaziling Community.
Authorities noted that the group had met twice before that month to engage in gambling activities.
Seven individuals have been arrested, including one suspected ringleader who will face severe charges. All are said to have fully confessed during police interrogations.
Police departments across the country have issued public alerts regarding the risks of gambling. All types of betting are prohibited in China.
A police spokesperson stated that law enforcement agencies nationwide will continue to step up their crackdowns on gambling.
Earlier this month, police in Hangzhou utilized a drone to locate and arrest a group of alleged gamblers caught betting in a public cemetery.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Caesars Entertainment revealed this week that it is assuming control of Westgate SuperBook—a decision that caught many familiar with the Las Vegas-based betting operator off guard.
Westgate has earned a reputation in Vegas as a “sharp” sportsbook, one of the last independent betting providers in the city. Its acquisition by a giant corporation like Caesars signals the end of an era.
“Since opening in 1986, our SuperBook has been a defining part of the Las Vegas sports betting landscape,” said Cami Christensen, President & General Manager of Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, in a press release.
Independent Bookmakers Face an Unfriendly Landscape
Caesars’ takeover follows Westgate’s unsuccessful attempt to scale its business. The company expanded into eight states before shutting down operations in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia in 2024.
Christensen stated the company is “thrilled to partner with Caesars Sportsbook to take it to the next level, combining decades of history with innovation, scale, and an even more dynamic guest experience.” However, this also feels like an admission that Westgate couldn’t compete with major sports betting firms and casinos.
Westgate executives noted the company will continue operating in a similar style, and its famous SuperContest franchise will remain an integral part of the SuperBook experience.
Vegas Tourism Decline Adds to Westgate’s Challenges
Nevada has at least temporarily fended off the threat of prediction markets, but as online gambling expands into more states, Vegas’s appeal has diminished. Tourist numbers continue to drop.
“Operating an independent bookmaker is expensive,” Robert Walker told CasinoBeats. Walker worked as a bookie in Vegas for 35 years, primarily under the MGM group.
“Larger casinos are definitely more dominant,” Walker added. “Westgate failed in the US market. This move, while somewhat surprising given Westgate’s history, allows them to operate without the need for higher-priced traders.“
Despite recent struggles, there are signs Sin City will recover, and Caesars may have made a shrewd move in partnering with Westgate.
The announcement came amid Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta‘s ongoing talks to buy Caesars for $18 billion.
A New Chapter Ahead
Located inside the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, Westgate SuperBook describes itself as the world’s largest sportsbook.
The space spans 30,000 square feet, with over 350 seats, and a massive 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K video wall. It’s designed more like a sports theater than the typical betting kiosks found in many casinos.
“The Westgate SuperBook is one of the most recognizable sportsbook destinations in the world, and we are proud to partner with Westgate on the next chapter of its evolution,” said Eric Hession, President of Caesars Digital. “By powering the SuperBook with our sportsbook platform, we’re combining a legendary sportsbook environment with a modern betting menu and added convenience that reflects how sports fans want to wager today.”
No financial details have been disclosed for the deal. Caesars suffered losses last quarter, but its digital sector is growing. Rather than invest in prediction markets as online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics have done, the company is betting on a Vegas recovery. Time will tell if this is a sharp move.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Spanish law enforcement confiscated cryptocurrency cold storage devices as part of a piracy probe involving what officials described as the nation's most significant unauthorized Spanish-language manga website.
Key Details
Law enforcement recovered two cold wallets containing approximately €400,000.**
A trio of individuals was taken into custody in Almería.**
Officials have not disclosed if they possess the means to unlock the assets.**
Cryptocurrency Wallets Discovered Concealed in Wall Thermometer
Authorities in Spain apprehended three individuals in Almería following a search of a suspected illicit manga distribution network that had been active since 2014.
According to the Interior Ministry, the website provided complimentary access to pirated manga content, primarily funding its operations through ad revenue. Officials estimate the platform generated over €4 million throughout its ten-year existence.
In the course of the operation, officers discovered two crypto cold wallets concealed within a wall-mounted thermometer. Police reported that the hardware contained roughly €400,000, equivalent to about $467,000.The incident highlights a recurring challenge for law enforcement: the physical possession of a hardware wallet does not guarantee access to the digital assets stored within. Authorities have not confirmed whether they have obtained the necessary recovery seeds, PINs, or security credentials to manage the funds.
The inquiry was launched in June 2025 following reports from copyright holders. This seizure underscores the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency storage hardware in criminal investigations extending well beyond financial fraud, reaching into realms like digital piracy and intellectual property enforcement.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Zondacrypto is under scrutiny following comments from CEO Przemysław Kral that the exchange is unable to access a Bitcoin wallet containing 4,503 BTC—currently valued at over $350 million.
Good to Know
Per Przemysław Kral, the wallet contains 4,503 BTC.
Kral states that Zondacrypto purchased the wallet from Sylwester Suszek, founder of BitBay.
Suszek vanished in March 2022 prior to the handover of the private keys.
Zondacrypto Faces Questions Over Lack of Wallet Access
Zondacrypto CEO Przemysław Kral has refuted allegations of fund misappropriation by releasing the Bitcoin wallet address at the heart of the controversy. He noted that the exchange owns the 4,503 BTC wallet but cannot access the funds because the private keys were never provided.
Kral asserts that Zondacrypto acquired the wallet from Sylwester Suszek, BitBay’s founder, before Suszek disappeared in March 2022. He added that while documentation verifies ownership, access depends on keys that never arrived.
“When Sylwester is supposed to hand over the private keys to that address, according to these documents, he disappears instead,” Kral said.He further denied having any involvement in Suszek’s disappearance.
“To all those who claim I had anything to do with Sylwester’s disappearance: this is the key argument that I care most about him being found. He may be watching this—I appeal to him to fulfill the agreement,” he declared.
The revelation eroded trust in Zondacrypto. Estimates indicate that withdrawals depleted 99% of the exchange’s Bitcoin reserves following Kral’s discussion of the wallet issue. He warned that no financial institution could withstand such a massive outflow.
Reportedly, the wallet received most of its funds in 2016 and has had no significant activity for over a decade. Meanwhile, Suszek’s disappearance remains unsolved. One individual faces kidnapping charges linked to the case, but the former BitBay founder has not been located.
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(AsiaGameHub) - A fresh legal challenge in South Carolina is scrutinizing Dave & Buster’s prize-redemption system, as a newly established organization contends that the arcade's ticket-based rewards constitute unlawful gambling.
Key Details
The litigation was initiated by SC Citizens For Equal Enforcement of Gambling Laws.
The suit alleges that because prizes possess resale value, the business model violates South Carolina gambling statutes.
The organization is pursuing treble damages for patrons who lost $50 or more during a single visit.
South Carolina Legal Action Challenges Arcade Prize Systems
Dave & Buster’s is the subject of a South Carolina lawsuit concerning its primary arcade operations, where patrons purchase Power Card credits to play games, earn tickets, and exchange them for prizes. The legal complaint asserts that this process qualifies as illegal gambling when the prizes offered include high-value electronics.
The group, SC Citizens For Equal Enforcement of Gambling Laws, maintains that South Carolina law is not primarily concerned with the balance of skill versus luck. The lawsuit states:
“whether an activity is gaming/gambling is not dependent upon the relative roles of chance and skill, but whether there is money or something of value wagered on the game’s outcome.”The filing further notes:
“Defendant’s redemption gaming machines are precisely the type of machines prohibited by South Carolina law,” the lawsuit claims. “Patrons purchase Power Card gaming credits at kiosks for the express purpose of trying to “win” more — in the form of tickets redeemable for valuable prizes — whether by skill or chance.”
The legal action also highlights the company's financial structure, alleging that Dave & Buster’s retains approximately 92 cents of every dollar spent, with only about 8% returned to customers in value.
The plaintiffs are seeking triple damages for any individual losses of $50 or more per visit. Furthermore, the suit invokes South Carolina statutes linked to the historical Statute of Anne, which permits the recovery of gambling losses and allows third parties to initiate litigation if the aggrieved individual fails to do so within a three-month window.Dave & Buster’s has previously experimented with different gaming formats. In 2024, the company collaborated with Lucra to introduce "Playce It," a feature allowing peer-to-peer wagering on arcade games. The company marketed the feature by stating:
“How much money is on the line? That’s up to you. Just create or accept a matchup with another player and get ready for some head-to-head action.”
While Playce It is available in states like Texas, Georgia, Missouri, and California, it is not offered in South Carolina, where the company relies on skill-based play rather than the peer-to-peer betting model.
The plaintiffs argue that there is a lack of consistent enforcement. In a statement provided to local media, the group remarked:
“SLED, and other law enforcement agencies, have seized video games, revoked beer and wine licenses, and have threatened criminal cases against local businesses for operating video games like the ones at the Dave & Buster’s locations in South Carolina … Through this lawsuit, SC Citizens for Equal Enforcement of Gambling Laws LLC hopes to bring clarity and equality to the video game entertainment industry in South Carolina.”
South Carolina has a history of legal battles regarding gambling-style equipment. In 2013, the state prohibited video gambling in restaurants and bars following prolonged disputes over such machines in local establishments.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Robert Dunlap, creator of Meta 1 Coin, has received a 23-year prison sentence after prosecutors stated he used false claims about gold and art to sell a fraudulent cryptocurrency token.
Good to Know
Robert Dunlap marketed Meta 1 Coin between 2018 and 2023.
Prosecutors indicated the scam defrauded nearly 1,000 investors out of more than $20 million.
Dunlap was found guilty of mail fraud charges and ordered to pay restitution.
Meta 1 Coin Fraud Concludes With Lengthy Prison Term
A Houston resident who persuaded investors to buy a counterfeit asset-backed crypto token will serve 23 years in prison following a federal judge’s sentencing this week.
Robert Dunlap, 55, promoted Meta 1 Coin through the Meta-1 Coin Trust from 2018 to 2023, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Prosecutors claimed he told investors the token was backed by $44 billion in gold and a $1 billion art collection.
These claims were false. Dunlap asserted the gold had been audited and certified by an accounting firm. He also stated the art collection included works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Vincent van Gogh. Prosecutors said he created fake legal documents to hide that he did not own the gold or art.Nearly 1,000 people invested in Meta 1 Coin, and many lost their savings. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten and Paige Nutini noted Dunlap continued lying to investors for years while presenting the token as a safe investment.
“Over the years, defendant was unrepentant and his lies became bigger. Would-be criminals planning to engage in similar conduct need to know that such actions will be met with a serious repercussion that includes loss of one’s liberty for an extended period of time.”
U.S. District Judge LaShonda A. Hunt of the Northern District of Illinois handed down the sentence on Tuesday. A federal jury convicted Dunlap on mail fraud charges last year.
Hunt also ordered Dunlap to pay restitution to the victims.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Team Vitality has secured Javokhir Sindarov's return to its chess team for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The move follows his victory at the FIDE Candidates in Cyprus, cementing his status as a premier figure in chess esports.
Good to Know
Javokhir Sindarov finished first in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament with a 10/14 score.
He is set to face World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju later this year.
His return to competition with Team Vitality begins at the Chess.com Open 2026.
Team Vitality Recruits World Championship Contender to Chess Lineup
Just weeks after his record-breaking performance at the Candidates, 20-year-old Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov has officially rejoined Team Vitality’s chess roster.
Sindarov triumphed at the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, earning 10 out of 14 points—the highest score recorded under the current double round-robin system. By clinching the victory with a round to spare, he joins the ranks of Viswanathan Anand and Ian Nepomniachtchi as one of the few to dominate the tournament in this format since 2013.
This win guarantees Sindarov a match for the World Chess Championship against the current titleholder, Gukesh Dommaraju, later in 2026. His ascent began in earnest in 2025 when he became the youngest person and the first Uzbek player to win the FIDE World Cup at the age of 19 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
Team Vitality’s involvement in chess started in February 2025 with the signing of French grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave ahead of the Esports World Cup. The sport's esports profile grew significantly following its inclusion in the 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, where Sindarov previously represented Vitality.
For the French esports organization, chess is a key component of its international strategy. Sindarov’s background in gaming—having been an avid Counter-Strike player as a teen before focusing on chess in 2021—makes him an ideal fit for the brand.
Danny Engels, Chief International Officer at Team Vitality, remarked:
“He embodies the modern chess era: courageous, driven, and ready to take risks. His progress is undeniable, and we are confident he possesses the skills to become the next World Champion. This partnership aligns with our goal to lead in chess and esports while introducing the game to a global audience.”
Sindarov’s first tournament back under the Vitality name will be the Chess.com Open 2026. This $250,000 rapid competition, part of the Champions Chess Tour, takes place from April 23 to 26 and serves as his first rapid-format challenge since the Candidates.
Established in France in 2013, Team Vitality operates teams in Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, Rocket League, and chess. In 2025, its Counter-Strike 2 squad claimed nine international trophies and was named Esports Team of the Year at both The Game Awards and the Esports Awards.
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(AsiaGameHub) - The Consumer Federation of America has filed a class-action lawsuit against Meta Platforms in Washington, D.C., alleging that the company allows fraudulent advertisements to reach users while generating significant revenue from high-risk advertisers.
Key Facts to Note
The CFA claims Meta failed to protect users from fraudulent adverts.
The legal complaint alleges Meta earned billions of dollars from ads for scams and prohibited goods.
Meta has denied the allegations and stated it will contest the case.
CFA Legal Action Takes Aim at Meta's Advertising Policies
Meta Platforms is facing a class-action lawsuit launched by the Consumer Federation of America over scam ads appearing on Facebook and other platforms owned by Meta.
The CFA, a coalition of non-profit consumer advocacy groups, submitted the case to the Superior Court in Washington, D.C. It is seeking damages as well as the recovery of what it claims are illicit profits linked to fraudulent advertising.
The complaint notes that Meta portrays itself as active in combating scam ads, but has instead rolled out policies that prioritize revenue gains while leaving users vulnerable to harm.
“Meta claims it is taking every possible step to crack down on fraudulent advertising on its platforms. But in reality, Meta has knowingly taken measures and adopted policies that boost its bottom line at the cost of its users’ safety and well-being. In fact, instead of banning advertisers that the company itself has identified as posing a higher risk to its users — as other tech firms including Google have done — Meta simply charges these advertisers higher fees.”
The lawsuit states that Meta earns roughly $7 billion annually from high-risk ads alone. It also cites internal company documents that reportedly projected around 10% of Meta’s total 2024 revenue, equal to about $16 billion, would come from ads connected to scams and banned goods, including those displayed on Facebook.
Meta rejected the claims in an official statement provided to media outlets.
“These allegations misrepresent the actual nature of our work, and we will fight them.”
The CFA argues that Meta violated the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act. This legislation bars unfair or deceptive trade practices, and also applies to unlawful advertising linked to consumer goods and services.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Evolution Gaming announced a decline in its first-quarter revenue, attributing the drop to reduced channelisation in Europe impacting results. In contrast, North America and Latin America achieved new revenue records.
Good to Know
First-quarter net revenue decreased by 1.5% compared to the previous year, totaling €513 million.
Martin Carlesund described Europe as "the primary concern at present."
The company intends to focus its most significant investments on the United States and Latin America in 2026.
Evolution Gaming Points To Europe As Q1 Drag
Evolution Gaming cited weaker channelisation in Europe for a 1.5% year-on-year decline in Q1 net revenue to €513 million. Group CEO Martin Carlesund informed analysts that performance varied by region, with Europe applying the most significant downward pressure.
While Europe remains valuable long-term, Carlesund stated that regulatory measures in certain markets have diverted players to unlicensed sites rather than retaining them within official channels. He identified the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden as particular areas of weakness.
“Europe is not performing well at the moment,” Carlesund said.Using customer IP data, Carlesund estimated that 48% of Evolution's Q1 revenue originated from regulated markets. He contended that declining channelisation damages licensed operators and reduces safer gambling protections for vulnerable players.
The company implemented stricter ring-fencing measures in Europe following a UK Gambling Commission probe into illicit market activity. Carlesund noted these efforts incurred costs in 2025 and negatively affected overall profitability.
Growth was driven by other regions. Both North America and Latin America reported all-time high revenues, with North American growth accelerating from the fourth quarter. Carlesund said year-on-year growth in North America, measured in dollars, was approximately 21%, up from 19% in Q4.
Carlesund is now directing more investment toward the Americas. Evolution's recent launch of new games and its acquisition of an Argentine developer have increased Latin America's importance in the firm's 2026 strategy.“The US and LatAm are where we will invest the most in 2026. Both regions have high potential with life still being in the early days,” Carlesund said.
Africa also experienced growth from a smaller starting point. Carlesund reported that new games are performing strongly there, the Red Baron title has exceeded expectations, and the real-money gaming offering is gaining momentum.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Polymarket has returned to the spotlight following a peculiar weather-related betting incident, with reports suggesting a trader interfered with a Paris temperature reading used to determine market outcomes.
Key Takeaways
A trader is accused of manipulating a weather sensor located near Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Bets placed on a 22°C outcome reportedly resulted in a payout of approximately $34,000.
Following a complaint from Météo France, French authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged tampering.
Allegations of Tampering in Polymarket Weather Market
A Paris-based weather market on Polymarket is under scrutiny amid claims that a trader utilized a heat source near a temperature sensor to influence the settlement of a longshot wager.
The market relied on data from a Météo France sensor situated near Charles de Gaulle Airport. Based on social media reports and coverage from The Guardian, it is suspected that an individual employed a portable heating tool—potentially a hair dryer—to artificially boost the temperature reading, allowing the 22°C outcome to prevail.
One social media commentator summarized the situation as follows:“A hair dryer at a Paris airport broke Polymarket weather markets & made someone $34,000 richer.”
The trader allegedly purchased low-cost shares for a 22°C result on April 15, despite the typical average high for Paris in April being closer to 16°C. It is believed the same individual used a similar tactic on April 6, with the combined winnings totaling roughly $34,000.
French police have verified that an investigation is underway after Météo France reported the suspected interference. As the inquiry is ongoing, the full details have yet to be established.
Weather markets attract significant capital, with Paris temperature markets seeing daily trading volumes exceeding $185,000, and similar markets on platforms like Kalshi frequently reaching six-figure sums. Inexpensive longshot contracts, sometimes priced near 1 cent, can yield substantial returns if an improbable event occurs.In response to the alleged manipulation, Polymarket has reportedly switched the reference station for its Paris weather market. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities prediction markets face when the data sources used for settlement are physically accessible.
Similar challenges have surfaced elsewhere. Earlier this year, New York snowfall markets sparked controversy when specific city areas recorded over 12 inches of snow, while the official Central Park measurement used for settlement was lower, resulting in a win for “No” bettors under the market’s rules.
While prediction markets promote benefits like rapid execution, transparent pricing, and public odds, they are also dependent on precise measurement locations. When certain traders possess a deeper understanding of these technicalities than the average user, it can create an imbalance in the market.
Polymarket’s terms of service explicitly forbid trading if a user possesses the authority or influence to impact an event's outcome. The platform prohibits:
“Entering, or attempting to enter, any buy or sell order if you hold a position of authority or influence sufficient to affect the outcome of the event underlying such Contract, or if you have been directed or solicited to enter such order by a person who holds such a position of authority or influence.”
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(AsiaGameHub) - BetHog has secured new funding and launched a business-to-business (B2B) division focused on AI live dealer games, signaling its expansion beyond its proprietary platform.
Key Takeaways
BetHog has successfully raised $10 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $16 million.
The funding round was co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX.
Sentient Studios will provide AI live dealers to other operators on a revenue-share basis, with no initial costs required.
BetHog Establishes B2B Channel for AI Dealers
BetHog is extending its AI live dealer technology to other operators through Sentient Studios, a newly formed B2B provider specializing in live casino integration. This launch coincides with a $10 million Series A funding round, co-led by Will Ventures and RockawayX, with participation from PCV, 6MV, Bullpen Capital, and Advancit Capital.
The company intends to utilize the capital to enhance its AI live dealer capabilities on the BetHog platform and accelerate the global rollout of Sentient Studios to operators. BetHog, founded in early 2024 by the team behind FanDuel, operates as a cryptocurrency casino and sportsbook, naturally aligning its product with digital asset and Web3 communities. RockawayX's involvement in the investor group further reinforces this crypto focus.
Sentient Studios is positioned as a software-driven alternative to traditional live dealer studios that rely on human croupiers, physical studios, and external production setups. Operators can integrate AI dealers through a straightforward revenue-share model, eliminating the need for upfront investment.This model offers operators greater flexibility in managing table volume, dealer personalities, branded environments, and language options. It also ensures continuous gameplay without the limitations of staffing, which could be attractive to operators seeking live casino-style games with enhanced control over scalability and costs.
The AI dealer technology originates from Sunny, the AI blackjack dealer that BetHog introduced in October 2025. Sunny currently supports 12 languages, with Baccarat and Roulette games slated for release later this year.
“We have been testing our basic AI dealer for the past six months and have found it to be 10 times more popular than its human-led counterpart. Additionally, we have observed improved player retention and satisfaction,” stated Nigel Eccles, CEO and co-founder of BetHog.
However, AI live dealers face significant challenges. Players in live casinos often value the trust associated with human dealers, tangible equipment, and visible studio settings. Regulators may also raise critical questions regarding game integrity, data privacy, and transparency. Furthermore, operators will need clear agreements concerning copyright and intellectual property before deploying synthetic dealer products in live markets.
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(AsiaGameHub) - New enforcement regulations have been sanctioned by the Philippine government for the nationwide prohibition on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, establishing a unified operational framework for various agencies.
Key Information
These Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) reinforce the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 and previous executive directives.
According to authorities, licensed POGOs ceased operations prior to the introduction of these new regulations.
Current enforcement efforts are directed at illicit activities and any endeavors to reintroduce offshore gaming.
Philippines Establishes Unified Framework for POGO Enforcement
A formal enforcement structure has been incorporated into the Philippines' POGO prohibition, as multiple government entities have reached consensus on standard operating procedures encompassing intelligence gathering, operational execution, legal prosecution, and asset retrieval.
As reported by the Philippine News Agency, these SOPs integrate two POGO ban directives with an additional 15 laws and departmental mandates, forming a "single omnibus action plan." This comprehensive framework addresses evidence management, asset safeguarding, intelligence collection, criminal proceedings, and collaborative law enforcement initiatives.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto observed the signing ceremony, stating that authorities are resolute in preventing the resurgence of offshore gaming operations. Officials characterized these regulations as the conclusive measure to dismantle the POGO industry, which had been regulated since 2016 and primarily catered to international online bettors.This shift in policy followed years of apprehension regarding connections between certain operators and illicit activities. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an order in November 2024, prohibiting offshore gaming due to potential national security and public order threats. The government enforced the ban by December 2024, subsequently codifying it into law in 2025 via the Anti-POGO Act.
According to officials, licensed operators had already ceased operations prior to the implementation of the SOPs. Agencies will now concentrate on unlawful operators, developing legal cases, recovering assets, and preventing any re-establishment of the offshore gaming paradigm.
Furthermore, these regulations incorporate provisions for victim assistance facilitated through interagency collaboration. This establishes a singular framework for governmental enforcement and support nationwide, replacing disparate actions by various departments.
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(AsiaGameHub) - Sportsbooks are once again gearing up for another loss as the NFL Draft kicks off tonight. These betting establishments always approach the draft with a mix of anxiety and dislike, and this year is no exception.
“Bookmakers can’t stand the draft,” said Jeff Benson, Circa Sports’ Director of Operations. “It’s a ton of work with no payoff, and we have absolutely no chance of winning. We lose five to six figures annually on it.”
What makes the NFL Draft such a challenging event for sportsbooks? In today’s hyper-connected information era, they can’t keep up with savvy bettors hunting for actionable insights.
“When dealing with any draft market—honestly, for most places—it’s not a question of whether you win or lose, but how much you lose,” said Thomas Gable, Director of the Borgata Sportsbook. “The sharper customers will get to information before you do.”
Ed Salmons, vice president of risk at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, told me three years ago that he didn’t “like the draft, but it’s simply something we have to do. You have no control over it—none at all. It’s not like a game where things happen and mistakes are made.”
Unlike a real game, this is an information-driven market, and as Ben Fawkes writes: “…Once credible information is released and bet on, the market can shift quickly—and no money will come back on the opposite side. That information could arrive as fast as a single post on X from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.”
DraftKings Sportsbook Director Johnny Avello shared similar views.
“The draft has never been an easy event to handle for betting because it doesn’t rely on power ratings,” Avello said. “It’s not a matchup between two teams where you factor in home-field advantage and other things. It’s all about information.”
Sportsbooks Adjust Their Strategies to Minimize Risk
Sportsbooks have taken specific steps to reduce their risk of excessive losses related to the NFL Draft. These include:
Launching betting markets later
Reducing bet limits
Providing fewer wagering options
As a result, there are far fewer opportunities for sharp bettors to exploit sportsbooks. Matt Freedman, who has been betting on the NFL Draft since 2018, is among those affected.
“I think in the 2021 NFL Draft, I placed over 300 different bets—an incredible number,” Freedman said. “But since sportsbooks took heavy hits in 2020 and 2021, I don’t see an incentive for them to go back to those wide-open markets. What we have now is a good indication of what we’ll see moving forward. I’d say it’s dried up for professional bettors.”
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