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(AsiaGameHub) -   Favorites controlled the opening rounds of March Madness, winning 20 consecutive games at one point, but sportsbooks secured a major victory when top-seeded Florida fell to No. 9 Iowa on Sunday. The Gators were a popular betting choice heading into the NCAA Tournament, making their unexpected defeat a significant benefit for sportsbooks. “That halted the onslaught of bets on favorites and moneyline parlays,” said Caesars Sports Head of Basketball Trading Rich Zanco. “Iowa’s win was a major necessity. It saved the day.” Gators Get Gone, Sportsbooks Get Paid Florida entered the game as a favorite by up to 10.5 points against Iowa. The Gators' moneyline was -550, implying an 84.62% chance of winning the game straight up. “The betting action was overwhelmingly on Florida. There were numerous parlays involving Florida on both the moneyline and the spread,” Zanco stated. “Clearly, Iowa winning and eliminating Florida from championship futures betting is very significant.” Zanco mentioned that Caesars Sports accepted a “significant” six-figure wager on Florida to cover a 10-point spread just before the game began. Major upsets are an annual feature of March Madness. With the defending champion Florida eliminated, the remaining No. 1 seeds—Arizona, Michigan, and Duke—now lead the national championship odds. Sportsbooks also gained from Florida's removal from the futures market. SuperBook Vice President John Murray pointed out that Florida represented one of his book's largest potential payouts. “That's an excellent result for us. All the accumulating liability from moneyline parlays was tied to Florida and Arizona,” Murray said. “Getting Florida out of the futures book is also great. That was huge for us.” He added, “I don't want to reach the Final Four and still have Florida and Duke in contention.” Duke advanced after defeating TCU 81-58 on Saturday. The Blue Devils had narrowly escaped an upset by No. 16 Siena in the first round. Bettors Benefit From Epic Run By Favorites Moneyline parlays that stack favorites are a common strategy for many bettors. With these wagers, the point spread doesn't matter; the favored teams simply need to win their games. One such parlay, combining Iowa, St. John’s, Houston, and Illinois, was successful on Saturday. Favorites won every one of the 16 games on Friday and the initial four on Saturday, enabling bettors to profit handsomely from these parlays built on favorites. “The wave of favorites kept coming, and we couldn't find an underdog to win,” Zanco remarked. “Bettors found particular success on Saturday with Michigan and Michigan State, and then carried those winnings into the Duke game.” He added, “Bettors performed exceptionally well on Saturday.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A dispute has broken out in South Korea following a senior coast guard officer's visit to an illegal gambling establishment, after which he received what some called a "promotion." According to the South Korean media outlet MBN, the unnamed officer was the chief of a substation in the Gunsan Coast Guard when he was apprehended for gambling in an illegal betting venue last August. During a raid on the den, detectives arrested the officer. In court, the officer claimed innocence, stating to the judges: "I didn’t know I was in a gambling den." The court found his defense unconvincing and convicted him of illegal gambling. Nonetheless, unnamed commentators described his sentence as "a mere slap on the wrist." Gunsan City Hall. (Image: WanjuMuanSinan [CC BY-SA 4.0]) Controversy in South Korea: Gambler ‘Promoted’ The judges imposed a fine of 1 million won ($664) on the officer, which is the minimum penalty for the crime. The Coast Guard did not suspend the officer from his duties while awaiting the court's final ruling. Soon after, as part of a standard staff reorganization, Gunsan officials appointed the officer to be a section chief in a police station's intelligence department. Residents on local Gunsan online forums voiced their concern, arguing it was unjust for a public official facing a gambling charge to be given a senior criminal intelligence role so quickly. Some asserted that the move was effectively a "promotion." A spokesperson for the Gunsan Coast Guard station stated: "With his many years of prior experience at a police substation, [the officer] has extensive knowledge of local intelligence. We therefore initially considered him suitable for the position." However, after a wave of critical posts emerged on anonymous forums, Gunsan authorities took action. The spokesperson confirmed that the so-called promotion has been revoked. The officer has been moved to a lower-ranking role in a different department, the spokesperson added. The officer involved declined to provide a statement on the issue, the media outlet reported. Crackdown Continues South Korean police have intensified their efforts against illegal betting operations this year. In a recent incident in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, police confronted a man in his 60s after a dispute during gambling. The man allegedly had a fierce argument with other individuals during an illegal betting game in the Punggi area. In a rage, he pursued them with an unloaded air pistol and fired it towards them. After causing panic, he fled to his home, with police in pursuit. Upon their arrival, he used the weapon to injure himself. He survived the incident but sustained a major injury, as later verified by a hospital. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Players accessing William Hill’s online casino unexpectedly found large sums added to their accounts. In one reported instance, a user received a six-figure deposit. The company has moved quickly to limit the fallout, offering users the option to keep 11% of their windfalls if they agree to return the remaining amount. The glitch appears to have originated on the platform’s Jackpot Drop game. After receiving the unexpectedly large payouts, a number of users immediately initiated withdrawals of the funds. In response, William Hill sent emails asking users to return the incorrectly credited money. One email sent to affected users stated, “During a regular review of platform operations, we identified an issue impacting the Jackpot Drop game, which led to wrong amounts being added to players’ balances and withdrawals being processed improperly.” The email further noted, “Our review has confirmed that specific balances added to your account and later withdrawn did not come from valid gameplay, and are linked to the issue affecting the Jackpot Drop game.” William Hill noted that its Terms and Conditions grant it the right to void transactions, adjust account balances, and reclaim any funds paid out in error in cases where a game malfunction or technical error takes place. Users Battle to Hold Onto Funds Users shared screenshots of the unprecedented payouts across social media platforms. One user on X posted an image they claim belongs to their friend, showing the account had been credited with more than £140,000 ($188,000). William Hill account holding winnings of more than £140,000 Image credit: @stevn_coyw on X Another user reported that his grandfather had been credited £330,000 ($442,000) and had already withdrawn £33,000 of that sum. He alleges William Hill is threatening legal action if the funds that were withdrawn are not returned. Past Rulings Have Sided With Users In an earlier UK case, Corrine Durber had more than £1 million ($1.3 million) in winnings credited to her account for a Paddy Power casino game in October 2020. The gambling firm blamed a computer error and attempted to reduce the customer’s payout to just £20,000. The case proceeded to court, and a judge eventually granted summary judgment in Durber’s favor last year, meaning she won without a trial. In the ruling, the judge stated, “When a trader places all risk on a consumer for its own recklessness, negligence, mistakes, insufficient digital services and inadequate testing, that appears overly burdensome to me.” William Hill stated it is hopeful that customers will be cooperative and return the funds. A company spokesperson said, “We have reached out to relevant customers to clarify the issue, and are in the process of reclaiming the funds in accordance with our standard terms and conditions. We are thankful for our customers’ understanding of this situation.” The platform faces an unclear future, with parent company Evoke announcing a strategic review last year following tax increases in the UK. The company has since delayed the publication of its financial results for the final quarter of 2025. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Yesterday's upset of top-seeded Florida by Iowa shattered March Madness brackets as the NCAA Tournament advances to the Sweet 16. The other No. 1 seeds, Arizona, Michigan, and Duke, are still the top betting choices for the national title, but we will also highlight a sleeper and a longshot pick that offer greater potential returns. Updated NCAA Tournament Futures Odds at DraftKings Below are the latest odds from DraftKings for teams to win the national championship, current as of publication: TeamOddsArizona+330Michigan+340Duke+370Houston+700Purdue+1300Illinois+1400Iowa State+1600UConn+2500Michigan State+3000St. John’s+3500Arkansas+4000Nebraska+4500Tennessee+6000Iowa+12000Alabama+13000Texas+30000 Best Bet on Favorite to Win NCAA Tournament Duke +370 The tournament's top overall seed got a major scare and a wake-up call in its first-round game against 16th-seeded Siena. Favored by 27.5 points, the Blue Devils narrowly avoided disaster with a 71-65 win, a result that nearly became one of the greatest upsets in March Madness history. Duke returned to dominant form in an 81-58 victory over TCU on Saturday. The team was bolstered by the return of center Patrick Ngongba II to the rotation. He has been managing foot problems for weeks, causing him to miss the ACC Tournament and the opener against Siena. Ngongba's role will be vital for Duke in its Sweet 16 contest with St. John’s. He is expected to be the primary defender on forward Zuby Ejiofor, a formidable presence inside. Ejiofor posted a team-best 18 points and nine rebounds in his team's win over Kansas yesterday. TCU limited Duke standout Cameron Boozer to only two first-half points, but the country's premier player recovered to lead his team with 19 points. Boozer entered the tournament as the favorite to be named NCAA Tournament MVP. Isaiah Evans provides Duke with a significant perimeter scoring threat. He scored 17 points against TCU after putting up 16 versus Siena, making two three-pointers in each contest. Best Bet on Sleeper Pick to win NCAA Tournament Michigan State +3000 Head coach Tom Izzo has guided the Spartans to the Sweet 16 for the 17th time in his career. However, he is pursuing only his second national championship, with Michigan State's last title coming in 2000. The Spartans are led by versatile point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who tops the nation with 9.4 assists per game and also leads Michigan State in scoring at 15.3 points per game. Michigan State also possesses a sizable and productive frontcourt. Jaxon Kohler (12.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg), Coen Carr (12 ppg, 5.5 rpg), and Carson Cooper (11 ppg, 7.1 rpg) all average double-digit points as well. That skilled front line will be essential to containing UConn center Tarris Reed in the Sweet 16. Reed paces the Huskies with averages of 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Look for Michigan State to advance past UConn, which would potentially set up an Elite Eight showdown with Duke. Best Bet on Longshot to Win NCAA Tournament Tennessee +6000 The Volunteers rely on their defense, which allows just 69.1 points per game. Sixth-seeded Tennessee "upset" No. 3 Virginia 79-72 to reach the Sweet 16, despite actually being favored by 1.5 points in that matchup. Ja’kobi Gillespie led the Volunteers with 21 points, and Nate Ament contributed 16. Tennessee also boasts a signature victory over Houston from this season. Tennessee meets Iowa State in the Sweet 16. The Cyclones may once again be missing star player Joshua Jefferson (16.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 4.8 apg), who sustained a serious ankle sprain in the tournament's first round. KenPom ranks Jefferson second in the national player of the year race, behind only Duke's Boozer. Although the Volunteers are 4.5-point underdogs against the Cyclones, a Tennessee win would not be shocking considering their recent hot shooting. Gillespie totaled 50 points across the first two tournament games. In yesterday's win over Virginia, Tennessee shot 42.1% from beyond the arc and connected on eight three-pointers. Gillespie hit three of those, while Bishop Boswell knocked down four. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Kalshi has been compelled to leave a U.S. state for the first time, temporarily halting access to its sports markets in Nevada after a judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the company. Legal disputes over the platform’s contentious sports prediction markets are escalating, and a new lawsuit has targeted Kalshi’s co-founders personally. The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) announced the state issued the TRO on Friday. In a press release, Chairman Mike Dreitzer stated, “Kalshi has repeatedly claimed its operations are legal in all 50 states, which is clearly false.” “Prediction markets that enable unlicensed gambling are illegal in Nevada, and we have a statutory duty to protect the public. We want Nevada residents to wager safely with a licensed bookmaker.” The TRO remains in effect until April 3, when a hearing will be held. Kalshi’s departure from the state follows a judge’s denial of the company’s request for an administrative stay—something that would have allowed it to continue operating while the case proceeds. Kalshi Confident in Legal Position Kalshi emailed users on Saturday to confirm it would restrict Nevada users from accessing sports, entertainment, and election markets. The email stated, “We’ll get straight to it. Due to a temporary court order, our sports, entertainment, and election-related markets are being restricted in Nevada. You can still sell your positions or wait for them to settle, but you won’t be able to buy new contracts.” It added, “This situation is unprecedented—Nevada is currently the only state with temporary restrictions in place from a court order. We disagree with these restrictions, but as a law-abiding company, we’re complying. We’re confident in our legal stance and will keep fighting for your right to trade the same products available in 49 other states.” Other states have issued unfavorable rulings against Kalshi but generally allowed the company to keep operating until those rulings are finalized. In Massachusetts, a judge granted the state an injunction, but Kalshi won a motion to stay from the appeals court. Latest Lawsuit Names Kalshi Founders As it battles state regulators across the country, Kalshi is also facing a wave of lawsuits from individuals and legal firms. The latest filing specifically names Kalshi co-founders Tarek Mansour and Luana Lopes Lara. The company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Joshua Beardsley, is also named in the suit, which was filed in California. As gaming lawyer Daniel Wallach highlighted, the lawsuit notes the defendants initially “admitted that Sporting Event Contracts have ‘no inherent economic significance.’” During a hearing where Kalshi fought for the legal right to offer election markets, a company lawyer stated, “[Y]ou can see it in the congressional record, and they give three examples of gaming contracts: Football, horse racing, golf. They’re all games. It’s something that has no inherent economic significance. It’s done for amusement. It may be purely to facilitate betting itself for its own sake.” The lawsuit alleges that despite “repeatedly recognizing this legal line in the sand, the Kalshi Defendants got greedy and crossed it in bad faith.” Legal firms from four states filed the lawsuit on Friday. Unlike most litigation—which focuses on the company violating state gambling laws—the suit claims Kalshi is breaking the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA), the rulebook for prediction market platforms. The CEA prohibits gaming-related markets, but the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has not opposed platforms offering sports markets. It has issued an advisory on sports markets but has not gone so far as to say these markets constitute gaming. Despite mounting legal challenges, Kalshi recorded its second-highest single-day trading volume thanks to March Madness and surpassed $3 billion in weekly trading volume. The company was valued at $22 billion in a recent funding round. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Prosecutors in Japan have announced they will not bring charges against Rakuten Eagles professional baseball player Hideto Asamura and two unidentified team staff members for using online casino platforms. Online casinos are prohibited in Japan, and accessing overseas sites from within the country constitutes a crime. On March 4, police referred 35-year-old infielder Asamura and the team officials to public prosecutors, as reported by Japanese media outlet Sponichi Annex. The three were alleged to have violated gambling laws by “using their smartphones to bet on overseas online casino websites.” However, on March 18, the Sendai District Public Prosecutor’s Office released a statement indicating it would not indict any of the trio. The office noted it had “considered various circumstances” but provided no further details on the matter. The Eagles—officially the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles—are based in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The Rakuten Eagles infielder Hideto Asamura in action in 2019. (Image: Jeffrey Hayes [CC BY 2.0]) Hideto Asamura: No Charges for Baseball Star The recent allegations were a poorly timed setback for the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization (NPB), whose new season kicks off Friday, March 27. Last season’s NPB campaign was overshadowed by a series of gambling-related scandals amid a police crackdown on online casino wagering. At least a dozen players and staff from several top NPB teams faced warnings and fines from police and lower courts. The NPB had hoped to move past the issue ahead of the 2026 season. Earlier this year, it held special gambling awareness sessions for rookie players and training for new umpires. Many players accused in such cases have claimed they were unaware that betting on online casino platforms was illegal in Japan. Teams say they now run their own online casino-focused educational sessions to ensure all staff and players understand the criminal nature of online gambling. Team Issues Apology A Rakuten Eagles representative apologized for the incident, stating, “We are deeply sorry for causing [the public] so much worry and inconvenience.” The official said the franchise would “strongly remind those involved of their responsibilities as members of the baseball community.” “As a team, we will strive to further improve our compliance awareness,” the spokesperson added. “We will continue to fully implement measures to prevent a recurrence.” Japanese baseball is not the only league grappling with gambling-related controversies ahead of the upcoming season. In neighboring South Korea, fans criticized three Lotte Giants players after they were found gambling at a betting den in Taiwan during a preseason training camp. Authorities have handed down lengthy suspensions to all three, meaning they will miss most of the 2026 season. The Korea Baseball Organization season begins March 28. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The action of March Madness continues as the NCAA Tournament's round of 32 begins Saturday at noon Eastern Time. Our coverage includes the odds, predictions, and picks for all eight matchups, with odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook. Saturday’s NCAA Tournament Game Odds at DraftKings Prepare for a full day of college basketball and potential bracket upsets by reviewing the odds for every contest at DraftKings. Our predictions and selections are detailed below. No. 1 Michigan (-12.5, 161.5) vs. No. 9 St. Louis CBS: 12:10 p.m. ET All signs point to an OVER in this matchup. Although Michigan surrendered 80 points to Howard in the first round, they still secured a decisive 101-80 victory. St. Louis also had a high-scoring start, erupting for 102 points in its opening win against Georgia. The Wolverines would benefit from the defensive skills of LJ Cason in this game, but his season concluded with a torn ACL in late February. Pick: OVER 161.5 No. 3 Michigan State (-4.5, 151.5) vs. No. 6 Louisville CBS: 2:45 p.m. ET Louisville will once again be without the output of freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. (18.2 ppg), who continues to sit with a back injury. The Cardinals will depend on leading scorer Ryan Conwell (18.7 ppg) to face an assertive Michigan State defense led by 6’10” senior Jaxon Kohler. Kohler is a dominant rebounder, averaging 9.1 per game. The center can also hit from beyond the arc and contributes 12.6 points per game. Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who leads the country with 9.2 assists per game, runs the Spartans' offense, but his scoring output (15.4 ppg) is expected to be the deciding factor. Pick: MSU -4.5 No. 1 Duke (-11.5, 139.5) vs. No. 9 TCU CBS: 5:15 p.m. ET Duke came into the tournament as the top overall seed but was given a significant challenge by No. 16 seed Siena in the first round. That close call should act as a warning for the Blue Devils, who anticipate the return of center Patrick Ngongba (foot) for this contest. Duke's size inside will be crucial, especially against a TCU team that has difficulties defending the paint (ranking 200th nationally in two-point field goal percentage). Look for another strong performance from Carlos Boozer, who leads our NCAA Tournament MVP betting list. Pick: OVER 139.5 No. 2 Houston (-10.5, 142.5) vs. No. 10 Texas A&M TNT: 6:10 p.m. ET This contest presents a clash of playing styles: Texas A&M's fast-paced offense against Houston's more methodical, slower approach. The key question is whether the Aggies can force Houston to play at a quicker speed. Texas A&M generated 18 turnovers in its opening victory against St. Mary’s. If the Aggies can produce a similar defensive performance against Houston and control the game's pace, we favor Texas A&M to cover the point spread. Pick: Texas A&M +10.5 More Madness: Biggest Upsets in NCAA Tournament History | Best Bets on Upset, Final Four & Buzzer-Beater Prop No. 3 Gonzaga (-6.5, 146.5) vs. No. 11 Texas TBS: 7:10 p.m. ET Gonzaga senior forward Graham Ike primarily scores in the post, which is a hallmark of the Bulldogs' entire offensive scheme. Texas's weakness in defending the interior could be a major issue in this game. Defensively, Gonzaga is ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation for both two-point and three-point percentage defense. We also give the coaching edge to Mark Few over Sean Miller. Pick: Gonzaga -6.5 No. 3 Illinois (-11.5, 151.5) vs. No. 11 VCU CBS: 7:50 p.m. ET This is another matchup where the OVER seems to be the best bet. Illinois scored 105 points in its first-round win against Penn. The KenPom rankings place the Illini as the nation's best team in adjusted offensive efficiency. VCU also possesses a potent offense, demonstrated by its remarkable comeback victory over UNC on Thursday. In that game, the Rams shot 42.3% from three-point range, connecting on 11 three-pointers to secure an 82-78 overtime win. Pick: OVER: 151.5 No. 4 Nebraska vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt (-2.5, 146.5) TNT: 8:45 p.m. ET Nebraska celebrated its first NCAA Tournament victory ever by defeating Troy 76-47 on Thursday. Vanderbilt represents a considerably tougher challenge for the Huskers. Vanderbilt features one of the elite guard duos in the country. Tyler Tanner (19.3 ppg) and Duke Miles (16.4 ppg) are both high-volume scorers. Strong guard play is often essential for postseason advancement, and we believe the Commodores will win and cover the spread as a result. Pick: Vanderbilt -2.5 No. 4 Arkansas (-11.5, 168.5) vs. No. 12 High Point TBS: 9:45 p.m. ET This game features a very high point total, the largest on Saturday's schedule. High Point demonstrated its offensive capability by beating Wisconsin 83-82 on Thursday, with Rob Martin contributing 23 points. The Panthers average 90 points per game, which ranks third in the country. Which team ranks fourth? Arkansas, with 89.9 points per game. The Razorbacks had scored 82 or more points in their last five games before the tournament and then put up 97 points in Thursday's win over Hawaii. Freshman standout Darius Acuff Jr. paced the team with 24 points, and all five starters finished the game in double figures. Pick: OVER 168.5 This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Sportsbook advertisements are consistently widespread during March Madness, yet in recent years, there has been a noticeable change in the marketing strategies employed to draw in new female customers. Women remain largely seen as an underutilized market for commercial sportsbooks, though researchers and counselors nationwide have observed an increase in female users. “We’re witnessing greater growth in women participating in gambling, in part due to its social acceptance and the fact that it’s omnipresent through advertising and similar channels,” said Michelle Malkin, a professor at East Carolina University who heads the institution’s Gambling Research & Policy Initiative. ‘Community’ Messaging to Sports Betting’s Burgeoning Sector WNBA Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie directly targeted women in a DraftKings ad that launched last September, timed to coincide with the WNBA Playoffs. Presently, Livvy Dunne features in a Fanatics Sportsbook ad for March Madness. The former LSU gymnast and social media influencer portrays different versions of herself to highlight various incentives offered by Fanatics. Retired University of Massachusetts professor Rachel Volberg, an expert in gambling and problem gambling research, is among industry watchers acknowledging this shift. “It’s quite evident that women are being targeted with marketing that focuses more on community and shared activities—rather than competition—to resonate with them,” Volberg said. “Influencer marketing is a strategy sports betting operators have adapted from their effective use with male bettors, and they’re now applying it specifically to women.” Women Not Immune to Gambling Harm Jessica Auslander, owner of Professional Wellness Management and a licensed mental health counselor specializing in gambling disorders, treats an equal number of women and men at her practice in the greater Charlotte metro area.  “Among the women I work with, some are in their 40s, involved in sports betting or poker, and they’re former athletes,” Auslander said. “Others are older—retirement age—and while they might not focus on sports betting, they’re drawn to casino-based or online gaming activities. These types of games include a gambling element, like online slot machines.” She pointed out that most of her female clients are “driven by boredom, depression, grief, or isolation.” Auslander added, “I believe as gambling becomes more accessible, we’ll see growth across all demographic groups. The industry aims to offer something for everyone.” While sportsbooks consider attracting women a critical business priority for long-term growth, counselors will continue to witness an uptick in women seeking treatment. Rowland Edet, a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, examines this challenge in “Breaking the Odds: A Gendered Analysis of Women and Gambling Behavior.” “To mitigate harm, public health frameworks need to prioritize interventions that address the unique ways women engage with gambling,” Edet wrote. “A crucial step is limiting gender-specific advertising, especially messages that present gambling as empowering or stress-relieving—common themes in campaigns targeting women.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   PENN Entertainment has announced that Hollywood Casino Aurora will open its doors in Illinois on June 24. The $360 million new casino is being constructed across from Chicago Premium Outlets, situated near Interstate-88 in Aurora. The resort will include a hotel, over 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, an outdoor entertainment space, a full-service spa, upscale bars, and restaurants. It will also feature a 12,000-square-foot event center and roughly 1,700 parking spots.  In an announcement confirming the planned opening date, PENN CEO Jay Snowden shared, “We are just months away from launching another top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Chicago area.” “We are excited to follow the successful launch of Hollywood Casino Joliet last summer with another new land-based venue, bolstering our overall retail portfolio across the Midwest and deepening our ties to the local community.” Upgraded Riverboats Driving Revenue Growth Hollywood Joliet launched in August of last year, with several hundred guests waiting in line to enter the new resort. The $185 million casino resort boasts roughly 1,000 slot machines and 43 live table games, plus a retail sportsbook. The location posted revenue of $11.3 million during its first full month of operation in September. This marked a 48% rise compared to September 2024, when the venue operated as a riverboat casino. Hollywood Casino Aurora was Hollywood Casino Corporation’s very first riverboat casino, launching in 1993. Initially, two riverboats were utilized, which later developed into a 70,000-square-foot floating, moored half-circle facility. The casino spans 53,000 square feet of gaming space, with more than 1,000 slot machines and 26 table games. The venue also features one restaurant. Varied Dining & Entertainment Offerings The new land-based location will be a substantial upgrade, especially when it comes to its entertainment spaces. PENN noted that it will provide guests with a wide range of world-class dining experiences. The company has teamed up with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada De Laurentiis to launch Sorella by Giada. Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, meanwhile, will offer a variety of dining choices, including Lucky Goat by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, Five50 Pizza, Antique Taco, and Pretty Cool Ice Cream. “These beloved restaurateurs will offer our guests exceptional dining options at the new Hollywood Casino Aurora,” stated Rafael Verde, Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at PENN Entertainment. “Combined with our hotel, event center, spa, and extra amenities, visitors will enjoy a lively atmosphere at this new local landmark.” PENN Prioritizes Casinos Over Prediction Markets Following its unsuccessful venture with ESPN Bet, PENN has no desire to test out prediction markets. Snowden has warned that these markets present a risk to its online betting division, which now solely focuses on theScore Bet in the United States. However, concerns over regulatory pushback have stopped the company from launching its own platforms, unlike other sportsbooks. During the company’s earnings call last month, he shared, “When regulators say, ‘This is illegal gambling, don’t do it,’ we don’t do it.” Instead, the company is focusing on new projects and regulated online gambling to boost its revenue. Aside from the Aurora casino, the firm will open a new hotel tower at its Hollywood Casino Columbus location in Ohio later this year. Its interactive division has also performed better since ESPN Bet shut down. In the fourth quarter of last year, iGaming revenue rose by 40%, and sports betting increased by 73%. Snowden shared, “We are optimistic about the trajectory of our interactive business, thanks to a more streamlined cost structure and regionally targeted marketing strategy that prioritizes regions with both legalized iCasino and online sports betting.” Snowden also noted that he anticipates the new Hollywood Casino in Aurora will be a success, following the strong performance of the Joliet venue during its shift from a riverboat to a land-based facility. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Senior figures in the gambling industry believe Russian regulators could authorize online casinos as early as April, potentially allowing citizens to place bets online starting in May. According to the Russian media outlet Vyberu, analysts state the Kremlin is seeking methods to manage its finances and views casino taxation as a crucial new source of income. An anonymous executive from a major Russian bookmaker informed Vyberu that the Ministry of Finance aims to finalize its contentious proposal to legalize the industry by late April. Under the ministry's heavily criticized proposal, prospective operators would be required to obtain licenses. These operators would pay taxes equal to 30% of their yearly profits, after deducting player winnings. According to ministry estimates, this would increase state revenue by 100 billion rubles (approximately $1.2 billion) each year. Gamblers place their bets at Altai Palace, one of a handful of permit-holding land-based casinos in Russia. (Image: Altai Palace/Facebook) Will Russia Legalize Online Casinos? Online casinos were prohibited in Russia in 2009. However, the ministry reports that citizens spend "hundreds of billions of rubles every year" on online slot platforms based abroad. The ministry claims it has limited ability to shut down these sites. Roskomnadzor, the government's communications watchdog and censorship body, has attempted to block access to online casinos. But the ministry asserts that operators create new mirror sites and duplicate servers "more quickly than authorities can monitor them." Russia's budget shortfall is expanding rapidly. Financial authorities had established a deficit limit of 3.79 trillion rubles for 2026. Yet, this threshold was already 91% reached by February's end, the outlet reported. The outlet attributed much of this to a 50% drop in oil and gas income. Sergey Shvedov, Editor-in-Chief of the Russian gambling news site Legalbet, told the outlet he expects a "positive resolution" on legalization "soon." "The ministry is working in a difficult environment," Shvedov stated. "The budget deficit is increasing at a rapid pace." If reports of the ministry aiming to accelerate its plan are accurate, he remarked, "we are in for a hot April. Not just climatically, but legislatively as well." Shvedov argued: "Right now, you can play roulette on illegal offshore sites. They might not pay out winnings, but Russian casinos would be legally bound to pay." Words of Warning Some sector analysts, however, have advised a cautious approach. Oleg Davydov, Executive Director of the First Self-Regulatory Organization of Russian Bookmakers, which represents leading licensed bookmakers, said legalization might be a drawn-out and complex procedure. "A decision to legalize casinos is not a minor detail in a document," he explained. "It must be a federal law or a set of amendments to current laws. The draft law must be presented to the State Duma. It must then pass three readings and gain the Federation Council's consent. Only after that can the President endorse it." The industry will only become fully engaged once the government releases the final bill text, Davydov noted. "Until that happens, all discussion on this topic is merely speculation." Shvedov mentioned the government could employ current age-verification systems to stop underage online gambling. However, legal specialists have raised concerns about this previously. Lawmakers have proposed setting the minimum age for online casino access at 21. Russian attorney Olga Fedorova recently stated that without a "strong" age-verification system, the goal of keeping those under 21 from betting online would be "merely a theoretical concept." This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Ex-Hollywood Casino staff member Jennifer Petrillo stands accused of embezzling more than $727,000, funds allegedly used to purchase a Tesla, cosmetic procedures, and LEGO sets. Petrillo has been formally charged with nine felony offenses, comprising larceny, counterfeiting, and unauthorized computer access. The 53-year-old was employed as a part-time equine racing bookkeeper at Hollywood Casino located at Penn National Race Course. A coworker covering her duties during her medical absence uncovered "obvious irregularities" in the casino's accounting software. Personnel subsequently notified law enforcement, who initiated an inquiry in March 2025. According to a police report, Petrillo allegedly colluded with a relative to illicitly move substantial sums of money. Authorities report that the fraudulent operation established fictitious accounts and employed fabricated identities and companies to receive the money. Multiple genuine accounts also displayed mysterious deficits amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. Stolen Money Supported Extravagant Living Legal representatives allege Petrillo allocated the funds toward a Tesla Model 3, high-end spa services, cosmetic operations, large-scale LEGO assemblages, and equity purchases through Robinhood. She has been freed on $10,000 bond and is set to appear for a preliminary proceeding on March 24 before Magisterial District Judge Dale E. Klein. Law enforcement indicates the initial inconsistencies trace back to June 2024, just after Petrillo started her employment at the casino. She leveraged her recent role to write numerous checks to unfamiliar accounts and various individuals. "This represented a deliberate exploitation of a trusted role," investigators observed, highlighting that Petrillo was among merely three staff members possessing the elevated system privileges necessary to carry out such operations. Additional Convicted Swindlers Received Prison Terms for Comparable Offenses The allegations against Petrillo could lead to an extended incarceration. In a comparable Las Vegas incident, a casino data administrator pilfered patron "free play" credits, transforming them into actual profits of approximately $863,895. The worker received a 57-month prison term. In the previous year, a former Muscogee (Creek) Nation bookkeeper was handed a six-year sentence following the misappropriation of $25 million from the tribe's gambling operation. Similar to Petrillo, Michael Anthony Houser utilized the money to acquire vehicles, premium merchandise, and securities. In Britain, a former travel consultant was imprisoned for three years last week for pilfering more than $600,000 from her company. She purportedly devoted a significant portion of the money to internet gambling. Regarding Petrillo's purported offenses, Hollywood Casino affirmed it is providing complete cooperation to authorities and has subsequently examined its internal monetary safeguards to avert comparable occurrences. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Nevada has already pushed out Polymarket and Crypto.com from the state, and Kalshi appears poised to follow as a banned prediction market. The appeals court has rejected Kalshi's request for an administrative stay that would have permitted it to keep operating while its legal dispute with the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) proceeds. After Kalshi's motion was denied, Nevada courts are anticipated to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the firm, as the NGCB has requested. This would essentially require the platform to prevent Nevada users from accessing its sports event contracts. Gaming attorney Daniel Wallach posted on X, "If granted (potentially as early as today or tomorrow), the TRO would remain in effect for 14 days pending a preliminary injunction hearing. Because TROs cannot be appealed under Nevada law, Kalshi would have to leave the state temporarily (unless a last-ditch effort succeeds)." The Carson City District Court declined to issue a TRO on Thursday. Judge Jason Woodbury, overseeing the case, had previously approved the NGCB's request and imposed a TRO on Polymarket last month, which caused the platform to bar Nevada users from its newly launched US platform. The state has additionally pursued legal measures against Coinbase and Crypto.com regarding their sports markets, with Crypto.com leaving the state last year. FanDuel and DraftKings also relinquished potential sports betting licenses in Nevada because of the state's resistance to their prediction market platform launches. Robinhood, which provides access to Kalshi's markets via its app, also consented to suspend its sports markets in Nevada last November. Kalshi, however, has vigorously contested state regulators and maintains that it operates under federal jurisdiction. Will Supreme Court Intervene? A potential last resort would be an emergency intervention from the Supreme Court (SCOTUS). Polymarket actually operates a market on whether SCOTUS will take up a sports event contract case. At present, it indicates a 27% probability of a case being heard before July's end and a 64% likelihood by year's end. Wallach stated he doesn't anticipate a conclusive SCOTUS decision before the first half of 2028, but expects "numerous shadow docket emergency petitions to SCOTUS for stay relief this year and next." Nevada might be the first such case as Kalshi fights to remain operational in the state. Legal Battles Ramping Up The Nevada decision will probably be leveraged by other state regulators in their own fights. Kalshi has encountered obstacles in other states, with judges in Ohio and Michigan declining to issue injunctions against gambling regulators. Arizona this week became the first state to bring criminal charges against the company. If successful, other states will probably pursue comparable measures. A Kalshi spokesperson told CasinoBeats, "These state court charges are fundamentally defective. This is tactical maneuvering. "Four days after Kalshi filed its federal lawsuit, these charges were brought to bypass federal court and disrupt the standard judicial procedure. They seek to stop federal courts from assessing the case on its merits—specifically, whether Kalshi falls under exclusive federal jurisdiction." "These allegations lack merit, and we anticipate contesting them in court." Notwithstanding the legal hurdles, the company maintains exponential growth. A recent funding round has valued Kalshi at $22 billion. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   An inquest held this week into the death of Arthur Soames concluded that the 19-year-old died by suicide, after mental health distress was exacerbated by gambling. In the months leading up to his passing, Soames gambled excessively online at bet365, prompting questions over how the gambling operator could have intervened in this case. The West London Coroner’s Court heard that Soames first opened his Bet365 account in June 2020, shortly after his 18th birthday, the legal minimum age for gambling in the UK. Initially, he placed infrequent bets on football, but starting in December 2021, he began playing online casino games including roulette and blackjack. In a press statement, Leigh Day, the legal firm representing Soames’ family in the case, said: “Over the following two months, the amount of time and money Arthur spent gambling rose sharply. His gambling sessions grew longer, often taking place in the early hours of the morning, which is a widely recognised indicator of gambling harm.” bet365 sent more than 80 marketing messages to the student, with only one single warning email sent. Dan Webster from Leigh Day said the company should have taken far more action. He commented: “Arthur’s gambling activity on bet365 showed a number of clear indicators of harm that the inquest heard should have been identified, and should have prompted further engagement and intervention to address Arthur’s gambling.” Arthur’s Account Was in a Net Winning Position A spokesperson for bet365 responded: “This is an incredibly tragic and complex case, and our thoughts and condolences remain with Arthur’s family and friends. bet365 strives for the highest safer gambling standards and consistently reviews and updates our procedures, including over the last five years. We will now take time to consider the inquest’s findings, and we once again extend our sincere condolences to Arthur’s family and friends.” During the inquest, the company pushed back against the claim that gambling caused his death, noting that his account was in a net winning position. They argued other factors caused the stress that contributed to Arthur’s struggles. Leigh Day said the sheer volume of bets should have triggered a safety alert; Arthur placed 1,600 wagers in the months leading up to his death. In January 2022, The Times reported he wagered £13,000 ($17,000). It was never disclosed how much of that sum he lost, but on the day of his death, he lost seven casino bets in a row, doubling his stake each time. Coroner Ian Arrow said this “exhausted all viable funds and credit” available to him. He added: “He told his friends ‘I have lost everything.’ In my view, he lost more than just funds. He lost his financial and social standing. I accept the evidence that his depression reinforced his gambling, and his gambling reinforced his depression.” Calls for Greater Protection for Young Gamblers Arthur’s family has called on the UK to introduce new measures to protect gamblers from harm. His mother, Isabelle Soames, stated: “We are now calling on the Gambling Commission to introduce greater protection, particularly for young people, and to prevent gambling operators from offering them free bets or cross-selling them highly addictive casino products.” The UK has already introduced some measures to curb problem gambling, including a stake limit for online slots. However, these changes have not reduced the total amount of money lost on these games. UK gamblers wagered more than £25.7 billion ($35 billion) on slots over the three months ending late last year, up from £24 billion ($32 billion) in the same period in 2024. “We believe the Commission should require operators to use a tailored risk detection system for Arthur’s age group, focusing more on the frequency of bets, the length of gambling sessions, and the time of day when gambling takes place, with night-time gambling classified as a high risk indicator – rather than only focusing on amounts of money lost,” said Isabelle Soames. “We believe only by introducing these protections can more young lives like Arthur’s be saved from tragic loss.” In previous cases, the UK Gambling Commission has issued heavy fines to operators that fail to meet their safeguarding responsibilities. In Soames’ case, however, the regulator has not released the results of its investigation into bet365. If Arthur’s account was indeed net positive, as the company claims, this may clear the operator of any wrongdoing that would lead to penalties. Webster said this demonstrates the gambling regulator’s failures, stating: “Not for the first time, this gives rise to serious questions about the Commission’s fitness for purpose as a regulator tasked with protecting the public from gambling harm and investigating operators’ conduct in these most serious cases.” The Case Highlights Multiple Systemic Failures While bet365 and the Gambling Commission may bear some responsibility for their lack of intervention, the case also highlighted failures in the UK’s mental health support system and a widespread lack of attention to problem gambling. As his family grew increasingly worried about his well-being, Arthur sought help from his doctor. Initial mental health screenings included no questions about gambling. When he eventually told mental health services that he was spending large amounts of time and money gambling, no action was taken to support him. “Their communication was not good,” said his mother. “We didn’t know how bad things had gotten, and we had no idea of the level of risk Arthur faced.” Arthur’s family had no awareness of his gambling habit and only learned the full extent of it after his death. His mother added: “I was so shocked when I saw his betting history. It was just one bet after another. I had no idea this was happening.” This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Thai authorities report having “taken down” the Eu9thaff gambling website, apprehending several individuals and freezing bank accounts allegedly used by the platform's operators for money laundering. According to the Thai news source Siamrath, a court in Phitsanulok, the provincial capital in northern Thailand, issued eight warrants for arrest. Law enforcement officials state that four of these warrants have been served, though four additional suspects are still at large. As of this report, the Eu9thaff website is still accessible online. Its associated social media profiles are also active but have not received updates for several days. The platform provides users with slot and roulette-style games, facilitating transactions for deposits and withdrawals in Thai baht. In February, the site's operators informed Thai social media influencers that they could earn commissions of up to 45% by promoting the platform through affiliate links on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube. The owners of the platform maintained a specialized chatroom service for prospective affiliates. Central Phitsanulok, Thailand. (Image: Wayne77 [CC BY-SA 3.0]) Thai Police: Four Suspects Remain at Large In Thailand, all types of online gambling and associated advertising are prohibited. Casinos are also unlawful, though the government permits wagering at licensed horse racing venues and runs a national lottery. Authorities stated they are persisting with “further investigations” to locate the four outstanding suspects. Investigators intend to charge all suspects with offenses such as organizing illicit electronic gambling and money laundering. Officials reported that two of those apprehended originate from Chiang Rai Province, while the others reside in Chiang Mai Province and Phayao Province. Two female suspects face accusations of orchestrating money laundering for the website. Police indicate that two men, one serving as a medical clinic director, handled the accounting. During raids on multiple properties in Phitsanulok, officials reported seizing mobile phones, an imported pickup truck, bank passbooks, and 0.54 grams of ketamine. A police spokesperson confirmed that all four suspects are being detained for interrogation prior to indictment at the Mae Ai Police Station. Authorities are presently tracing the four remaining suspects and scrutinizing their financial dealings and assets. Crackdown Intensifies Thai law enforcement has escalated its anti-gambling operations in recent weeks, with investigators largely concentrating on eradicating social media-driven gambling. Last month, officers in central Phuket announced the closure of a gambling establishment that exclusively served Russian speakers. Police conducted a raid on the suspected den after finding advertisements for the clandestine betting operation on Instagram. Investigators noted that the operators had “audaciously” promoted their activities on social media platforms, additionally utilizing WhatsApp groups to attract potential gamblers. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   ESPN.com reported today that over 28 million brackets were finalized before March Madness commenced at 12:15 p.m. ET. The unfolding of the tournament can bring either immense joy or profound disappointment as one roots for their bracket selections over the next three weeks. Having participated in approximately 40 bracket contests over the years, I've only emerged victorious twice, but those wins were incredibly satisfying. If my memory serves correctly, both victories yielded payouts in the range of $800-$900, though only the trophy pictured above remains as a memento. March Madness Expected to See Record $4.5 Billion Handle I accepted an invitation from my friend and former colleague, Brant James, a highly regarded enterprise writer, to join his ESPN bracket contest this year. Curiously, no entry fee was mentioned. It feels contrary to the spirit of competition to play for nothing, so we agreed on a double-or-nothing wager on a 6-pack of DC-based beer that he owes me from the NHL playoffs when the Panthers defeated his Capitals last year. In a recent interview, former DraftKings executive Matt Bakowicz, who now leads the Sports Management Program at American University’s Kogod School of Business, estimated that $4.5 billion would be wagered on March Madness. I realized how insignificant my own contribution to that figure would be, with only a $10 entry fee for my primary bracket contest at CBS Sports. It's likely that a few hundred more dollars will be wagered by the time a new NCAA champion is crowned on April 6. I've been managing my bets with the same $300 since the beginning of the year, primarily through DraftKings Sportsbook and DraftKings Predictions. My balance has fluctuated by a couple of hundred dollars in both positive and negative directions at times, without any substantial impact on my overall financial standing. Having long accepted that I am not among the ranks of +EV (positive Expected Value) bettors, this approach is probably for the best. I also want to thank Kalshi for the opportunity to win $1 million in their free bracket contest. Another Predictable Bracket Conventional wisdom suggested that five or six teams had established themselves as frontrunners entering March Madness. Following last year's unprecedented occurrence of all four No. 1 seeds reaching the Final Four for only the second time in history, perhaps this is becoming a trend in the NIL era. However, I'm hoping for more surprising upsets to occur. Last year, the eventual national champion Florida helped me secure the runner-up position in the office pool. This year, I've picked Duke to defeat Michigan in the championship game, with Cameron Boozer projected to win the March Madness Most Outstanding Player award, alongside four other less likely candidates. Is this selection too predictable? Possibly. As I'm typing this, No. 16 Siena is trailing top-seeded Duke, 22-16, in the opening round. Enjoy the madness. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   A popular futures market for March Madness is wagering on the individual who will earn the title of Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament. As the tournament commences today, we will analyze the leading five contenders for MOP, based on odds provided by BetMGM. BetMGM's Odds for NCAA Tournament MVP Here are the odds for key players to secure the March Madness MVP award, according to BetMGM: Cameron Boozer +375 Brayden Burries +1000 Jaden Bradley +1000 Yaxel Lendeborg +1100 Morez Johnson +1600 Aday Mara +1600 Thomas Haugh +1600 Koa Peat +2000 Kingston Flemings +2000 Alex Condon +3000 Keaton Wagler +3000 Joshua Jefferson +3000 Braden Smith +3000 Isaiah Evans +3500 Rueben Chinyelu +4000 Cameron Boozer — Duke (+375) While backing the favorite might not be the most exciting choice, it is justified here. Cameron Boozer stands out as the premier college basketball player nationally, representing Duke, the tournament's top overall seed. Most recently, Boozer was favored at -4000 to claim the Wooden Award, recognizing him as the top college basketball player of the regular season. These odds suggest Boozer has an implied 97.56% probability of securing that accolade. Boozer is Duke's leader in three key statistical categories: 22.5 points per game 10.2 rebounds per game 4.2 assists per game Furthermore, he logs more playing time than any other Blue Devil, with an average of 33 minutes per game. This pick seems straightforward. Yaxel Lendeborg — Michigan (+1100) Given my bracket predicts a Duke versus Michigan matchup in the NCAA Championship, it's logical to consider Yaxel Lendeborg for March Madness MVP wagers. Lendeborg recorded a team-best 21 points in Michigan’s 68-63 regular-season defeat against Duke. Lendeborg paces the Wolverines with 14.5 points per game. He also tops the team in minutes played (30.2 mpg) and steals (1.2 spg). Demonstrating activity on both offense and defense, Lendeborg also secures seven rebounds per game. Should Michigan emerge as national champions, he would likely be instrumental in their success. Thomas Haugh — Florida (+1600) Thomas Haugh consistently plays with maximum intensity. The 6-9 forward possesses remarkable athleticism. Haugh is Florida's leader in both minutes played (33.5 mpg) and points per game (17.1). The Gators hold the title of defending national champions, with Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. having earned MOP recognition last season. He currently plays professionally for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Haugh, a member of that championship squad, might be pivotal in another title pursuit this year. Before Florida's victory last year, UConn had secured consecutive national championships. Alex Condon — Florida (+3000) Having contributed to the Gators' 2025 national championship victory, Alex Condon is well-acquainted with the demands of March Madness. Similar to Haugh, Condon has elevated his performance this season. He averages 15 points per game and over 30 minutes of play. He is a versatile contributor for Florida, leading the team with 45 blocks this season. Condon also secures 7.7 rebounds and distributes 3.5 assists per game. This 6-11 Australian has formed a mutually beneficial partnership with Haugh throughout the current season. They both enhance each other's play. Braden Smith — Purdue (+3500) Considered by many to be the nation's most well-rounded point guard, Braden Smith participated in the 2024 national championship game. He tallied 12 points and eight assists during Purdue’s 76-60 defeat against UConn. In the current NIL landscape, Smith is among the uncommon athletes who have remained with the same institution for four years. He is poised to become the NCAA's all-time assist leader (1,077), surpassing former Duke standout Bobby Hurley, needing only two assists in Purdue’s initial tournament game against Queens. Smith holds the second-highest assist average nationally at 9.1 per game, trailing only MSU’s Jeremy Fears by a narrow margin (9.2 apg). Additionally, Smith leads the Boilermakers in scoring with 14 points per game and contributes 1.8 steals per contest. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   Prediction market platforms are becoming more widespread, operating on the principle that users can forecast any outcome. By definition, predictions are intended for events that have not yet occurred. Yet, platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are permitting users to place trades on popular television programs that were pre-recorded, such as Survivor. Note: This article might include spoilers for viewers who prefer to watch Survivor without prior knowledge of likely outcomes. The activity on these markets indicates that numerous participants are already privy to the results. Survivor was filmed in June of the previous year. All contestants are required to sign rigorous Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) that bar them from disclosing game results, details about the cast, or filming information, with potential fines reaching $5 million. It seems, however, that some information has been leaked. Before the latest episode aired, the market accurately forecast that Mike White would be eliminated from the show, which is exactly what happened. Episode 4 of Survivor at Kalshi Beyond betting on which contestant will be voted off, users can also wager on specific phrases participants will say in each episode. Comparable markets exist for other shows and online videos. An editor working for MrBeast was discovered betting on the YouTuber's dialogue and was subsequently penalized by Kalshi. Coincidentally, MrBeast featured as a celebrity guest on Survivor this season. The season finale is not set to air until May, but the winner has already been determined. Users on Kalshi seem to know this, as one contestant is currently given a 91% chance of winning. Nearly $10 million has been traded on that particular market. On Polymarket, the same contestant has an 89% chance of victory, though the trading volume is significantly lower at approximately $478,000. It is not known if the show's producers have approved this form of wagering. In the past, Survivor creator Mark Burnett sued Jim Early, who was identified as the person leaking show information on the site SurvivorSucks.com. The lawsuit was dismissed after Early presented an email that supposedly verified contestant Russell Hantz as the origin of the spoilers. Hantz has refuted these claims and was never subjected to legal proceedings. Legal Gray Area Kalshi's terms of use expressly forbid anyone involved with the production of the show, including contestants, from participating in its markets. The NDAs for Survivor also prohibit crew and players from directly telling anyone the outcome. This situation creates legal ambiguities where individuals with insider knowledge could potentially determine the results without technically breaking the rules of either Kalshi or Survivor. For instance, legal experts consulted by the New York Times suggested it would likely be permissible for a person to bet on the markets even if their neighbor, who is a contestant, recently purchased an expensive sports car. This would hold true as long as the contestant did not explicitly confirm they had won. However, if someone asked the contestant if they won and received a wink in response, that could be interpreted as sharing insider information, which is illegal. Although Kalshi maintains it is taking steps to prevent insider trading, the existence of these markets presents potential issues. In the United Kingdom, betting firms have long provided odds on politics, entertainment, and various other events now accessible in the US via prediction markets. They have, however, avoided offering odds on television shows that were pre-recorded. Lawmakers Want Markets Restricted These markets could face a ban in the US in the near future. Legislators have proposed a bill that would forbid platforms from facilitating trades on events where the outcome is already known to some or can be entirely controlled by an individual. The proposed Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions (BETS OFF) Act also aims to explicitly prohibit markets related to government actions, terrorism, war, and assassination. Sen. Chris Murphy, one of the lawmakers sponsoring the bill, commented, “There’s no getting around the fact that any prediction market where somebody knows or controls the outcome of a bet is ripe for corruption.” They could also spoil the ending of your favorite television program. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   The family of English Premier League (EPL) standout Harry Wilson secured a windfall of over $200,000 after placing wagers on him to become a professional soccer player when he was just 18 months old. The bets reached their successful conclusion when he made his debut for the Wales national team. He has been selected once again for the Wales squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina, having remained a consistent presence on the team in recent years. To date, he has earned 67 caps for his country, netting 17 goals. However, it was his inaugural appearance for the national side in 2013 that triggered the substantial payout for his grandfather and uncle. Wilson, formerly with Liverpool and currently playing for Fulham in the EPL, shared the details of these wagers during an appearance on the That Peter Crouch Podcast this week. Toddler Displayed Early Athletic Potential When Wilson was only 18 months old, his grandfather, Peter Edwards, staked £50 on the toddler eventually playing for Wales at odds of 2,500/1. Wilson noted that his uncle also contributed a £20 bet, though his father opted not to participate, a decision he later regretted. In total, the winnings amounted to £175,000 (approximately $230,000). Wilson explained that his grandfather visited a William Hill betting shop to place the wager after becoming convinced that his grandson possessed exceptional soccer ability. The EPL star remarked, “During my childhood, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother because my parents worked full-time. When my grandfather returned on the weekends, he would say that he could see me getting stronger each time, whether I was kicking a ball or a balloon around the living room.” Edwards initially asked his local bookmaker in Wrexham to place the bet, but the cashier informed him she lacked the authority to set such odds. While online betting is now the standard in the UK—and rising industry taxes have led to the closure of many physical betting shops—this was the only way to place such a wager at the time. Through the local branch, Edwards reached out to William Hill’s corporate headquarters, and the bookmaker eventually granted him the 2,500/1 odds. Reflecting on the payout in 2013, Edwards commented, “It was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment decision. He was crawling after a ball in the living room, so I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bet that he might one day play for Wales. I thought it might be a silly bet at the time, but it didn't turn out so silly in the end, did it?” Former Liverpool teammate Peter Crouch reacted to Wilson’s story with disbelief, quipping, “You were 18 months old?! He was a hell of a scout, by the way!” Wilson Focused on World Cup Qualification Wilson became the youngest player in Welsh history when he debuted for the team at age 16. He is now a vital member of the squad, looking to help the nation reach its third World Cup. The team faces long odds of 500/1 to win the tournament, with simply qualifying considered a major achievement. Prior to the World Cup in Qatar, Wales had only ever qualified for one tournament, back in 1958. Wilson and his teammates face a difficult path to qualify for back-to-back World Cups. Should they defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will likely face Italy in a decisive match for a spot in the tournament this summer. Italy is currently the bookmakers' favorite to advance at odds of approximately 8/11 (-137). Spain is the overall favorite for the competition, which is projected to be the largest sports betting event in history when it begins in the Americas this June. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.

(AsiaGameHub) -   When questioned regarding prediction markets, the majority of Americans associate them with sportsbooks rather than Wall Street, according to a recent survey commissioned by the American Institute for Boys and Men and carried out by Ipsos. The findings indicate that 61% of Americans viewed purchasing event contracts on prediction markets as more akin to gambling, while only 8% considered it more similar to investing. Among those acquainted with prediction markets, a vast majority (91%) deemed the purchase of event contracts financially hazardous, with numerous respondents categorizing it alongside cryptocurrency investment and sports wagering in terms of risk. Despite recent widespread attention on prediction markets and their involvement in notable collaborations, such as Polymarket providing betting odds for the Golden Globes, the survey revealed that public familiarity with these platforms remains limited. Just 21% of participants indicated they were very or somewhat familiar with prediction markets, in contrast to 35% for online sports betting and 42% for cryptocurrency. This disparity indicates that, although the sector is expanding quickly, it has yet to reach the level of cultural awareness or economic impact seen in the more established gambling and digital asset industries. Young Men Demonstrate Higher Usage Rates of Prediction Markets While the survey indicated that overall familiarity with prediction markets was low among Americans, this familiarity was somewhat elevated among young men, with nearly one-third (29%) indicating they were familiar with these platforms. Young men also demonstrated a significantly higher likelihood of using prediction markets compared to older demographics. Over the past six months, 26% of young men indicated they had used at least one platform for sports betting, daily fantasy, or prediction markets, in contrast to only 14% of the broader population. Respondents' motivations for engaging with prediction markets were divided between entertainment and financial gain: Entertainment: 50% of users identified entertainment as their primary motivation for participation. Financial Gain: 41% indicated they used the platforms mainly to generate profit. Although the majority of respondents perceive prediction markets as a form of gambling, young men were somewhat less inclined to share this view, with 47% of men aged 18 to 24 considering event contracts more akin to gambling, while 25% regarded them as a hybrid of gambling and investing. In general, individuals in the 18-to-34 age range were less inclined than any other demographic to categorize event contracts as gambling. Americans Prefer Regulation to Outright Bans While states such as Arizona are taking steps to restrict or eliminate these platforms, the poll indicates that many Americans prefer regulatory oversight to complete prohibition. The majority of respondents expressed a desire to see prediction markets integrated into current regulatory structures and felt that establishing entirely new frameworks is unnecessary. Gambling Model: 59% support regulation akin to online sports betting, which includes age restrictions of 21 and above and state-level governance. Financial Model: 52% endorse regulation similar to financial trading, featuring an age minimum of 18 and federal supervision. Prohibition: 25% of the overall population thinks making prediction markets unlawful is advisable. The survey revealed that the majority lacked confidence in prediction markets' ability to prevent insider trading on their platforms: 39% expressed they were "not at all confident," and 22% reported being "not too confident." A mere 2% characterized themselves as very confident, and 7% as somewhat confident, in the platforms' capacity to prevent individuals from unfairly benefiting from privileged information. Regarding whether Americans consider prediction markets beneficial to society, a mere 4% responded affirmatively, in contrast to 52% who viewed traditional stock market investing as beneficial to society. This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content. AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.